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What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 13:44
by Tells1983
I am cosidering getting this thing http://www.charlescamping.ie/onlinestor ... cts_id=456" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know people will tell me to get an eber, but i just can't afford it at the moment, or in the near future for that matter!!

I plan on doing lots of wild camping so the ones that hooks up to the mains are no good to me..

Any thoughts??

Go on! tell us what's in yer van..

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 16:44
by R0B
eberspacher d1lc

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 17:21
by 1664
I have a propex. That heater you're suggesting does not vent the exhaust gases outside so you have to be very careful when using it in a confined space - aswell as keeping it a good distance from anything that might catch alight.

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 18:03
by kevtherev
propex

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 18:12
by windysurfer
Got one very similar to this in my garage if anyones interested.
I used to use it before I got my Eber.Not looked back since.
That one you posted a link too is not exactly cheap. You could pick up a second hand eber for not much more

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 20 Jan 2009, 22:10
by timthetrader
Propex which cost 170 quid on ebay and its great

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 21 Jan 2009, 18:20
by Valedub
I have a propex,on a timer switch.

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 21 Jan 2009, 19:18
by AngeloEvs
I have 1.6Kw USA made Rinnai catalytic heater specifically designed for leisure vehicles which I use occaisionally. It does not produce CO untill the gas starts to lose pressure (and then the cat doesn't work efficiently) but even so I wouldn't risk sleep with it on during the night and the temperature in the van soon plummets. I have a Fireangel CO digital monitor/alarm and I keep a watchful eye on the reading whenever I use any of the gas appliances. I have used the Rinnai for several hours with no problems but if you are serious about heating your van and wildcamping in the winter a proper vented gas system that is thermostatically controlled is the only real option and by far the safest and most comfortable. Don't buy any stand alone gas heater until you have read the makers specification and the one you have listed doesn't seem to have one.

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 22 Jan 2009, 09:08
by timthetrader
I was going to ask the question if I parked on very thick dry grass as I have a propex would there be a chance I would cause a fire from the exhaust gases outside but then I realised if I needed the heater on inside the chances are the grass would'nt be dry! DER :oops: :oops: :oops:

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 22 Jan 2009, 10:28
by 1664
Naah, you can hold your hand in front of the exhaust

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 22 Jan 2009, 20:53
by hercules
Tells1983 wrote:I am cosidering getting this thing http://www.charlescamping.ie/onlinestor ... cts_id=456" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I know people will tell me to get an eber, but i just can't afford it at the moment, or in the near future for that matter!!

I plan on doing lots of wild camping so the ones that hooks up to the mains are no good to me..

Any thoughts??

Go on! tell us what's in yer van..
there one on JK for £295
have a look be better then one you going to get
http://www.justkampers.com/marketplace/ ... and_loom-2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 23 Jan 2009, 13:54
by Tells1983
OK then, i get it!

Propex or nothing :D

Thanks for all the replies..

Hercules, i have contacted the seller and should hopefully have it by next week.
Thank you..

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 25 Jan 2009, 22:46
by hercules
Tells1983 wrote:OK then, i get it!

Propex or nothing :D

Thanks for all the replies..

Hercules, i have contacted the seller and should hopefully have it by next week.
Thank you..
you be happy with it best money you could spend on when them cold camping night kick in, :ok i hop you made a good deal out of the guy as it sound very good,it easy to put in, :ok

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 31 Jan 2009, 11:25
by Vanagonman
Tells1983 wrote:OK then, i get it!

Propex or nothing :D

Thanks for all the replies..

Hercules, i have contacted the seller and should hopefully have it by next week.
Thank you..

Not so fast...

A properly working cat heater does not produce any harmful emissions but it does consume oxygen.

What that means is, so long as you keep a window open (sliding window for example) it is fine to use and they produce a lot of heat.

Another advantage over the Propex, other than just the price, is unlike the Propex, a cat heater does not require a 12 volt connection, which means it does not drain your lesuire battery nor relies on having enough current in your lesuire battery in order to function. In emergencies, that could mean life or death.

Here's mine:
Image
Image

I keep this as a backup and use a mains electric heater primarily for times when I'm camping at campsites. However, just like a Propex, a cat heater can be used whilst driving to keep the cabin warm and they have selectable heat levels (a good thing in an Aircooled T3).

Another alternative is buy a regular 1.5kwh or 2kwh household mains electric heater which you use when you can plug into campsites. On the odd occasion when you camp away from campsites or a mains, you can just buy a 2.6kwh/3kwh portable generator which is appx £300 and plug it into the camper's mains connection.

Image

Now I know a generator almost costs the same price as a Propex, but unlike a Propex, the generator charges your batteries and works all things electrical to boot. Great to have camping anyway, even by those who already have a Propex or Eber. Just be sure to chain it up to the van so it doesn't "walk away" in the middle of the night, etc.

Re: What heater do you use?

Posted: 31 Jan 2009, 13:10
by tezza
propex,mines 1991 and propex emailed me a manual for it. nice people! :D :D :D :D