How to BOOST HEAT OUTPUT using PROPANE + electric using TRUMA furnace in Class B RV Travato

[@douglastoney2843]

We were camped in Dubois, WY at a KOA a few months back. The campsites were close. A lady in a lawn chair about 5' from our trailer kept saying very loudly, "We're livin the life!". Over and over and over again. It was so obnoxious it was funny. I like your more reserved style better.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL. Thx for sharing.

[@macklitteral7098]

You need 2 small electric heaters for the Travato. Keep them on low so they will not shut off to save propane. Get a small dehumidifier for moisture and condensation. A heated mattress pad as well. These are game changers and you will save money on propane and Truma service costs over time!

[@Graymanvanlife]

Have you tried this formula? Sounds like a solution for me

[@30AndAWakeUp]

So would confidently say that the Travato L series is a 4-season rig?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Mostly sorta, especially the newest units.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Thank you Scott. I always learn something from you. I just finished a week in Big Bend (a little south of Dallas/Ft.Worth) where the temps at night dropped into the upper 20's. There are no hook ups in the park so no matter where you are you are boon docking. Trying to go thru the night without the engine kicking in I went to propane for the first time (I've done electric and mix). WOW. What an energy savings that it is and it seemed more quite. I was snug as a bug.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Nice work Mike! Proud of you experimenting a bit wit your available systems. That is how I learned that electric isn’t as efficient at producing furnace air as propane. BIG BEND - IL. Actually headed that way and plan to be there next weekend. Any tips to share beyond preparing to Boondocking? Was cellular service available?

[@MichaelWellman1955]

@@gosmall.livelarge There is so much to tell you: Cell service is available only around the major hubs, Panther Junction, Chisos Basis, Castolon. I got cell service in the Chisos Basin campground. Chisos Basin is a beautiful place with lots of good hikes in the area. They pack you in at Chisos Basin but there is no service there. Cottonwood Campgrounds are gorgeous and you have more room there. I would also head to Santa Elena Canyon about 7 miles from Cottonwood. Mid/late afternoon is a great time to be there. The light hitting the canyon walls is simply gorgeous before sunset. If you want to experience being in the middle of nowhere try to get a site on one of the backroads. The sign will say high clearance vehicle/ 4x4 but have taken my 2WD truck back there for 20 years. Last week I took my T without any problems (however if it is raining I would not go). There are some roads that better than others. I drove down Glen Springs Rd & Pine Canyon Trail. There are some great sites out there and the view of the stars is magnificent.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

I hope you have made reservations because the park is full all the time now. I also recommend you spend the night at the Davis Mountain State Park which is right next to Ft. Davis and the McDonald Observatory. You are also close to Alpine and Marfa. Let me know if you want to talk about going out there. Be glad to give you more suggestions

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx@@MichaelWellman1955 !! Passing through West TX quickly this time. Will look at those on the return trip East to AL. The Observatory is of particular interest to me. Thank you sir

[@douglastoney2843]

Thanks Scott. We just picked up our KL on January 31st. We went from the dealer to the Colorado National Monument. It was about 18 degrees up there. The Truma kept us warm using only propane. It was also quieter than any furnace I have had in travel trailers. We did use up half of our propane. Lesson learned. We'll try using electric to boost the heater to save on the propane. You helped us with our decision to buy the Travato.

[@colormedubious4747]

How many days did it take to use up half your propane?

[@douglastoney2843]

@@colormedubious4747 1 day. We kept the Travato warmer than necessary and a blanket was partially covering the heating duct. It is a smallish propane tank but we could have used the Truma more wisely.

[@macklitteral7098]

Also a couple of surge protectors to plug in to.

[@floridahermit4874]

Might think about covering windows to stop heat loss.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah, that would probably make a little bit of difference. I am weird in that I don’t like all the windows closed up. I prefer to see outside. I close the 59G bedroom windows and back door windows for province, but that is usually it. In cases where there is nothing behind me except nature I don’t even close up those windows. It is so special sleeping in moon beans and star light coming through the windows

[@lifeisshort-makeitsweet869]

Cover Windows helps too. Love using propane in cold weather.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Truth on propane

[@Samuel10463]

Webasto gasoline heater installed in RAM Promaster by George from The Humble Road, uses only 1-2 Amps when running and sips gasoline from van's gas tank. And it doesn't care how cold it is outside. Even if it's 10 below, it will fry you inside! Highly recommend.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for the tip SC

[@debz8340]

Thank you Scott. I will remember this tip. I have to admit I got a little distracted trying to read your note cards over the slider. 😆 Just a little nosey!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL. Those cards will be explained shortly. Thx Deb!

[@jasonpowell6301]

Yea Propane is definitely KING. Electric takes to long and isn't hot enough. I only use propane. Lasts me about a month and is only $3 - $4 dollars to fill back up. But is nice having both options.Great Video Scott!!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Jason. Truth on what you describe. Propane is so plentiful and inexpensive. I’m glad to have it.

[@VanJoplin]

Happy Valentines Day Scott. Great info.

[@trishbenedict6588]

Well, thanks in no small part to you and your love affair with Lily, we bought ourselves a 2020.5 59G! We would’ve loved the lithium, but just too rich for our blood and our basic needs. Will pick it up Monday. Really excited to get out there. We already have reservations for a beautiful regional park about 25 miles from home - just for a dust-off to make sure we understand how everything works.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi again Trish

[@ryanbirr1668]

Using the heating system this way and given your typical cooking usage, how long would you estimate your propane would last from a full tank?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Ryan, I fill from 1/2 tank to full about 4-5 times per year

[@Samuel10463]

Nothing can beat $180 Chinese diesel heater in freezing temperature outside. More and more people install it in their rigs and they can't say enough how they're happy with it. It uses almost no electrical power but providing massive amount of BTU's ... I mean massive!

[@Graymanvanlife]

How about just connecting a space heater to shore power When you're able

[@gosmall.livelarge]

An idea for some. But not for me as it is yet another thing to store always, and rarely use.

[@Graymanvanlife]

Wish me luck. thanks to you and others I'm picking up my National Park edition this coming week

[@tedwilliams1000]

good video

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Ted :). Appreciate you taking time to watch and comment :)

[@philc.9280]

We kept a little 1500-watt room heater from our other rig that keeps my new Travato nice and warm. Should I assume that the two electric elements in the Truma are less than 1500 watts since it does not keep your rig warm by itself.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thank you for watching Phil

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Since your on shore power do you consider a electric stand alone space heater? We used one on the floor of our travel trailer and it worked great and saved propane. I totally understand the test you ran and that definitely works great on the mixed mode 👍🏼

[@gosmall.livelarge]

With shore power I use the installed Truma furnace on electric mode, unless itoo cold and need th propane boost. Don’t the like floor clutter and potential heater knock over - and something else to have to store - for the space heater

[@marthamanigross]

Hi Scott! I know whenever the question comes up on TOWB on FB, all the gurus say propane is the best, most efficient way to heat the van. Have you considered installing the blackout curtains in the front (on the face of the pizza oven)? Happy Valentine’s Day! Stay warm. Martha.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Martha. Thanks for the comment. As for black out curtains, I have thought about this but I don’t want anything to reduce the physical size nor feel of the interior space. I am weird in that I like to see out of the windows, even when street camping.

[@marthamanigross]

Go Small. Live Large! Not at all weird!!! Hey, we’ve all gotta do what works for us! 😉😊

[@randyc9656]

Cedar hill I was just there

[@gosmall.livelarge]

RANDY! Did you enjoy yourself or what? I have been at Cedar Hill State Park twice now. This current site is even better than the first. Did you have a good experience? Would you recommend?

[@randyc9656]

Go Small. Live Large! Yes I like the park ,they have a lot of sites to chose from ,I thought I remember those kind of stairs at your campsite ,lol

[@richardd.4421]

What if you just use propane? Does it heat more efficiently or faster than the mix? Keep up the info videos always watch them.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Propane only is hotter, but likely consumes more propane. I’m plugged into shore power so I let electric share some of the heating burden to save on propane is my theory anyway!

[@bertfisk1194]

Scott if you are plugged in to shore power can you just turn up the temp on your Truma instead of using propane and get the same effect??

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Bert. When plugged into shore-power for electric heat, I have found that the electric is only hot enough down to about 40 degrees outside temp. Anything below that and propane is needed to keep the cabin comfy

[@RoadsofLife]

Scott... you mentioned at 8:26 that you generate warm water but not enough to shower. We experienced this when we rented a KL. Always had super hot water in the kitchen, but the shower was at best luke-warm. Any ideas what might have caused this?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Rob! If using the furnace a by-product it is warm water that should be accessible from either sink. However, when switching the Truma to hot water mode that is when the furnace stops and energy is put into heating the water to 140F. That is overly hot for showering. Once the water is heated to 140F, assuming you had the Truma in furnace mode, the system switches back to furnace pumping out hot air. Hope that helps. Did you try the shower in the KL?

[@RoadsofLife]

@@gosmall.livelarge We stayed at an RV park, so my wife used the shower there, but I wanted to try the KL shower. It came out luke-warm. Still not sure how it all works. We rented and we just had a basic "this button does this and that plug does that" kind of review. We didn't know enough to know what to ask... I still think it's all magic! It was a great learning experience and well worth renting the KL. After seeing your GL first hand, we think that is the better design for us if we decide on Winnebago. Still dreaming of the Embassy though. We are trying to set up a time to go see it in Elkhart in March. Wish us luck!

[@brianbarry1622]

Crazy question. Where did you get your wall thermostat and how did you hang it on your walls?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Brian. I think I got them at Camping World retail store or maybe Walmart. It was quite a while ago. Have them mostly for my curiosity. I tracked them to the wall using mounting putty tape.

[@jonbedison]

Hey Scott not to change subject away from this video but I have been trying to fine your video on your bumper paint color change with no luck?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hey Jon. Can’t find it cause I haven’t published it yet. It is on the content plan, and long with a re-release on the wheels and tires. Thx for asking about that. Is that something you are considering doing?

[@jonbedison]

@@gosmall.livelarge Thanks Scott...I'm looking at getting a 2020 awd Transit and may need this as an after market option...I'd like to work with Embassy RV...really like their no wood approach thanks to your videos about them. I've always believed when working with such a small space keep it simple and functional without trying to recreate what's in a house...

[@ToniAdventures]

Hi Scott! Happy Valentines Day to you! Truma is awesome!! I don’t have that cubby over the Jensen in my 2016. Hey, where’s Luke?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Interesting no cubby above stereo in the ‘16. Luke was at the vet hospital last few days. He’s back with me now. Much better after resolving bladder issue. Thx for noticing and asking :)

[@ToniAdventures]

Go Small. Live Large! Oh no!!! Glad to hear he’s doing better!

[@Lracnolip]

how about your batteries? Did you get the heaters with them?

[@colormedubious4747]

What does that question even mean? The optional tank heaters are 12V and run off of the equipped Volta coach battery, which is standard on the GL and KL.

[@Lracnolip]

@@colormedubious4747 lithium batteries dont like to be cold. The second Gen Travato added a heater to the battery bay, so they can be used and charged when it's cold out. Tesla does the same thing. Because this video is about cold weather l was asking if he got the Travato with the heaters for the batteries. I was also curious if not, has he run into any issues.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Wasn’t available when my Volta equipped Travato rolled off the line. Is an option now I believe. Needs shore power to operate, I think. Since I’m living in my Travato the warm cabin air is pulled into the energy pack to keep the cells cozy warm. Are you considering them for your rig?

[@Lracnolip]

@@gosmall.livelarge yes you have sold us on your gl and have been looking for the same van. Thank you for sharing about your battery packs working fine in cold weather.

[@Jollyprez]

LOL - DUDE - how about -22F here in NH? I'll stick with diesel cab heaters....

[@ToniAdventures]

Jollyprez wow... that’s cold!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yeah that is seriously cold. Have you considered RVing in warmer climates during winter ❄️ LOL

[@Jollyprez]

@@gosmall.livelarge We live up here....trailer used as a dorm room for eldest son.

[@colormedubious4747]

You could have called this video "The Truma Show" and used the pseudonym "Scott Burbank." I'll show myself out.