Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 1999 12:09:23 -0500
Reply-To:     "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <dfrandolph@TALKAM.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Fitz-Randolph, Douglas" <dfrandolph@TALKAM.NET>
Subject:      Re: [ was Winter heating - now new Coleman heater]
Comments: To: Steve Macaulay <smacaulay@INFINTIUM.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain

<<About a month ago someone 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.>>

I was the one that mentioned the "DuraCat" (at Home Depot $50)
or the "Black Cat" (same thing, different box at WalMart
for $45). I bought one and it's just right for the van - could
be a little more powerful, but once it's on for a while things
 get nice and toasty. It is a great design - very stable tripod
 arrangement with a low center of gravity. I leave it set up
where I can reach it without exiting my sleeping bag in the
morning, BBQ lighter nearby - wake up, yawn, light heater,
wait 10 minutes and emerge into a warm van.

It does seem to make quite a stink though - can't quite describe
 the odor, but it's kind of unpleasant. I thought it would go
away after the initial "whatever" burned off, but it hasn't.
Anyway, it is true that the instructions say the heater is
safe for indoor use and that an X-sized ventilation opening is
required - but with cold air rushing in through those X square
inches I'd think the effect of the heater would be severely
compromised. And while it might be very safe, I'd hate to find
out it isn't by waking up with wings - or worse. I do believe
it says that while the heater is safe for indoor use, you should
not use it while sleeping. Which is a no small point when
using the heater in a camper van.

Doug Fitz-Randolph
Yarmouth, ME
'90 Syncro