Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:12:42 -0700
Reply-To: Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Robert Stevens <mtbiker62@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: The Looks.....(vanagon envy?)/Winter Camping Prep
In-Reply-To: <632994.81983.qm@web32404.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
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Dave,
You have probably already seen this mentioned on one list or another, but .... consider installing a "thermal barrier" across the interior top of your camper living space.
Richard Jones did it first and sent the idea long to me. Using a polypro blanket and installing snaps around the front and sides of it, then in corresponding spots on the
metal horizontal face interior, the rear of it just tucks in between the foam upper bed pads. It serves to trap whatever heat is being generated in the living space, and considerably
ameliorates the effects of the ambient temps coming through the canvas walls above. Makes a very big difference in the effectiveness of the Propex.
bob
On Dec 31, 2010, at 6:33 PM, David Vickery wrote:
> Trip reports always generate a little envy for me. In Colorado we are having a cold spell right now and anyplace warm(er) sounds nice.
>
> Earlier in the month I was down in Utah and Arizona and not a soul was out. I must admit I was on the lesser travelled roads around the backside of Canyonlands, but I only saw a couple pickup truck campers, and no Vanagons anywhere. Come to think of it, you don't see a lot anymore do you. I camped roadside one night and only 2 cars passed for the 12 hours I was there. The relative crowds you are seeing in So Cal would have been a nice change. I worried about the van not starting and wondered how long I would have to wait. I also have to say I finally appreciated seeing a Walmart after several days of terribly stocked stores struggling to make it.
>
> Tonight, I am using this Colorado cold snap to test my new furnace. Poptop up, outside temp at around 8 degrees. I have the inside temp set to 45 degrees and it feels warm when you first step in the van. The heater is cycling on maybe half the time right now, but I need to check some more. I'd like to see how much battery drain I get with the 2 Amp furnace. I started with a nicely topped up battery at 12.68 volts. Heater ran for about 45 minutes the first time from 8 degrees before hitting the 45 degree shutoff point. The snow on the front windshield looks like it isn't going anywhere.
>
> Dave in Fort Collins
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