ideas wanted: cheap way to heat my van through winter please

Post by **ghost123uk** » 13 Oct 2008, 21:19

A = could someone tell us (me) what type of heater this is and roughly how it works ?

~~~~~~~~~

B = could anyone translate what on earth Blue is on about here ->

The_blue wrote:
I'd have thought it would cut down to minimum at a set level due to the did theromstat bulb below the valve but all setting seem to be maxinum...

Post by **The_blue** » 14 Oct 2008, 09:22

What i ment is that there is a copper thermocouple style unit on the outside of the gas valve that looks like a bulb. I thought it cut the flame down at a set heat once hot (like an electronic thermostat) but it makes more sence being a safty cut off.

I'll keep an eye out for the one with a thermostat.

Post by **ghost123uk** » 14 Oct 2008, 09:33

ghost123uk wrote:A = could someone tell us (me) what type of heater this is and roughly how it works ?

The_blue wrote:

What i ment is that there is a copper thermocouple style unit on the outside of the gas valve that looks like a bulb. I thought it cut the flame down at a set heat once hot (like an electronic thermostat) but it makes more sence being a safty cut off.

Ah so from the above clarification (thanks Blue

) we can deduce it is a gas heater

Next question = I take it it gives off fumes ?

Post by **The_blue** » 14 Oct 2008, 13:27

Yes it's gas. Have a look at this link from Willoughby (ta!)

http://www.seered.co.uk/zztops.htm

The whole thing is basicly an exaust system with fins....

It heats air which travels around the pipework giving off heat via the fins and is then vented under the van.. No fumes inside, no noise, no flat battery

Only downside is the size as its as big as an oil filld radiator and plumbed through a 4x 6 inch hole in the floor..

Post by **asahartz** » 27 Oct 2008, 14:54

I missed this thread earlier otherwise you could have looked at my installation first - I'm in Mansfield too and followed Willoughby's idea with a Carver SB1800 (mine cost £20!).

It works a treat though, and with that and a set of window insulation from JK, my daughter & her BF stayed toasty right through New Year in Derbyshire last year. Shouldn't get too hot turned down to Min (but note the regulator turns the "wrong" way - look closely at the knob!)

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 27 Oct 2008, 15:14

These seem a great idea:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PORTABLE-GAS-CAMP ... 286.c0.m14

Post by **The_blue** » 27 Oct 2008, 16:08

Good timing bringing this back to the top

Tried it for the 1st real go over the weekend.

Had it on for an hour them turned it to pilot light. That was enough to keep us just right through the night in just a quilt

Bonfire meet next week looks a whole lot warmer than last year

Post by **The_blue** » 27 Oct 2008, 16:11

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CARAVAN-CARVER-TR ... 286.c0.m14

If anyone is intrested.

Its local for Mansfield

Post by **ghost123uk** » 27 Oct 2008, 17:08

CovKid wrote:These seem a great idea:

http://cig.eaby.co.uk/PORTABLE-GAS-CAMP ... 286.c0.m14

Take great care !!

I consider these FAR too dangerous to use in a camper van.

A great fume risk and a fire risk.

We do own one but would never use it in the van, and we are not normally the "ever so cautious" types !!

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 27 Oct 2008, 17:55

A wise note. Must admit I would't feel happy using one overnight or without ventilation but the prospect of being stuck on a motorway in snow drifts was more what I had in mind.

Post by **asahartz** » 27 Oct 2008, 19:42

CovKid wrote:A wise note. Must admit I would't feel happy using one overnight or without ventilation but the prospect of being stuck on a motorway in snow drifts was more what I had in mind.

Snow drifts? In England? Not much chance (I wish! I could go skiing for free if we had a decent winter!)

Canadian Rockies. That's what you call a snowdrift!

Website · Post by **CovKid** » 27 Oct 2008, 23:46

I have not forgotten being stationary on M11 one year for 5 hours. I did a good trade in hot tea but boy was it cold that night.

Post by **COURGETTE** » 29 Oct 2008, 11:18

Why ot an oil filled radiator!!! just curious

i was thinking of getting one, and pros cons to em ?

Post by **ghost123uk** » 29 Oct 2008, 11:58

COURGETTE wrote:Why not an oil filled radiator!!! just curious

i was thinking of getting one, and pros cons to em ?

If you mean a mains (240 Volt) powered one then OK if you are on a mains hook up, otherwise you need a very long extension lead

You cannot run one off an inverter by the way, too much power required.

Those cheap ones from the likes of Aldi also do not give off much heat.
You really need a minimum of a 1 KW one.

I would love to find summat cheap to buy like the afore mentioned Carver item but smaller and without having to cut a ruddy great square hole in the floor of my van !!

Post by **COURGETTE** » 29 Oct 2008, 12:17

ahh no hook up !!! the penny drops. sorry. i have the same problem, but added to that, i need something safe for the woofs too. cant affors propex etc