Does anyone know if the coleman catalytic heaters are safe to use inside a small tent?

by best_tents on September 2, 2011

im concerned with carbon monoxide poisoning. i havnt purchased one yet but the information provided says its good for a tent or small room. is that possible that it doesnt give off this gas?

{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

chris w September 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm

Although Coleman advertises there product for tent use there is still a problem with CM gas. Read the fine print and you will see that proper ventilation is required. I have used them in the vestibule of my tent to reflect heat into the tent and I keep at least two windows open to allow fresh air in. However with all the windows and draft going on it defeated the purpose of having one. I now use heavier sleeping bags, thermal-rest pads and just my camp stove for short bursts of heat in the morning getting dressed.

scott s September 2, 2011 at 3:57 pm

YES they are, I have used the propane cat heaters for 30 years indoors, in tents, RV’s and my house. I have a professional Fluke CO meter and even when running them in a small tent overnight the CO levels never hit any where near the danger levels. Just provide a little fresh air and you are good to go. If you are nervous about using them simply buy a battery powered CO alarm (Like a a smoke detector but detects CO) you should have one in your house anyway, and it will help to alert you if something goes wrong.

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: