Once you have insulation in your van, it shouldn't be running continuously. It should come on for a few minutes then be off for some period of time until the thermostat calls for heat again. (based on my propex experience)

If it's running continuously, 24/7 during your build it might be better to run a extension cord out there and use an electric heater.

It might be worth a call or support inquiry into Webasto to figure out what the limiting piece is. It might be the one specific thing as a pretty short lifetime but it can be replaced.

 

Once you have insulation in your van, it shouldn't be running continuously. It should come on for a few minutes then be off for some period of time until the thermostat calls for heat again. (based on my propex experience)

If it's running continuously, 24/7 during your build it might be better to run a extension cord out there and use an electric heater.

It might be worth a call or support inquiry into labasto to figure out what the limiting piece is. It might be the one specific thing as a pretty short lifetime but it can be replaced.

Thanks. I have 3/4 of the van insulated but waiting on a few design choices before finalizing. I have had an electric heater out there prior to installing the webasto but wanted to put it through its paces and gain confidence in it. What I was really hoping to find is folks responding that they have had their unit for years, run it frequently during season and its still going strong. And as you say, hopefully the life is based on a single replaceable part that doesn't cost that much. Obviously the $2,000 includes the Smart Controller, intake/exhaust mufflers, fuel lines, electrical, etc. So replacement should be much lower but still, there should be an economical way to maintain and keep running for many years.

 

If you do not have window coverings in yet, those can really reduce the heat needed. After seeing them in @Jing's van we got a set of ProMaster Window covers from Van Essentials. They are quick to install and do not use suction cups. A little expensive, but so well made and they get used every night we camp.

 

You will be lucky to get 3000 hours out of a Webasto. What is your elevation?

 

I experienced a short life with mine. 2 seasons including high elevation and it coked up. The maintenance referenced above requires removing the unit and about 20+ bolts to disassemble to get to combustion chamber. My under passenger seat install was the deal breaker to cut my losses. I went back to propane furnace with no regrets.

 

Why on earth would anyone pay $2000 for one of these heaters. I doubt very much it is any better (and in fact far worse) than my $79 diesel heater that also came with all the accessories!

 

Because he didn’t research before he bought?

 

Why on earth would anyone pay $2000 for one of these heaters

Because he didn’t research before he bought?

Come on guys, play nice!

My webby is 4+ years old with plenty of run time both at sea level and elevation, typically 4-6k, but as high as 10k. Most of my camping is non-summer (why would I ever leave the Seattle area in the summer!) so the heater is used most evenings.

I did, however, lean out the combustion, per faroutride.com which reduces the heat output by an unknown amount. Sometimes, winter camping, it runs full tilt all night and at low elevation that probably cleans out the combustion chamber. I dunno. I'm waiting for it to fail and replace either with a bison (compatible size) or Velit with double the output will keep me comfortable camping on the north slope mid winter although I don't know why I would do that.

 

Hello. I was just looking over info on my Webasto gasoline STC 2000 and came across info suggesting a 3000 hour expected life of the unit. I've verified that statement on multiple sites now.

3000 hours is 125 days. So, if I were running my heater for 4 months straight I'd be done and can throw it out??

I just spent $2000 on it. And have been running in the driveway pretty much non stop for a few weeks as it is 18 degrees here while I work on the build out. Have I used a quarter of its life?

Something doesn't feel quite right about this. That 3000 hours is assuming proper routine maintenance, etc. Can someone comment - and make me feel better

Thanks!

$2000 / 3000hrs =$0.667/hr

Seems a bit unreasonable, but 🤷‍♂️ ?


If on shore power is available, it is hard to beat electricity if the price per kWh is reasonable. During my van builds, I used electric heat if I needed heat. On my 2nd build shore power was the very first item I installed - exactly for this reason;

https://www.promasterforum.com/posts/778797/

If I built a 3rd Van, I would go even simpler on the electrical system & probable just buy a NOCO pass thru for Shore Power;

The more experience I have with Vans, the simpler I want my designs & builds to be.

 

Don't get discouraged by some of these posts. Obviously some of these people have moved on to the latest and greatest but I'm sure there are also many like me who have not. I had approx 3100 hours on my Webasto 2000STC gas heater when I had it looked at for no-start issues about 2 years ago (weak vehicle battery). It probably has over 4500 hours on it now and still runs fine. It has lived just above 6000 feet elevation for most of its life (no fuel mixture leaning required) and the tech I spoke with at Webasto in Michigan said they actually last longer (translation: keep the carbon burned off better) if they are running non- stop for extended periods, which mine often did at that elevation in the winter. Anyway, I finally broke down and pulled it apart last winter just to see what it looked like. You can get kits to replace the "guts" for less than $300 (also some Chinese ones for around $30 but I'm staying away from those). It wasn't as bad as I expected inside so I just cleaned it up and put it back together. I'm hoping it lasts for another 5 years (with a DIY refurb at some point).

 

Thanks all for your replies. I thought I had researched heaters but obviously not after seeing what appear to be identical units for a third of the price. I am now running a space heater via my short power hookup during the build. Happy that some folks are getting longer life from the Webasto and that there may be an option to refurbish it when the time comes. Build progressing nicely.

 

I’ve probably got only 700 hours at most on my Webasto, and I know there are now cheaper options out there, but I love the thing. I try to run it on max setting, to avoid carbon buildup, but since I mostly travel October and April I end up running it on 1/4 to 1/3 power overnight many times. I always burn it hot for awhile before turning off in the morning. I live in fear of the day it doesn’t work so I’m happy to hear from some on here that they can go more than 3000 hours. For me, paying for a reliable gas heater is a much better option than the hassle of a diesel one. Everyone has different abilities and priorities though. If the Webasto quits, and isn’t easily fixed, then it’s time for a replacement with one of the lower cost gas ones. Enjoy yours once the build is done and you’re out traveling.

 

That's great. Can I ask about running it at "max setting"? I've seen that recommendation a number of times. Is that simply turning the thermostat all the way up (I have the digital Bluetooth)? Does the heater actually change it's heat output if you do that? I would have thought that you dial in the temperature you want and the heater would run until achieved - so it would run longer at a constant heat output. Surprised that it can adjust both output and duration. Is that it or is there a different setting to get Max?

 

That's great. Can I ask about running it at "max setting"? I've seen that recommendation a number of t

I have both the digital and rheostat controller for my Webasto. Running it on "high" means cranking the knob fully clockwise. But I don't do that, except to make sure the unit is still working before heading out on a trip.

But mostly I just set the temperature and let the heater decide what it wants to do. I figured the Webasto engineers know a lot more than I do about managing the heater, so I don't micro-manage it (ditto with my LPF batteries, but that is a different thread).