Blankets: 12 volt heated style

[articulate]

It's awfully cold in the Eazi Awn at times.

Anyone use a heated blankets, 12-volt style? Suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks,
Mark

[slooowr6]

I was thinking about the samething. The heat blanket I've at home is a full size. I look at the back it said 180w. If that's the case then it meas a 15 amp draw on a 12v battery. Since it's running on 110v then there will be a lost in inverter as well. In a small 44AH Odyssey battery (PC1200) which means it'll be empty between 2-3hrs depends on the duty cycle. So it's a no go in my case. I saw some heat blanket that can run on 12v but can't find info on their power rating.


Alex
________
ST1300 (http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Honda_ST1300)

[BajaTaco]

Mark, I have a 12V blanket by Vector. It has a washable polyester fleece lining and uses 5 amps. Unfortunately, they are no longer making them. I can bring it to the Trophy if you want to try it out. It's great for "pre-warming" the sleeping bags before you crawl into bed for the night.

[k6uk]

Well... I found this:
http://shop.com.edgesuite.net/ccimg.shop.com/210000/210900/210904/products/36729488.jpg
http://www.shop.com/op/~_Heatek_Heated_Sleeping_Bag-prod-36729488-49163599?sourceid=298

A heated sleeping bag... runs on rechargable batteries.
Should be able to rewire it to plug into the truck just fine!

I wonder if they're any good?

-Mike

From Amazon.com:
Product Description
Even sub-zero temperatures won't interfere with your sleep when you're zipped up in this luxurious heated sleeping bag from Heatek. The bag operates on a 12-volt, 9-Ah battery (included) and comes with an AC/DC rechargeable adapter unit that can be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter. Once it's turned on, the bag takes only about five minutes to heat up, and its automatic temperature control works for up to eight hours, creating the ideal climate for a full night's sleep. The durable waterproof shell keeps the bag dry for ultimate efficiency and also breathes well to keep you from feeling clammy at night. The bag measures 36 by 90 inches and comes with a 90-day limited warranty.



Product Description
The Heatek heated sleeping bag is the result of unique technology that keeps you warm and dry on those cold nights. The sleeping bag has up to 8 hours of heated comfort. There are two adjustable heat settings. The sleeping bag comes with a 12 volt-9 Ah battery and a AC/DC rechargeable adaptor that can be plug into your car. The waterproof outer shell keeps you dry. Pouches are included for the sleeping bag and battery charger. The bag is 36" X 90". The bag comes with a 90 day limited warranty. Important info about the bag: Before washing the bag discount the battery and the temperature control. Cover all of the connector with the plastic covers that come with unit. Do not dry clean this unit. Always charge the batteries for the unit with the charger that is provided with the bag. If you loose or damage your charger e-mail or call Heatea.(HeathaOptimus@aol.com or 626-839-4678) . The battery can only be charged by the range of 100 Volt-240 Volt, 50 or 60 Hz, Ac current or 12Volt DC current. Its recommended that if you don't use the bag make sure you recharge the batteries once every three months. The first time you charge the battery it needs to be charged for 12 hours continuous. After that the batteries can be plug into a Ac adaptor in a wall for 9 hrs or a cigarette lighter in a car for 6 hrs. The temperature control has a adaptor that plugs into the battery. The remote control can adjust the temperature from Hi to Low. It takes about 5 minutes to heat up the sleeping bag once its turned on.

[Mlachica]

It's awfully cold in the Eazi Awn at times.

Anyone use a heated blankets, 12-volt style? Suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks,
Mark

Bump for this as I've been looking for a 12volt version as well.

[Redback]

They are still available here, not much help i know but a mate has one in his camper, he turns it on ten minutes before he goes to bed to warm it up.

He swears by it.

AU$48.95
http://dstore.com.au/Lifestyle/12-Volt-Electric-Car-blanket/821550.html

Baz.

[slooowr6]

Here is one on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/New-12-Volt-Electric-Auto-Car-Blanket-Keep-Cozy_W0QQitemZ110041772988QQihZ001QQcategoryZ20452 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem, 4 amp draw, 30/45 min timer. Seems nice.
________
KD80 (http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/Kawasaki_KD80)

[Brian McVickers]

http://www.wholesaleforeveryone.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/hatx2023.jpg

$26 for a DOZEN flame beanies -- The flames make it warmer!

[OverlandZJ]

I honestly thought Mark was joking with this thread....

Cmon Guys....electric blankey's? I'm getting older and need more in the backcountry for comfort but...?

Dont get me wrong, i feel if it will make your time in the backcountry more enjoyable go for it.

Come to think of it....i did upgrade to a larger tent and AeroBed recently.

:campfire:

[articulate]

I honestly thought Mark was joking with this thread....

Cmon Guys....electric blankey's?
:campfire:
:xxrotflma
Nice John, nice. I see I've set a precedent. Why on earth would you think I - of all people - was joking? :D

Now, haven't you caught on to the adage regarding all this crap we spend money on? It's for the safety of your family? Anything to make my sweet Brooke more comfy while camping.

...and boy do I benefit in several ways.

[LawlerClan]

I used one when I was in the Army. Loved the comfort but would drain the batteries down with that and the radios on.

I have been reading for a while but mostly learning so haven't posted before.

[OverlandZJ]

:xxrotflma
Nice John, nice. I see I've set a precedent. Why on earth would you think I - of all people - was joking? :D

Now, haven't you caught on to the adage regarding all this crap we spend money on? It's for the safety of your family? Anything to make my sweet Brooke more comfy while camping.

...and boy do I benefit in several ways.

Didnt mean to offend Mark...i see your point and the error of my ways. :)

Regards,
Sleeping cold and alone in Pa. :peepwall:

[Robthebrit]

If I need to warm my bag I do it the old fashioned way with a hot water bottle. I got a couple of really nice ones in the UK where people still use them. If you start with boiling water, put it in the sleeping bag 30 minutes before you get in then its toasty warm, if you keep it in the bag with you it will still be warm in the morning. At regular room temperature it takes about 3-4 hours for the bottle to cool down.

I do the same thing with my thermos, I put it in the bag with me at night and I can make tea first thing in the morning before I even get out of the bag!!

Rob

[goodtimes]

:xxrotflma
Anything to make my sweet Brooke more comfy while camping.

...and boy do I benefit in several ways.

So, what you are saying, is that the electric blanky really IS for you.:rolleyes:

[jkam]

I have one under the sheets on the mattress in my van. I got it at a truck stop, it has a cig lighter plug on it to power it up.
I use it to take the chill from the sheets before bed. I've camped out in some pretty cold places and crawling into a not freezing bed is a welcome way to start the night.
http://www.das-roadpro.com/roadpro/prod_detail.asp?Item=RPHB-1101C
http://www.das-roadpro.com/roadpro/images/rphb_1101c.jpg

[bigreen505]

Cmon Guys....electric blankey's? I'm getting older and need more in the backcountry for comfort but...?

I have to agree with John here, just get a warmer bag ... or a dog. With (im)proper diet a dog can not only warm up the bags, but the air in the tent as well. Just be prepared for the puppy to crawl in the bag with you if it gets cold enough.

My personal problem with electric blankets is if the bed/bag is already warm my body won't generate heat and I freeze my parts off.

Get a double bag and go to bed wearing hats.

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Well.........

All I can say is........

Let's not have a Pillow Fight over it!..............hehe

So Mark.........

Have you ever considered a 12V cig plug car heater? (http://store.safetycentral.com/12vo200wapoc.html)



http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/safetycentral_1918_10506151

[OverlandZJ]

[QUOTE=Scenic WonderRunner]Well.........

All I can say is........

Let's not have a Pillow Fight over it!..............hehe

[QUOTE]

Funny...!

I have to admit....my priorities would be different. However...i was thinking of myself and only myself as far as useful gear when i posted earlier.

The being a Gentleman and thinking of my signifigant other never crossed my mind. You'd never catch my wife far from a cabin.... MarkF'nStevens you have a fine catch there!

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Wait a minute.....JOHN!!!!!!!

.........I heard Pillow Fights can be FUN!!!!!!!!!!!:jumping:


now where is that pillow fight smilie when you need him>?!!!!






.

[Desertdude]

yes we have been using one for the past two years - why else would you have a second battery? :D

...I just never talk about it :friday:

[articulate]

Wait a minute.....JOHN!!!!!!!

.........I heard Pillow Fights can be FUN!!!!!!!!!!!:jumping:


now where is that pillow fight smilie when you need him>?!!!!
You mean HER. Two of 'em. In their underwear. Swinging pillows around. The ultimate smilie :Wow1:


I have one under the sheets on the mattress in my van. I got it at a truck stop, it has a cig lighter plug on it to power it up.
I use it to take the chill from the sheets before bed. I've camped out in some pretty cold places and crawling into a not freezing bed is a welcome way to start the night.
http://www.das-roadpro.com/roadpro/prod_detail.asp?Item=RPHB-1101C
http://www.das-roadpro.com/roadpro/images/rphb_1101c.jpg
This looks perfect. Low amp draw and all that. Thanks for the good post. As for everybody else. . .


yes we have been using one for the past two years - why else would you have a second battery? :D

...I just never talk about it :friday:
Precisely! I've got the second battery and a cold tent. It seems so linear to me. However, I didn't expect to catch so much macho-flack for this post - you're smart to save your ego by not talking about it. I'll bet Kristina would be happy to enlighten us about your 'lectric blankey, though.


I have to agree with John here, just get a warmer bag ... or a dog. With (im)proper diet a dog can not only warm up the bags, but the air in the tent as well. Just be prepared for the puppy to crawl in the bag with you if it gets cold enough.

My personal problem with electric blankets is if the bed/bag is already warm my body won't generate heat and I freeze my parts off.

Get a double bag and go to bed wearing hats.
Well, here's the scoop. To save space and use what I have more wisely, we simply dressed the mattress in the Eezi-Awn with sheets and a blanket. We used to tote along sleeping bags but that just didn't make sense for space. NOW we just pop open the tent and the bed is already to go. 'Cept on a cold night. So I want an electric blankey. Dog is no good. I'm allergic.

I will admit, though, that a nice backpacking tent is far better for warmth than the roof tent. There so much more volume to the roof top tent, that our two bodies don't heat it up nearly as well. Soooooooo. . .


I want an electric blankey!
Yes, there I said it - er typed it. For all you dudes too macho to say that you'd use one if you had it - we know what the truth is. Hell, I survived through a Feminist Lit class as the only male in a room of 25 women. . . I can handle you punks.

[goodtimes]

. . . I survived through a Feminist Lit class as the only male in a room of 25 women. . . I can handle you punks.

You sir, are my hero.

But it is comments like this:


. . . ...and boy do I benefit in several ways . . .

That make smilies like this:

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/aktion/action-smiley-073.gif

seem so appropriate.


And on that note, I am headed north.....

:wavey:

[kcowyo]

Hell, I survived through a Feminist Lit class as the only male in a room of 25 women. . .

That would explain your fascination with blankeys, bottles and standing up to pee....
Maybe snorkels too, if I thought about it long enough. :lurk:

[bigreen505]

I want an electric blankey!
Yes, there I said it - er typed it. For all you dudes too macho to say that you'd use one if you had it - we know what the truth is.

Nope, still not interested. However I would take a really thick down comforter like my rommate used to have in a heartbeat. That would keep two people very warm and cozy.

[jkam]

I like to be comfortable, my mattress is custom made with memory foam, adding the electric blanket under the sheets and a nice down comforter on top, it's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on.

I use my blankey only to take the chill from the sheets.

[spressomon]

I have one of these ordered and just waiting for it...I figure with the 30-day no risk trial/guarantee it is worth a try. We, mainly, want it to prewarm the tent before getting in at night and then a flick of the dial gets it warm in the A.M. Normally it isn't an issue but on the Coyote Flats trip last month we camped at 10,000-ish feet and with a cold snap that pulled through I'll bet it got down into the teens. I bc ski/camp on snow without issue but crawling into the tent mounted atop the trailer was d-d-d-arn c-c-c-old.

http://www.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.htm

Anyway...if I ever get the darn thing I'll report back on how it works (or doesn't).

[articulate]

I have one of these ordered and just waiting for it...

http://www.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.htm

Anyway...if I ever get the darn thing I'll report back on how it works (or doesn't).
Excellent. Please do report back. If you get what you pay for, then I'd bet that these do really well. Am I being really picky if I want a 6' long electro-blankey?

$85-$100. Well, since it's for the safety of my family . . .

[bigreen505]

Am I being really picky if I want a 6' long electro-blankey?

Is that what you are calling your wife these days? :D

[spressomon]

Excellent. Please do report back. If you get what you pay for, then I'd bet that these do really well. Am I being really picky if I want a 6' long electro-blankey?

$85-$100. Well, since it's for the safety of my family . . .


They finally shipped the blanket yesterday; they were out of them when I ordered...SnT will be the test time for it.

[Grouseman]

yes we have been using one for the past two years - why else would you have a second battery? :D

...I just never talk about it :friday:


DD,

Just wondering which 12 volt heater you use? Can you give us a link? I used a 12 volt blanket this fall and it was the bomb, but it still was really cold inside the Cruiser, air wise.

SS

[Desertdude]

it was something like THIS (http://www.heatedcarblanket.com/?gclid=CPLzxaSkxIgCFSJnYwodRgXPMg) one - it is cheap and has a switch and goes over the sheet - the really good ones ( about $180) go under the bottom sheet and heat from the bottom up - it is hard to heat the tent with an electric blanket - Desertgirl also has fitted flannel sheets which also help on the real cold nights ;)

[Grouseman]

DD,

I've got a good 12 volt blanket. Sorry I thought you used a 12 volt car heater also.

SS

[Desertdude]

sorry I misread your post :elkgrin:

[Grouseman]

DD,

No problem I probably was not clear.

SS

[lx450landcruiser]

any one get a test done on these? can you run them all night? would they warm up the inside of an ezzi awn a bit? or just for getting the bed warm?

thoughts, ideas, words of wisdom?

[Grouseman]

any one get a test done on these? can you run them all night? would they warm up the inside of an ezzi awn a bit? or just for getting the bed warm?

thoughts, ideas, words of wisdom?

LX,

I bought a heating pad similar to the one that started the thread. I need to find it too. Froze my butt off two weekends ago without it. On my first run with it, it did the job of heating the bed up nicely. I did not leave it on all night for fear it would run my only starting battery. If a person have another battery and you left it on all night, you could probably stay in some real cold temps.
From what I remember I paid about 100.00 for mine. It was designed for truckers.
Grouseman

[spressomon]

any one get a test done on these? can you run them all night? would they warm up the inside of an ezzi awn a bit? or just for getting the bed warm?

thoughts, ideas, words of wisdom?


I use a 12V dual rheostat blanket in my Maggiolina: LOVE IT! I put it on high for an hour or so while I'm hanging out around the fire, getting ready for bed, etc.: Hop in to warm bedding. Yeah I can hear all the naysayers, hardcore sleepers/campers etc. (I was once one of them ;-)) popping off about being soft, etc. But, although I've spent my fair share of sleep time on snow apart of BC ski touring, higher elevation backpacking, etc. I find my current set-up damn nice!

Back to the blanket: After getting in the RTT I then lower the temp to the lowest setting the remainder of sleep time. It sure is nice, if you roll over during the night as I do, to roll onto warm bedding!

I 'feed' mine with my dual trailer batteries. I'd probably get into trouble if I ran it on high all night (10-12Ah) but that would be too much heat even for single digit outside temps anyway.

[Lynn]

There was a thread on this back on the old ExpeditionCampers site, but I don't recall if there were any recommendations other than the ones posted above.

I used a 110V electric matress cover and heavy quilt during the winter in Colorado. I lived in a camp trailer for a year, and even though it had storm windows and extra insulations in the walls/floor, the pre-warmed bed was sure nice.

Personally, I would either get a electric matress cover or put the blanket underneath. I've never cared for an electric blanket on top.

Heavy sleeping bags are nice for short-term use, but sheets are easier to wash.

[spressomon]

There was a thread on this back on the old ExpeditionCampers site, but I don't recall if there were any recommendations other than the ones posted above.

I used a 110V electric matress cover and heavy quilt during the winter in Colorado. I lived in a camp trailer for a year, and even though it had storm windows and extra insulations in the walls/floor, the pre-warmed bed was sure nice.

Personally, I would either get a electric matress cover or put the blanket underneath. I've never cared for an electric blanket on top.

Heavy sleeping bags are nice for short-term use, but sheets are easier to wash.


Ditto: I use my 12V "blanket" atop the mattress just under the fitted sheet. And I have gone from sleeping bag use to sheets and comforter: Mo better for this application!

[Mlachica]

http://www.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.htm

Anyway...if I ever get the darn thing I'll report back on how it works (or doesn't).

Is this the one you LOVE?

[hinoranger]

I have one of these ordered and just waiting for it...I figure with the 30-day no risk trial/guarantee it is worth a try.
http://www.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.htm

Anyway...if I ever get the darn thing I'll report back on how it works (or doesn't).

I have one of those. My personal experience here in Minnesota is even with the mattress warmer it takes a pretty good pile of blankets to stay warm down into the teens and below 0. Using it under a 4 season sleeping bag has a negligable effect.

I seem to stay just as warm or, probably, warmer just using my 3 season sleeping bag inside my 4 season bag. pretty toasty.

wish there was a way to stay warm without the confinement of double sleeping bags, but the mattress warmer hasn't worked for me.

your mileage my vary.

[NothingClever]

My wife's from South America.

Taking her camping in cool/cold weather is best accomplished with heated seats, proper outdoor clothing that inspires her confidence & amenities such as a heated blanket and a Mr. Buddy Heater.

The time to be hard like woodpecker lips is when I hang out with the boys.

[spressomon]

I have one of those. My personal experience here in Minnesota is even with the mattress warmer it takes a pretty good pile of blankets to stay warm down into the teens and below 0. Using it under a 4 season sleeping bag has a negligable effect.

I seem to stay just as warm or, probably, warmer just using my 3 season sleeping bag inside my 4 season bag. pretty toasty.

wish there was a way to stay warm without the confinement of double sleeping bags, but the mattress warmer hasn't worked for me.

your mileage my vary.


Heat output may be dependent upon make/model? Although not as frigid here as the upper midwest (typically) I've used mine down to 14 degrees (F) and it performed just fine. My heated blanket (not the kind you typically see for $49...) goes just under the fitted sheet. I use a thick goose down comforter and stay toasty warm; so warm I only need to have the blanket on setting #1 (of 7 heat settings). This is in my Maggiolina which sleeps warmer than a fabric roof/floor type tent.

But, of course, it adds little benefit to the frigid air temp when getting out of bed and getting dressed for the day.

[adventurebuddies]

I'm glad to see this thread as I am planning to buy the 2 zone 12v pad mentioned here. To me it seems logical - we sleep with sheets and a down comforter so heating from underenath makes a lot of sense. @ zones is brilliant cause my wife is always colder than I am.

[spressomon]

I'm glad to see this thread as I am planning to buy the 2 zone 12v pad mentioned here. To me it seems logical - we sleep with sheets and a down comforter so heating from underenath makes a lot of sense. @ zones is brilliant cause my wife is always colder than I am.


You'll love it...just make sure you have the battery amps to feed it ;-)

[hinoranger]

My heated blanket (not the kind you typically see for $49...) goes just under the fitted sheet. I use a thick goose down comforter and stay toasty warm; so warm I only need to have the blanket on setting #1 (of 7 heat settings).

the type of comforter is probably the difference. I've tried using unzipped sleeping bags in combination with the heated mattress pad and it was nice, but down in the teens the sleeping bags have to be zipped to do any good.
And then the mattress warmer didn't make much difference.

Also, for extended use in subfreezing temps., keeping a battery charged enough to run do any good was more is more of a pain than just using an extra sleeping bag.

>But, of course, it adds little benefit to the frigid air temp when getting out of bed and getting dressed for the day.<

that was the other problem. Why bother getting up when you're so warm and cozy....?

[adventurebuddies]

You'll love it...just make sure you have the battery amps to feed it ;-)

Right now my second battery is the auto store brand group 31 deep cycle marine, but i hope to get one of the Odysey/Sears Platinum ones soon.

[spressomon]

Right now my second battery is the auto store brand group 31 deep cycle marine, but i hope to get one of the Odysey/Sears Platinum ones soon.

I think mine on high draws 10-12 amps. So I just run it on med to high for about an hour before hopping in then drop the setting to #1/lowest which is fine for all but the coldest nights. I don't actually know what the draw is at this setting but assuming in the 3 amp range. I run this, along with lights, stereo, etc. off of twin Group 31 Lifelines that are mounted in my trailer. And, although I've only used it 2-nights in a row without running the alternator to charge back up, I've never had an issue.

Its so darn nice!

[Backwoods Rambler]

So, looking at this brand (http://store.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.html) of 12v heated sleeping pad, I noticed that the 12v models are all only 60" (5') long. For anyone using these, how are you making up the difference. I'll need to make up 11.5", it seems like quite a hassel to work around. Expeicially for someone using a std twin size air mattress which measures 74" x 40".

[bmonday]

Here is one that is 80" long (and 40" wide), and only draws 3.7a:

http://www.exceldistributors.com/-strse-71/12V-Portable-Electric-Blanket/Detail.bok

I'm getting one.

BMonday

[kb7our]

So, looking at this brand (http://store.electricblanketupgrade.com/rv12.html) of 12v heated sleeping pad, I noticed that the 12v models are all only 60" (5') long. For anyone using these, how are you making up the difference. I'll need to make up 11.5", it seems like quite a hassel to work around. Expeicially for someone using a std twin size air mattress which measures 74" x 40".

Since the blanket is actually a mattress pad you lay on it does not account for the pillow area hence the shorter length.

[kb7our]

Here is one that is 80" long (and 40" wide), and only draws 3.7a:

http://www.exceldistributors.com/-strse-71/12V-Portable-Electric-Blanket/Detail.bok

I'm getting one.

BMonday

This one is a blanket you cover with vs. the mattress pad you lay on which accounts for the extra length to cover up with.

[spressomon]

I don't have my pillow over the heated pad...works just fine that way; and I am 5'10".

[Backwoods Rambler]

Here is one that is 80" long (and 40" wide), and only draws 3.7a:

http://www.exceldistributors.com/-strse-71/12V-Portable-Electric-Blanket/Detail.bok

I'm getting one.

BMonday


Ohhh, that's nice!! Plus it looks like it has the Off/Low/High switch that I'm also wanting. Great link!


I don't see why (with the adjustable temp units) you can't put this under you?? The avg temps range from 98.6* on the low setting to 120-126* on the high setting. So if you use the high setting just before bedtime, then set it to low for the night, you'd be good to go!

[Backwoods Rambler]

Here is one that is 80" long (and 40" wide), and only draws 3.7a:

http://www.exceldistributors.com/-strse-71/12V-Portable-Electric-Blanket/Detail.bok

I'm getting one.

BMonday

Did they discontinue this? I was ready to order, now the link doesn't work and I can't find it on the site?

[Backwoods Rambler]

I sent an email to inquire about those (above) and the email did not go through??

I also noticed while searching around the web that a lot of the 12v blankets are constant draw, except those that have the auto off timer, but none seem to have a decent temp control. Except these: http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php


So it looks like I'll be saving my pennies for one of the electro warmth units.

[Kimball]

thanks for the info and i would love to save that much as you do.

[pray4surf]

Well, after 'steaming' my wifes ankle with a heated stone a few months back, I dropped the $100+ for the 36"W Electro Warmth (http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php) heated mattress pad.

With only a primary (Optima RedTop) battery, and no desire to drain the battery, I purchased an inexpensive 'portable power pack / battery jump starter' from wally world. At 300 amps, it's a little on the 'weak' side - but I'm hoping that it can at least get our bedding warm before crawling into bed at night...

It's first field test will be this coming weekend....

If this works, my wife will be a happy camper :wings:

[bmonday]

I used the formula from Adventure Trailers (http://www.adventuretrailers.com/12volt_solar.html) and estimated that you can get about 20 hours of run time on a 105AH battery using an electric blanket that consumes around 50A (such as this one (http://www.realtruck.com/roadpro_12_volt_heated_fleece_blanket/R14948P1C1T.html)).

Just FYI

[Lemsteraak]

Cold weather is one area where I knew rooftents would really excel. The idea is to extend the camping season and it is so nice to camp in places that are too busy in the summer and quiet and peaceful in the winter.

One goofy idea we had that works pretty well with the hard top tents is to get one of the cheap $30 12 volt lap blankets and put it in the tent and close it. Then you could run the cord down and plug it in when you are driving so when you stop for the night everything is warm and welcoming inside the tent.

The concept behind the Maggiolina is to keep the interior small so you body heat has a chance to warm it up like a mountaineering tent. Switzerland and Germany are the two largest markets for AutoHome. When you are on an extended trip, you need a larger tent so you lose some of the benefit of smaller size.

I had one client that did the GPS survey for New Mexico's emergency services. His job was to map ways to find people who didn't want to be found unless they had an emergency. He spec'ed a large Maggiolina because he was gone for days but was also up in high elevation in winter. I heard complaints about the tent being "cold". The only idea I had was what some of the guys use up in the Arctic, namely roll a big bolder into the fire, then roll it onto a plank and cover with foil and put it in the tent with you. He came up with the ElectroWarmth mattress pad, and really liked it. The drawback is that it uses a lot of energy at the same time your battery capacity drops because of the cold.

Before I left AutoHome in Mikes hands, we were playing with this concept. A heated mattress pad with a very low power consumption, less than 2 amps. You figure an 80 amp storage battery that has a couple years on it with 60 amps of real power at 10 degrees will only be able to put out 20 amps. Here is a link to the flyer.
http://www.autohome.it/images/accessories-news/sweet-pdf/Sweet-Dreams-GB.pdf

OK, it is expensive..... thoughts?

[cnskate]

Anybody concerned about electro magnetic radiation?

[TACODOC]

Well, after 'steaming' my wifes ankle with a heated stone a few months back, I dropped the $100+ for the 36"W Electro Warmth (http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php) heated mattress pad.

With only a primary (Optima RedTop) battery, and no desire to drain the battery, I purchased an inexpensive 'portable power pack / battery jump starter' from wally world. At 300 amps, it's a little on the 'weak' side - but I'm hoping that it can at least get our bedding warm before crawling into bed at night...



Nice, I'd like to see that.

[spressomon]

Anybody concerned about electro magnetic radiation?

Not at 12v.

[pray4surf]

Nice, I'd like to see that.

I may be reconsidering the power pack. At 7 Amphours (it's pretty small), I'm going to get less than an hour powering the pad (75 Amps / 12 volts). Of course I can extend the usefulness by not having the pad on high all the time.

Might due the Aux Outlet mod and power the pad off the RedTop battery. At 50Ah, I can get 6.4 hours on high - save the power pack to start the truck in the morning :ylsmoke:

*not accounting for battery capacity loss due to ambient temperature... and I better not be needing it on High all night long

[Backwoods Rambler]

I couldn't be happier with my matress pad from Electrowarmth (http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php). It has variable settings and only draws power as needed to maintain the power level it's set at. On my recent 7 day trip through the Colorado Rockies, I put it on 5 to heat up just before bedtime, then set it at 1 through the night. The first night was really cold (for me) @ about 29º but I was completely comfortable However, most nights I found myself waking up too warm and turning it completely off.

Throughout the trip, this heating pad had zero effect on my ability to start the Jeep up the next morning.

I can't wait to take a trip this winter to give it a test in really cold conditions :snorkel:

[Bogo]

I also noticed while searching around the web that a lot of the 12v blankets are constant draw, except those that have the auto off timer, but none seem to have a decent temp control. Except these: http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php

Note they are a bunk warmer and go under, not above you. That way the heat is much more effective.

They are the unit I'm looking at possibly getting. I've heard allot of good things about them from truckers. On the other hand I may well be one of those who turns it off in the middle of the night. I've always ended up doing that with electric blankets.

[spressomon]

I couldn't be happier with my matress pad from Electrowarmth (http://www.electrowarmth.com/fleet.php). It has variable settings and only draws power as needed to maintain the power level it's set at. On my recent 7 day trip through the Colorado Rockies, I put it on 5 to heat up just before bedtime, then set it at 1 through the night. The first night was really cold (for me) @ about 29º but I was completely comfortable However, most nights I found myself waking up too warm and turning it completely off.

Throughout the trip, this heating pad had zero effect on my ability to start the Jeep up the next morning.

I can't wait to take a trip this winter to give it a test in really cold conditions :snorkel:


This is the same unit and model I've been using the past couple years. As you say the trick is to turn it down to 1 or so on the rheostat for sleeping.

[TACODOC]

I found a GOOD deal on 12v heated mattress pads, made in USA too!

http://www.ewoutlet.com/category/2/15

I bought two of the 30 inch wide models (his and hers), $36.95 each :Wow1:

Should be nice and cozy in Death Valley this year :)

[IZZYDUSIT]

Thanks Dave for posting the link- just orderd 2 as well- planing for some cold nights this winter in the eezi awn..
should convince the GF to join..:wings:

[bmonday]

I found a GOOD deal on 12v heated mattress pads, made in USA too!

http://www.ewoutlet.com/category/2/15

I bought two of the 30 inch wide models (his and hers), $36.95 each :Wow1:

Should be nice and cozy in Death Valley this year :)

Got 2 myself. Thanks for posting the link Taco.

[Jnich77]

It's awfully cold in the Eazi Awn at times.

Anyone use a heated blankets, 12-volt style? Suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks,
Mark

I got one from a truck stop.. works great. cost like 35.00

[cruiseroutfit]

I found a GOOD deal on 12v heated mattress pads, made in USA too!

http://www.ewoutlet.com/category/2/15

I bought two of the 30 inch wide models (his and hers), $36.95 each :Wow1:

Should be nice and cozy in Death Valley this year :)


Keep us updated when you get them and have a chance to use them guys :cool:

I'm sorta contiplating doing something different to keep warm at night. I've got a great bag, a bag liner and a tent heater and even in the temps hovering around zero it keeps me alive but I can't (won't) run the heater all night and if you get chilled off in the middle of the night its hard to get warm again.

[timh]

I have been trying to order one of the Electrowarmth blankets. Only problem is the only one available right now is the 36" wide model. Anyone ever use this one in a 56" wide RTT for two adults and a kid? Doe they put out enough ambient warmth to work well?

I really need to get one before New Years but I hate to comprimse and get the one that is too narrow.

[Peter_n_Margaret]

We use a mains powered (240V in Australia) electric blanket via a 12/240V inverter. A very small inverter is all that is required.
Lots of mains powered units to choose from. Cheap. Fully adjustable temperature....
Draw a maximum 60W (5A @ 12V) per side on highest setting.

Cheers,
Peter