Propex alternatives?

[vwsyncroguy]

Here's an alternative to Propex for the cost concious.

Atwood Everest Star (Hydro-Flame) 8012-II

12000 BTU, vented, wall thermostat controlled, propane furnace only 1.8 amp draw ...and $280 +$35 shipping from the ebay vendor below...but much higher cost at most RV parts vendors. Also available in higher BTUs, but then also w/higher current and propane draw.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Atwood-Hydro-Flame-...enameZWDVW

It's the same one used in Adventurewagons, only updated for lower current draw.

Cannot be installed under the seat. Must be installed perpendicular to the side wall because it has to vent straight to the outer wall of the van (according to the manufacturer).

It's bigger than a Propex, and less flexible for installation places, but can be installed neatly in the small door compartment to the left of the fridge (photo below). Will use a bit more propane than Propex, since it's rated at higher BTU.

Has to be shimmed at front because it's slightly deeper than Westy cabinet depth. (20 1/2" from face to wall vent). The above install used a Vanagon Westy table for the shim piece. so that gives you a good idea of the shim depth.

Can't tell you much more than this, since I don't have one in my van.. Several years ago came up with this info when looking for a cheaper alternative to a Propex. I bought a used one really cheaply off ebay ...but never have gotten around to installing it....since then they came out with this low amperage version.

Adventurewagon owners I asked have all been happy with them. Maybe previous poster "GWTWTLW" can comment, since he is a former Adventurewagon owner.


Warren C.]

[FNGRUVN]

Does anyone have a picture of the exhaust vent on that Atwood?

[GWTWTLW]

That looks like our heater for sure. We were happy with it. It was a liitle noisy but it cranked out heat and kept the van toasty. I never really tracked how much propane it used and we were never parked for more than a couple of days so it never wore down the battery. I've never had a propex so I can't compare the two.
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89 Syncro Westy - GW 2.5, now with a double knob job
@gwtwtlw

[Alaric.H]

If you have the space one of these might work.
I do not know if they have been tested above sea level
http://www.go2marine.com/category.do?no=14203

[westyventures]

[hurst_dave]

Here's a pic of the Atwood vent on a Bus:

_________________
1978 Deluxe Campmobile Westy, 2.0L w/ FI.
Don't believe everything you think.

[Freesurf]

If you can find one, the factory BA-6 gas heater that was installed in the early Vanagon are pretty sweet. Mine puts out so much heat it's crazy. It does use some juice, but it won't drain your battery, unless you use it over and over without starting your van. Uses very little gasoline.

Here is some info on it.

http://www.type2.com/bartnik/ba6art.htm
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82 Air-cooled F.I. 2.0 Westfalia Auto
75 Sunroof Bay

[Noganav T3]

Great thread guys. I am curious about how much heat is required to be comfortable at various temps? I have played around a lot with this topic even though I live out here in sunny california. I did go snow camping one time with my gal up to Tahoe during the winter for some great cold weather camping. I used my old Stewart Warner gas fired heater, not sure of its output but its way up there. Its a fresh air heater so exhaust is vented out.

I may actually have it up for sale later this winter if there are those who might be interested its 1964 circa.

Since then I have played around with the sport cat heater in the van its low output 1500 btu but is a nice heat and not overly "fumey".

A few years back I developed my own custom fresh air heater using primus lantern mantles to a fresh air heat exchanger I welded up. it actually worked pretty good and the guy who bought the van from me still uses it. pretty compact it mounted in the side panel at the rear.

The thing about using the propane vs. gas or diesel imho is the btus you only have about 90,000 per gallon and the westy tank only hold about 2.5 gallons on a fill so that aint a lot if you are burning all night or want the top up.

There is no comparison to fresh air heating.

[XXX/Rx/RnR]

I have a 7000 series Hydroflame mounted under my Bay. The front grill removed and replaced with a manifold that directs the hot air to the builded in vents that come out between the front seats and the one that feeds the defrost duct on the nose. The return is ducted from the vent under the rear seat. This unit sets flat, not uprignt like the one pictured aboved so it doesn't hang down too far. Just shot some primer on it B-4 install.

[purplepeopleeater]

I like the atwoods, I have had those in motorhomes and they are quiet.

I also have an espar, it's very compact and you can buy all sorts of timers, programable thermostats and they have a cool key chain remote too.

But your eating fuel meant for your engine, so I don't know.

Anyone have a current listing for the above Atwood?

Ps I have my espar in the classifieds right now, they are going for $1180 new... This wasn't a good economical on my part

[hiram6]

[westyventures]

Atwood efficiency: 12000 btu in, 9000 btu out.

[hurst_dave]

Here's the thread with pics of the install of the Atwood furnace into a Bay:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=348908

I installed mine this same way and it's been working great. Cutting the hole in the side of the Bus is half the fun! Remember to measure twice and cut once.
_________________
1978 Deluxe Campmobile Westy, 2.0L w/ FI.
Don't believe everything you think.

[hiram6]

[westyventures]

[Noganav T3]

So how many btu's are required for camping?

[buildyourown]

[dhaavers]

Anyone...???

...uses 1-lb propane bottle; fan runs 2-D batteries; sounds good for my Weekender?...
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=28130&product_id=5053A751

...radiant heat; quiet/no fan; "cozy" reviews; requires plumbing...
http://www.amazon.com/Camco-57331-Olympian-Wave-3-...=8-2-fkmr1
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Californio]

The basic question is, do you want a heater that draws combustion air from the outside of the van, or from the inside? There are a bunch of inexpensive choices if you can live with the latter; Propex is pretty much the best/most efficient for the former.

I heard of one guy who roasted a flower pot upside down on the stove for heat. Not sure if he's still around.

[tsombrero1]