Date:         Thu, 15 Apr 1999 20:35:06 EDT
Reply-To:     Vantaztik@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roger&Zoe Ann Banker <Vantaztik@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: I like Platinum Cat vs gasoline heater
Comments: To: HEATERMAN@nac.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I put this vented catalytic heater in my 1971 Adventurewagen years ago, and
it worked great.  Thermostat controlled, very quiet, only about 2 inches
deep, and only half an amp electrical draw.  I don't recall the BTU's (that
van is long gone), but it was the small one.  The catalytic burning process
is far more efficient than a regular heater, so it uses very little propane.
When the standard propane heater dies in my current Adventurewagen, I will go
with the Cat.  The only reason this type of heater never became widely used
is because of stupid government regulations for venting.  The Platinum Cat
uses a very safe and effective venting method, but because it is a different
method than standard heaters, regulations say it cannot be used as original
equipment from the coach manufacturer.  It is a radiant heater with only a
small fan for venting, which is why it is so quiet and uses a fraction of the
amperage of conventional heaters.  The only difficulty is that you have to be
careful where you install it, since it will singe anything put up against the
face of the heater.  It doesn't get hot enough to start something on fire,
but it will cause singing and smoke if you put combustibles up against it, or
right in front.  If you have the canvas sided Westy top up, and/or it is very
cold weather, you may need the large unit, or the big gas heater.  My
Adventurewagen was insulated, so the small output was plenty for me.
Roger & Zoe Ann, 1987 Synchro Adventurewagen

In a message dated 4/15/99 1:31:09 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
HEATERMAN@NAC.NET writes:
> Tom. you making a mistake by selecting a propane heater.
>  6000 BTU is not enough to stay worm at night in any US area. I did install
> at
>  least a hundred heaters since 1981 in all kind of buses.
>  I suggest to consider gasoline heater as more powerful (adjustable to 16000
>  BTU). THE TIME LIMIT WILL BE THE BATTERY, NOT PROPANE, which by the way has
>  less energy per pound. Gas heater takes only 3 amps!
>  Contact me for further details.    Ark     "the heaterman"
>
>  Tom VandenBerg wrote:
>
>  > I've decided to install a vented catalytic space heater in my 82 Westy. I
>  > will go with the Platinum Cat from thermal Systems, Inc.
>  >