Date:         Mon, 4 Nov 2013 22:04:33 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <tdiguru@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Subject:      Re: Propex alternative?

On Mon, 4 Nov 2013 17:53:49 -0800, Rocket J Squirrel
<camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

>"A dedicated heater like the propex or others wouldn't get much use in
>our van...."
>
>And such machines burns through a lot of propane quickly. Propane is
>problematic to me, because it is expensive, and it requires
>substantially-strong packaging, which adds to the price. Kerosene, OTOH,
>is less expensive, BTU-wise, and is packaged much less expensively. My
>Dietz lantern and Aladdin kerosene heater provide light and heat much
>more efficiently. In comparison to a Mr. Heater Buddy or similar
>propane-bottle heater, my kerosene heater positively sips fuel. Looking
>at the specs for the Propex, I get the impression that if I were to use
>one to heat near-freezing mornings for more than a few days in a row,
>the van's tank would empty quickly.

Odd how those with no Propex experience are ready to make assumptions based
on little to no evidence. FYI: A Propex HS2000/HS2211 will use up a full
Westy tank in one WEEK of normal heating, 24/7, in 20s and 30s temps, roof
down, mid-60s interior temps. My and other's experience. Propane per gallon
is not more expensive than kerosene, and burns much, much cleaner. The
Propex models are 93% efficient - btus extracted vs btus burned. I seriously
doubt there is a kero heater that approaches that figure.