Advice on heating

[Desert Rat]

Hi all.
So we're heading off to Karajini Eco Park in July and I'm told that whilst the days are warm (28C), the nights are at or close to 0C.

There are restrictions on when you can run a genny (4pm to 8pm) so I was wondering what others would do to warm the van throughout the evening. I think it would be too noisy running Rev Cycle aircon, so was thinking small 12v ceramic heater.

Words of wisdom from the group would be appreciated.
Cheers, Simon

 

[achjimmy]

If your 08 Expanda has the heron AC it's not reverse cycle but a heater element anyway. So it will make very little noise. But presuming no power on the site your stuck to warming your van between 4pm and 8pm!

 

[Smirke]

Depends on when you are going. July.....yes you'll need one. not sure about theses holidays but when we went , which was a sept/oct holidays, we didn't need heating as it was quite warm, with lots of flies. I'd take a 12v one just in case.
Just watch out for the sudden winds that pop up. We found our awning lying on the top of our van and some people lost their tents, etc from a massive gust. We didn't know it had happened as we were off in one of the gorges, but got back to a mess and people coming round telling us what has happened.

 

[Stevie No Issues]

There are an array of 12v fan heaters on the market if you have the battery capacity to run them but they are not that efficient unless you get the ones designed for marine use. Personally we swear by our 12v electric blankets but just remember to check there current draw because you may have to change them from lighter plug to standard 12v outlet so things don't start melting..

 

[mbr37746]

G'day Simon and welcome.
Depending on how much cold weather or off good camping you're planning on doing, however I swear by having a diesel heater in our van. A bit of capital outlay originally, but worth it in the long run.
Cheers.

 

[BUSH PALACE]

A few scotches after a few beers and an extra quilt !!!!!

 

[chartrock]

Trackie daks and ugh boots while sitting around and hot water bottles in the bed.

 

[Crusty181]

I use a Coleman BlackCat catalytic gas heater ..... its apparently safe for indoor use, and it hasnt killed us yet. Runs off disposible canisters or a bottle, compact and puts out enough heat to take the edge of the chilly nights. The Coleman ProCat is the same principle but with a battery powered fan, but they are are a bit bulky

(I also replaced the Jayco smoke alarm in the van with CO detector)

.... it takes care of the cold, so i can enjoy the tonic without shivering

 

[twscoot]

We use a Mr Heater Portable Buddy seen here on post 44.
Not sure I'd use it inside though. I think the CO is the problem (carbon monoxide).
The red wine helps too!

 

[Crusty181]

I think the CO is the problem (carbon monoxide). The red wine helps too!

........ helps to forget about the CO ???? :eek:

 

[Desert Rat]

If your 08 Expanda has the heron AC it's not reverse cycle but a heater element anyway. So it will make very little noise. But presuming no power on the site your stuck to warming your van between 4pm and 8pm!

Thanks Jimmy. Could I run a small ceramic heater from the onboard battery, or would it suck too much juice?

 

[achjimmy]

Thanks Jimmy. Could I run a small ceramic heater from the onboard battery, or would it suck too much juice?

Mate I don't know of a 12v heater

 

[Crusty181]

@Desert Rat My 240v 1500watt ceramic heater heats the van ok, so I would suspect you'd need at least 1000watts to be comfortable.

A heater of 1000watts would bleed 80+ amps from you battery per hour. To debunk a common misconception, the amp/hr rating of your battery is calculated on a relatively low drain rate over time, and not what the battery will give in all circumstances; i.e. different draw rate effects you batteries capacity dramatically. A large draw will substantially lower your batteries "sticker" amp/hr rating by upto half.

Taking into account the massive thumping of that 80amps, you would suck the life out of your a 100 amp/hr battery in well under an hour; so considering your should protect your DC battery by limiting the draw to 50% go its capacity, I suspect you would get maybe 15 or 20 minutes or so before you start to damage your battery.

Other members may be able to elaborate on this, but generally batteries and high demand are not great touring buddies

 

[ShaneT]

not sure how much money you want to spend, how handy you are or if you think you need it again after this trip but here are a few options.
http://www.dieselheat.com.au/rv-heaters/webasto-portable-heater

http://www.dhgate.com/product/air-p...esel-gasoline/178294136.html#s1-1-1|200139442

http://www.dieselheatingaustralia.com/products-pricing/snugger-remote-sf2-diesel-heater/

or smoething like this if you really feel the cold

 

[Crusty181]

not sure how much money you want to spend, how handy you are or if you think you need it again after this trip but here are a few options.
http://www.dieselheat.com.au/rv-heaters/webasto-portable-heater

http://www.dhgate.com/product/air-p...esel-gasoline/178294136.html#s1-1-1|200139442

http://www.dieselheatingaustralia.com/products-pricing/snugger-remote-sf2-diesel-heater/

or smoething like this if you really feel the cold

That thing would blow my kids out through the opposite window ..... hmmmm .... thinking. Apparently that would be bad

 

[Tone]

Where do I get one?

 

[Meanderthals]

I had a diesel heater fitted prior to delivery and we're more than happy with its performance so far. With what's now available though I would have had something like the Webasto Dual Top Evo that does both air and water heating with a model that adds 240V as an alternative. All this in a single package as against the 2 separate units we now have. Could be quite a space saving.

 

[achjimmy]

There is a plethora of people selling the Chinese diesel heaters now. Even reputable sellers so support/warranty is good, but the price of entry is still $700 up doing it yourself. Personally I didnt want the additional fuel onboard and selected gas, and they both use different styles of installations so diesel may suit some vans better where as the gas I thought suited the Starcraft better. If it's for one trip I would be taking the advise above, and maybe looking at using alpine type sleeping bags.

 

[coled1970]

We use a small ceramic heater when on 240 and diesel heater when off grid.

 

[fishinglizard]

Hotwater bottles. Thermals. Beanie. Gloves. The secret weapon is Sunbeam Polarfleece sheets imported from JC penny. I ussually wake up at midnight sweating and take off the thermals. Polarfleece sheets are the best.