Picked up a little catalytic propane heater the other day to take the chill off the cabin while working on her. It's a little Coleman unit that runs on the small propane cylinders like you use on a soldering torch. I had planned to get an adapter so I could hook it up to a large 5 gal bar-b-que sized tank, but while reading through the directions for the heater (yea, I do that once in a while!) I noticed that it specifically said not to use that sort of set-up. It didn't say why, it just said don't do it. So what I'm wondering is, is this just a ploy on their part to get you to buy outrageously expensive little propane tanks, or is there something different about the propane you buy in bulk that would hurt a catalytic heater? The heater only runs for about 5 hours on the small tanks, and at $2-3 each it's a bit expensive, not to mention inconvienant to keep a bunch of the little tanks around. Anybody know about this stuff? Thanks, Jeff
Catalytic propane heater-fueling question
- Thread starter Jeff M21319
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Posible presser problem?
My guess is that the 20# (5gallon) tanks are at a higher pressure and things like your BBQ grill have a pressure regulator that is the FIRST thing in the line you attach to the tank. The small heater may not be able to handle the higher pressure and you may end up with a BIG propane torch in you cabin. Not a pretty sight
My guess is that the 20# (5gallon) tanks are at a higher pressure and things like your BBQ grill have a pressure regulator that is the FIRST thing in the line you attach to the tank. The small heater may not be able to handle the higher pressure and you may end up with a BIG propane torch in you cabin. Not a pretty sight
Bob, not true, Jeff. use a large tank, any size
The pressure is the same. Those huge tanks at sea or the little ones at the hardware store, propane is propane. LPG means liquid petroleum gas. Liquid meaning it is a condensible gas under pressure. When it condenses, it has turned into a liquid and is not compressible further. (in practical use, black holes excluded) Its' pressure is a little bit less than 100psi, give or take. Set it up, save your money.
The pressure is the same. Those huge tanks at sea or the little ones at the hardware store, propane is propane. LPG means liquid petroleum gas. Liquid meaning it is a condensible gas under pressure. When it condenses, it has turned into a liquid and is not compressible further. (in practical use, black holes excluded) Its' pressure is a little bit less than 100psi, give or take. Set it up, save your money.
Might Question it
I use the small one to take the chill off the golf cart, and boat cabin it works fine, but the one I use in the shop on the 5 gal tank is set up a litle different. The 5 gal one is made just for the larger tank. I know they are made different now, with different safety features than they were a few years ago when I got these. But with the company making both kinds I'd think twice before I modified the smaller one to go on the larger tank. The one made for the 5 gal tank isn't all that much money.
I use the small one to take the chill off the golf cart, and boat cabin it works fine, but the one I use in the shop on the 5 gal tank is set up a litle different. The 5 gal one is made just for the larger tank. I know they are made different now, with different safety features than they were a few years ago when I got these. But with the company making both kinds I'd think twice before I modified the smaller one to go on the larger tank. The one made for the 5 gal tank isn't all that much money.
Mr Heater
Jeff, I bought a similiar model to the Coleman but it's called Mr Heater. It takes the 1 lb cylinder but also has an attatchment hose that is available to hook it up to the larger tanks. Though I haven't gone that route I believe there is a regulator on the larger hose. They also highly recommend that if you go this route you leave that large tank out in the cockpit and run the hose in through the companionway or some port. I bought it at a large sporting goods store in VA. If you want more specific info on it I'll get it. Good luck.
Jeff, I bought a similiar model to the Coleman but it's called Mr Heater. It takes the 1 lb cylinder but also has an attatchment hose that is available to hook it up to the larger tanks. Though I haven't gone that route I believe there is a regulator on the larger hose. They also highly recommend that if you go this route you leave that large tank out in the cockpit and run the hose in through the companionway or some port. I bought it at a large sporting goods store in VA. If you want more specific info on it I'll get it. Good luck.
small tank refills
northern tools sells a adaptor to refill the small bottles from the big tank- it's about 26 dollars
northern tools sells a adaptor to refill the small bottles from the big tank- it's about 26 dollars
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