Date:         Sun, 2 Oct 2005 11:44:15 -0700
Reply-To:     Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Keith Ovregaard <kovregaard@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Heaters: Propane vs. Gasoline vs. Diesel
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I put a Platinum Cat catalytic heater in my 84 westy behind the pass.
seat. The thermostat is mounted to the left of the fridge cabinet. It
is very efficient, quiet and makes cold weather camping very
comfortable. We've had temps in the low 20's and it would have been
pretty miserable without it. Feels like a fireplace (a small one) since
it produces infrared heat. You have to be close to it to feel the heat.
Because of the exhaust hose had to put through the body (mine goes thru
the floor behind the right wheel well), the LP lines plumbed and the
thermo wires run, it was a pain to install. No regrets though.

The 84 also has a factory gas fired heater that we have used only to
warm up the van in the morning for a few minutes. It uses a lot of
battery power and the exhaust stinks of gas fumes outside. It is also
loud. But it heats up the whole van very quickly. Good for only about
15 minutes using the timer when the engine is off. Will run
continuously while under way, although I have never used it that way.
If you are considering installing one of these in you van, forget about
it! Way too complicated and probably not worth the effort even if you
got it for free. Just cutting the three vent holes in the body is
reason enough not to do it.

My Syncro westy does not have a heater yet, so I am very interested in
other listers feedback on Propex heaters and other heaters that are
efficient, quiet and small.


Keith Ovregaard
84 Westy "Brownie" Solar Charged Camper
90 Westy Syncro (No name yet for the pastel white box)