I note that there have been some discussions recently on the this forum and others, with regard to the merits of installing one of the above in your van. I came across this during a search to find the right system for ours. This guy installs both at a price that I found very competetive. No decision yet! If this has been posted before my apologies, but it is quite a comprehensive review and could be of interest to those like me, who know very little about it.
Regards, ( Goolgle thervplumber)
Phil
I have no commercial connection to this person as yet.
-- Edited by Magnarc on Sunday 21st of August 2016 11:35:55 AM
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Those who wish to reap the blessings of freedom must, as men, endure the fatigue of defending it.
Hi. Just had a diesel heater fitted by this guy. Arrived home yesterday from a trip to northern Vic and NSW. Heater worked really well though a bit noisy when first started up. After three fairly cold nights and mornings (did not leave it on all night) I topped up the tank, only used 1.5 litres. I am very pleased with the unit and the RV Plumber, Matt who installed it. Thoroughly recommend the Eberspacher heater and the installer. Col
Seemingly the preferred of the two amongst all of the BushTracker fraternity is the diesel heater.
We decided on an LPG heater as we already had two 9Kg cylinders on board and would tap into that thus not needing to have another fuel on board and with the grot diesel can bring from time to time (we have a diesel tug).
The heater has been professionally installed and certified as well and we have been extremely happy with the ease of use, the heating provided and the economy of fuel use (now running the heater, a 4 burner stove, a HWS and have an external bayonet access for an outside BBQ).
Another experience and opinion for you to read.
Cheers
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Cheers - Ian
I slowly realise as I get older that I am definitely NOT the fastest rat in the race.
Also the older I get the more I realise I do not know.
Definitely Gas. I had one fitted in my previous 5th Wheeler and now have one fitted in my caravan. Be aware that normally it will be fitted under the bed so you do lose some storage space.
-- Edited by cjt55 on Monday 22nd of August 2016 09:13:55 AM
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Cheers
Col
(Picture of my beloved Molly (2003 - 2016) who loved the travels as much as I do. RIP old girl. Gone but never forgotten).
It's not as if one is better over the other . Just depends on what you have already as fuel . The main part is to have some form of heating . A fire or turning on stove is a no go ., reminds me we used a home gas heater inside van down the snowies years ago . How dangerous !! Mind you we used candles in haybarn cubby huts as kids . How did we servive !! Sheesh !!
I fitted gas as I am a plumber and had too many complaints from others with diesel gelling up and a fair bit of cleaning of filters etc. Most are fuel problems and easily dealt with if folks would just not store their diesel too long, add some kero and keep an eye on the matter.
I have to say that gas work out dearer to run, but easier to maintain. All this is how mine has been for over 6 years of heavy use, but others might have different stories.
-- Edited by dieseltojo on Monday 22nd of August 2016 05:15:29 PM
We have diesel heating,no problems in the 2 yrs. we have had it.Just remember to give it a blast on the high setting for 15 minutes every now and then to burn off any soot and carbon that can build up.Because most times you only need it on low to keep the van warm.
Our starts on high for about 2 or 3 min depending on ambient heat ? Then drops back to very quiet fan and heating . Been in SA after being up in noth WA/ NT ..Oh hell its cold down there ! Rain sets in and miserable weather. Glad we have one ..
I have a Webasto Diesel heater, and think its great, caravanning south of Perth in July, or August is very cold but the heater maintains the van temp really well. Never had a Gas one but the diesel is great.
Had van since new from factory in Nov 2005, have had NO Gas Problems so far, and certainly no problems since heater installed early 2014. Hopefully that continues.
Cheers
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Cheers - Ian
I slowly realise as I get older that I am definitely NOT the fastest rat in the race.
Also the older I get the more I realise I do not know.
Some facts and figures may help work out running costs
Diesel fuel contains approx. 38.5 Mj/Lt at about $1.20 at the moment in country areas
Propane (lpg) contains 25.5 Kj/Lt at about $2.20 at country prices $38 per 8.5 Kg
8.5 Kgm of propane is 17.17 Litres.
But maybe the the telling cost is maintainence of diesel heaters. I do my own each year as recommended for a parts cost from England of about $20, but if done commercially with Dometic supplied parts I don't think you would get change from $200.
