The Camco Olympian Wave-3 is a low-pressure propane catalytic heater designed for RV interiors, cabins, and enclosed spaces. It produces radiant heat with no open flame, no flue, and no chimney -- and draws zero power from your battery. Use it as a primary or backup heat source when you need quiet, efficient warmth without running your furnace.
Catalytic heaters work differently from standard propane flame heaters. The Wave-3 uses a catalytic combustion panel to oxidize propane at low temperature, producing infrared radiant heat that warms people and objects directly -- not just the air. The result is steady, even warmth with no drafts and no noise.
The Wave-3 is adjustable from 1,600 to 3,000 BTU/hr, giving you control over output to match conditions. At full output it can heat up to 130 square feet -- enough for a typical RV living area or small room. At reduced output it extends your propane runtime and keeps a smaller space comfortable without overheating it.
Push-button piezoelectric sparker starts the heater without matches or a lighter. Rated for up to 20,000 ignition cycles.
Automatic shut-off prevents gas discharge if the catalytic element fails to ignite, protecting you from unburned propane buildup.
Runs entirely on low-pressure propane. No 12V hookup, no shore power, no battery drain -- ideal for boondocking and dry camping.
Hardware for permanent wall mounting is included. The compact footprint and 4 lb weight also make it easy to move between spaces as needed.
Conventional propane flame heaters lose a significant portion of combustion energy through flue gases and radiated heat that escapes upward. Catalytic oxidation converts propane to heat far more completely -- Camco rates the Wave-3 at 99.98% combustion efficiency. That means more of your propane goes directly into heating your living space rather than being vented or wasted.
The Wave-3 connects to your existing low-pressure propane supply line using a standard fitting. It can be permanently wall-mounted in a fixed location -- a common choice for bedroom slideouts, bath areas, or dinette walls -- or used freestanding on a flat surface. The unit dimensions (approximately 11-3/4 in tall x 10-1/4 in wide x 3-1/2 in deep) fit most RV wall spaces without modification.
Like all combustion appliances, the Wave-3 requires a vented space. Camco specifies use in vented areas only. This means the room or vehicle must have some means of fresh air exchange -- a cracked window or vent is typically sufficient. Do not operate in a sealed, airtight enclosure.
Many RV owners use the Wave-3 to supplement their furnace -- running it in the evening to maintain comfortable temperatures without cycling the propane furnace blower repeatedly. Others use it as a primary source when the furnace is bypassed or when heating only one zone of the coach. At 3,000 BTU/hr maximum output, it performs best in spaces up to 130 sq ft; larger floor plans may require two units or a higher-BTU model such as the Olympian Wave-6 or Wave-8.