Propex - where to put it?

[timski]

Hi Guys,

I bought a propex heater HS2000. I was going to put it under the back seat but there's not enough room there now as we decided to put the LPG tank there.

Looks like we're gonna have to use the cupboard where we currently store the portapotti (see image below) and make or buy a buddy seat that can store the portapotti too..... unless we can find somewher else to fit it? Any suggestions welcome.



One idea was to install it just behind the passenger's seat as show below? I would box it in so it doesn't get damaged. Not sure whether there's clear space below for the exhaust outlet. I've got a feeling the underslung water tank will be in the way.



I assume the exhaust outlet has to go out through the floor/chassis of the vehicle?

Does anyone else store their portapotti in a buddy seat? Does that work well?

Cheers,
Tim.

PS. It's an Autosleeper Hightop.

[rubarb]

The exhaust and inlet do go through the chassis and will need to be pointing out and backwards if you want to use the heater while driving. Where you intend putting the heater looks fine as long as their is plenty of room for air. A dropout hole, through the chassis, next to the heater would a good idea in case of a leak. I used a 75mm round vent wih a tail to finish it off nicely. Also try to make the cupboard you keep the gas canister in as air tight as possible. I used Holts Firegum which is it to seal exhaust but claims to be 100% carbon monoxide proof. A carbon monoxide detector is recommended.

Lots of people put their portapotti in the buddy seat but make sure it is not too tall. We tend to put ours out the way between the front seats.
I think there is plenty of space in the chassis for the pipes if you choose to place behind the passenger seat.

Enjoy the warmth

[Titus A Duxass]

The exhaust and inlet do go through the chassis......

Just for clarity, they go through the floor but not through the chassis rails.

[rubarb]

Good point. That is what I meant D'oh

[Cruz]

Fitted mine under the seat. Rather than on the floor it's fitted to the angled side of the engine bay. It would also fit a lpg tank unde there too with this orientation

Got our bog in a buddy seat......the westfalia repro one's that Davey P sells on the brickyard

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/westf ... 35207.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's secured in place using metal brackets and leather straps as per original fitment

[kevtherev]

you say you having an LPG tank under the bed?
well I have an Autosleeper and my tank is under the bed too and there's plenty of room for gas...



put the propex where Autosleeper fit them, and that is where your gas is at present

you can just see the vents in this picture

[billybigspud]

Not much room for fixing ya Fuse box though ay Kev

[timski]

put the propex where Autosleeper fit them, and that is where your gas is at present

I hadn't thought of putting it in there. That little cupboard looks like it's been built specifically for the gas bottles and is more or less air-tight. You think it's pretty safe to put the bottle under the bed then Kev? I suppose I've got a massive LPG tank there already so why not another gas bottle? It would be a good use of space as I'd prefer to keep the portapotti where it is.

Where do you keep the spare gas bottle then Kev, or do you make do with one?

Got our bog in a buddy seat......the westfalia repro one's that Davey P sells on the brickyard. It's secured in place using metal brackets and leather straps as per original fitment

Cruz, does the buddy seat come with the brackets or is that something you got elsewhere? Installing a buddy seat is something we've been thinking about doing anyway. I would like to make it so you can take the seat out fairly easily in case you needed to use the van to transport something large.

Is it possible to use the buddy seat when travelling? Is that legal? I presume you could fit a 3 point belt to it?

Thanks for all your advice,
Tim.

[kevtherev]

put the propex where Autosleeper fit them, and that is where your gas is at present

I hadn't thought of putting it in there. That little cupboard looks like it's been built specifically for the gas bottles and is more or less air-tight. You think it's pretty safe to put the bottle under the bed then Kev? I suppose I've got a massive LPG tank there already so why not another gas bottle? It would be a good use of space as I'd prefer to keep the portapotti where it is.

Where do you keep the spare gas bottle then Kev, or do you make do with one?

spare bottle is in the bottom of the wardrobe pushed to the rear. where nothing hangs down
that cupboard you say is air tight...shouldn't be.
there must be a sink hole to the outside for gas to escape, as it's heavier than air.
my potty is where yours is too
I see you use expensive butane, switching to propane ensures it won't freeze in cold weather, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper...just change the regulator.

I use my box seat when travelling and it's legal
If belts aren't fitted as standard, you don't have to fit them

[timski]

that cupboard you say is air tight...shouldn't be. there must be a sink hole to the outside for gas to escape, as it's heavier than air..

You're right, it has a sink hole in the bottom, but the rest of it is air-tight. It seems to be lined with a pastic liner and there is a kind of seal between the door and the door frame.

I see you use expensive butane, switching to propane ensures it won't freeze in cold weather, and it's a hell of a lot cheaper...just change the regulator.

Yeah they came with the van and we haven't finished them yet. Will switch over when we've finished them. Apparently some places will swap the type of bottle of no expense.

I use my box seat when travelling and it's legal
If belts aren't fitted as standard, you don't have to fit them

Good to know

Thanks,
Tim.

[Plasticman]

You're right, it has a sink hole in the bottom, but the rest of it is air-tight. It seems to be lined with a pastic liner and there is a kind of seal between the door and the door frame.



if you have a sink hole or any other hole then I can 100% guarantee that your cuboard in not air tight,
mm

[timski]

OK so I've decided to put the heater where Kev suggested, i.e. in the little cupboard where the gas bottles are currently stored (see pic earlier in thread).

Couple of questions.

1. Any idea where I can get hold of these taps (see pic below). There's currently one for the cooker and one for the fridge. I believe you're supposed to be able to switch off the gas to the heater on its own tap so want to get hold of one of these. Can't remember where I read that. Maybe that is something the caravan gas fitter will have to hand but just in case I'll see if I can source one.



2. Also, as I'm going to put the gas bottle under the back seat I'm going to need a longer piece of this orange tube (see pic below). Again any idea where I can get hold of this? Is it something I might be able to get in B&Q and if so does it have technical name/specification?



3. Would this pipe be suitable for the propane bottles? I would like to change over when the butane ones have been used up. Is it just a case of changing the regulator?

Thanks again,
Tim.

[timski]

Ah, I think I might have found what I need regarding the taps?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARAVAN-MOTOR ... 1c1f662a2b

For 8mm pipe. Is that standard?

[kevtherev]

yep that's perfect.
Autosleeper use copper to connect the propex to the tap, seems like a good idea as the rubber gas pipe has to be changed regularly

[timski]

Autosleeper use copper to connect the propex to the tap, seems like a good idea as the rubber gas pipe has to be changed regularly

As far as I am aware the gas fitter is going to use copper pipe between the heater and tap, but I still need to extend the rubber pipe from the bottle to the taps as the bottle is going to go under the backseat/bed now. The pipe I have is only short. Do you know whether propane and butane use different specification piping?

Cheers,
Tim.