[JP4]

Now that my van is on order, I'm trying to get my build figured out. I've ordered a HR, extended T-250 with windows all around, which includes the four flip out window sections. My plan is to do a minimalist dry camping build and maintain the cargo function of the van as much as possible. To that end, I'm planning two more removable swivel captains chairs, a fold out couch that folds up against the side in the back (not to be used while driving) and a removable panel bed above that.

I've decided to keep it 12V, as the only real draw I'm going to have is an electric cooler/freezer and some led lights.

After doing some research, I don't think I want to spend the money on a gasoline fired heater as I won't be doing any serious winter camping. This rig will be mostly used for camping and surf trips to the Oregon coast, and to go to mountain bike races with my kids, so I just need enough heat to warm up after getting out of the cold PNW ocean, or out of cold muddy clothes. It's not cold enough around here to need heat all night in most conditions.

Also, I'm interested in installing about a ten gallon water tank near the back wheels (I'll probably incorporate that into a cabinet covering one of the wheel wells) with a pump to supply an outdoor shower.

So my question to you experts and people with experience with propane, is this a viable option? Is it good for my expectations of occasional heat and hot water?

Perusing the interwebs, I've found a few items that might work:

A propane tank like those used on westfallias LPG Tank with Regulator [Bus/Vanagon] - GoWesty Camper Products - parts supplier for VW Vanagon, Eurovan, and Bus

On demand shower: Eccotemp L5 Portable Tankless Water Heater and Outdoor Shower - Portable Hot Water Heater - Amazon.com

Ceramic heater:

I originally was planning a more elaborate build, but I think for now I'm just going to stick to a 12 volt system with enough battery to run the frig and lights for 3 days max. I'll do some light insulation and wall and ceiling panels along with horse stall floor mats and call it good.

I've got a descent metal working setup at home, so any cabinets or fixtures will be fabricated to bolt to the cargo D-ring locations so I can unbolt things if I need the full use of the cargo space.

Any ideas would be appreciated. The good news is I've got until probably February at the earliest to figure it out.:laugh:

 

[orton]

Search "orton diy" on Sprinter-source.com. My Sprinter build is detailed there. Lots of information some of which might be useful.

Shower warm water: I modified a 5 gallon SS beer keg to heat water electrically. I have a 600 watt inverter powered by the Sprinter 12 volt system. After driving 45 minutes I have 5 gallons of 90 degree water for a shower. Drop a small submersible pump into the keg attached to a garden hose and garden nozzle yields a shower. A 1000 watt inverter would reduce time to 30 minutes and less time for less gallons. I use about 3 gallons for a shower. Works very well.

Van heating: This is simpler. Just let van interior get cold and use a 12 volt heating pad under the sleeping bag. Works great and is quiet because refrigerator runs less and heating pad is very quiet. Only problem is your head gets cold. Solved that with a balaclava. Electric use is about equal because heating pad use is offset by less refrigerator run time.

 

[JP4]

Thanks Orton. Yes, I've read about your build, nicely done! And I like your ideas for minimalist heat and hot water, but I'm traveling with my kids as well as cleaning off muddy bikes, gear, and kids (we race mountain bikes and cyclocross), so I need to have the capability to waste a little more water and heat several people up at once, hence the idea for the catalytic heater and the shower hanging off the back door.

I know it's not a great idea to carry propane in the van, though I used to do that on camping trips to Baja when I was younger and didn't have kids with me, so that's why I'm interested in the under mount unit.
I've looked into gasoline fueled air heaters, and they are more expensive and complicated than I really need.
I camped in my last two Econoline's extensively without heat, but I find my tolerance for "roughing it" waning as I age

 

[orton]

Thanks Orton. Yes, I've read about your build, nicely done! And I like your ideas for minimalist heat and hot water, but I'm traveling with my kids as well as cleaning off muddy bikes, gear, and kids (we race mountain bikes and cyclocross), so I need to have the capability to waste a little more water and heat several people up at once, hence the idea for the catalytic heater and the shower hanging off the back door.

I know it's not a great idea to carry propane in the van, though I used to do that on camping trips to Baja when I was younger and didn't have kids with me, so that's why I'm interested in the under mount unit.
I've looked into gasoline fueled air heaters, and they are more expensive and complicated than I really need.
I camped in my last two Econoline's extensively without heat, but I find my tolerance for "roughing it" waning as I age

Investigate Propex propane space heater. They have a model that can be mounted under the van floor. I will leave space for one in case I decide I need it. So far the heating pad works well but at 76 years old I am long past traveling with the kids.
What is fun about conversions is everyone has different needs so builds must be different.

 

[Longboard]

Investigate Propex propane space heater. They have a model that can be mounted under the van floor.

Where will you put your tank?

 

[JP4]

From what I've seen they are usually mounted under the van. I don't know yet if there is a good spot on the Transit for that.

 

[tthrsn]

Where will you put your tank?

There's a space LxWxH = 60"x15"x8" in front of the wheel well on the driver's side on the longer wheelbase models. I'm thinking of putting fresh and grey water tanks there.

 

[JP4]

There's a space LxWxH = 60"x15"x8" in front of the wheel well on the driver's side on the longer wheelbase models. I'm thinking of putting fresh and grey water tanks there.

Thanks tthrsn, that sounds like there's plenty of space there for the tank and perhaps a Propex heater if I go that route.

 

[PeterR]

There's a space LxWxH = 60"x15"x8" in front of the wheel well on the driver's side on the longer wheelbase models. I'm thinking of putting fresh and grey water tanks there.

That might be a lot of weight to put so far forward and all to the left. A pint's a pound the world around . . .

 

[JP4]

That might be a lot of weight to put so far forward and all to the left. A pint's a pound the world around . . .

I'm guessing he's talking about right in front of the rear wheel.

I'm thinking I'll put about a ten gallon tank in an interior cabinet behind the right rear wheel as part of a box around the interior wheel well. Since I'm mainly just putting water out the back door for an outdoor shower, that should work without running any long plumbing runs.

JP

 

[orton]

Where will you put your tank?

First I will attempt to do without a heater. My 12 volt heating pad works. I will heat van before going to bed with engine, use heating pad during night and use the remote start to heat van in the morning before getting out of bed.

If I do decide I need Propex heater, the tank would go on left side between wheel wells and between frame rail and outside of body. Looks like enough space for the heater in front of the rear axle on passenger side.

 

[rbisch]

Propex heater is very expensive. Why not go with something like a Mr Heater if you are only going to use it occasionally. Heaters | Portable Gas, Propane & Kerosene | Mr. Heater Portable Propane Buddy Heater MH 9BX - 9000 BTU | 246662 - GlobalIndustrial.ca

 

[JP4]

Propex heater is very expensive. Why not go with something like a Mr Heater if you are only going to use it occasionally. Heaters | Portable Gas, Propane & Kerosene | Mr. Heater Portable Propane Buddy Heater MH 9BX - 9000 BTU | 246662 - GlobalIndustrial.ca

Yes, that is indeed a good option, and similar to the Olympian heater in my original post. My dilemma is I want the propane shower as well, so then it might make sense to do a separate propane tank as well as the heater and shower. Cost of all those together is pretty reasonable. Doing the Propex instead of the Olympian would be an extra $500 or so, but might be a better solution. One thing I like about the Propex is it can be mounted so all the propane connections are outside the van. The connections for the portable propane shower could also be left on the outside of the van.

 

[Chance]

Many RVs have propane for refrigerator, stove, oven, water heater, and space heater, typically requiring connections inside vehicle. I personally didn't worry too much about it in the RV I had a while back. Whatever is done I think a good quality monitor is essential. And periodic testing to make sure it is working is a must.

Having said that, everything else being equal I would prefer all electric over propane, but there is a reason propane is so common. It's cheap, reliable, stores lots of energy for size and weight, and when installed properly it's safe. I'd make the tank as large as practical because the incremental cost for added size isn't that much.

 

[JP4]

After doing a little more research, it looks like the Propex is the way I'll go if I decide to do propane heat. Pretty simple installation, not crazy expensive, and comes with a thermostat.

 

[JP4]

Anyone have any experience with the Espar B1LC gasoline air heater? A little more money than the Propex and tank setup, but not much.

Also wondering if there is enough room under the passenger seat where the jack is stowed to mount one. Anyone measured that space yet?

JP

 

[Elisa Grace]

Is your vehicle is capable to tolerate the weight of 10 gallons of water tank then, this is the best option. This will certainly fulfill your demand for hot water. One more thing to keep in mind is safety against propane heater. Many times with the heat of the vehicle, there is every chances for its damage or explosion. Therefore "SAFETY IS MUST".

 

[WOW]

Where will you put your tank?

pull the spare and bolt it in.
12 gallons !

 

[njvagabond]

pull the spare and bolt it in.
12 gallons !

Do you have a remote fill set-up?