Propex Heater - Interior vs Exterior mounting

[BenJJ-SMB]

I am wanting to install a propex furnace in my van and while doing some research I saw that they have a model that can be mounted underneath the van, HS2211. From what I have seen most people have model HS2000 which mounts inside.

https://www.propexheatsource.com/heaters/hs2211-furnace/

Does anyone have experience with HS2211? Does anyone see major concerns with an exterior mount as opposed to interior?

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Adventure Trailers used to offer a Propex heater built into a toolbox to make a portable heating system. Neat idea, but no idea how well it may have worked, and I don't see it on their website anymore.


Herb

 

[Blowby-SMB]

BenJJ I went through this a few months ago and was also looking at doing the exterior install as you are.For me it came down to location and ease of install and I did end up doing an interior propex.
The down side for me on the external was the fact that it required some rather large holes to duct the air into the cabin and I didn't have the room externally for a satisfactory mount.
I think a fellow forumite Mr Anderson may have done a external mount,but don,t quote me on that.
I did end up making a cardboard cutout of the size of the heater to make it easier to visualize the location.
Also check out Youtube as I did find some good installation videos of internal and external mounts.
Cheers
Roger

 

[BUFFALO-SMB]

The vanagon forum at Thesamba.com has threads on the external heater mount. Not directly related to your vehicle but may offer some ideas/information.

 

[Futrmbl]

External mount Proplex

I am wanting to install a propex furnace in my van and while doing some research I saw that they have a model that can be mounted underneath the van, HS2211. From what I have seen most people have model HS2000 which mounts inside.

https://www.propexheatsource.com/heaters/hs2211-furnace/

Does anyone have experience with HS2211? Does anyone see major concerns with an exterior mount as opposed to interior?

Hi Ben, i also went thru the same questions. I choose the external mounted for interior space, my van is a RB. I mounted it under the charcoal canister in front of my rear thru floor box. I do not mind the two holes coming up into the rear part of the van, also it will be more quite than inside. Just my input. Joe Futrmbl

 

[Econoliner]

I installed an HS2211 underneath driver side between frame rail & body about 6 yrs ago. It's been great. Every cubic inch of space is important so I opted for the external version. Propane belly tank on the passenger side. I draw intake air from just ahead of the rear driver side wheel well and have hot air duct just behind driver seat. I wanted a little separation. Ducts are insulated with recfltix wrap. Initially there was a problem with "turning the corner" with the exhaust flue but Karl (the former distributor) had an elbow that didn't cause non-laminar air flow. The weather hasn't gotten to it yet under there, although there have been a couple times I had to knock ice build-up off the exhaust flue after driving in winter conditions. I put screening over the intake and exhaust flues to keep bugs and little critters out. We have slept comfortably down to near zero.. 10-degrees for sure. Results may vary.

 

[arctictraveller]

I'm installing a diesel heater that claims to be suitable for mounting under the van, but I was concerned about water intrusion. The propex looks like it's sealed better though, but because I've been known to cross a few rivers, I opted to install it inside instead. Just driving on rain soaked roads and through puddles will throw a large amount of water around under the van, so you might consider some type of deflector or shield.

 

[BenJJ-SMB]

Thanks to everyone for all of the great feedback! I did end up going with the external model HS2211, mostly to preserve internal space. Hoping to install it sometime this weekend so we will see how the 3" holes in the floor go. If anyone has some pictures of their installs handy that would be helpful!

 

[Econoliner]

As I recall, McMaster-Carr has some nice rubber grommets to get the ducts through the floor.

 

[mothgils]

Thanks to everyone for all of the great feedback! I did end up going with the external model HS2211, mostly to preserve internal space. Hoping to install it sometime this weekend so we will see how the 3" holes in the floor go. If anyone has some pictures of their installs handy that would be helpful!

Following...will you post the process in your build thread?