Help me choose which Espar Airtronic

wannaSMB · 01-06-2009, 10:12 PM

Here are specs: http://www.espar.com/documents/allmarket.pdf

In short, D2 is 7.5k btu, while the D4 is 13.6k (it's "medium" setting is in the same range as the D2's "high", 6-7k btu). I'm told that SMB installs the D4. However, the D2 can be purchased for $500 less.

We used a space heater on shore power this past wknd in the Sierras (25 degrees or so at night), and turned it down to the lowest setting (occasionally run per a thermostat at 3k btu) to keep from getting too hot. That suggests to me that the D2 might be just fine.

So my questions are to you folks out there who use an Espar Airtronic:

- Do you use it on high much?
- Do you think I'd regret getting the D2?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Jim

Jeffrey · 01-06-2009, 10:19 PM

Jim, I think the D2 would be good for you. My D4 puts out so much heat that after a few minutes of use, it's toasty and I must set it to low. I imagine the D2 will heat up the van just fine for you. I see them on ebay regularly, new full kits. Let me know if you want to see mine again, and I can help with the install.

Jeffrey

jage · 01-07-2009, 08:00 AM

I'd like to request photos if you move forward with this, and what is the feasiblity of replacing a propane system with an espar system?

Veg Hed · 01-07-2009, 08:10 AM

I don't know if I have a D2 or a D4 but I do know that my Espar cranks out the heat after just a few minutes. So I don't think you would regret getting any Espar. A D4 might be over kill but I don't know. I'll do a little research and figure out which one I have...

Jage, I might be able to provide you some pics...My propane heater was replaced with an Espar, but this was done before I bought it. I think the hot water heater was replaced (this might have been electric though) as well as the stove being converted to run on the small green canisters.

Greg In Austin · 01-07-2009, 12:19 PM

I don't know which we have... or how to tell....

BUT I would ask SMB why they use the D4....??

(Maybe JK knows??)

Are there any other differences?

Do both units get the same user interface? do they both get the high altitude autmatic adjustment?

I used mine over this past weekend. It was down around freezing and it quickly makes the van toasty and comfortable.

Have

Jammyauto · 01-07-2009, 12:47 PM

I just ordered a complete D4 kit from Lubrication Specialists. The automatic high altitude adjustment is not a part of the furnace but rather a seperate kit. It is not included with the basic D4. The kit is 275.00. It can be easily retrofitted to any D4. I'm not sure if this is standard with a sportsmobile that has the D4 installed by SMB or not.

wannaSMB · 01-07-2009, 01:10 PM

Holy Cow that's a lot, Seth. I was hoping it was included in the base price. Bummer.

Per the Airtronic manual (http://www.espar.com/documents/airtronic.pdf), there are three different high altitude kits. Dd you get the one with the sensor, or the one with the extra pump?

Jammyauto · 01-07-2009, 01:36 PM

I don't know as I did not get the kit. The person for whom I am installing this furnace felt that he would not need the kit. It can be added later.

**daveb** · 01-07-2009, 07:48 PM

Jim, I was able to sleep in the PH during 8 degree weather (coldest yet) with the thermostat set to just below 3/4 using a 40 coleman sleeping bag as a blanket. They kick out quite a bit of heat but I always keep reflectics type material in the lower windows. During the 8 degree trip, the PH had no inslation up top at all and still it was warm enough IMO. If the top had insulation I would think it would help big time. I use the van a lot between 20 and 30 degree weather and the heater setting stays fairly low. Dropping below 20 with the top up seems to make a big difference temperature wise. Wind also makes a huge difference.

I was supposed to have the auto altitude switch installed. I have the digital timer but I don't actually know if they installed the auto altitude switch.
Dave

John Kalmbach · 01-07-2009, 10:29 PM

The Espar D4 is what SMB has been using, it was chosen because it had the closest BTU rating to the Suburban NT-12 Series furnaces that had been used for years. Knowing the Espar D4 had a variable speed fan and thermostat, concern for providing adequate heat in extreme low temperature environments took precedence over price.

The original Espar D4 installs had two fuel pumps, one for low and one for high elevation, controlled by a "1-2" selector switch. Last year, the Espar High Altitude Compensating Device became available and SMB began installing them.

I'm not sure if the programmable controller for the D4 will work on the D2, you could check with Greg at Lubrication Specialists to find out for sure; http://lubricationspecialist.com/front/index.aspx or 888-306-4255

John K.