On-Board Heat Source (Stationary)

[stringtwelve]

I'm currently working on my wish list for the expedition portion of my build-out. I was curious what you use for a heat source when you've made camp.

I'm going to be putting a gas cook top in my FJ45 so I'm thinking about putting a tee in place and running a small propane heater like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3NYXV83VG5PQ1&coliid=I2IE3PKEP6LJOQ&psc=1

I would prefer something with a bit more finished look that I can build into the storage area though.

Any ideas?

 

[Rockhounder]

Years ago, when I was traveling via tourbus, the bus driver had made a nifty thin steel sheet (like a thin cookie tray) which had a boxed collector that fit over the exhaust manifold. Set it on, and after a couple of minutes could make an omelette, or boil water. was really cool. I think it would be very doable in my 88 suburbans engine compartment, with those great exhaust manifolds hanging out there in easy reach .... will try and document that if I have the time soon..... should be fun. great thing is, that you then have a way to heat food in the extreme fire restriction regulations the BLM has...:wings:

 

[MANUCHAO]

If I had a troopy I would get a propex heater.. Expensive....yes, but safe. i would be warry of a heater like one posted on the link above...

 

[Bretthn]

what about one of these

 

[Yuman Desert Rat]

If I had a troopy I would get a propex heater.. Expensive....yes, but safe. i would be warry of a heater like one posted on the link above...

I concur! I have the portable propex setup. sweet piece of kit. a total game changer! worth every penny IMHO.

 

[Martyn]

We do sell the Propex heaters and the portable version of the heater. We chose this model because it separates the combustion gases from the heated air via a combustion chamber and heat exchanger. The result is a very safe unit.

The catalytic style heaters do not do this, the heated air is the combusted air. From my previous research most of these units have a low oxygen sensor that will cut the fuel supply to unit off when oxygen is in low supply. They also require a source of fresh air, it differs with each model but it's the equivalent of leaving a small window open. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is cumulative and you would be effected or dead long before you ran out of oxygen.

These catalytic units are inexpensive and provide a good source of heat, they can also be deadly. Independent studies have shown that this style of unit produces CO. If you decide to use one outfit your vehicle with a CO detector, a Propane detector, and a smoke alarm.

 

[007]

I tried using a Mr. buddy for heat, but it is a bad idea if you use a heater much. These types of heaters produce a lot of condensation that ends up producing mildew and dampness inside. When you want heat, you really want dry heat, not humidity.

Go with the Propex, it exhausts the moisture to the outside. It costs more up front, but you won't ever have to throw anything away because of mold or mildew.

I used to think the whole humidity thing wasn't a big deal, but then I used a heater for over a week in 0 - 20F weather. It ruined my RTT mattress, my sleeping bag, and everything just felt cold, damp and gross. The cost to replace that stuff would have covered most of the Propex cost.

Dry heat.

 

[Douglas S.]

I think I would opt for a Webasto or Espar forced air heater purely because they can be run off the vehicle's gas or diesel instead of propane and both use heat exchangers. YMMV.

http://www.webasto.com/us/markets-p...les/heating-systems/products/air-top-2000-st/
http://www.espar.com/products/fuel-...lection/air-heaters/technology-in-detail.html

 

[Joe917]

love my Webasto

 

[stringtwelve]

Sweet! Thanks for all the input! Time for some research...