Johnson Valley

[zman]

JV, plan on doing this in late Feb. Any problems with that time of the year.

zman

[Robert J. Yates]

Other than it being cold and windy - no, no problems

[zman]

I can handle the cold part, the wind however would be an issue. What is the elevation there anyways? Oh, and one more question, what is the temp there that time of the year.

zman

[Robert J. Yates]

Its at least 2000', maybe closer to 4000'. It can get damn cold at nite - I remember a 6 degree morning several years ago A hard shell vehicle is much more ameniable than a tent out there. It will warm up during the day but the wind if it comes up, can put the kibosh on that. March is better - April rocks.

[zman]

Thanks, I am trying to set up a time for me and a few buddies to go out.

zman

[Robert J. Yates]

I've been out there plenty in Feb - just have to be prepared is all. The tent thing got old for me quickly so I reached for a solution. I think if you really want to have a no worry and fun time there, you would want to tow your rigs anyways. At the least, I think you would want to have 1 tow vehicle in the group to drag a mortally wounded carcass back to Northern Az with

If you don't have access to an RV, a pick-up with a shell or camper, or Suburban all work out pretty nicely, especially when used with one or 2 of those neat little Coleman catalytic heaters.

[Robert J. Yates]

My rig....

[Tumbleweed]

Robert, any chance you can post a pic of those heaters you speak of? Will they last all night on one bottle and batteries?
Thanks, Just want to make sure I am looking around at the ones that work.

[TObject]

Coleman PowerCat

It depends on how you use the heaters. If you turn them on to work for brief periods of time before you crawl into the sleeping bag and then again in the morning then one bottle will last long time. If you want to run them continuously, the bottle will last for less than a night, but the batteries will last for several.

[Paradiddle]

I run the heater during dinner and the fire ring time to keep the RV as toasty as possible. Then I get in and right before I hit the sack I switch out for a fresh bottle.

The bottles last about 6 hours (I don't have the battery fan model, but I'm sure the consumption is similar).

A fantastic investment - that and a good sleeping bag and you are good to go.

Jeff

[Robert J. Yates]

Originally posted by Paradiddle
...that and a good sleeping bag and you are good to go.

...and in your case, also a very close room-mate

I do not have the battery version with the fan - never needed it in the Burb and yea, you cannot do a full night on one bottle.

[Jeff Weston]

Originally posted by Robert J. Yates

I do not have the battery version with the fan - never needed it in the Burb and yea, you cannot do a full night on one bottle.

You can with my bottle. I have an adaptor to hook it up to a BBQ propane tank. Also, I have a smaller, probably 1 gallon propane tank. Works like a champ and is more cost effective than the disposable tanks.

[Matt Pascoe]

Originally posted by TObject
Coleman PowerCat

It depends on how you use the heaters. If you turn them on to work for brief periods of time before you crawl into the sleeping bag and then again in the morning then one bottle will last long time. If you want to run them continuously, the bottle will last for less than a night, but the batteries will last for several.

Do you have to be concerned about carbon monoxide builup with this type of unit?

Can it be used in a tent?

[Robert J. Yates]

No and yes.

[zman]

Originally posted by Robert J. Yates
I think if you really want to have a no worry and fun time there, you would want to tow your rigs anyways. At the least, I think you would want to have 1 tow vehicle in the group to drag a mortally wounded carcass back to Northern Az with

No worries, we all have tow rigs and well built vehicles.

Here's mine, I'm the only gasser, everyone else is diesel. I know Pascoe is very fond of my truck.



I have slept in freezing temps before, and it is no fun. Thanks for the advice.

zman

[NAILER341]

those heaters are great. depending on the size of your tent, those coleman heaters may not do the trick.

i use something like this..


one tank of gas will last the weekend as long as you arent "stuck" in your tent for too long.

with all of these heaters, it is a good idea to have a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in your tent. they require a very small amount of ventalation, and most tents have plenty without even opening a window at all. the rain fly alone is adequate.

be aware of the potential for wind out there. that is the other concern for these heaters. be sure they are clear of the tent walls in the wind. be sure the tent you are bringing is capable of standing up to 50 mph + gusts

[Robert J. Yates]

Is that a catalytic heater like the small Colemans' Erik?

[NAILER341]

Originally posted by Robert J. Yates
Is that a catalytic heater like the small Colemans' Erik?

it is a radiant heater. a bit less safe in a tent than the catalytic heaters, but in a big tent should not be a problem if set up safely.

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAULIN-DELUXE-PR...QQcmdZViewItem

[zman]

I used the Mr Heaters before and they put out alot of heat. Definately need to be careful.

I do find that two sleeping bags, with long PJ's on an air matress works pretty good without a heater. Of course if mama is along warmth is not an issue.

[Joe Dillard]

zman, nice talking to ya' & Happy Birthday my friend!

I just checked my work calendar and late Feb/early March looks good for me if you end up coming out this direction.

Keep us posted on when you'll be coming out & more than likely a few here will join ya', I sure would like to.

[zman]

Thanks Joe, will keep you posted.

zman

[Matt Pascoe]

Originally posted by zman
No worries, we all have tow rigs and well built vehicles.

Here's mine, I'm the only gasser, everyone else is diesel. I know Pascoe is very fond of my truck.
zman

Did you "Borrow" my truck again?


We will most certainly have to get together while your out this way.

Matt