Date:         Sun, 2 Oct 2005 20:15:57 -0400
Reply-To:     -- Dan Roberts <danielcroberts@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         -- Dan Roberts <danielcroberts@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Platinum Cat Install suggestions

I installed mine behind the passenger seat because that location just
makes the most sense. I tapped into a copper gas line, making a "T" just
next to the refrigerator, under the sink. I ran a copper line under a
shelf, to the floor, and exiting through a hole just at the small step
going into the front area. I ran the tubing at the "V" of this step and
over to the furnace. You might want to investigate using pressurized
hosing. It's difficult to make the necessary turns in the copper tubing
without going to far and creating kinks. I was lucky. My brother is a
plumber.

I also ran the electrical line from the secondary battery to the furnace
along that "v" in the step. Where the line exited the battery case, I
drilled a hole in that top door, inserted a rubber thingy in the hole and
then ran the wire under the carpet to the "V" and then under the carpet
and over to the furnace. I was able to run #14 wire under the carpet by
using an electricians "snake." You can get one at a hardware store
although it may go by another name. It's a long length of spring steel
held in a circle by a metal casing. It has a sort of hook on the end where
you twist the wire and then cover it with electricians tape. If you
haven't used one, ask about them from someone competant at a hardware
store. I really like them for this sort of work.

The furnace exhaust is through the floor just next to and slightly behind
the furnace. I used a hole saw to make the opening through the floor. I
caulked the exit pipe with a flexible caulking but I'm not remembering
just what it was.

I put the thermostat in the wrong place. I put it just above and behind
the driver's seat but this does not work well. Because this furnace
produces radiant heat, most of its effect is in front of it so I recommend
placing the thermostat on the exterior closet wall. You can run the wire
back under the carpet, along the "v" of the step, under the sink, behind
the refrigerator, through the storage cabinets and to the closet wall.
Another route would be above the sliding door, then over to the closet but
I think that will involve more dismanteling.

If you have cold weather I would expect this furnace to use about a gallon
per day. I use mine to warm the cabin while I'm up and set it very low
when I'm sleeping. I have also insulated my doors and floor with a
material that is pockets of air inclosed in plastic and covered by two
layers of aluminum. You will find it in four foot and two foot wide rolls
at large hardware stores. It helps but don't expect it to make a huge
difference. If your cabin top is up and open, that is a very large and
unsulated exposed area.

I have heard of another approach which involves using this insulation
material to create a temporary "roof" between the first and second floor.
Install it before going to bed and put it in the back of the second floor
when not in use. I think I will make one for myself.


Someone gave me a wood frame for the furnace but it's very simple.
Basically, it is just two sides made of plywood (about 4" across and abpit
2-3" higher than the furnace")with a floor and with the furnace held in
the middle with wood screws. Not real classy but functional. I used only
two wood screws to secure it to the floor because I want to be able to
remove it in the summer if I need the space.

I suggest placing the furnace at an angle slightly away from the sliding
door, behind the passendger seat and near the battery wall. This position
allows someone to still sit in the passenger seat when it's turned around.

"So I would love to get any suggestions for installing it. It sounds
like most people install it behind the passenger seat. Any other
locations? Any suggestions/diagrams for building the cabinet for it?
Vent/power/gas line routing?"