[Dawn's Early Light Photo]

I'm think I am going to use this for rear heat: http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/j026.html

The pluses:

>I will be able to run it off either the engine (alternator) when running or my auxiliary batteries when not.

>I don't have to install it permanently, I can move it around.

>No serious alterations needed and the cost isn't too bad (~$200)

The minuses: Big 50 amp draw (600 watts). Glad I got the 220 alternator.

>Of course I won't be able to run it for too long off the aux. batts. (160 amp hours total) with that kind of draw but long enough to take the chill out of the air when I wake up in the morning when camping.

>It won't put out near the heat of a cooling system based heater. But, as I mentioned, I will be able to run it off the aux. batts. when the engine's not running.

I should mention that I plan to insulate the van well so it will actually hold the heat for a while and probably warm up faster too. I'm also going to install a thick thermal curtain between the cab and rear to help hold the heat in the rear when camping and in the cab when driving in cold weather.

Any thoughts/comments?

 

[toaster2]

I'm think I am going to use this for rear heat: http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/j026.html

The pluses:

>I will be able to run it off either the engine (alternator) when running or my auxiliary batteries when not.

>I don't have to install it permanently, I can move it around.

>No serious alterations needed and the cost isn't too bad (~$200)

The minuses: Big 50 amp draw (600 watts). Glad I got the 220 alternator.

>Of course I won't be able to run it for too long off the aux. batts. (160 amp hours total) with that kind of draw but long enough to take the chill out of the air when I wake up in the morning when camping.

>It won't put out near the heat of a cooling system based heater. But, as I mentioned, I will be able to run it off the aux. batts. when the engine's not running.

I should mention that I plan to insulate the van well so it will actually hold the heat for a while and probably warm up faster too. I'm also going to install a thick thermal curtain between the cab and rear to help hold the heat in the rear when camping and in the cab when driving in cold weather.

Any thoughts/comments?

It looks good, are you going to use a battery isolator to charge the auxiliary battery? The only bad thing is that a good isolator cost as much as the heater. But it can be a big plus if you will use it for powering other things along with the heater.
I plan on using my PM for work and play and would like to hear how this works out for you. I am going to build something like this, may be not as fancy.

 

[keithwwalker]

It sounds like too much of a current draw for camping, as if you would have to occassionally start the PM to charge the batteries, unless your aux battery is charged also by a solar panel (a big one).

Only other option is a Webasto or Eberspacher (Espar) gas/diesel heater (these cost a LOT more).

I think RAM may be optioning a coolant rear heater in the near future - rear heat prep showed up on an update on this thread:
http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13170&highlight=prep
This is what it will probably look like (from the FIAT Ducato parts manual:

 

[Ram3500']

Might be time to look into separate batteries or battery for aux, it might be the best "investment" you make.

 

[LarryBPDX]

Small Propane Heater, external venting

I have a Propex (British) 6K BTU propane furnace in my camper van. Electronic ignition, no pilot, external exhaust venting, external combustion air intake, very quiet. 1.4 amp current draw while operating.

Three different models, see http://westyventures.com/propex.html

LarryB
Portland Oregon
'90 Westfalia camper
Planning a camper using a 136WB high top Promaster or 130WB med top Transit

 

[carryon]

id imagine you would need another power source.

 

[Dawn's Early Light Photo]

It sounds like too much of a current draw for camping, as if you would have to occassionally start the PM to charge the batteries, unless your aux battery is charged also by a solar panel (a big one).

Only other option is a Webasto or Eberspacher (Espar) gas/diesel heater (these cost a LOT more).

I think RAM may be optioning a coolant rear heater in the near future - rear heat prep showed up on an update on this thread:
http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13170&highlight=prep
This is what it will probably look like (from the FIAT Ducato parts manual:

Hi Keith - as I said, it would only be used with the engine off for short periods of time to take the bite out of the cold in the mornings when I get up. I don't stay in campgrounds for days at a time without driving, so the batteries will recharge when I'm driving. Not a prefect solution and I may consider a small propane furnace in the future, the Propex looks nice.