Want to add heat to enclosed trailer.

Bushpilot

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• Feb 9, 2017

• #1

I have a Mission 30ft Aluminum enclosed trailer. I want to add furnace and cabinets to the trailer. I have seen trailers with this installed but I am wanting install cabinets that actually look like they are meant to be there not just an afterthought.

What is the best furnace to install, I have been looking at the atwood and the suburban 30btu + furnaces? I understand it is easier to install at ceiling height but want it to not look like an pvc octopus when done.

I have been reading some of the trailer installs on here and have looks at many different threads. Where are you getting your cabinets from? where can I get the materials to build my own custom cabinets.

Thanks
In advanced

 

G

griffin86

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• Feb 9, 2017

• #2

I would go with a 35k suburban, I've installed 3. I would get a pre made top cabinet and install it in there. Then route the ducting on the sides of the cabinet. Then run a fan on the floor to move the air around.

A 42k btu suburban will heat my 48' trailer to 30 degrees in the front and 25 degrees in the rear with no ducting.

 

R

rusty99

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• Sep 22, 2017

• #3

I realize this is an older thread, but I am currently in the same dilemma about the "ducting octopus". I stuck between mounting it up high vs mounting on the floor.

Seems like a simple shelf with a bit of checker plate bent around is the way I will probably go. Otherwise paying $400 for a pre-made cabinet is all I have been able to find.

 

M

MT boondocker

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• Sep 22, 2017

• #4

What type of furnace are you trying to mount?

 

meathooker

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• Sep 22, 2017

• #5

rusty99 said:

I realize this is an older thread, but I am currently in the same dilemma about the "ducting octopus". I stuck between mounting it up high vs mounting on the floor.

Seems like a simple shelf with a bit of checker plate bent around is the way I will probably go. Otherwise paying $400 for a pre-made cabinet is all I have been able to find.

Click to expand...

Functionally the floor is nice but floor space is too valuable imo so I'd go with a ceiling mount.

 

R

rusty99

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• Sep 23, 2017

• #6

MT boondocker said:

What type of furnace are you trying to mount?

Click to expand...

Looking to mount a suburban 35,000 Btu model SFQ-35

https://www.airxcel.com/suburban/products/furnaces/sfq-series

 

R

rusty99

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• Sep 23, 2017

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meathooker said:

Functionally the floor is nice but floor space is too valuable imo so I'd go with a ceiling mount.

Click to expand...

I agree with you, the more I think about it...the more I am inclined to mount it higher up at the middle of the trailer with ducting coming off either side of the unit along the roof line.

Now to figure out a reasonable priced cabinet to mount it in. :face-icon-small-con

 

B

Brown Dog ADV

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• Sep 24, 2017

• #8

Trailer Heat - Bobbysky Edition

Check out this thread from last season for one of the cleanest heater installations I have ever seen. https://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431559&highlight=heater

You might PM him to see if he can provide an update to his project... Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

 

R

rusty99

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• Sep 24, 2017

• #9

Brown Dog ADV said:

Check out this thread from last season for one of the cleanest heater installations I have ever seen. https://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=431559&highlight=heater

You might PM him to see if he can provide an update to his project... Keep us posted on what you decide to do.

Click to expand...

Wow! That is a clean install! Some great ideas! Will keep you post on what I end up doing.

 

G

gonehuntnpowder

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• Sep 25, 2017

• #10

I would mount it as high as possible. Not sure if those have a sealed firebox, but mounting it low I would worry about fuel vapors. Years ago I watched a shop burn down from a gasoline spill. The hot water tank wasn't on a pedistal. When it ignited the place went up in flames.

 

donbrown

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• Sep 27, 2017

• #11

Granted the trailer has a 9 ft ceiling but the concept is the same at any height.

I'm very happy the previous owner installed these heaters

Suburban SF30FQ propane heater.

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donbrown

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• Sep 27, 2017

• #12

Here is thermostat with timer to have trailer preheated when returning from ride.

Note CO sensor next to fire extinguisher.

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