View Full Version : Golf cart heater
Golfer222
01-12-2022, 06:51 AM
Looking for a NON propane heater for golf cart. USB or 12 volt powered. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Toymeister
01-12-2022, 08:54 AM
You can get 12 volt auto "defrosters" but you do not get to rewrite Ohms laws and how many BTUs that you can get from 12 volts.
While you can get a few thousand BTUs from a propane heater (perhaps 5,000) you can only get 500 from 12 volts and that's just theory, in actually, with the gauge of wire that is in a cart you'll get 200 tops.
With USB you'll get ten.
Now, if you have an electric cart with massive battery reserves and voltage above 12 volts and are willing to add some heavy gauge wires in, that's a different story.
If you change your mind on propane, I have one. I got it with a cart that I sold off $35.00
Golfer222
01-12-2022, 09:17 AM
just something a little un-nerving about having a propane heater in such a small enclosed space
villagetinker
01-12-2022, 09:20 AM
Also, many carts have the 12 volt accessory port connected to the MAIN fuse, and guess what, when that fuse blows the cart stops, and depending on the wiring harness used it can be very hard to find this fuse. IMHO, the electric only heaters will not work well (as noted above), sorry I do not have any other alternatives except for the propane heaters.
tophcfa
01-12-2022, 09:27 AM
Also, many carts have the 12 volt accessory port connected to the MAIN fuse, and guess what, when that fuse blows the cart stops, and depending on the wiring harness used it can be very hard to find this fuse. IMHO, the electric only heaters will not work well (as noted above), sorry I do not have any other alternatives except for the propane heaters.
We found an excellent alternative that has no draw on the battery, a jacket, hat, and pair of gloves. Works excellent : (
Garywt
01-12-2022, 09:38 AM
My son got me a propane heater for Christmas. Had one before in a different golf cart situation. Look forward to bringing it down with me next week.
frose
01-12-2022, 10:44 AM
check out lowes i just saw them there
EdFNJ
01-12-2022, 11:13 AM
You can also try a metal salad bowl, some wood chips or wood pellets, lighter fluid and a lighter. Should warm you up real quick and not need that dangerous propane. Just don't make any sharp turns.
CWGUY
01-12-2022, 11:19 AM
:ohdear: I saw a sunbrella enclosure on a cart catch on fire and burn with the expected damage. It was on a golf course here on a cold windy day. Side panel blew into the cart after driver got out and walked to his ball.
DALEPQ
01-12-2022, 12:07 PM
Most all Carts with Sunbrella tops are not secure enough to hold in much heat.
I have an electric plug in one that is basically useless when riding since more air comes
in through various places.
I think it is a pure waste of $$ to get an electric plug-in heater.
But, you can try it for yourself if you so choose.
Golfer222
01-12-2022, 01:06 PM
Regarding post # 5 and post # 8
hahahahaha- extremely witty- roflmao- lolololololololololololol-is that the response you were so in need of?
Why is it that there is ALWAYS a few that think they are the funniest people in the room and just HAVE to comment with out any substantive contribution
EdFNJ
01-12-2022, 11:42 PM
Regarding post # 5 and post # 8
hahahahaha- extremely witty- roflmao- lolololololololololololol-is that the response you were so in need of?
Why is it that there is ALWAYS a few that think they are the funniest people in the room and just HAVE to comment with out any substantive contribution Probably 80% of the posts on TOTV are "without substantive contribution." ;) Why are there always a few who are always a bunch of grumpy old people? If there are too many posts "without any substantive contribution" by the same posters one can easily block those posters completely with the "IGNORE" function on the forum and never have to see their posts again. To do that one can click on USER CP on the top bar of the forum then on the left side is EDIT IGNORE LIST. Open that and add any user and they will never be seen again!
Have a happy day and remember: Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdtsCb51T7Q)
Another alternative for some people is try a couple of these pills: :1rotfl:
DaleDivine
01-13-2022, 06:33 AM
Looking for a NON propane heater for golf cart. USB or 12 volt powered. Any suggestions.
Thanks
You can buy the plug in ones at Rural King for less than $20.
I bought a propane heater last year and only lit it on a cold day to see if it works.
I've never really needed one after putting all the curtains down. It stays pretty warm in the cart.
:ho::clap2:
Bay Kid
01-13-2022, 06:44 AM
Another great thing about a gas cart is a little heat from the motor. On cold days I park in the sun before leaving. Best if sun can hit the seat. I always keep a blanket in the upper rear storage tray.
GoneFishing
01-13-2022, 07:20 AM
We have a blanket that has pockets that you put hand warmers in. My wife puts it across her lap and legs. Works fine for cart rides.
mkjelenbaas
01-13-2022, 07:31 AM
just something a little un-nerving about having a propane heater in such a small enclosed space
Are you kidding? These enclosures let in so much air!!
kbace6
01-13-2022, 07:43 AM
As much as I love all things electric, Toymeister is 100% correct here.
The only way to get effective heat from an electric cart is to draw directly from the battery bank at whatever your cart's voltage is, with as Toymeister mentions, much larger/thicker wires. There are only so many BTUs you will get from a 12VDC circuit before your heat source is burned up wires.
You can get 12 volt auto "defrosters" but you do not get to rewrite Ohms laws and how many BTUs that you can get from 12 volts.
While you can get a few thousand BTUs from a propane heater (perhaps 5,000) you can only get 500 from 12 volts and that's just theory, in actually, with the gauge of wire that is in a cart you'll get 200 tops.
With USB you'll get ten.
Now, if you have an electric cart with massive battery reserves and voltage above 12 volts and are willing to add some heavy gauge wires in, that's a different story.
If you change your mind on propane, I have one. I got it with a cart that I sold off $35.00
Malsua
01-13-2022, 07:47 AM
Are you kidding? These enclosures let in so much air!!
How many people had/have a gas stove? Who has run the 18,000BTU oven while boiling water on a 14,000 btu quick burner, heating pasta sauce on a 10,000 btu burner without a second thought in their 10x12 galley kitchen?
Remember, a standard gas range is not vented to the outdoors.
A tiny little 4k propane heater won't generate enough CO in a leaky golf cart to put a mouse to sleep.
jimkerr
01-13-2022, 08:14 AM
If you want a great heater you need the propane heater. I have one and it works really well.
BobAugustine
01-13-2022, 08:26 AM
You can get 12 volt auto "defrosters" but you do not get to rewrite Ohms laws and how many BTUs that you can get from 12 volts.
While you can get a few thousand BTUs from a propane heater (perhaps 5,000) you can only get 500 from 12 volts and that's just theory, in actually, with the gauge of wire that is in a cart you'll get 200 tops.
With USB you'll get ten.
Now, if you have an electric cart with massive battery reserves and voltage above 12 volts and are willing to add some heavy gauge wires in, that's a different story.
If you change your mind on propane, I have one. I got it with a cart that I sold off $35.00
I'm interested in the heater if it's still available for $35.
jarodrig
01-13-2022, 08:48 AM
just something a little un-nerving about having a propane heater in such a small enclosed space
I have a Coleman golf cart heater that I’ve used for 15 + years . I can assure you that your concern is a non issue for reasons already stated by other posters . The Coleman heaters are the best with two heat settings but unfortunately, they are no longer available UNLESS you can find a used one on EBay , Amazon, etc…..
Be advised , though, that the battery powered ignition on the Coleman’s do fail BUT they can be ignited by using a long stem butane lighter some use to light the barbecue grills.
There is an alternative to the Coleman and I’ve included an image of that unit . They are sold at SPARR or ACE and run about $100 .
For me, they are worth their weight in gold ! I just used mine during an early morning tee time yesterday morning !
BostonRich
01-13-2022, 09:10 AM
I bought my wife a rechargeable heated vest that she wears under her jacket. She still works and needs to go to work in the chilly mornings. She plugs a USB battery pack in every night and keeps that in the vest pocket. Keeps her warm enough she says.
Topspinmo
01-13-2022, 09:59 AM
just something a little un-nerving about having a propane heater in such a small enclosed space
It mounts in drink holder and flame has cage around it. It if it get jarred it will cut off. Hitting bump will sometimes cut it off. Only thing un-nerving is not knowing out to operate it. I’ve been here 8 years and only three days where I wish I had Heater. But I grew up in northwest Missouri.
Samcat13
01-13-2022, 11:16 AM
I got a gas heater from Lowes or Home Depot for $70 dollars a Couple of years ago. I've used it around 3 times. My Colman stopped working so got this one. In 16 years I have used a heater about 10 Times. When it's cold outside I dress heavier.
Rodneysblue
01-13-2022, 12:03 PM
Looking for a NON propane heater for golf cart. USB or 12 volt powered. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Heat up some large rocks in your stove then put them in your cart, should last a couple of hours.:icon_wink:
doctorknow
01-13-2022, 12:20 PM
I use propane. It is safe IF you anchor it well so it doesn't tip over going around a curve and fall out of the cup holder. also the CO or CO2 concern while it is burning should not be a problem as the sunbrellas are not sealed very well and let enough air in. If you are concerned put a shim in your front windshield to let in a little air (kinda defeats the purpose of the heater though). If you leave your propane on while golfing in and out of cart make sure you zip up the sides at least enough to keep the inside warm and so the wind doesn't blow the curtain onto burner to start a fire.
Using a 12v/110 inverter you may be able to run a small electric heater. the inverter should have a fuse so you don't blow the main cart fuse. Make sure you get the proper rated inverter for the heater in amps. Don't over work the inverter by drawing too much current. You will be limited in wattage. Carts are just not designed to be heated, they don't have the wiring, fusing, and to leave a heater on while not running strains the battery. The air flow in a cart is not meant to be sealed so the air easily comes in cracks and spaces. the golf cart is not insulated.Any heat is easily dissipated quickly below 40 degrees.
mgb10155
01-13-2022, 01:55 PM
I added a cigarette lighter plug wired directly to the battery.
I have a 12v electric car blanket that I plug into it. Warm enough to counter the chill when it's dark out.
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