Date:         Thu, 31 Oct 2013 06:28:10 -0400
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Propex alternative?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

        Karl, dead on.  I have many customers who come here with brand new motorhomes with those Atwood heaters who have me remove them and install a Propex.  More efficient and much, much more quiet.  The one in our Europa RV is very noisy but does heat the RV very well so I’m reluctant to change it, we shall see this winter how it goes.  As for the high cost, it’s all relative.  Of all the $s spent on my Westy over the years the Propex was the single best investment EVER !  It is used very often and it works and there’s no maintenance other than cleaning the dust from the face of it now and then.  It’s all relative to what you want to achieve and what you need.  I think a new engine for you van is expensive but if you want to drive your van and the engine is toast you really need to buy a new engine !  So……if you want reliable heat and little to no problems get the Propex and install it properly in a location that is beneficial for the long term.  See here:  <www.frankcondelli.com/propex.htm>


On Oct 31, 2013, at 12:00 AM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:

> This question comes up every year. Three basic options (well, truly safe
> options), from low to high in price, with my observations:
> 1) Atwood, been around forever, 75% efficiency = 9000 btu. Probably find one
> for $300-400. Does the job but doesn't fit so well in the stock Westy cabinets
> 2) Propex, been around a long time also, and continuously improved, 93%
> efficiency = 6500/9700 btu depending on model. Half or less of the physical
> size of the Atwood. $735-840.
> 3) Espar and Webasto gas/diesel heaters - well established design, multiple
> speeds and heater levels, efficiency good, half the size of a Propex, but
> 1.5 to 2 times the price. Yearly maintenance required, which the propane
> heaters usually do not.
> I've had vans with all of the above and all served the purpose. My favorite
> is the Espar diesel version as I usually install these in my personal diesel
> Syncros.
> What I wouldn't use is a catalytic or other non-vented heater. Sleeping bags
> are much cheaper. I'd sooner build a tiny wood stove. :-)



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, 
June 05 ~ 08, 2014