Placement. I did not design the build around a heater but I felt like I had a great place for one behind the driver's seat and in front of my cabinet. After a lot of measuring I drilled my test hole through the factory wood floor, 1" xps, and the metal floor. You can see in the picture I marked all supports with tape to locate where I would drill. The drill it can be seen almost dead center in the picture under the van. Happy with the placement I moved on the the 4" hole saw for the stove pipe cap as I learned from @SteveSS . Unfortunately the arbor stripped out from the bit the second I touched the metal. It was brand new from Ace and they inspected it and decided it was faulty so I traded and paid a little more for the burlier one. Hole complete.

 

The kit is pretty standard. Heater is ready to drop in. Now the snow is falling and my outdoor space is quite cold. Hoping to get back out there this weekend.

 

Looks good! Does it automatically adjust for higher altitudes? Or is it easily manually adjusted for different altitudes?

 

Gee that looks A LOT like the $150 chinese heaters from the pictures.

The chinese heaters are notorious for getting a "gasoline" sticker slapped on them despite being a diesel heater.

You should verify that you got what you paid for.

 

@afox it is not like all the Chinese versions because I got a response from them 😆. In reality, I agree with you. How do you suggest I test it? I am hoping this whole thread will be a little test for the community.

@kramertech there is a manual altitude adjustment to operate between 1500m and 4000m. Just push a couple buttons on the thermostat to toggle it on. Sounds easy...I hope.

 

bench test it before you install

 

Show us the controller if you can

 

Found this online:

 

at that price, why not just buy a Webasto gas heater?

 

Or, why not just go with a well under $150 Chinese diesel one?

 

I agree, but some people want a single fuel source. I was one of those people too, but the fact that gas heaters at altitude don't perform well and I can buy 3-4 spare units at the same price, pushed me back to diesel.

 

It’s probably a Chinese diesel heater modified to run on gas somehow but, yes at $800 (C$?) why?

 

🤔🤔

Found this also (might look into it);

https://generalcomponents.ca/e978ghfw4hy58394834hrf/CR11-CR12%20Manual.pdf

Just a short Ferry ride for me to them;

 

Thank you for posting the info on installing the heater and the plan to update us on how it works out!

I learn from watching everything that people post about building things, and I also know how much more effort it is to take pictures that look nice enough to show others on the internet.

I agree with you that in a gasoline powered vehicle, it makes more sense to use gasoline from the tank than diesel when possible.

So far, I have not made the leap from "only electrical and solar installs" to "also heaters and exhaust fans" but I have considered it.

 

If you can design & build furnaces & small hot water tanks that run on 120v, gasoline, & propane; that are not problematic I see potential in that business model 👍.

 

Bison 2000A Bunk Forced Air Heater - 2 Year Warranty
It looks like there are legit gas and diesel versions, even though they use the same diesel photos for both.

Bison 2000A - Essence GC0643 - Ensemble de chauffage 2kw (12v) avec contrôleur numérique - Expedition Solutions
They also have a dealer in Quebec. Essence is french for gasoline. And at least one dealer in Europe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruhAWcSVGxQ
Unboxing videos for their products. Including a 10-ltr water-air heater (diesel or propane).

A thorough repair video. He says they are identical to Webastos.

It's not clear where they are made, but it sounds like it might be Russia.

 

I don't know enough about burners to understand the process of converting a diesel to gas but I hope they did a good job.

@nebulight yes, that is the controller. And I was not able to find any Webasto that was close in price without buying an EU one with no warranty, no support, and no guarantee of actual delivery. Heatso is more like $1800 from what I saw. They also have trouble at altitude for some people. I may find the same situation for this one but it was worth the try.

@phil Thanks, when the temp gets back above freezing this weekend I may give it a try as you suggested. I would expect it to work but my issues may show after longer term use.

I was really tempted by the cheap diesel version but just could not get past the second fuel source. I know that has cost me a few hundred dollars but I hope to benefit mentally in the long run. That and my wife gets terrible headaches from diesel fumes so if I messed anything up...

 

I’m looking forward to your updates. A gas heater is something I NEED to buy and install. On my wish list anyway.

 

The bench test will help verify that it works before you install it.

 

So far so good! I did not do a great job taking pictures as today was the one dry day to try and finish most of the install. Everything is in and I fired it up and it made heat! I hope to spend some time out there some evening this week and experiment with settings. We have a short trip planned the end of the month so that will likely be the first real test. The pump is mounted to the drivers side bracket for the fuel tank strap. Photo angles are a little wonky under the van. Next step is to box the heater in behind the drivers seat. Should be a nice foot rest and some extra storage room.

 

Looking good! Did it come with that good hard plastic fuel line?

 

My total heater installs now stands at 1 so take that into consideration but I would say everything that was included was good quality. I didn't have to buy anything other than the Dorman fitting. Oh and I did add my own split loom to any places where the wires or fuel lines could rub on metal. The wires are well encased on their own so probably not necessary but cheap insurance.

 

Is there any reason why it wouldn’t work to install a gas webasto type heater farther from the gas tank? I’m thinking about mid way back along the drivers side of the van. It will be inside at the base of a kitchen cabinet.

 

You can check Webasto/Espar installation manuals for max distances, but I don't think mid-way would be too far. IIRC, @MsNomer's is in that neighborhood.

 

I think that should work just fine. I had to cut the supply tubing and shorten the wiring when I installed mine. The Bison manual showed the following:

 

Our Webasto is approximately beside the rear wheel well on the passenger side.

 

What route did you use to run the gas line? Never mind, I just read more on your website.Good information!

 

Hi @MTrun ,
I'm interested in getting this in the fall. I found it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CPPKK31/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A80ALSCIH3Z45&psc=1

The picture is just the heater, but in the description it says it's the kit, for $649. On the transit website it said People paid just under $400. Does that sound right?

 

Hi @Lolaeliz ! I do believe that is the same heater and kit that I purchased and the seller is General Components. The kit had everything needed. Check to see when the transit posts were made because as with everything else I do think the prices have climbed quickly. I remember seeing some post from people that were able to get it cheaper than I was able to get it from GC and it was only a few months difference. It was not on Amazon when I bought mine but I contacted the company directly, told them where I lived, and that there were no local dealers and they were super quick and helpful in sending an invoice and I had a shipping confirmation show up the same day. They were also really responsive with any questions I had.
I have only used it a handful of times but I have been happy so far! Maybe after a winter I will be eating my words but we don't live in the van so not as critical for us.
I would not hesitate to contact them and see what they say (Contact Us - General Components). Maybe the exchange rate is in our favor right now?