Just a thought about diesel heaters.I havent purchased the new home yet, we are still deciding and compiling all the relevant information. Tonights question is "how safe are the diesel heaters that are being put into caravans these days. To me, Electric is expensive form of heating. Gas is a dangerious in vans, I go along with gas cooking and hot water, but thats it for me.So the only thing left is these diesel heaters. Anybody got any thoughts. It sounds a bit scary, having diesel ignighted inside the van. your thoughts..
justcruisin01 said
08:08 PM Jun 3, 2010
I do not have one of these [bugger] my mates have them in their bushtrackers & they work very well. There is NO diesel ignighted in the van ,the burner is in a housing under the floor & ONLY the hot air is blown into the van, generaly at two locations at floor level.
Dunmowin said
08:20 PM Jun 3, 2010
yes, but the burner is still "in the van" ??
PeterD said
09:22 PM Jun 3, 2010
justcruisin01 wrote:There is NO diesel ignighted in the van ,the burner is in a housing under the floor & ONLY the hot air is blown into the van, generaly at two locations at floor level.
No, the furnace is mounted above the floor. It is just the fuel tank, exhaust and air intake that are external. Also many installations have only a single air outlet, these are an optional extra.
There are too many of these working around the world without mishap for them to be considered a hazard. I have no qualms about using my unit.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:15 AM Jun 4, 2010
Diesel heaters are the safest, most effective heating available for a van.
The burner is totally sealed and all exhaust gasses go outside.
Unflued gas heating installations are deadly and illegal.
Cheers,
Peter
Allara said
05:25 AM Jun 5, 2010
Haven't heard of these things... As they say on the adds "Where Do Ya Get It ? "
Dunmowin said
09:19 AM Jun 5, 2010
Allara, we are going to Brisbane Caravan etc show this long weekend inJune. Will find out more details then, and let you know where your are likely to be able to buy/install
PS. I am catching up to your posts!
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:38 AM Jun 5, 2010
There are 2 makers that I know of. Eispatchier (sp??) which is branded Dometic, and Webasto.
They are quite similar, fairly expensive (at $1500-1800 + installation - make sure you have silencers fitted) but very effective and very economical to run.
Cheers,
Peter
BobnBev said
10:41 AM Jun 6, 2010
Ok That sounds good, saw some on Ebay @ 1400 -1500 the other week ,in the caravan bit, will go and have a look see...Could be helpful when in tassie....on a cold night...dont know what came with it...Bob n Bev
Dunmowin said
10:50 AM Jun 6, 2010
Will add Webasto to our list of "visits" at caravan etc show.
Peter, why do you need silencers? If they are necessary,shouldn't they come with the product? Also, does this apply to both brands? Do you run one, how effective, how economical, how effective for 2ft van?
elliemike said
02:35 PM Jun 6, 2010
Dunmowin wrote:
Peter, why do you need silencers? If they are necessary,shouldn't they come with the product? Also, does this apply to both brands? Do you run one, how effective, how economical, how effective for 2ft van?
I dont have a diesel heater. But just yesterday I noticed on another Campervan website a thread on Diesel van heaters.
Of course you can buy air intake silencers off the shelf for the unit.
But on this thread was the suggestion of making your own cheaply and simply, using standard fittings available from Bunnings or similar hardware outlets. Regards Mike
Peter_n_Margaret said
10:18 AM Jun 7, 2010
Dunmowin wrote:
Peter, why do you need silencers? If they are necessary,shouldn't they come with the product? Also, does this apply to both brands? Do you run one, how effective, how economical, how effective for 2ft van?
The combustion air and exhausts can make some noise, especially outside, but it does depend exactly how they are installed. As Mike says, there are options for the 'handy person' to do their own. We have not installed one yet because we have spent most of our time in the tropics since I built the OKA (and I ran out of money), but I did put in the wiring to a spot that I left for one.
There are 2 models from memory and the smaller of the 2 has a heat output between 1 and 2kW (plenty for most vans) and uses between 0.12 and 0.24 litres of diesel per hour (half a cup to a cup).
Cheers, Peter
jimricho said
05:20 PM Jun 7, 2010
Peter_n_Margaret wrote: We have not installed one yet because we have spent most of our time in the tropics since I built the OKA
Cheers, Peter
Maybe you need a reverse cycle diesel heater for the tropics????
Allara said
06:31 PM Jun 7, 2010
Dunmowin wrote:
Will add Webasto to our list of "visits" at caravan etc show.
Peter, why do you need silencers? If they are necessary,shouldn't they come with the product? Also, does this apply to both brands? Do you run one, how effective, how economical, how effective for 2ft van?
You must be awful skinny to fit in a 2ft van...LOL I look forward to your report after the show. I didn't get to the Sydney show, so don't know whats available. Cheers Allara
BobnBev said
06:47 PM Jun 7, 2010
Hi All, Well its in the post, $1539.00 landed at home. and with a digi control.. fitting is DIY..
So will let you know how it goes..Ebay..Did all the checks first and the comp. is ok.. Been told Tassie gets cold even in summer..Had a look at one and they are small item so fitting will be ok....fingers xed...Bob n Bev
Dunmowin said
06:37 PM Jun 8, 2010
Allara wrote:
Dunmowin wrote:
Will add Webasto to our list of "visits" at caravan etc show.
Peter, why do you need silencers? If they are necessary,shouldn't they come with the product? Also, does this apply to both brands? Do you run one, how effective, how economical, how effective for 2ft van?
You must be awful skinny to fit in a 2ft van...LOL I look forward to your report after the show. I didn't get to the Sydney show, so don't know whats available. Cheers Allara
Allara, I must have been having a "chardy" moment. As I recall, I had a lot of trouble getting my fingers around 214ft - 24 ft - there I got it right finally.
Counting down to caravan etc show this weekend, as well as hubby's 60th!
Paul-NSW said
12:49 PM Jun 10, 2010
elliemike wrote: But on this thread was the suggestion of making your own cheaply and simply, using standard fittings available from Bunnings or similar hardware outlets. Regards Mike The Webasto and Eberspacher silencers are so cheap and correctly designed and wasp proof you would not bother attempting to make one.
Out of the 2 brands, Webasto is the brand of choice.
-- Edited by Paul-NSW on Thursday 10th of June 2010 12:50:41 PM
BobnBev said
08:45 AM Jun 12, 2010
Hi All, Just a little up date on the heater.. Its a dometic d2 and every thing came with it even a little muffler..I did go for the digi read out come themastat extra 130 ..didnt get the fuel tank at 120 .. Had one made from a stainless square tube 2mts long and fixed it across the back of van....2mts+5inch+3inch.?. run the fuel line up in the middle of the chasie, to easy Worked out at 140 welded up. the only thing was the flexy stainless exaust pipe was hard to make air tight at the unit .. put a hydrolic hose clamp" better clamps" and some muffler putty.. asked the guy at the muffler shop. all good.. I sat mine on a bit of stainless tube and fixed that through the ply to the out side alm. skin..so any leek or fumes will go out side. Filled the gap between the ply and alm. with a big can of foam. Made it all very firm..Havent started it yet..So far with all the extra bits its around 1780. Came with plenty of cable and that sort of stuff. It will be boxed in and easy to get at. The out let will be in the front between our feet, when watching teli ,MMMM .Have a look on Ebay 1499. starting price...All up its a small unit and very well made ,Any handy man could fit one.. Im veeeery pleased ..Will be better than running that 2.6 kva genny with the rev.air con..Hope this helps...Bob n Bev
Paul-NSW said
09:01 AM Jun 14, 2010
Bob could you do the mob a favour and post say 6 pics of the heater install Many thanks in anticipation
BobnBev said
06:36 PM Jun 16, 2010
Hi Paul-nsw, Will try to do a few that matter. Its all in and finished .Im waiting for the digi controler to come..The dealer had some problems getting it in over the long weekend.. The stainless tank turned out ok and is bolted across the back of the van looks like a bumperbar.It held just under 10 lts. Thats 2mts by 5inch by3inch. I went for stainless because steel tanks get rust in them and small bitts would block the smallest of small fuel line...I ran the fuel line down the middle of the chasie in side a bit of black plastic tube..Put a inline filter as well and a tap at the tank..The exaust came out and up the front with stand offs to stop the paint getting singed..Had to redo the loom a bit and put a on off switch in, to keep it all under control. One thing I did add is a dust come lint filter made from a green scotchpad, couldnt think of anything eles to use that is easy to get. With all the dust and lint that flote about the van, didnt want any getting in to the heatexchange, it has all small fins and the fan would get clogged as well. There is not a lot to see, just a small black thingo and some black tube going places. found how to up load?? hope its ok..Bob n Bev
-- Edited by BobnBev on Thursday 17th of June 2010 09:30:43 AM
-- Edited by BobnBev on Thursday 17th of June 2010 09:33:33 AM
Hi All, They are not quite in oder, The unit comes with a base plate that is made to fit on the floor.flat floor. Just cut a big hole and sit it on..The only place I could mount it was not flat and behind the washing machine. The ss tray is where the w.machine sits..So I cut a bit of ss and made a tube .cut a hole in the floor cut the ss tube on a angle flared the bottom of the tube. Fixed it in place, and filled around with space filler foam. between floor and al.skin.It went hard over night and is very solid..then sat the unit on that..Every thing eles just went where it could be fitted..The van still has to be washed from our last trip to the west, and a grasshopper swarm.. If I can help just ask..Bob n Bev
BobnBev said
04:11 PM Jun 21, 2010
Well, There is one thing ,IF you own a G-string you would need to keep it handy ..Fired the thing up today and left it run on high for one hour just to see how hot the serounding bits got and yes it did get hot but you could still touch things . The fan is a little bit noisey on high, but very quite on low.. The exaust pipe that got warm.. One thing did put me out was the fuel pump, ok I looked at it ,, small white fuel line from the tank,, small in let on pump..easy right .... No!! The small fuel line goes on the big end of the pump and the big black fuel line goes on the small out let on the pump .. And there is no indication on the pump to say which way the flow is... Lucky I left a lot of fuel line so could do the switch over..Plus when I realy looked hard at the layout it is there .. But with a quick look.. You would miss it. ....One other thing , the digi control has its own loom .. The unit came with a analog control so I fitted that loom thinking a loom is a loom. When the digi control came I had to do a pin and plug change and solder job to get it right ..I was not going to pull the loom out after all the work too get it there.. summing up its realy good and we wont be cold anymore.. I could not hold my hand in front of the out let as the air was so hot.. Im sure this will be the last bit on this. Like I said if I can offer any help just ask...A warmer Bob n Bev
BobnBev said
09:49 AM Jun 29, 2010
Hi All, One more thing DONT use bio-diesel as it has to much ash. crap.ect. Didnt know, It is in the doc. should have read more closely , had to do a clean out, but all is good....
Dunmowin said
06:52 PM Jul 2, 2010
All really usefull information, we have ordered a dometic (Eberspacher) to go into our van before delivery, so we wont have to install
interesting fact have just found out. If you have one and using in the Alps (obviously in winter) you need to ensure you use Alpine Diesel, as the normal diesel will freeze.
BobnBev said
09:36 AM Jul 3, 2010
Yes Thats right Dunmowin, Its the wax in diesel that goes hard..Used to work up in them there hills and on cold nights we had to heat the fuel up to get the diesel motor to start..Dont want to go there just to cold.. Its bad enough that we are spending this winter home..carnt wait for good old summer to poke its head up..You will love the heater, on the middle setting I could not hold my hand close to the out let for more than a min. safe travels..What brand off van ,can I ask..Bob n Bev
Ron and Shirley said
10:56 AM Jul 3, 2010
Being a city dweller where "alpine diesel" is not available I add "Chemtech Diesel Power" to my D2 diesel heater tank at the rate of 2ml/L diesel prior to filling the tank. It is supposed to stop the waxing that occurs due to the cold and also prevent algae growth on storage. So far so good as we have not experienced the fuel pump blocking to date.
On our recently completed trip travelling through central western NSW we experienced many morning temps between -1 and +1C where the heater was very much appreciated.
Bob n Bev, we have a deposit down on a Kedron ATV - 21 ft. After much searching and comparisons, and finally going out to where they are manufactured at Brendale, Brisbane, that is what we settled on. Not quite as rugged as their "topender", but capable of being taken off road in most situations. not that we will be doing the sort of thing the gall brothers do in them (check out their website, link available from Kedron Caravan.) but at least we know they will cope with what we want to do.
BobnBev said
10:08 AM Jul 6, 2010
Dunmowin, Thats a good choise ,friends of ours have a Kedron and are very happy with it..
We would have to sell the house . smile. Looked at all the vans and yes it would be right there in the top 3 for sure. .Good luck with all the travels , there is no end to what you can do ..We are not ones to just go from cp to cp. Most times its in the out back ,dry creek bed ,hills , 2 wheel dirt roads ect...Nothing like it ,Our only problem is getting old to quick, dam it...BIG smile..Bob n Bev
Dunmowin said
02:16 PM Jul 6, 2010
BobnBev, sounds like we will travel the same tracks! We'll be out there july 11 - cant wait
BobnBev said
05:00 PM Jul 6, 2010
If anyone wanted to look at one . kampers dot com dot au caravan parts.
your thoughts..
There are too many of these working around the world without mishap for them to be considered a hazard. I have no qualms about using my unit.
Of course you can buy air intake silencers off the shelf for the unit.
But on this thread was the suggestion of making your own cheaply and simply, using standard fittings available from Bunnings or similar hardware outlets.
Regards
Mike
As Mike says, there are options for the 'handy person' to do their own.
We have not installed one yet because we have spent most of our time in the tropics since I built the OKA (and I ran out of money), but I did put in the wiring to a spot that I left for one.
There are 2 models from memory and the smaller of the 2 has a heat output between 1 and 2kW (plenty for most vans) and uses between 0.12 and 0.24 litres of diesel per hour (half a cup to a cup).
Cheers,
Peter
Maybe you need a reverse cycle diesel heater for the tropics????
Cheers
Allara
Counting down to caravan etc show this weekend, as well as hubby's 60th!
Out of the 2 brands, Webasto is the brand of choice.
-- Edited by Paul-NSW on Thursday 10th of June 2010 12:50:41 PM
Many thanks in anticipation
-- Edited by BobnBev on Thursday 17th of June 2010 09:30:43 AM
-- Edited by BobnBev on Thursday 17th of June 2010 09:33:33 AM
On our recently completed trip travelling through central western NSW we experienced many morning temps between -1 and +1C where the heater was very much appreciated.
BTW http://www.caravansplus.com.au/pdf/dometic/airtronic.pdf is an excellent manual (37 pages) for these units.