Need help adding a heater to my van

jhensel · 09-13-2009, 01:45 PM

I have a 2007 Chevy express 1500 AWD passenger van with a penthouse top and a fold down bench seat. I have just finished installing my DC system and now I am looking at adding a propane system. I have a 1 year old so I would like to have some heat during the night. I am considering 2 options:

Either:

1. add a propane tank, furnace, and stove.

OR:

2. Use a little buddy catalytic heater and using a camp stove.

Ford_6L_E350 · 09-13-2009, 02:14 PM

I don't think I would be willing to try the catalytic heater with a little guy. The propane furnace vents to the outside.

Mike

jhensel · 09-13-2009, 02:21 PM

Where is the propane tank mounted on a Chevy van?

spurious · 09-13-2009, 05:40 PM

If I were to add propane and a heater to my van this would be the set up!
Ebay item number 190275625573
They use them in boats and european campers. Small and very safe.

billwilson · 09-13-2009, 07:52 PM

Propex heaters are the deal for Westys (VW Westphailia Campers)

ck out Karls site:

http://www.westyventures.com/propex.html

also to to http://www.thesamba.com
(it is a VW site)
got to the search function
type in Propex
then select Vanagon forums

there is a SL of great info, pros & cons
pics of installs etc

a propex would be my vote also

bw

ps
tell Karl BW sent ya

ppss
there is a WEALTH of info on The Samba
that is directly related SMB's
also a ton of pics and mods

jhensel · 09-13-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spurious

If I were to add propane and a heater to my van this would be the set up!
Ebay item number 190275625573
They use them in boats and european campers. Small and very safe.

Thanks, that looks like a great unit. Where should I look for a propane tank? I have seen a bunch that are made for VW vans, could I just get a bracket welded and use one of those? Also can I vent the heater near the fuel door or do I need to have the vent on the other side of the van?

spurious · 09-13-2009, 08:15 PM

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-g ... e-tank.htm

This can give you an idea.

dowgars · 09-14-2009, 12:33 PM

Which one of the propex heaters for a van would you guys recommend? Thanks, RD

jhensel · 09-14-2009, 02:01 PM

I looked at the one on PPL but I don't think I am going to have room for it. Where are the propane tanks mounted on your vans?

billwilson · 09-14-2009, 04:31 PM

IMHO either heater will keep you warm

as for the propane tank, the ones for VW vans are pretty small

i would sling it underneath, you would have to have
someone fab you brackets

a source for VW tanks:

http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?par ... 253070601D

best

BW
ck out TheSamba.com
search for Propex and check out the various installs