Sleeping with sunflower on

[FishingWebGuy]

I have a FT Voyager and am considering getting a Clam Sleeper to attach for weekend trips. I've never slept in a portable house before and wonder if it is safe to do so with the sunflower running?

I guess shutting it off would be an option but I'd much rather sleep and wakeup to the warmth. I can open the windows and vents also but I don't know if that is really enough. Maybe I need a portable CO detector to rest easy.

[Bigtime22]

I personally wouldnt sleep with a sunflower in a portable. I'm sure you wouldnt have any issues, having the venting. But is it really worth taking that risk? I know that there are units out there that have oxygen sensors and will shut down if they dont have enough. I would look into getting one of those, otherwise I would plan on waking up a little chilly. Just my opinion.

[DinkADunk]

I wouldn't want to sleep in a flamable shelter with a sunflower heater running. Just bring a good sleeping bag, crawl in, and enjoy your sleep. In the morning, turn on the sunflower.

[BobT]

I think I would follow the advice given so far. A sunflower heater is burning combustible fuel and the exhaust is being released into the same room. A build-up of carbon monoxide isn't the only toxic condition that could arise. Excess carbon dioxide or depletion of oxygen are a couple others that come to mind and there are others.

Bob

[fivebucks]

Better to wake up than not. I wouldn't risk it either for the reasons stated. Mr. Heaters are not intended for indoor or enclosed uses for a reason (at least per their own warnings).

[Surface Tension]

Don't use a sunflower for heat while sleeping. You'll have built up Carbon Monoxide in your body/blood from using it during the day for heat, you don't want to expose yourself to that any longer. A buddy heater might not put out a lot of heat but it will take some chill out at night while you sleep. You should have a bag rated for extreme cold temps and rely on that to stay warm. You'll still want to vent the house and have a Carbon Monoxide detector with the buddy heater. Get a set of good batteries for the Detector or else it won't work when cold.

[CJH]

I agree, I wouldn't do it, not worth the risk. Maybe with the Buddy, but I would be cautious with that as well.

Just an idea, but could you put one of those handwarmer things in your sleeping bag? I haven't used them much, but alot of them go for 12 hours now.

Good Luck!

CJH

[slipperybob]

One guy is always up fishing...Take the necessary precautions about sleeping with heater on with proper ventilation. It really depends on temperature. I generally don't sleep with a sunflower on, but had to on some occasions.

[anyfishwilldo]

I just got back from a 3 night stay in the sleeper on LOW. I used a big buddy, and a fan zip tied to the roof bar to circulate the air. We did have a sunflower set up for a b/u just in case, but the big buddy kept up.

[icehousebob]

One of my sons and I were out one evening in my 5600 with the sunflower going. After an hour or so I tried to light my pipe and the Bic lighter didn't work. I tried my spare, same thing. I finally realized we were running out of oxygen. The old 5600 had no air vents and I hadn't opened the zippers at all. Never fall asleep with a sunflower.

[Papa Woodie]

Also, if you have a lantern lit while using the heater, you will notice the light getting dim (lack of oxygen) until you vent, and the light will get brighter. I was out on the St. Louis one time and my lantern actually went out (plenty enough gas) and wasn't sure why. Had the same issue with my lighter not working till i opened the door and then it hit me (physically)...i could feel it. Weird situation.....but it does happen! I had a headache for awhile after...but the only lasting effect i had.

[slipperybob]

Also be very very leary about sunflowers that kicks in the afterburners! You get a flame about a foot or more shooting out! Sure gets the adrenaline pumping...

Maybe it's just bad fuel or fuel getting clogged somewhere or somehthing the the screen... eye's will be open very wide after that

[zamboni]

This is a bad, bad idea. Pony up the $100 and get a safe Big Buddy, you won't regret it

[mshs1]

A friend did this in a garage- spouse found him sitting on a pail and not making sense. This can be way more dangerous than we think--Man Rule-Don't Do It.

[EBass]

I wouldn't with a sunflower or buddy heater. Oxygen sensor or not - it's not worth it. Rent a sleeper on Mille Lacs or just get up early. I know sucks, but this is one thing I woundn't gamble on - just for fish.