Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:17:22 -0500
Reply-To: Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stan Wilder <wilden1@JUNO.COM>
Subject: Re: Seeking warmth in my Westy
Content-Type: text/plain
I hate to be the neigh sayer on this matter but I have never heard of any
heater that has a flame that did not consume oxygen. Although many
heaters are approved for indoor use I can't help but envision indoor as a
20x20 foot cabin with natural air leaks that help to keep them safe. If
you try to operate these heaters in a very tight space they will quickly
consume the available oxygen and replace it with carbon monoxide.
Before I wasted my money on any heater I'd call the manufacturer and talk
to them, telling them how many cubic feet you're sleeping in and about
your probable or no ventilation situation.
I seriously doubt that any heater with a gas flame is safe in such a
confined area without proper venting to the outside like the Westy
Refrigerator. The Camper supplement is very specific about not using the
stove top for heating and I must carry that warning over to any heater
that operates with a flame.
The BA-4/6 heaters are mounted outside of the cabin and have both fresh
air venting sources with very high quality barriers to separate the fire
chamber from the heated air chamber. Even the Eberspacher heaters vent
exhaust too close to the cabin area and are designed to operate only
about ten minutes while the vehicle is parked.
About the only external heating devise I would consider would be a heater
that sits outside the van and blows fresh air across a safe heat
exchanger into the van.
I use a little cube type Holmes (walMart) 110 volt electric heater while
camping in civilized camp grounds but I think If I were intent on
roughing it I'd just get a little Honda generator that would produce 7.5
Amps and run the Honda unit outside the van to supply the electric to the
electric heater or capture the air vented across the Gas Engine cylinder
head by means of ducting to heat the van. The cylinder head heat sounds
practical since it has its own blower source and home dryer hose would
accomplish the ducting very effectively. I have an air ram at my website
that would suffice as the inlet port for the warm air.
http://williamwareagency.com/forsale/stanvan/vent.htm
Hey guys! I'm so paranoid about safety that I chock all four wheels when
I camp in my van.
Stan Wilder
83 Westfalia Air Cooled
On Fri, 21 Sep 2001 11:18:41 -0400 John Baker <abusguy2@SPRINGMAIL.COM>
writes:
> Matt,
> I have used a Coleman "Black Cat" catalytic propane heater in my
> older buses. Seems to do pretty well. I even updated to the "Power
> Cat" model that includes a battery-driven fan to blow the heat. Got
> it for about $70 at the local Bass Pro Shop. Actually gives off
> decent heat, they say it is completely safe for indoor use, however,
> it does create a lot of condensation inside the bus on cold nights,
> so you still need to crack a window unless you don't mind the
> moisture.
> peace, John Baker
>
>
> On Thu, 20 Sep 2001 14:20:52 -0600 Matt Heydon <matt@CO.ROUTT.CO.US>
> wrote:
>
> List members:
> I will be doing some cold weather travel and I'm looking for a safe
> way to
> heat the interior while sleeping.
> I've been to MrHeater.com, but they say their stuff is for outdoor
> use.
> I've been to Colemans site and there are a lot of choices.
> What are people using that has passed the Vanagon owners test?
> Gratefully,
> Matt
>
>
> Peace, JB
> '66 Split Window Camper
> '83 H20 Vanagon
>
> "You cannot simultaneously work for peace and prepare for war..."
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