Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
what heater ? pros n cons please ? what heater ? pros n cons please ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wales UK
Posts: 284
what heater ? pros n cons please ?
looking for some thoughts on which heater to buy for the new iveco.

As far as I can see there's 3 options;

1) diesel space heater eg webasto or eberspecher.
2) diesel water based engine heater with some form of radiant heat plumbed in, eg a small radiator.
3) lpg space heater, for example the one offered by truma. like this : TRUMA E2400 LPG GAS HEATER VW T25/T4/T5 TRANSPORTER CAMPER/CAMPERVAN/VAN on eBay!


I have minimal budget and so looking to buy s/h.

Though favouring the diesel space heaters, there are the issues of altitude, in our experience over 2000metres and they won't work. There is also the issue of the power demand on startup which can be quite considerable.

The engine heater based systems have the advantage of course of their primary function but then how good would they be as a radiant heater? and of course they also have the same altitude and power demand issues.

I have little knowledge of the Truma LPG systems? what are the pros and cons? These appear to be about half the price of a diesel heater but rarely appear second hand.

tossing this idea around in my head andwould really appreciate peoples thoughts / expereinces / advice ???



and; anybody have a second hand unit available ?

phil

www.philflanagan.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Bridgend, South wales
Posts: 108
Hi Phil, what about a propex heater, there are lots for sale on ebay and can be run on butane or propane.

regards
Gren
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Apr 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Phil,

Here are my remarks based on years of tinkering with overland tech projects using Webasto and Eberspacher

1) diesel space heater eg webasto or eberspecher.

Pros: easy to fit, runs on same fuel as engine, rather efficient, no major issues with fuel/current drain, inexpensive, reliable

Cons: noisy in operation, little control over output temperature, not nice to live with in unventilated spaces (due to dehumidification efect)

P.S. Not sure why they should refuse to work at altitudes over 2000 metres

2) diesel water based engine heater with some form of radiant heat plumbed in, eg a small radiator.

Pros: runs on same fuel as engine, in cold climate keeps engine in running order, runs quieter if fitted in the engine compartment, no major issues with fuel/current drain no dehumidification efect

Cons: interferes with the engine cooling circuit, failure may lead to engine problems, more expensive to fit and maintain, plumbing needs insulation, less efficient than 1)

Sorry, no experience with LPG space heaters yet.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 May 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Log burner? WOODBURNER OVEN STOVE YURT, HOUSE, CAMPER, BOAT, , CARAVAN, SHEPHERDS HUT ETC | eBay
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: J10 M40 UK
Posts: 362
where you intend traveling is a significant factor , as getting diesel is a lot easier than lpg and suitable adapters etc . The lpg heaters usually generate a lot of moisture , and you need good ventilation if in enclosed area due CO risks . Unless you go indirect and have a radiator type system with blown air optional.
If you are going cold climates the engine heater type are handy as mentioned previous poster, the blown air type do tend to be a bit noisy, but you do get used to it over time, as lorry drivers prove. The high alt should not be a problem certainly on the webasto , not sure on eberspacher . HTSH

Woodburner has plusses as well
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
Originally Posted by tacr2man View Post
Woodburner has plusses as well
Actually, they do. I can confirm that having used one in my overland truck.
Availability of free fuel is one (maybe with the exception of the polar caps ), and the low tech reliability is another. It can also double as a small cooker and clothes dryer. On the downside, it is bulky, smelly and rather messy to clean and requiries good ventilation. But the biggest problem is that it needs stoking up in the middle of the night because it offers no heat storage at all.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 May 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Hi

I didn't mean to be flippant suggesting a logburner. I had written a big reply then binned it, I have an Eberspacher and love it, and you can buy an adapter for altitude. But I'm not sure diesel heating (plus big batteries to run it and decent charging for them) fits into low budget. If you do buy a used one make sure it either has a warranty or you can see it running as parts can add up to a new one
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Bristol UK
Posts: 146
Smile Feel the heat
Hi Phil

I often use an Eberspacher in the truck and love it. They are in a box usually under the passenger seat or cab and just makes a humming noise which I like, and a bit of whooshing from the fan.

I don't know about start up demand, but can be planned into the battery solar set up? If the thermostat is in the right place the temperature control is fine, and you can duct the heat to anywhere you want.

I have a Webasto water heater for sale if you want one, I have never used it but it was bench tested by Smiths and works. I bought a new fuel pump for it, £100!

Cheers

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 May 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wales UK
Posts: 284
eberspacher it is then
Hi Bruce
Just yesterday won an ebay for two eberspachers. It's what we had before and so I know the pros n cons.
We seriously considered the water heater route but decided a dedicated space heater was way to go, too much plumbing and too much 'demand' to have hot water storage.
We've had 7 years experience with 100 litres and a boil it as you need approach. decided to keep it all simple and stay with that.
Thanks for the offer on the webasto.
Are you attending the HUBB meet at end of month?
we are, in a big ugly iveco square box ambulance looking like it's only just started it's conversion !
maybe see you there.

phil.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 May 2013
B77 B77 is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman View Post
But the biggest problem is that it needs stoking up in the middle of the night because it offers no heat storage at all.

Possibly you didn't have a particularly good burner ? My old Portway Tortoise used to stay on tickover for around 2 days with good wood, it wasn't big either, about 10" diameter by 26" high, found in a scrapyard and kept me warm through 5 different trucks over 15 years, now it's heating a mates front room.
The best thing about them is the simplicity, they don't break down or require any expense to run other than foraging for wood.....
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 May 2013
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I have a propex heater running in my LWB high top transit, it has been very reliable and it keeps me nice and cosy. I bought it second hand off thiefbay and phoned up propex for some bits of pipe and advice fitting it. The chap was great, even talked me out of buying the control unit advising that a standard household roomstat would do the trick nicely. I use a big battery I got from a UPS that was being routinely replaced which is on a split charger when the van is running

I normally don't need it when sleeping in the UK any time of year, running it for a while before getting ready for my pit and again in the morning before crawling out of bed again.

I have it ducted to heat just the cab, just the load area or both; great for frosty mornings, I fire it up a while before I go off to work and the van is defrosted and warm. Also nice to have somewhere warm for tea-breaks and lunch when working outside all day.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
KUDU Expeditions gone to the hay or here to stay ? stuxtttr Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 28 5 Feb 2014 07:55
One bike or two bikes. Pros and Cons. makia Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 12 9 May 2013 05:35
pros and cons with travelling thru el salvador bubbalouiex Central America and Mexico 5 8 Mar 2013 03:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top