How to stay warm at altitude?

[daveb]

Yes Espar makes a gasoline version but in the past RVIA would not let those be installed in US production vehicles. Maybe this has changed by now. The other issue is I don't have a clue how well they work. If you install it yourself, provided it doesn't mess with your insurance and performs well, I'd look closely at one.

I've been with people using propane at altitudes above 9000 feet who have had issues. It's possible it had nothing to do with the altitude. It seems that I've heard of an high altitude kit for the Suburban units IIRC but you'll still have to deal with a cold propane tank if you venture into sub zero zones. The coldest I've ever been is about 7-8* with my D-4 at 6500' and was able to sleep up top. I wouldn't be surprised if really cold weather that requires a diesel additive for cold climates might affect the Espar operation. I just don't know but if you're planning to spend time where diesel fuel begins to gel, I'd research that. Where you mount the tank (propane or diesel) might make a difference. I'd also ask others about how well their Suburban works at high altitude.

[trailsurfer]

I have camped at 12,000 + feet in 10-15 degrees with both Propane and Espar's, in a pop-top camper, as well as pop top SMB.

Both will work, but the Espar is far superior to the Propane. Much more efficient, and no worry about running out of fuel. If possible, invest in a Espar. I use my vans/trucks for skiing, hiking, MTBing, etc ... . And I live in the 4 corners, so high country camping in the summer, as well as camping at ski resorts is a common occurrence for me.

[FarmerFrederico]

I'm in same boat as OP - looking for heat at altitude. We live in Colorado front range and have a RB gasoline V10 with a CCV pop-top to occur in March.

I'm set on Webasto/Espar but can't decide if I should get an auxiliary diesel tank or just go with a gas burning model.

Anyone have suggestions for a local supplier/installer?

[Bbasso]

Greg sold me mine...
Its easy to install! Just follow the instructions.

[BUFFALO]

We have the same van you seek. Possibly older though.
1997 e350 eb penthouse pop top.
I Installed the propex 2800 specifically for winter camping and have several trips on it. Most recently 5 nights at temps into single digits. Only about 4000 feet though.
Although I don't have personal experience at high altitude I have read they are successful to at least 10k feet.
Our van has some reflectix on the walls and I ran a bunch around the inside of the penthouse after we raise it up to help with insulation. The heater runs nearly continuously but it stays quite comfortable. My wife and I sleep down stairs with a normal amount of blankets and our 9 year old boy sleeps upstairs in an REI 30 degree bag. Also has a fleece blanket if he needs it. No one has mentioned being cold. Assuming a propex does work at high elevations, I would definitely recommend it to you. We've been really happy with it!

[1scarygary]

I lived in Breck, Co for 10 years and two Sportsmobile s. My house was at 11,200 ft and made lots of winter adventures as well as slept at the ski resorts for nights on end. I had the suburban propane heaters in booth rigs and had a extended a tank on two 20lb tanks. That allowed me to use the heater all day and it normally lasted about 10 days before I needed to fill tanks again. Toasty warm in sub zero temps.

[Makalu1]

Thanks everyone for the replies. As usual I guess there's a lot of ways to skin a cat. I am encouraged to see there are options for gas and propane, and that even the standard systems like suburbans might work just fine. I'm copying all this for future reference, hopefully very soon! As for the propane, I think I'd seen something on here about air in the lines being a problem under certain circumstances.

[MKRyan]

[QUOTE=Makalu1;167695]Thanks everyone for the replies. As usual I guess there's a lot of ways to skin a cat.QUOTE]

If you're going to skin cats, I'd go with Himalayans. Their fur is longer and thicker than most and will keep you warmer in the cold temperatures you are talking about. It will take a lot of cats to make a blanket though.

Mike

[Makalu1]

Where's the "like" button on here?

[FarmerFrederico]

I was doing some research over at the Samba as well. This dealer came up frequently as a great source for parts and trouble shooting for Espar.

I think I'll probably call him tomorrow and ask some questions and if I like what I hear then I'll likely make an order!

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