Espar Heater Question - Page 2

**BroncoHauler** · 03-22-2010, 10:11 PM

Steve,

Trying to make things more accommodating for the family? I can appreciate that. The only auxiliary heat I have is a 120V ceramic heater (which draws too much juice unless on shore power, and a 12V mattress warmer which I haven't even used yet). I'll keep an eye on this thread myself to see which direction you take.

Herb

kmessinger · 03-28-2010, 01:35 PM

How close to wood can the heater go? I have pulled my propane heater and now have a large space under the gaucho. I plan to put the espar in the back of the space but there are electric lines running on the floor there. I was going to build a box to cover it and use the rest of the space for storage.

I understand in addition to the exhaust and intake lines for combustion there will be a warm air line and an air return line.

I may just let SMB install it but I think it looks like a pretty easy job.

Regards,

Keith

LATER - I see from railbat's photos that is doesn't need much room at all.

Greg In Austin · 03-28-2010, 02:54 PM

You are right. It does not require much room. Ours is tucked behind the 20 gal water tank under the gaucho, between the tank and exterior wall with wires along that exterior wall. The hot air duct runs rearward past the tank and turns to exhaust in the aisle. The return is at the forward end of the gaucho behind the driver's seat.

Jeffrey · 03-28-2010, 04:30 PM

Steve, in my RB50 the espar airtronic is mounted to the van floor underneath the removable bottom panel in the shelf closet. That space is probably used for propane and/or water heater in non espar vans.

surfgeek33 · 03-28-2010, 05:05 PM

Here's a couple of pics Steve. Hope these help.

Ray

Located ubder the sliding door cabinets of the 50.

Vent

kmessinger · 03-28-2010, 06:31 PM

I am planning to put in a D2. Do you all think that will deliver enough heat for my Sprinter?

Thanks,

Keith

cellularSTEVE · 03-28-2010, 06:48 PM

Keith,
I am going with the bigger unit (D4) since it has an altitude compensator. My understanding is the D2 does not have that.
Steve

vwteleman · 03-28-2010, 07:08 PM

Steve,

You saw my build thread, but just to add to the record here, ours is mounted on the passenger side behind the wheel well (on an EB).

The vent is below the bench just to the right of the wheel well in this photo.

This is for a GTRV conversion; don't know what you SMB 50'ers typically have there on the passenger side.

Brent

kmessinger · 03-28-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE

Keith,
I am going with the bigger unit (D4) since it has an altitude compensator. My understanding is the D2 does not have that.
Steve

I was in some discussion that the D4 in a SMB doesn't get a chance to really run full bore so it needs more maintenance.

I did not know about an altitude compensator.

Keith

cellularSTEVE · 03-28-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmessinger

Quote:

Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE

Keith,
I am going with the bigger unit (D4) since it has an altitude compensator. My understanding is the D2 does not have that.
Steve

Correct, there is quite a bit of discussion about that. The remedy appears to be to run the unit on high for 20-30 mins a month. Apparently the D2 doesn't have the altitude compensator so that is why the D4 is more useful if you are above 5-6k feet over sea level.

steve

I was in some discussion that the D4 in a SMB doesn't get a chance to really run full bore so it needs more maintenance.

I did not know about an altitude compensator.

Keith