I’ll never go back to a Diesel heater. Diesel and gas heater units are installed in much the same way as the Propex HS2000. Find your local USA and Canadian Propex dealer. A fuel line will run between your heater and fuel tank. very efficient - runs off of 12 volt power. These heater options all have a combustion process separate from the hot air, meaning there is no moisture build up inside the van from the heater. For the most part, you’ll probably want to leave it set to one height or the other. My van will come with a gas engine and as such I long focused on the propane solution. Lowest water pressure start up just need 3.0 PSI! My diesel heater also draws less battery power than my propane furnace when dry camping, but it does take a bit longer to warm things up. These models often have safety features like automatic shut-off in case the unit is tipped over and low-oxygen sensors. This post was not sponsored, although there are affiliate links included. Fired by propane (or butane), which is easily available all over the globe. Best Propane heaters to warm your Sprinter camper van. She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living. Often van lifers are running several devices off of propane anyway, so you can plan to get a bigger tank and run the whole van off of one system for convenience. A high altitude pump kit makes more sense if you plan to stay at one height for longer periods of time – or if you’re on a tighter budget. Both models have a burn rate of 65,000BTU and use on average 1lb. That means if something goes wrong, you’re going to have much better luck getting it services and receiving replacement parts promptly. I have a 2017 Ford Transit 350 mid roof. Best Propane heaters to warm your Sprinter camper van. As an Amazon associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It’s a tank top propane heater, and although most other LP heaters of this kind are not indoor safe, the Little Buddy heater is. Be Well! Using the same fuel as your vehicle (petrol or diesel) makes your life so much easier/lighter/simpler, and that is one of the attractions of living on the road. Average Rating: (4.5) out of 5 stars 103 ratings, based on 103 reviews. This gives you the benefit of not needing to figure out how to install a separate tank, plus they’re easier to refill. While there is no altitude adjustment built-in, it’s worth looking into altitude kits if you plan to spend a lot of time above 5,000ft. With this kit, you would install a parallel fuel pump with a lower pump volume alongside your current fuel pump. Propane heaters are an easily accessible and popular heating solution among van dwellers. Electric Space Heater – $50 Diesel Engine Vans The heater runs through four different stages of regulation, so it can be adjusted properly. Also will be operating with low temperatures of 10 degrees F/ -12 C. Will I regret heating with gas or diesel Espar? In the conversion van and vanlife market and the popularity of commercial vans make gasoline and diesel bunk heaters the most popular selection for Northern climate vanners. This was just the read I needed to confirm we need the Propex for our van conversion! Maintenance kit costs $25 and a handy DIYer can do it in a couple of hours. If you are looking for a good way to heat your Sprinter conversion van or RV in the winter here are some of the top propane heaters on the market that many van life and RV life owners are using to keep warm in the winter months I chose a Propex because I already have a good amount of gas storage and I didn’t want to have to tap into the van’s fuel tank. Both of those points make a big difference and I’ll have to go through and update the article. Other ways to stay warm in a van in winter: Put a hot water bottle in your campervan bed, Warm your body with hot tea, soup or broth, Invest in a 12-volt electric blanket for campervan heating. Webasto has a few service centers located throughout the US. These can range from the fan not blowing correctly, to plugged filters or leaking fuel. In Southern climates some opt for no heater or camping space heaters - typically propane. Four hoses connect to the heater; two larger hoses that are mounted inside the van, one is a hot air outlet and the other re-circulates cool air into the heater. If you’re planning on living in the North, or at high altitude year-round, then getting a heater installed in your campervan conversion expands your versatility and comfort. Clothes and gear dry fast, surprisingly fast. Required fields are marked *, 5 Things You MUST Know Before Starting Van Life. Current Price $165.48 $ 165. We participate in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates program. I don’t know how you can mount it under the seat because the battery is under the drivers seat. We won't send you spam. As a truck driver and user of many diesel heaters (air or liquid heat exchanger), if I had the choice for a heater I would definitely pick a gas/propane heater! Had to read all the way through the article and comments to find out this was an outdated article. ft, Portable LP Gas Heater for Garages, Workshops and Construction Sites, Ultra Quiet Propane Heater with LP Regulator Hose 4.5 out of 5 stars 20 All USA dealers and distribution is listed here: propexheatsource.com This low continuous running provides a very comfortable and warm sleeping environment (I’m a light sleeper) and It also burns less fuel and it’s simple to top off every few days when I fill up the diesel tank. Common placement is under the driver or passenger seat, but it can be installed anywhere on the floor. Diesel is the most dense, but it’s also slightly more expensive in the US, so they end up being about the same cost per BTU. Acquiring LPG is a major pain, especially if you travel outside your home country (which I hope you do). Propane Van Heaters. If power consumption is your main concern then a propane heater may be the way to go. Generally, these heaters take up less usable internal space in a van build. What is its efficiency, i.e. The opposite occurs when you head to lower altitudes. That´s nothing!! A high altitude pump kit is less expensive, but also requires a more manual approach. Perhaps one of the reasons I like Propex is because we have a gasoline van and cook with propane. If you happen to have an older model, you can either install a high altitude pump kit or a high altitude compensator. It’s very tough to regulate gas flow in that way because it’s pressurized vs. While both heaters are loud, the Espar has a nighttime operation mode that will quite it down a bit while you’re trying to sleep. Running a propane heater has several distinct advantages compared to the gas or diesel options: For one, propane is a cleaner fuel than both diesel and gasoline. Relative humidity inside the van is around 35%-45% during winter, even in the evenings after drying our gear. If you’re not up to the process, read our post on vanlife heating solutions where we discuss more cost effective ways to heat your van in winter. The Espar has two upgrade options when it comes to high altitude: A high altitude sensor measures atmospheric pressure. This portable heater by Mr. Heater has an auto shut-off … Unfortunately, the rocker switch is not that easy to get to or adjust. The lack of maintenance and more versatile performance are very appealing and cannot be understated. The Espar and Webasto heaters are going to require annual cleaning and maintenance to operate properly. of propane for every three hours of use. Much like the Espar, the Webasto heaters are loud. https://www.eberspaecher.com/en/products/fuel-operated-heaters/product-portfolio/air-heaters/new-airtronic-s2m2.html. In addition, gas and diesel have higher boiling points than propane. Thank you! As for using your propane garage heater safely, be sure to follow these 10 guidelines: Choose a propane heater that’s the right size for your space. We won't send you spam. You bring up some good points to think about and there are a few sections I’ll need to re-write soon. Here is an informative video from Webasto showing how to replace your burner insert. Our gas powered blown air furnaces and water storage heaters are extremely energy-efficient. I installed a small diesel heater that has now taken the place of my propane furnace. 2. The Espar has a variable speed fan and will run on high speed for 15 minutes or so then will ramp all the way down to low and is absolutely silent. Keep in mind that it’s not damaging to the heater to be set for high-altitude and running at sea level. VEVOR Propane Hot Water Heater 18L Tankless Propane Water heater 4.8GPM Stainless Steel Liquefied Petroleum Gas Water Heater with Shower Head Kit Wall-Mounted Water Heater. Can someone suggest a fix to this problem? ABOUT US In fact, newer models of Sprinters and Transits have an extra connection built into their fuel tank specifically for attaching aftermarket fuel lines. I was wondering if I could retrofit a Diesel heater in its place and hook it up to the onboard forced air system? Hey Mike! CDN$ 10.00 coupon applied at checkout Save CDN$ 10.00 with coupon. The biggest downside to a propane heater is that you must install a large propane tank for it to work. I just can’t empty a 20lbs (6lbs at -15 and less as it’s get colder). Hi. The difference between the two models comes in the installation process. I am thinking about replacing my truck camper furnace with a propex. It’s either Off or On at full blast(nothing inbetween), so in the shoulder seasons you have to listen to it cycle on and off all night. Run it for 10 hours and that is about $1, even at California prices!! 3.9 out of 5 stars 182. (see “what’s wet heat” just below) 3. Finally, not every model of Espar and Webasto are readily available in the US. Most of this noise will be directed outside of the vehicle which will disturb your neighbors more than yourself, but it is something to be aware of. Propane Heater Safety Tips. *Note: If ordering your Espar from a website like Amazon or Ebay be sure to check which model you are ordering! Propane van water heater SA approved portable tankless water heater for US &Canada markets. I hope this helps all trying to decide which heater they would like to purchase. Air intake (where fresh air enters the heater) – this hose passes through the floor and under the van. Product Image. A third option for heating your campervan in winter with propane is the Camco Olympian Wave heater. They each have an automatic temperature sensor which will switch the … Propane Power. This is a digital display with temperature readings, low voltage protection and auto-shutoff. this Facebook group dedicated to Chinese diesel heaters. For your van, it could be a great pick. The Truma Combi is a combination furnace and water heater. Driving an efficient diesel will save way more greenhouse gasses than a gasoline version. So, who wants to have to have to hassle with a separate fuel tank just to stay warm? Campervan Heaters fueled by propane are more expensive than electric heaters. I do agree that the Webasto or Espar make better choices if you’re driving a diesel vehicle. Champion Women’s Fleece Open Bottom Pant. I will spend a lot of time parked at 8-10,000′ elevation/2,400-3,000 meters. At the time of this post, the older models of Espar are being sold on those sites. In each of these stages are variations on the fan speed and fuel quantity. Kind to the planet and your wallet. Ski gear is normally dry after … Thanks all ! Swivel regulators and a … Maybe not down to near zero (50% perhaps). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It can be more difficult to find customer support for these brands. Comfortable heat. A rocker switch will allow you to select which pump the Espar uses. Site design by Swoon & Co. Creative, *This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It is an ultra quiet, ultra efficient propane powered unit. They also produce H2O, another natural by-product of burning propane. At 600 ft it ignites we have heat, camped at 6700 ft , no ignition, could hear clicking, , no heat, came back to 600 ft, ignited right up. Unlike the Espar, the Webasto doesn’t have an option for automatic altitude adjustment. 1/2 the weight and size of a Propane Heater. The Propex heater comes in two models, the HS2000, and HS2211. This water heater weighs only 13 lbs and uses liquid propane fuel to heat the water. Water Heater $900 – Recommended 2.5G model.No van side vent, easy operation and winterization. When it comes to heating your van, these heaters are top of the line. Air heaters are installed either inside the vehicle (on the floor) or mounted underneath the vehicle chassis. Please read our. The Nest. Unsubscribe at any time. Thanks. Luckily, these are quite common in the US and with a decent sized tank you won’t be refilling that frequently. Gasland MHA18BN Propane Radiant heater, 18,000 BTU Warm Area up to 450 sq. It will automatically adjust the frequency of the metering pump every ~1000’ to improve efficiency. If you will be running the heater for a significant amount of time, then propane will get costly and less autonomous due to its lower energy density. Regulator adjustment? A post shared by Tord Berge (@tordhaakon), How to do an awesome campervan conversion, 7 campervan bed ideas to kickstart your conversion, Auto shut-off if tipped over, if pilot light goes out, or if detects low oxygen levels. These models are similar to each other, the main difference is: *If you live in North America and you want to buy the STC for a gasoline vehicle you will not have easy access to support, even at the dealer network. We are all about the environment but unless your van is running off of propane or is electric it is a completely incorrect moot point. We were not aware of the issues with ebay and have updated all of the propex links to point to the US dealer network. There does appear to be an Espar Airtonic M2 B4L gas model available in the US. When you travel above ~5,000’ you would activate the low volume pump. Dodge RAM ProMaster VAN Videos, ProMaster Parts, ... VEVOR Propane Hot Water Heater 16L Tankless Propane Water heater 4.3GPM Stainless Steel Liquefied Propane Gas Water Heater with Shower Head Kit Wall-Mounted Water Heater. Gas and Diesel are more energy dense than propane, so they take less fuel to heat your van. of propane for every three hours of use. Rockwool Acoustic Mineral Wool Insulation 80-8lb 48″x24″x2″ 6pcs. However, propane heaters can be bought that monitor oxygen levels and switch off if levels dip. Propane is the least energy dense and most expensive fuel of the three. The Propex heater is the most readily available of the three. Keep in mind, however, that if it is installed outside, the hot/cold air ducts must go through the floor. But it’s an amazing heater, and extremely safe to use. The HS2211 is quieter than the HS2000, though there’s only a 5 decibel difference: 55 and 60 dBa, respectively. A rheostat allows you to adjust the combustion fan to run at a higher speed, increasing the air/fuel ratio. Since 2018, it looks like Webasto has expanded its network and both models are now supported and have installers in the US. Unless you’re using a standard 20lb. Where are you going to put that big old ticking time bomb? However, this difference is negated a bit from the lack of maintenance needed, and the overall cost is still much lower than using a portable propane heater. The Propex heater comes in two models, the HS2000, and HS2211. Both of which I have been completely satisfied with and neither of which has every let me down. The Best Electric Heaters for a Campervan. Air output – hot air from the heater is fed through and duct and vented into the van. Please change your link for purchasing Propex heaters. It’s about 73% as efficient as gas and costs more per gallon, equating to a little more than twice as expensive to run per BTU. The Propex in no way compares to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Espar (and Webasto for that matter) The Espar uses .1 Liter (think .1 quarts) of fuel per hour on low speed. With sub-zero temperatures and winter storms continuing to plague the U.S., portable propane heaters have become an alternative choice for providing residences with temporary heat, especially in … With a manual adjustment, you won’t need to purchase extra parts but it is a pretty involved process so it’s not something you would want to change back and forth. Many of our readers do as well. That means they are more finicky at higher altitudes. It features multiple bracket fixings for various positions and orientations to accommodate your particular vehicle. Fun article to read but I agree with Mike J. that the article is a tiny bit skewed towards the propex heating system. Because propane is often used as fuel for camping products, you may already be using it for cooking! The Espar has a few more fancy technical features than the Webasto. I guess it could be mounted under the passenger seat where the jack is located. This heater must be installed horizontal and flat. Make sure your propane heater is specifically designed to be used indoors. And at 3 hours per Lb of fuel, you would spend more time in fuel driving around in the middle of nowhere and trying to find a place to fill up your propane tank every few days!! This is the second in a series on how to heat your car, van or RV when you live in them. This company and others selling on ebay have been repeatedly warned against these practices. While the Espar and Webasto require you to perform yearly maintenance to clean out carbon buildup, the Propex system does not require maintenance. Their data sheet says 6824 BTU or 2 kW input. There are plenty of locations to have your Webasto either serviced or installed. We spent over two years living in a DIY camper van and visiting 48 US states. And I do have a big 90 liters LPG tank in my car! It produces less CO2, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Oxide, hydrocarbon and particulate emissions. Here’s a tip: Any appliance that normally requires small camping propane bottle (camp stove, Mr Heater Buddy, etc.) One of my biggest drawbacks at that time was that Webasto did not have dealers that would install the air heaters in the US. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. That means they have a high price tag and require an extensive install. That combined with variable flow fans means even temperatures vs the swings from the heater blasting on full for some time then not coming back on until the temperature has dropped several degrees. There are two major factors that might lead you to choose a gas or diesel heater: If you are going with diesel heaters, the Espar heater tends to have better support if you’re in the US and anecdotally we’ve seen less complaints about maintenance overall. Nice to read these diesel heaters function in that manner. This particular model can run for 24 hours on just one gallon of diesel fuel which is quite impressive! I have a diesel motorhome which also has a large inboard propane tank so can accommodate both/either heater types. (and burn more greenhouse gasses to boot). We appreciate (and welcome) the feedback! The Propex heater is the quietest of the three. Here is a good step-by-step video for installing a Propex heater. I'd like to receive the free email course. Propane heaters will require you to purchase either disposable canisters or refillable propane tanks to keep them running. But anywhere else in the world(especially Europe )LPG is about half the price of diesel or gasoline! Nice article anyway! The esbar/webasto automatically adjust their output level so they can run continually and smoothly all night. Also works great with … It will simply not be as efficient. The ebay link you provide is a company selling illegally into the USA and these units are NOT warrantied or supported in the USA. You can choose between recirculated air or fresh air mode on the Webasto heater. ... Malaga Water Heater. Great information. I think the solution would be to insulate the gas line, and have the bottle installed in a sealed vented box INSIDE the van. Any experience or chance of updating the guide to include? Here’s a quick chart covering all of the points between the three: In our opinion, a Propex heater should be the top of the list when looking at heaters. Many people choose to install it under either the driver or passenger seat. There are now multifuel heaters that are available which use something close to kerosene as a fuel. We think that Webasto (and Espar) gasoline/diesel heaters and Propex propane heaters are the best heaters out there, because: 1- They produce dry heat. There are some instructions on how to manually adjust your unit for high altitude on the sprinter-source.com. Propex? #vanlife during winter can range from a cozy ski home base to a downright miserable experience depending on how functional your build is. While Espar makes a number of diesel heaters, the most popular for a campervan conversion is the Airtronic D2 Air Heater. cylinders and they can run longer than portable heaters without needing to be refilled. Of just 1.6Amps operation – no fan or blower noises adjust your unit for high altitude for! May need to leave the windows open for proper ventilation long as they are definitely fuel-efficient. Run up to the appliance was listed at the time of this post not. Rv living come with a decent analysis, it looks like Webasto has a large inboard propane tank the... 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