Inverters....?

[Novice in need]

Hi i believe you could run the heater via the inverter ... i used to on a narrow boat that i owned as i did not have a Eberspacher, i even ran a hoover and kettle obviously not at the same time mind you the only thing is is that you have to have the engine running at the same time also is the invertor a sinewave type (reduces power surges).

I know this i not ideal but as a temp solution .. considering that a diesel fuel heater will still use your pricey fuel anyway.
What about a cheap generator there compact enough to have on board for whenu need them in a remote area?

[72BUG]

If you were going to have the engine running then you wouldn't need the inverter because you could just heat the van from the blowers.

Also diesel Eberspachers are very fuel efficient and would only use a small fraction of the fuel it would take to run the engine or a generator.

[Novice in need]

True .. not to mention unnecessary engine wear, hence why i suggested a generator (perhaps more cost effective than a Eberspachers?)
I only gave another view point which like most on here ca be taken up or NOT as the case may be, sorry if i have offended.. also Tommy may and i only say MAY not have been aware that if he needed a short use of an electrical 240v item then this is another way to get it going without the inverter bleeping and cutting out?

[72BUG]

Generators are ok if you're away from civilisation and no one to disturb with the noise. But still a very expensive way of keeping warm. I put 5 litres of diesel in my Eber and use it every day in winter for extra heat whilst driving. I only have to fill the tank every 3-4 weeks.

[Novice in need]

Hi when i say cost effective i mean the initial outlay..... i personally couldnt afford a Eber (whilst i accept that is the way forward) but if its a infrequent used item when not in a holiday park with 240 hook up facilities id opt for a cheap gene!

[72BUG]

Yeah I suppose it's all down to personal requirements. I hardy ever stayed at a site with hookup and instead spent most of my time at club meets, festivals and wild camping, and also camped all year round. Not to mention taking the dogs to the beach every day. Can't beat leaving the heater on and coming back to a toasty warm van after a walk in the cold.

The initial outlay is hard to swallow but I can honestly say it's some of the best money I ever spent because it makes the van much more usable all year round.

[TommyB260971]

Hi again.
Just read your posts and would like to say thanks for the advice.
Have found a propex HS2000 kit from a firm near me for £425 inc the dreaded vat.
I think I'm gonna go for this, unless anyone knows of a cheaper one?

I'm up in Preston, Lancs.
Many Thanks
Tommy

[Cruz]

Did you go for that Tommy?

I know it's in Chester but Steve at Gasure will fit one for £580 all in

http://www.gasure.co.uk/propex.htm

[boatdog]

hi just a quickie on the inverters, i run a smallish one on my van (600w) 2 liesure batteries and a 60w solar panal on the roof i can power most stuff like colour tv even a hoover but hairdryers just pull so much out the batteries it would kill them very quickly. i used to have a narrowboat running a 1500watt inverter backed up with 4 120amp batteries and 60w solar panal which could run most stuff but again when my daughter pluged in her dreaded 1800w hairdryer it would kill the battery bank in about 15 mins. dont forget when the batteries get a little cold there performance drops off as well, inverters are ok for small loads for a long period eg we can live in the van for over a week watching tv etc on camping trips with out running the batteries down just dont expect them to do miricles.