One thing I learned during my heating experiments in the last 2 weeks is that
my Coleman catalytic produces 0 CO (on the digi display) as monitored by the CO
alarm I have in the van.  I know it works as the engine can set it off when I
have the engine cover off when I'm working on it and it's running.

I was quite happy to discover that.  It's still a very good idea to have decent
ventilation when using one as running out of oxygen is kinda bad.

tom

On 30 Oct 2013 at 23:40, Karl Mullendore wrote:

> This question comes up every year. Three basic options (well, truly safe
> options), from low to high in price, with my observations:
> 1) Atwood, been around forever, 75% efficiency = 9000 btu. Probably find one
> for $300-400. Does the job but doesn't fit so well in the stock Westy cabinets
> 2) Propex, been around a long time also, and continuously improved, 93%
> efficiency = 6500/9700 btu depending on model. Half or less of the physical
> size of the Atwood. $735-840.
> 3) Espar and Webasto gas/diesel heaters - well established design, multiple
> speeds and heater levels, efficiency good, half the size of a Propex, but
> 1.5 to 2 times the price. Yearly maintenance required, which the propane
> heaters usually do not.
> I've had vans with all of the above and all served the purpose. My favorite
> is the Espar diesel version as I usually install these in my personal diesel
> Syncros.
> What I wouldn't use is a catalytic or other non-vented heater. Sleeping bags
> are much cheaper. I'd sooner build a tiny wood stove. :-)
> Karl

-----------------------------------------
Tom Ring K0TAR EN34hx

Never attribute to engineers that into which politicians, lawyers,
accountants, and marketeers have poked their fingers.
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