Heater options

[nxski]

I'm looking into heating / power options for those colder nights. I was thinking I could get a battery for the back and run a small space heater off of that. Would this provide enough power to keep it running for the night? I was also thinking that I would be able to recharge the battery by using the 12v outlet. Would this be an option? Last thought is whether or not the battery would be sufficient in powering a block heater and oil pan heater overnight. Thoughts?
Thanks

[fexlboi]

Every electrical heat source big enough to warm up the interior a bit, draws too much power to run for an extended period of time on batteries. A little space heater will drain the battery in no time.
Recharging a battery with a regular 12v outlet works only if you have it connected for a long time. If you want to charge it during the day while driving and use it at night, it's not enough. Of course it depends on how much power you wanna use at night. Ideally you should connect it with heavy wires as a second auxiliary battery.

[K-Factor]

You want something like this, http://www.webastoshowroom.com/images/truck_trifold.pdf

It is a bit pricey, but there are a few different types out there. They use Diesel to heat your coolant, and you can set them up with a timer etc for warm starts on cold mornings, or to keep you warm inside for somewhat longer periods of time than would be possible by simply running the engine (at least this is how it works on large Trucks).

A bit to rich for my blood right now though.

hope this helps.

KSY

[nxski]

You want something like this, http://www.webastoshowroom.com/images/truck_trifold.pdf

It is a bit pricey, but there are a few different types out there. They use Diesel to heat your coolant, and you can set them up with a timer etc for warm starts on cold mornings, or to keep you warm inside for somewhat longer periods of time than would be possible by simply running the engine (at least this is how it works on large Trucks).

A bit to rich for my blood right now though.

hope this helps.

KSY

That is exactly what I want but unfortunately out of my price range. I really don't mind sleeping in the cold with a big warm sleeping bag but I've had complaints from others who've been sleeping in there with me. I guess I'll just tell them to toughen up. I'm going to look into wiring in another battery but would really like it to be removable. I may just decide to add a switch onto my existing dual battery system so I can use one of them during the night without having to worry about starting later. I've heard there are some propane heaters that are safe for use indoors as well, however I'm a little wary of those.

[thedjjack]

I would not run a propane heater unless it draws and vents to the outdoors (I like a deep sleep, but not to the point I do not wake up in the morning).

there really are not many options a 1000watt heater drawing on 120 volts through an inverter is going to kill a battery fast (most invertors will shut down at like 11 volts).

I have not seen a 12volt heater that puts out heat (unless you really insulate the van)/

You can look for used diesel heaters (boats use them) to save $$$.

Hypothetically I have a 10,000 BTU direct vent gravity (no electrics) propane furnace. I hypothetically cut a big hole in the side of the van for the vents. This has been done by others on the form where they replaced a side window to mount it.

Next meet maybe the Maple Ridge one we can turn it into a Camper event and do a tailgate party.

[nxski]

I would not run a propane heater unless it draws and vents to the outdoors (I like a deep sleep, but not to the point I do not wake up in the morning).

there really are not many options a 1000watt heater drawing on 120 volts through an inverter is going to kill a battery fast (most invertors will shut down at like 11 volts).

I have not seen a 12volt heater that puts out heat (unless you really insulate the van)/

You can look for used diesel heaters (boats use them) to save $$$.

Hypothetically I have a 10,000 BTU direct vent gravity (no electrics) propane furnace. I hypothetically cut a big hole in the side of the van for the vents. This has been done by others on the form where they replaced a side window to mount it.

Next meet maybe the Maple Ridge one we can turn it into a Camper event and do a tailgate party.

I'm not really looking at heating the whole van just warming the hands or feet in the middle of the night etc... 12v heater might be alright for that!? I figured it might be handy to have an extra battery from crappy tire just to use in case I want to recharge some electronic device at night without turning on the van or worrying about leaving something plugged in and draining the vehicles batteries. I'll be getting a -30 or -40 rated sleeping bag and wearing icebreaker merino wool too if the temperatures are really cold anyways. It's nice to have some kind of heat source though, even for just a few minutes if need be.

[nxski]

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... ?locale=en

something like this perhaps?

Sounds like a 12v electric blanket could be another option!?

[jessef]

Your best option is a diesel incab heater $$$$$
Your 2nd is a coolant heater w/ electric fan $$$$
Your 3rd option is a propane heater $$$
Your 4th option is a portable propane heater - not safe inside
Your 5th option is an electric source (house battery/solenoid/swithes) $$$$
Your 6th option is a good sleeping bag and 2 people

There's more

[nxski]

I think I'll go with a good sleeping bag and 2 people! Maybe a portable battery just in case as well

[Yokohama]

You could get a small 1200-1500 watt generator. They can run quite some time on one tank full. Of course, you can modify it for a larger fuel tank. You can also modify a generator to have a quieter exhaust system.

[tonydca]

Not sure if this is excessive for space consumption, but I think TardisDeli has a small microwave with a suitable inverter.

My wife swears by those "MagicBags" (basically little grain-filled cloth sacs that you nuke for 2 minutes or so to warm up) for her frigid appendages.

A microwave could also heat up tea in the morning...

[nxski]

Not sure if this is excessive for space consumption, but I think TardisDeli has a small microwave with a suitable inverter.

My wife swears by those "MagicBags" (basically little grain-filled cloth sacs that you nuke for 2 minutes or so to warm up) for her frigid appendages.

A microwave could also heat up tea in the morning...

Good point, I'll have to talk to Jay about how they've wired that when i pick his brains about subs and amps etc.

[CloudMountain]

Check out http://campervanculture.com/ for a great how to vid on installing Eberspacher D2 diesel 12v night heater.

[thedjjack]

When I lived in Prince George there was a Dodge with a wood stove in it....Will not leave much room for sleeping in the Delica after the installation...but warm and cheap!

[nxski]

Wood stove on the roof with a stack on top to vent the smoke and a fan to circulate hot air through the van!?