Date:         Tue, 3 Nov 1998 13:16:06 EST
Reply-To:     ThingGuy@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Lashley <ThingGuy@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Catalytic heaters
Comments: To: scote@PTBO.IGS.NET, vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

In a message dated 11/3/98 9:26:24 AM, scote@PTBO.IGS.NET wrote:

<<With all this talk about heaters, can anyone tell my what is wrong with
the auxillary gas heater that is supposed to be in the vans.>>

The only gas heater experience I have is with the one installed in my '73
Thing.  It no longer works (one of the problems with these), but when it did,
it roared like a  SOB, but did get hot enough to melt your boots.

This type of heater works great for winter driving, but may not be the best
choice for camping.  They are loud and inefficient, the blower will drain your
battery pretty quick, and gasoline does not burn very clean, making your
heater need regular maintenance and service.  The gasoline heaters don't have
thermostatic control, and as the one in my Thing was, only designed to run
about 15 minutes at a time.

A propane heat source will burn cleaner, and have fewer moving parts.  I like
the idea of the vented catalytic heater, but the un-vented heater sounds very
dangerous to me.

Of course I prefer the Carver Propane Furnace, but not everyone can afford, or
wants to spend over $600 for one.  The Carvers are quiet and efficient, and
have a remote thermostat control.

Steve Lashley
SKL Enterprises
Importing German Side Tents, Carver Propane Heaters and Accessories for VW
Eurovan, Vanagon and Bus
http://members.aol.com/tentinfo