Date: Mon, 2 Nov 1998 20:34:30 -0500
Reply-To: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bulley-Hewlett & Associates <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject: Re: Catholic heaters
Folks, with winter on their minds-
I like the idea of a less expensive, free-standing heater in for our Westy.
Unfortunately, when we bring two other folks in the van, (our typical
camping mode) there is too much stuff strewn around, and too many folks
milling around to make one practical for us.
Further, I believe that a point-source heater in the Westy *could*
exacerbate the progression of Westy-wallpaper-syndrome to our van. Someone
recently pointed out that the cooling/heating cycle of a sunny day makes
the aging wallpaper expand and contract at a different rate than the wooden
substrate, making the wallpaper come loose from its adhesive. Makes sense,
and I would think that a point-source heater would tend to pose a greater
likelihood of producing similar conditions.
I like the utility of the Carver unit, and plan on purchasing one once I am
cold enough. I have a sneaky plan for mounting it, and I am wondering if it
is feasible. I want to put it in the big hollow space above the
transmission, where the syncro fuel tank would reside. If the Carver needs
to be protected from the elements, I could have shrouds made to encapsulate
it. But I think this is the perfect place for the unit, close to the stock
heater ducts and out of the way.
Additionally, I want to hook it into the stock heater ducting (we have a
1982, air cooled) similar to a BA-6. I know I could work out all the
quibbles and bits if no one else has, but I'd rather learn from your
mistakes, if you have tried this.
My thought is that the stock heater ducting (once insulated) does a great
job of heating the van evenly. Further, the noise of the heater would be
reduced by mounting the unit out of the van, and the length of duct run
would serve to attenuate the noise a bit, too. We need all the space we can
get inside, (again, we camp/hike with at least four folks); eliminating
space under the seat is not an appealing option. We could pick up warm air
from inside the van from a duct run to the 2" gap on the drivers side of
the rear bench seat.
The idea of warmth all the way to the front of the van is quite appealing,
as the front passenger seat, once spun around, serves as the Queen's
throne, the Westfalia storage box (a.k.a., Porta-potty box) is the ottoman.
I like for Sue to be warm. :)
Thoughts, opinions, and bold-faced chastisement welcome.
G. Matthew Bulley
Principal
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
Communications for Organizational Development
www.bulley-hewlett.com
(888) 468-4880 toll free
-----Original Message-----
From: john silverman [SMTP:jsilver@MAIL.AROS.NET]
Sent: Monday, November 02, 1998 2:49 PM
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject: catalytic heaters
Cold weather campers...About a year or so ago there was a discussion of
heaters on the list. Many folks have successfully used the Plat Cat VENTED
catalytic heater, by Thermal Systems, out of Washington (I believe
Olympia).
We bought one, and it's great. They make 2 sizes, we got the larger one.
It mounts to 2 bolts placed behind the passenger seat,and is fueled via T
off the system and flexible hose. It removes easilyin the summer, and
heats
well in the winter (for skiing).
The advantage of this heater over the Olympian is that it's vented, and you
don't have to open any windows or vents. We felt safer ('tho I expect our
vans are drafty enough that a non-vented heater may be safe). The other
advantage is that it has a thermostat, which in our case is mounted on the
pillar behind the driver.
It may be a bit more $$ than the Olympian, and harder to find (The company
is very good about ordering directly, their service is great).
We're very happy with the heater.
John
'90 Syncro Westfalia--Vic
SLC, UT
