heating systems for older vans
Moderators: User administrators, Moderators
-
- Registered user
- Posts: 134
- Joined: 01 Feb 2009, 22:27
- 80-90 Mem No: 0
- Location: Peoples democratic republic of Ayrshire
heating systems for older vans
Just wondering what your all using wouldn't mind a propex/eberspacher unit but they seem to go for silly money has anyone had any joys with a catalytic gas heater? I don't want to use one of these little cheapo things you can buy in camping shops as they aren't safe due to carbon monoxide build up if used for a prolonged period
- Nicola&Tony
- Registered user
- Posts: 2674
- Joined: 01 Nov 2006, 18:18
- 80-90 Mem No: 3095
- Location: Wallsend, Tyne & Wear
Re: heating systems for older vans
Just a few of the previous posts about heaters, from the search facility, limited to the campers forum. Hope they help.
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r#p7313811" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r#p7306865" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p349652" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p306330" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p214418" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Propex is well worth the money, imho.
Tony
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r#p7313811" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r#p7306865" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p349652" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p306330" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... er#p214418" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Propex is well worth the money, imho.

Tony
Looking for: window apertures for side windows, at the back of the van
T25; 1985; RHD; 1.9DG petrol / LPG; white Autosleeper high-top; Looking rusty again!
LT31; 1993; RHD; 2.4L petrol; high-top; diy camper project.
T25; 1985; RHD; 1.9DG petrol / LPG; white Autosleeper high-top; Looking rusty again!
LT31; 1993; RHD; 2.4L petrol; high-top; diy camper project.
- AngeloEvs
- Registered user
- Posts: 1345
- Joined: 22 Nov 2007, 19:22
- 80-90 Mem No: 4709
- Location: Upwell, Norfolk
Re: heating systems for older vans
I use a Rinnai cat heater when not on EHU, no issues with CO but you cannot regulate or change the heat output, has to be used at max all the time so not suitable for leaving on during the night!
1987 DG Karisma LPG with remodelled interior
- Vanagonman
- Registered user
- Posts: 165
- Joined: 30 Aug 2006, 05:52
Re: heating systems for older vans
Hi
I have a cat heater in my van it works great.
My cat heater is regulated so you can turn it to the temperature you need with a dial on it's side.
An improvement over the Propex, etc. is that it doesn't need a 12 v battery for it to work, so no drain. Plus, I believe it uses less gas than a Propex to boot.
Here's my post on this thread:
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r&start=15" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's another bloke in America with a cat heater in his Vanagon Westy.
http://www.geocities.com/harald_nancy/p ... heater.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Another one:
http://home.earthlink.net/~johndolsen/id13.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Both the Yanks use vented ones, but if you can open a window, you get many of the same benefits.
I have a cat heater in my van it works great.
My cat heater is regulated so you can turn it to the temperature you need with a dial on it's side.
An improvement over the Propex, etc. is that it doesn't need a 12 v battery for it to work, so no drain. Plus, I believe it uses less gas than a Propex to boot.
Here's my post on this thread:
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... r&start=15" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Here's another bloke in America with a cat heater in his Vanagon Westy.
http://www.geocities.com/harald_nancy/p ... heater.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Another one:
http://home.earthlink.net/~johndolsen/id13.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Both the Yanks use vented ones, but if you can open a window, you get many of the same benefits.
Last edited by Vanagonman on 07 Feb 2009, 09:13, edited 2 times in total.
was....82 Westy, 80 Mk. 3 Transporter, 69 Bay
now....66 T1 LHD 1.6 Bus
* If you need it to arrive safe & in one piece..*

now....66 T1 LHD 1.6 Bus
* If you need it to arrive safe & in one piece..*

- Vanagonman
- Registered user
- Posts: 165
- Joined: 30 Aug 2006, 05:52
Re: heating systems for older vans
AngeloEvs wrote:I use a Rinnai cat heater when not on EHU, no issues with CO but you cannot regulate or change the heat output, has to be used at max all the time so not suitable for leaving on during the night!
Solution is easy. Open your windows more!!

You can use this too!
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details. ... tch&start=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
was....82 Westy, 80 Mk. 3 Transporter, 69 Bay
now....66 T1 LHD 1.6 Bus
* If you need it to arrive safe & in one piece..*

now....66 T1 LHD 1.6 Bus
* If you need it to arrive safe & in one piece..*

- AngeloEvs
- Registered user
- Posts: 1345
- Joined: 22 Nov 2007, 19:22
- 80-90 Mem No: 4709
- Location: Upwell, Norfolk
Re: heating systems for older vans
With a new gas bottle I could leave it on but, if the pressure starts to fall due to gas getting low, the cat loses efficiency and produces CO, hence the reason I wouldn't risk leaving mine on during the night! Other than for that it does kick out a lot of heat and I switch it on and off as required. Nice if mine had a heat regulator like yours has, you should post a piccy of it........ 

1987 DG Karisma LPG with remodelled interior