Tao Seeker
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
- Messages
- 24
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Wow, thanks a bunch for the extraordinary response, Bob. I know it seems silly to mention the possibility of death from cold weather given that natives survived here in Illinois before any of our modern comforts existed, and I am absolutely sure that I can make it work for a winter even if I don't get the van right, I suppose the point was just to describe the darkest of uncertainties that I have.<br /><br />It's good to know that my disposition toward a very meticulous and heavy insulation job is a good one. It's even better to hear that you, along with Les H, support the idea of using rigid Styrofoam. I love that stuff, and will certainly have an easy time installing it.<br /><br />Catalytic Heating? I made this post because there are things I would have never realized I was missing if I didn't get some solid advice. I wasn't aware of a propane heater that doesn't produce exhaust... this puts hours of internal debate on heating to rest.<br /><br />The dividing wall was actually something I was going to avoid... and I never thought to take advantage of this wall to separate the much harder to insulate cab from the much easier to insulate cargo space. Another oversight corrected. I wonder if I could install or modify a dividing wall to include a narrow door for inside access to the cab...<br /><br />I always trusted the propane idea. I remember reading somewhere that it's a bad idea, but some people like to express their superstition or ignorance through seemingly truthful articles and informative resources. I have no idea how long a propane tank can power a catalytic heater like yours, but I am sure it's a better deal than turning the engine on every time I get cold.<br /><br />I am, unfortunately, a child of the digital era. Perhaps it's a fault, but I've developed a taste for technology and connectivity that I don't think I can ever grow out of. If I can manage to charge a battery effectively with my alternator and some (undoubtedly under powered) solar panels while running a relatively high-power laptop, charging a phone, and occasionally listening to music through my speakers, as well as a day or two of running the AC during the summer, then I am going to trust it. However, I fear that I may need to invest more in my power system considering that simple communication and basic utilities are only a portion of the electricity I will be using. For example, I may be operating a game server for some extra cash to extend my vacations, and this requires that I play the game frequently, which turns my laptop into a hungry hungry hippo for electricity.<br /><br />As for being a snow bird... I really don't mind heat. My windows are down and my showers are hot all the way through 105 degrees. I will be sticking around regions with more mild temperatures in both seasons, mostly California if I can help it; this way I can stay in the heat, but not worry about expensive cooling solutions.<br /><br />Thanks again for all the advice. Doors have been opened, weeks of labor reduced, and years of inconvenience avoided.
