Carbon monoxide question

[69machguy]

I’ve been wondering what constitutes adequate ventilation when using a very small butane heater inside my AT Habitat camper shell. When I solo camp I don’t deploy the Habitat tent, as there’s enough space to sleep on my truck bed floor. If I crack the sliding window (adjacent to truck cab) is that enough ventilation? Thx all

 

[old_man]

It all depends on the direction and strength of the wind. Just to be sure, get a cheap battery powered CO detector at Home Depot / Lowes.

Its better than waking up dead.

 

[69machguy]

Got it, thx. I do have a small monitor installed already. With my tailgate/door closed, and my side windoors closed, the only wind would enter through the cab slider windows area, and that would be minimal. Is that adequate? I’m obviously thinking about security and/or stealth camping considerations. To your point, don’t want to wake up dead … I added a second pic which shows the camper sleep space and the sliding window (cab)

 

[Billiebob]

Only one safe way to heat, keep the flame outside,
Outside combustion air supply.
Chimney to vent exhaust.

Anything less is crazy, even with CO detector.

 

[MidOH]

Get a proper heat exchanger for tents, and permanently mount it. You have the room and cargo capacity.

 

[zgfiredude]

BillieBob is correct. As someone who has responded to a few Carbon Monoxide emergencies in my day (trust me, you don't want to see one) keep the combustion happening outside.....and get the exhaust higher than where you are sleeping..and lastly, at a minimum I'd be inclined to say your original idea is not enough ventilation. CO is tricky and a detector is the only way to know your safe.

 

[smritte]

Get a proper heat exchanger for tents, and permanently mount it. You have the room and cargo capacity.

^^^This^^^^
If its not practical to use an outside diesel heater then get a tent heater. Mr Buddy makes tent rated heaters. Now all you need is make sure it doesn't suck up all the oxygen. I used one in my RTT for years.

 

[69machguy]

THANK YOU all very much. This was the info I needed.