Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 1999 10:37:11 -0800
Reply-To:     Steve Macaulay <smacaulay@INFINTIUM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Macaulay <smacaulay@INFINTIUM.COM>
Subject:      Re: [ was Winter heating - now new Coleman heater]
In-Reply-To:  <004001bf418b$9c7f20e0$ebe28ad1@squirrel>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>     Relied on an open window and a coleman heater and a CO alarm instead
>     of cutting holes in the car and buying a $800 propane tank.

About a month ago someone on the list mentioned a new Coleman catalytic
heater that was supposedly safe to use inside a van.  I went to Home Depot
and checked it out.  Nothing on the box said anything about it being unsafe
to use inside an enclosed environment.  Instead it seemed to imply the
opposite, that it was safe to use inside a tent or camper.  I opened the box
and checked out the instruction manual.  In there was the fine print about
needing an open window of certain dimensions when inside an enclosed
environment like a van.   I contacted Coleman and had them send me some
literature on this new heater.  Nothing in the literature they sent implied
that this heater was unsafe to use in an enclosed environment.  There was no
mention of needing adequate ventilation.  Again this literture seemed to
imply that it was safe to use inside an enclosed environment even though it
isn't unless you have adequate ventilation.

It seems like a nice little heater (under $50, 3000 BTUs, hard to tip over)
that ran off a standard mini propane container like those used by the
Coleman stoves and lanterns.  The literature Coleman sent indicated a
electronic-ignition model was coming out very soon (by end of year
possibly).  If someone is looking for an inexpensive heater, this might be
something to check out.  Just don't be fooled by the box.  It implies that
this is a safe heater to use inside an enclosed area.  It probably is, but
only if you have adequate ventilation.  Nothing on the box will clue you in
on this requirement though, so keep this in mind.

Steve

89 Westy