Date:         Wed, 2 Apr 2003 23:03:28 -0800
Reply-To:     Westyman <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Westyman <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: [Syncro] re: Auxiliary heating of a Syncro Westy
Comments: To: Wetwesties <wetwesties@yahoogroups.com>
Comments: cc: syncro@yahoogroups.com
In-Reply-To:  <3E8BACCC.6CC10EE1@colorado.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Propex Heatsource is about to release a new, larger heater in the next
month. This is a 2800 watt (9560 btu/hr) unit, not much larger than the
Carver externally, with self-diagnostics and thermostatically-controlled
temperature. Pricing is expected to be around $600 US. I expect this unit
should easily meet the heating needs in sub-zero winter camping in our
Westies and other type campers.

Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures
US Distributor for Propex Heatsource
301.432.4645
thewestyman@mindspring.com


-----Original Message-----
 Subject: [Syncro] re: Auxiliary heating of a Syncro Westy
I have a Carver P4 in my Syncro Westy.  The coldest I have camped
is 23 degrees (F).  That was in Utah.  I have not camped in sustained
cold--several days/nights.

My observations:  My Carver takes several/many tries to ignite when
it is below ~40 degrees.  Like 4-6.  I asked about this on the lists
and got zero responses.  My guess is that Carver designed it for
caravaning in Great Britain and didn't think/test/design for temps
below ~50 degrees (F).

The Carver puts out ~7500 BTU, as I recall.  It can warm the van
with the top down in cold weather.  With the top up, there isn't
much hope. I don't have all my windows covered with curtains, so
that costs some, of course.  I like to look out....

I had a '61 splitty in which I put a surplus West Bend (6 V)
army surplus gas heater that put out ~20,000 BTU.  I used to
claim I could cook a chicken in front of the vent.  That was
heat!  In less that ten minutes, all the ice on the windows
was melted.

So for serious winter camping, I'd want ~10,000+ BTU in a heater.
And one that ignites on first try in the cold....

I would like to hear reports from others with Carvers who have
used them in cold temps.

                                Richard A. Jones
                                Boulder, Colorado