Can You Use a Propane Heater in a Tent?
YES, you can use a propane heater in a tent if following the proper precautions. If you don’t have an insulated tent for winter camping a propane heater is the next best option. Before camping with a propane heater, you will want to make sure you have a tent-safe propane heater and follow the correct precautions.
There are many variables that you should learn before using a propane heater in a tent to make sure nothing gets burned or damaged. The propane heater type, tent ventilation, surrounding area, and more are all essential factors to take into account before the use of a tent heater.
Tent Safe Propane Heater Features
Having a tent-safe propane heater is the key to being able to keep it in the tent while camping. All propane heaters that are safe in tents will have an indoor safe label on them. This means they have more safety measures like carbon monoxide detectors, overheating sensors, timer settings, and fall protection.
Fall Protection
Camping heaters can easily fall or be knocked over without anyone noticing. If tipped over the heater will automatically shut off. Wire guards can also help as they give a barrier around the source of the heat so most objects can’t touch the hot part of the heater when tipped over.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Many people fear carbon monoxide poisining if sleeping in a closed space as a propane heater. A tent safe propane heater will have a carbon monoxide detector that will shut down the heater if to much monoxide is detected. New propane heaters give off very little carbon monoxide meaning simple ventilation will greatly mitigate this problem.
Over Heating Sensors
Another major safety measure that tent heaters have is an overheating sensor that will shut off the propane heater if it gets too hot. This life-saving feature will shut off the heater if it exceeds a dangerous temperature from a heater malfunction or anything else.
Shut off Timer
Shut off timers will allow you to choose how long the heater is on without having to shut if off. This is great for sleeping with a propane heater as it will shut off after the set time has been reached.
Tent Heater Safty Measures
Most of the necessary safety measures are built into an indoor safe propane heater, but there are still a few things that you should check every time when using an indoor heater while camping. Proper ventilation and a clear area are simple precautions that can be life-saving and protect you from heater burns and fires.
Should A Tent be Ventilated When Using a Heater?
YES, a tent needs to be properly ventilated when using a heater. Ventilating the tent is a key safety precaution you need to take every time when camping with a propane heater. Properly ventilating the tent will almost completely reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. As air passes in and out of the tent, it will push out and disperses the carbon monoxide.
Most tents and rain flies have a mesh roof or multiple vents throughout. When using a propane heater inside the tent always have the vents open for fresh air to come in and out. As well as make sure nothing is covering the vents. If you have a mesh roof make sure it is not covered while using a tent-safe propane heater.
Keep The Area Clear
Maintaining an open space around the heater is very important when using a propane heater in a tent. Objects too close to a tent heater can burn or catch fire very easily. Keeping a 1.5-2 foot area around the heater clear will greatly minimize the risk of burning anything.
A very common mistake people make is putting the heater to close the wall of a tent. The corner seems like a great place to put it since it is out of the way but it isn’t. If a propane heater is too close or touches the tent wall it can easily burn a hole through the tent. This can be a costly mistake that is easily avoidable by clearing an area near the heater.
Conclusion
Having a propane heater is a great way to keep warm during the winter. It is completely safe to have a propane heater in a tent as long you read the instructions and safety tips. New technology makes it easy to keep a heater in the tent as there are so many built-in safety measures. Don’t forget it is your job to properly ventilate the tent and keep a clear area around the heater. The tips in this article make it easy to stay warm with no worries while out camping!