Propex heater

[cargovanconversion]

I'm converting my van and its time to explore my options for a heater.

I'm thinking of a Propex in combination with a propane tank under the van. Don't like heaters with 'open' heat sources and it should use little electricity.

Has anybody any experience with a Propex or similar heater?



Van.

[Photog]

Our B has a Suburban. What is the major difference between the two?

[Mike]

As far as I can tell they're made in England.
http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/
sold by a Canadian (possibly others?) from someplace near Ottawa
http://www.frankcondelli.com/propex.htm
and seem to be the heater choice for Westfalia vans.
http://westyventures.com/propex.html
http://www.propexcalgary.com/
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=155324

I'd make sure they'll fit your van, and that they're legal (although if they fit
in Westfalia vans they probably are) and you're good to go.
Sorry, what was the question???

[Photog]

I think the Propex is no more/less an open flame than the Suburban. They both use a fire on a heat exchanger, and a fan to move heat off the heat exchanger, into the cabin.

I do wonder if a Propex is less noisy than the Suburban (mini turbo-jet).

[Mike]

It has to be.
The Suburban is as you describe. "747" in a box.

[cargovanconversion]

A bit late but some answers to your remarks.

I have a NO-top van conversion, so little space. The Propex is small, easy to hide and very important, low amp use. Also fully vented outside.

Brian,
the question was, that I was looking for users and their experience with Propex.

Photog,
I do think Propex is or should be rather quiet, but I would like that confirmed.

Thanks for your remarks.

Van

[Photog]

The Propex has been popular in the Westfalia VW vans (small space). They are know for being more quiet than the Suburban heaters.

I do not know what type of fan system they have, but I would not be difficult for a manufacturer like Propex, to improve the efficiency over the Suburban. I believe the Propex uses a Squirrel Cage fan, which should move plenty of air, with less power draw.

There is another heater company, that produces a competitive model to these heaters. Sorry I can't remember the name. A little searching for the Propex and Suburban should bring up the third name.

[Flashman]

I just saw a neat solution for the heaterless in a Popular Mechanics back issue. Use fire bricks on the stove, heat them up, they radiate heat for hours. It's either something to use temporarily, or if you only want a heater "just in case" then that could be your back up... however, they did note it was quite efficient on propane compared to other heating solutions.

What about it that appeals to me though, is that after about half an hour after you turn the stove off, you can probably seal up all the ventilation.

[Mike]

Interesting idea.
If a propane burner is all you've got available, it does sound like it might work as a temporary
heat source. Ventilate while heating the brick(s), and then close up afterwards sounds safe enough.