I'm getting a new Ford F-150 + SpaceKap Diablo 8ft Cab (insulation option with 1-1.5" closed cell urethane foam sandwich). I'd like to get an Espar or Webasto Gas Heater for the cab only and am not familiar with the in's and out's of these systems. What would be folks recommendations reliability, easy install (sounds like directly to gas tank is best call), affordability, etc. I'd like something that pretty much just lets me set a thermostat and forget about it (except for basic maintenance of course).
Espar or Webasto Gas Heater Recommendations?
- Thread starter erstwild
- Start date
Sorry for the late reply. Good recommendation! Planar let me know that they are making gas heaters that should be available this Fall.
Both Espar and Webasto are comparable units. If you need to deal with altitudes, then the Espar has a $300+ high altitude module that will automatically compensate for altitude up to around 7000 feet. Supposedly the Webasto are good to about 5000 feet before having an issue, but if used regularly in higher altitudes should be adjusted. There is a hack to do so, and that is the route I went with my diesel powered Webasto. Gas versions from either brand will be more prone to the fouling issues related to altitude than the diesel ones, or at least I am reading that quite a bit in various places.
Another thing to consider, which will be less of an issue with a gas version, is the electrical load to run one. You have a starting sequence which has more energy draw up front (especially on the diesels), then a fan and pump to run after that. If you don't have a backup battery, additional capacity, etc. you will want to account for that so that you are not left stranded somewhere by killing the starter battery.
Planar and Snugger are two lower priced e-bay units that people have been having success with, but long term reliability, and long term exposure to altitude (if that is even a concern for you) are not fully known. Plenty of anecdotal info out there such as Victorian's post above about having no issues at 8500', so your you may want to take the chance. How they hold up at altitude over time is anyone's guess.
My spend for a Webasto diesel unit with the low end rheostat temperature dial (needed for the altitude hack) was $1000 vs. a similar setup from Espar that would have been about $1400 with the altitude add on kit. It included everything needed for the install such as controllers, wiring harnesses, fuel pump/line/attachments/anchors, intake and exhaust hoses, fuel tank tap, etc.
Any one of the lower end units should have more than enough heating power for the situation you describe. Good luck.
Another thing to consider, which will be less of an issue with a gas version, is the electrical load to run one. You have a starting sequence which has more energy draw up front (especially on the diesels), then a fan and pump to run after that. If you don't have a backup battery, additional capacity, etc. you will want to account for that so that you are not left stranded somewhere by killing the starter battery.
Planar and Snugger are two lower priced e-bay units that people have been having success with, but long term reliability, and long term exposure to altitude (if that is even a concern for you) are not fully known. Plenty of anecdotal info out there such as Victorian's post above about having no issues at 8500', so your you may want to take the chance. How they hold up at altitude over time is anyone's guess.
My spend for a Webasto diesel unit with the low end rheostat temperature dial (needed for the altitude hack) was $1000 vs. a similar setup from Espar that would have been about $1400 with the altitude add on kit. It included everything needed for the install such as controllers, wiring harnesses, fuel pump/line/attachments/anchors, intake and exhaust hoses, fuel tank tap, etc.
Any one of the lower end units should have more than enough heating power for the situation you describe. Good luck.
Alloy
Well-known member
After looking at Webasto - Espar - Wallace I chose a Propex (propane) for the low amp draw and no pulse pump noise. A multi meter tells me it is drawing 2.2amps @12.6VDC.
https://www.propexheatsource.com/heaters/
Along with the heater there is an Electo Systems propane alarm (+0.2amps) with a NC (normally closed) solenoid valve (+0.2amps) that will shut the propane off.
http://www.es-web.com/GS7-propane-detector.html
Propane is heavier than air so the sensor is mounted under the heater about 1/2" above the floor.
There are not breaks or connections in the 3/8" copper from outside (regulator) to the heater
The copper is held in place with cushion clamps.
The exhaust tubing runs about +/-90C (200F) and the warm air outlet is +/-60C (140F)
The propane system is tested for leaks 1-2 times a year with a homemade manometer
http://www.rverscorner.com/manometer.html
https://www.propexheatsource.com/heaters/
Along with the heater there is an Electo Systems propane alarm (+0.2amps) with a NC (normally closed) solenoid valve (+0.2amps) that will shut the propane off.
http://www.es-web.com/GS7-propane-detector.html
Propane is heavier than air so the sensor is mounted under the heater about 1/2" above the floor.
There are not breaks or connections in the 3/8" copper from outside (regulator) to the heater
The copper is held in place with cushion clamps.
The exhaust tubing runs about +/-90C (200F) and the warm air outlet is +/-60C (140F)
The propane system is tested for leaks 1-2 times a year with a homemade manometer
http://www.rverscorner.com/manometer.html