Heater like propex etc. Have you connected to vans pipework?

[paulandchez]

Finally bit the bullet and bought a propex heater. Now I'm wondering best way to install it. Supplying warm air to the van is great but would it be even better if I piped it into the existing pipework so that I get hot air to the windscreen etc too? Surely someone has done it before and if so, how and what do I need to watch out for?

Cheers

Paul

[Oldiebut goodie]

I would have thought that you would be getting into the realms of incorrect back pressure if you tried that. The original heaters for air cold vans were designed for the length of ducting involved whereas things like Propex aren't. I'll see if I can dig out an example of what happens with pressures on a Webasto. I don't know if the air pressure from a Propex is as much as that from Webastos to start with though.

[Oldiebut goodie]

[busbuddy]

i did it in my bay, fitted the propex in the passenger footwell feeding straight into the upright pipe in centre of dash, never had a problem and these vans are so small that it dont really matter where the propex is it will fully heat a van very quickly
the propex was the only heater on the van,all original stuff was removed leaving just dashboard pipe bits, and it blew the cold air as well

[paulandchez]

Thanks for the info gents. Think I'll just put it in for now and see what it's like on its own and leave the internal plumbing alone

[a1winchester]

Thanks for the info gents. Think I'll just put it in for now and see what it's like on its own and leave the internal plumbing alone

Propex works well in my A/S Trident - until you open the sliding door! - Then it's start again. But that will be the same for any system I reckon.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Aaaahhhh.... but you have a heating system in your van - you have a watercooled. The aircold system leaves a lot to be desired as they age. It was only just enough in a new bay back in '73!