Quick connect furnace option

[Darkstar]

I'm toying with a furnace purchase, but I am pretty minimalist in my interior setup as well as disposable income for the job. I am considering a propane furnace. I live in San Diego and 3/4 of the year wont need the heat. But for those cold weather snowboard trips and winter camping it sure would be a nice addition. I'm considering a Propex propane furnace. Id like to do it with a quick connect option so i can use a bbq style propane tank that isn't mounted under the van to save the 1000 expense that installation and purchase of the tank will entail on top of the furnace. I don't want the propane in the van with the need to drill a vent hole. .

Tell me why this will work or why I shouldn't do it.

Go!

[simplesez]

Just get a Mr. Heater Big Buddy heater.

It works really well and you can attach a BBQ tank and 10 foot hose with an adapter.

Cost is a lot less than a Propex. You will get moisture so just crack a window.

[Darkstar]

I have a catalytic heater the olympian wave 6 that is fine. However with a kid and a dog id perfer to have that heat source not be as exposed as the mr buddy or the catalytic one. But thanks!! I do agree that my plans are always more involved than they need to be

[larrie]

All you need to do is change the fittings on the Propex. My van came with a Suburban heater. The gas line was run through the floor to a quick connect fitting. The original owner, 86Scotty, did not install a body mounted tank. He just plugged a five gallon propane tank into the QC. It worked great until I added a body mounted tank.

[Otter]

Originally Posted by Darkstar

I have a catalytic heater the olympian wave 6 that is fine. However with a kid and a dog id perfer to have that heat source not be as exposed as the mr buddy or the catalytic one. But thanks!! I do agree that my plans are always more involved than they need to be

Nah, you're just trying to be careful. I bought a Mr. Buddy for my boat with the hope that I could try it in the van, too. The damn thing scared the crap out of me. I didn't care for looking at that live fire on there! At least on the boat I could throw it overboard if it got out of hand. I think I'd be awake in the van all night worrying about that thing. The only scenario that appeals to me is the one where folks run it for a few minutes before bed and then shut it off. And really get under the covers.

I like Larrie's former setup. Why not have a good heater inside and the gas source outside? Folks will tell you how dangerous it is to carry a propane tank outside your van in case of collision (like on the rear door). Okay, so maybe find a place where it won't go ballistic if someone rear-ends you. Gee, I've carried TWO gigantic tanks on my travel trailers for years - so does everyone else - it's probably a really bad idea in an accident, but... seems not to bother anyone with travel trailers or motorhomes.

[larrie]

When I was using the standard five gallon propane bottle it lived in a plastic milk crate and was kept in the van by the rear doors when on the road. I know people talk about the danger of a leaky tank but I do not believe it. Propane smells, there is a propane detector in the van and propane tank shutoff valves do not leak.

[BUFFALO]

I have run exactly what you are talking about for several years. Propex 2800 in the right rear. Run a rubber hose out the floor and connect the 20lbs tank when needed in cold weather. Use propane quick connect fittings. No issues as of yet.

[Darkstar]

I have an aluminess box on the back for transport of the propane. I can always drill and plug a small vent hole in that if needed.
Thanks everyone.. good info.

[shadetreevanman]

I live in SoCal as well and didn't like using the Mr Buddy either. As little as we need heat it seemed silly to buy an expensive heater though. I joined the Chinese Diesel Heater Group on Facebook and followed them for a while, then bought a 2KW Diesel Heater for my E350. Mounted the heater under the bed.


Mounted the diesel tank on the rear bumper swing arm.


Controller is by side doors


As I only finished installing it this spring, I don't have much feedback yet. It did warm the van up nicely a few times sitting in the driveway. At less than $150 for the complete kit, I am very happy so far. Next winter will be the real test.

[Darkstar]

Thats a price point i can rally behind. Stay with me on this thread after this winter and let me know how it went under winter testing!! Great photos! Thanks!