new van on order, opinions on furnace and top please!

[ctb]

GET THE FURNACE!!! GET THE POWER TOP!!! I don't care what the cost was (at that point)…for what (relatively) was a small percentage/cost of our van, we chose the power top because of our canoe and carrier….the forum (man I still am soooo thankful to all the SMB'rs that had excellent advice) recommendations about ease of use sand much cheaper now than putting one in later… and the furnace was a last minute addition…and man are we glad we did! We recently slept north of the Brooks Range off the Dalton and would have froze our butts off if we hadn't had the furnace…with we thought will come in handy so many more times in mountain regions…I don't think a small portable heater would have been a good option…my opinion…and (again) when your are spending this much money on a love affair that will supply you with such excitement and memories…what is a few dollars more to get it just right….plus RESALE MAN! Get it with all the doodads…only costs a dollar more to go first cabin!

[prally]

I agree, considering the overall cost, may as well get it right and resellable!

Hopefully a furnace that really work well, quiet, small, etc.

[daveb]

I get some rude remarks from buddies outside in tents when it's 20* outside and I'm in shorts inside my van complaining it's too hot . I actually enjoy winter camping the most when I'm by myself. And I agree, the power top is the way to go for the reasons others have stated.

[REF]

Originally Posted by 1der

How about a CCV top vs Sportsmobile?

Comes with electric lift, more headroom, bed width, over cab storage, one more window and is cheaper. Plus you can get the triple insulated canvas as an option.

Just putting out the top that we are going with.

X2 on CCV top, we swapped over to one with the insulated canvas from a SMB manual and are really enjoying the added benefits-electric lift(2-1000 lb. screw rams), much stouter framing, higher ceiling/lift(bedding/sleeping bags now stay up there vs. having to take up valuable space below), longer/wider bed, added space enclosed over cab for storage or small bed for a kid(that's where our 7 yr old sleeps, for now), better material-coated tough nylon, better insulation(extra $$, but worth it), lighter weight(by like 300 lbs!),LED puck lights included. I'll take some pics

[4MacFam]

I'm with ctb. Get the furnace and the electric top. I have a rack, solar panel AND a yakima box on top. GREAT to have extra storage on top and not have to unload it or kill my back. Pull into a wayside and wanna cook and stand, push a button to lift the top.

I just don't get the "storage" complaint for the furnace. Unless you will rarely ever go where its cold (and not bring anything) you'll have to store whatever kind of heater you go with. Mr Buddy and all the tanks are gonna take up space PLUS setup and extra care not to burn the rig. The propane tank under the van behind the drivers seat...what else would go there. Plus now you can have a stove and water heater if you choose.

Our rig is about being COMFORTABLE. We don't want to rough it with an SMB and we like quick and easy. Wake up in the morning, come back from a hike, whatever and it's cold all I have to do is move a lever.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by 4MacFam

I just don't get the "storage" complaint for the furnace. Unless you will rarely ever go where its cold (and not bring anything) you'll have to store whatever kind of heater you go with. Mr Buddy and all the tanks are gonna take up space PLUS setup and extra care not to burn the rig. The propane tank under the van behind the drivers seat...what else would go there. Plus now you can have a stove and water heater if you choose.

The Propex 2211 can mount outside under the floor. Quieter, no risk of inside Propane leak and takes up no inside space except for the two ducts. I don't think SMB will install these though...