Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 12:27:49 -0700
Reply-To: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bob Stevens <mtbiker62@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 4 Nov 2004 to 5 Nov 2004 - Special issue
(#2004-1073)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
A little different way of looking at this thread; with campers, with the top
up, the canvas is not an insulator at all, if anything a very temperature
permeable layer. I replicated Richard Jones's blanket insulating barrier and
found it maintained a 20+ degree difference, on 35 degree nights. Easy to
make and apply in a couple minutes but eliminates the accommodation of the
upper bunk except for luggage storage. 4 snaps along the front of the
blanket and van top, 4-5 back on each side on the tops of the air ducting
leading back toward the rear and tuck that end of the blanket between the
top bunk mattress.
Very easy to install and take down for access to that area. I was surprised
by the difference in temperature to the touch when I took it down next
morning. I used a fairly heavy polypro blanket. The blanket itself was
noticeably colder on the upper side than bottom. I use the Olympic Cat also
and pop the side sliding windows open an inch and I wake up every morning.
Left the heater on 2 of the 4 nights and the other 2 I just put the blanket
in place and found the temp. difference next morning 15 degrees.
An opinion re cat heaters: the sleeping area is 18-20" or so, above the
floor where the C0 is going to collect as it is heavier than atmospheric
air. That is a significant factor related to the safety vs hazard of these
heaters. The heated air rises to the blanket in this application and gats
pretty effectively trapped by the blanket.
Bob Stevens
'87 Westy Syncro
http://groups.msn.com/BobsPhotoShare
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/tiico
----- Original Message -----
From: "gary hradek" <hradek@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, November 05, 2004 10:55 AM
Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 4 Nov 2004 to 5 Nov 2004 - Special issue
(#2004-1073)
> John,
> Buy the smallest size with the battery operated
> fan and use with the top popped but avoid sleeping
> while in use. Lack of oxygen is the most serious
> drawback. Gary
> Date: Fri, 5 Nov 2004 10:14:55 -0700
> From: Anonymous Digest <jbrush@AROS.NET>
> Subject: Catalytic Heaters
>
> Hi gang,
>
> I am not wanting to start yet another thread on how
> safe or unsafe
> portable
> heaters are, so I hope that POV can be avoided and
> save the archives
> another
> beating. <g>
>
> Through the discussions about catalytic heaters in our
> vans, I am not
> sure I
> ever read much on how well they actually warm up our
> interiors.
>
> I am considering getting one for a short camping trip,
> and am a bit
> incredulous about whether the smaller ones are of any
> value.
>
> I can get a SportCat for $25, but its only 1000 BTUs.
> To get more, you
> gotta
> pay more :-) but is 1000 BTUs too small to make a
> difference when its
> about 35
> degrees outside? I would think the bigger 3000 BTU
> jobs might work
> well, but
> of they use a lot more fuel, and cost more.
>
> I would like to avoid a big investment, as $$$ are in
> way short supply,
> so I
> am seeking the cheep route.
>
> Anyone who is using one of these kinds of heaters want
> to share their
> experience in about 35 degree conditions? I would
> rather not buy it and
> just
> be a bit cold, than throw away the cash at this point
> in time.
>
> Thanks for any comments and please, let us not go into
> the safety issue
> again.
> I promise never to sleep with it on, and to keep a
> window open a bit
> whenever
> it is lit. :-)
>
> Much obliged for you time,
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Check out the new Yahoo! Front Page.
> www.yahoo.com
>
| 
