Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2016 17:46:06 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bell <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Mr Heater
In-Reply-To: <CAE_mVa358JCPMkoeTjv-X0Qvz+Epa3oMUvSuski7KRVS8SdroA@mail.gmail.com>
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Hi,
I bought and Olympian plat cat heater back in 92. Not the vented model. I made a bracket so I could attach it to the front table stand mount. I never did plumb it in to the westy gas system, I just used 20 lb propane tanks in the van.
I also fooled around with making a hood and vent system for it. Was a bit unwieldy.
The great thing about the Olympian was the fireplace effect. It was a radiant hot source. It felt good immediately.
I installed a propex this summer and while I haven't done any winter camping I have been using it recently to warm up the van on the cold frosty mornings.
The propex wins hands down for convenience and not needing any ventilation. But the warm air heating does not seem as immediately effective as the radiant heating of the plat cat.
I liek the propex much more than the plat cat. I like the convenience and the drying warm air. It does warm up the van but as I said, the effect is not as immediate as with the radiant heater.
Alistair
> On Dec 15, 2016, at 4:50 PM, Michael McSwain <michaelmcswain@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I like the Olympian too, but it does seem like there would be a
> vented/heat exchanger option for less than $700.
>
>> On Thu, Dec 15, 2016, 7:48 PM Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> those Olympic ones look good, too. hi
>>
>> On Dec 15, 2016 4:34 PM, "Ryan Perry" <rjdperry@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Well said and I like your installation. Up and out of the way. I like those
>> units, so nice and look bullet proof..
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 15, 2016, 7:28 PM Geneva Saint-Amour <
>> genevasaintamour@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> Oh no- not the "CO2, you're going to die" thread? Hey guys, if your van
>>> is air-tight.... then boiling that pot of coffee and whipping up a stove
>>> top dinner with open flames a-blazing is going to cause some breathing
>>> issues for you. But in general, our vans are leaky, breezy, living and
>>> breathing boxes! Add an open canvas top and you have even more air
>>> moving. I don't want to debate the fact that tragedies have happened
>> with
>>> open flame and/or catalytic heaters- sadness for all involved. And I
>> don't
>>> argue that a Propex style heater is the best way to accomplish the task.
>>> But there are lots of budgets and choices out there. So weigh your heat
>>> options carefully. Consider the need, the application and the usage.
>> Then
>>> install all the proper safety gear (including shut off valves and CO2
>>> monitors) and check all your fittings regularly for leaks. But if having
>> a
>>> good heater will help you to enjoy your van a little more.... do it! Just
>>> do it carefully.
>>>
>>>
>>> Here is a link to a write up about our catalytic heater system. We have
>>> all the safety loopholes in place and have found it to serve our needs
>>> well.
>>> https://slowcarfasthouse.com/2015/03/10/things-are-heating-up-in-here/
>>>
>>>
>>> Geneva
>>>
>>
