Date: Fri, 3 Nov 2000 12:11:59 -0800
Reply-To: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject: Re: re hot air for cold nights
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> Well actually Bill this heater can be used with a bulk propane tank. I am
going
> to tap into my westy propane source. It can also draw it's air source
from
> inside your van instead of outside air so the temperature increase is
greater.
> As for power it comes with it's own on the self contained model, or you
can plug
> it into the cigarette lighter. Correct me if I am wrong, but the buddy
heater
> is not forced air or vented.
that's correct....
So if this is the case it still produces a by
> product that can kill you,
all heaters produce a byproduct that can kill you
that's why I would always have a CO detector in my Vanagon when using a
heater
another that will saturate the inside of your van
> with moisture.
Yep, that's a down side... though I have used a similar heater and have not
had a condensation problem... likely because I was in the desert where the
air is dry...
If I wanted moisture I would still be in a tent. I camp with a
> small flammable dog and a young child. Neither of which I want to see
brushing
> up against anything HOT.
If you put the Zodie inside you will also have something hot to brush up
against AND it will not be vented to the outside so you will have the
condensation possibility too.... I expect the Zodie will indeed need to be
put inside for serious heat production... but inside it is not vented and
you will indeed have CO because it is likely not a catalytic heater which
the Buddy appears to be as it is rated to be used inside...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not selling these things and will likely buy
neither... just wanted you to know about your choices... also someone on the
list is designing a catalytic heater just for the vanagon that will be
vented to the outside so you might want to wait for that... though it will
likely be more expensive and might not be ready until spring :( ....
that's what I'm waiting for....
Bill
Bill
This is not the cheapest solution, a radiant dish for
> $20 would certainly provide enough BTU's for my heat needs, but doesn't
provide
> the safety I was looking for. I thought about the "Buddy", but it didn't
meet
> my needs.
>
> Good luck with your "Buddy"
> Regards
> Graham
>
>
>
>
> "Bill Davidson" <wdavidson@thegrid.net> on 11/03/2000 12:26:48 PM
>
>
>
> To: Graham Mingst/CHASE@CHASE, vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> cc:
> Subject: Re: re hot air for cold nights
>
>
>
> > For those interested in staying warm I just got a ZODI self contained
> forced air
> > heater. I got the recommendation from the list last winter. After
> waiting for
> > them to retool the unit they re-released it recently and it is cheaper
> than
> > before. The base unit is around $150.00. It provides 10,000 btu's of
hot
> air
> > with no odor, carbon monoxide, or moisture. The unit needs to be
located
> > outside your van. They use flexible hoses that you would run into the
van
> to
> > provide the heat. I have an extra mesh window frame that I will modify
to
> > accept the hose for this. There is no thermostat, but I have figured
out
> a way
> > to light it and control temperature from inside my Westy. It doesn't
have
> all
> > the hands free convenience for a Carver or factory unit, but it is alot
> cheaper,
> > not a permanent install, and it is very portable, so I can take it along
> on cold
> > days when I am outside at the races, sitting around, or working under
the
> car
>
> Graham,
> this heater seems a bit complicated to me...
> just at a quick glance down side would seem to be:
> 1. the set up of it...
> 2. those propane canisters won't last long... probably not all night
> 3. a lot of heat lost outside before the warm air even gets inside...
> 4. having to hook it up to the battery...
> 5. price is higher than the "Buddy" heater described below:
>
> New to hardware stores (Lowe's carries them)
> Buddy portable propane heater:
> truly portable with 1 lb propane canisters... pick it up by the handle and
> move with it!
> two settings, 4,000 btu and 9,000 but
> can hood to 20 lb external tank with propane hose
> price: $95
>
> they advertise 6 hr of use with the 1 lb canister but don't say on with
> setting... but knowing American advertising for what it is I'm sure that
> would be on 4,000 btu setting so I would guess about 2 or 3 hours on 9,000
> btu setting...
>
> they advertise 110 hours with the 20 lb tank and assuming that is on the
> 4,000 btu mode that would mean maybe 50 hours on 9,000 btu mode
>
> disadvantage of all these small canister heaters is the number of
canisters
> you have to buy.... and I guess you throw them away? can they be
recycled???
> Could go through 10 canisters in a weekend!!! But the portability of the
> Buddy heater is fantastic... just pick it up and move it around like a
brief
> case.
>
> Still, I'd choose the Buddy over the Zodie for it's simplicity,
portability,
> and price.
>
> Anyone know if an 2nd propane tank like the stock Westy tank (under
> passenger side) could be set up to work at the high pressures of these
> propane canisters that are used with the Buddy heater???
>
> Bill
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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