I'm getting ready to convert a 2021 Promaster 159 this Spring and have been researching for a heater. I like the fact that the Espar has an automatic alltitude adjustment but have read that there have been problems with the unit. Would love to hear from the community as to what you all recommend. I also read that Heatso is not a licensed dealer for Espar? Does anyone know of that is true?, and if so were is the best place to buy one? How are customer support for either of these manufacturers? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.
Espar gas heater or Webasto?
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windlover
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I’ll back up the CDH. Installing a 5.5L under the hood is easy (just ask Phil). The tank was the least of my problems with my install- These heaters all have issues, (I’ve only heard stories about webasto), do yourself a favor and get the one that’s $120!
We installed an Espar B4L and have had no issues. We have used it all the way up 11,300’. It didn’t sound fantastic up that high but it worked. We love the heater and use it religiously to camp all winter. Our install was under 4 hours and the thing works amazingly. We are generally camping between 5k’-9k’. We have the digital thermostat and really we have no complaints. Best purchase for the van hands down.
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I bought the Russian version of Webasto gas heater for my 2017 PM 2500. It came within a week and Heaters4Us were incredibly good about answering questions.
It is being installed today, ironically, by a custom van guy. However, given they do not come with instructions, I have watched many YouTube videos on how to stall it. This is by far the best:
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I'll throw in my vote for the Webasto AT gas heater. Tapped into the extra fuel tank tube and installed it in the cabin with the fuel pump underneath. It's fairly quiet vs. the clack clack of the cheaper diesel heaters ( I bought one and it works but I decided I didn't want to carry diesel fuel inside the van) yes I paid more but I really like it and I think it was worth the money. The electronics are potted and I'm sure I can find replacement parts. Also since it's a reputable manufacturer I'm not worried of burning up while I'm sleeping. 
After all my research, I was really frustrated with the different reviews of both gas heaters and since I was concerned with altitude adjustment I made the decision to go with a truma boiler system. It seems like everyone that has one loves them and no issues with altitude. Means I have to install a propane tank underneath the van but now I can have an oven/range which I would like. Thanks everyone for your input and help.
Webasco 2000 gasoline under passenger seat on 2018 159. Talk to Scott at Thermo King of Pittsburg (724) 863-1555. Yes, I paid more for gas heater but it works GREAT and as long as I have gas in the tank I have heat, no diesel smell or extra tank to fill, no carrying propane inside of van , no expensive under slung propane tank or crawling under van to service propane. Power usage; about 8 to 10 amp draw for first few seconds then drops down to 1.8 within 2 minutes. Then 1.2 to 1.8 amps, depending on temp setting. Don't waste your money on a digital thermostat, it don't take long to find where to set the rheostat ( 9 to 10 o'clock works good most of the time). Amp draw is reversed on shut down for about 2 min. so I crack my vent just enough to keep it running on low (1.2 amps) and maybe a gallon of gas every 18 to 20 hours. I travel east of Mississippi River mostly. I have not put a muffler on mine, just used one section of exhaust pipe and not too loud. I use the webasco when parking overnight at walmarts, truck stops, service plazas, etc... and a small electric heater when plugged in at camp grounds so noise is not a problem. My opinion,,,, There are many flavors of ice cream !!! Y'all be safe and have fun.
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what is a trauma heater?
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are you referring to the smell inside the van or the fuel itself? I have the Chinese diesel heater ready to install but am having second thoughts about it.
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I'm in the same spot. Do not want to carry diesel and an open propane valve sounds like a recipie for not sleeping very well. Also I've heard the $150 Webasto China knock offs are loud.
I bought the Airtop 2000 STC with the digital control from Russia, and it's been great. I also bought the rheostat control so I could do the altitude adjustment, but the wiring bundle has been hacked up/looks very different from the US bought ones. It didn't look anything like what they showed on FarOutRide's guide. I didn't have the "user potentiometer" plug at all.
How did you do the adjustment, @MsNomer ?
Questions for others:
1) Has anyone else in here installed a Russian STC?
2) Has anyone done an altitude adjustment on one of the ones from Russia?
3) Does anyone know where to what pins the main cable that plugs into the heater uses and where to buy them? I want to add a remote temp sensor, but it looks like I'll have to add a couple pins to the main plug that goes into the heater.
What does this new rheostat do differently?
Supposedly it handles the altitude adjustment plus all the other stuff the digital controller already does.
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