Heating Your Van

[Drifter]

I have been looking for an attractive, safe, wall mountable, light weight, non propane, non-electric source of heat, and I think I found one!&nbsp; I wanted to share and also to see what you guys think of it.&nbsp; It's a gel-fuel fire place.&nbsp; It's ventless, and the fuel says it produces no chemicals.&nbsp; So would that make it safe to burn in a closed environment like a van?<br><br>http://www.amazon.com/WallMount-Gel...re&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1303215368&amp;sr=1-17<br><br>It's so pretty!<br><br>

 

[Drifter]

I am looking up information on that unit now, it sure is ugly though....<br>

 

[mountaintramp]

the portable buddy heaters put out plenty of heat, but i had something really scary happen to mine. it was like the 2nd time i used it. i had it on high, and when i went to turn it off, the on/off knob wouldn't budge. it seemed to be frozen in the on position and i had to put it outside to let the gas run out.<br><br>plus that thing worked so good the ceiling in my trailer was HOT to the touch. so if you get one, i'd keep a close eye on it and set it away from stuff and in the lowest location possible. not sure if this is a common problem, but it's definatly something to monitor. <br><br>

 

[sl1966]

About a decade ago I scored an 5 yard medium wool weight great Scottish kilt. I fold it in half and toss it on top of my blanket, works like a charm at keeping me very warm. I used to have it on top of my comforter when I lived in Minneapolis a few years ago. I never had to turn on the heater in my place at night. Saved me a fortune in heating bills. This might be a long ways to go for anyone, but should you happen to get the opportunity to lay your hands on one. do it! It's so worth it!

 

[Guest]

Good score! Why not wear it? I love kilts and non-bifurcated garments...<br>If I win the lottery I will buy a Utilikilt..one of the finest garments around....altho a tad spendy...<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[sl1966]

I do wear it from time to time. It's a little bit too hot for south Texas though. I have plans to buy a Utilikilt very soon.&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[sl1966]

I was just looking a their website and they've got the base utilikilt model for $215

 

[Guest]

Ahh...good deal Steve. Glad to hear it...I know...I have never nor will I ever pay $215 for what amounts to a pair of cargo shorts with no middle seams...egads! Even used ones go for $160...not me dang-it! <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br>Someone just offered me a nice leather motorcycle jacket for $50! It is an xl so I need to lose some weight to fit but I am considering it...<br><img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br>Bri<br><br>

 

[mountaintramp]

i think you look great riding your motorcycle, wearing a kilt.<br>

 

[sl1966]

I kilt on a hot day with even a warm breeze is a good thing! I'm just saying.<div><br></div><div>I paid about $175 for my kilt. That included the shipping cost from Scotland. I gave up trying to buy one here in the states when everyone was overcharging for them.</div><div><br></div><div>The Utilikilts last a long time. My friends have had theirs for almost a decade now and they're still holding up. As a one time cost I don't mind shelling out given the long lives of them. I'm thinking a pair of those bad boys will be perfect for living out in Quartzsite and surrounding desert full time haunts. My main reason for getting them is that sometimes just don't want to wear pants or shorts.</div>

 

[Guest]

Oh yeah mtntramp, I be stylin'! I am thinking going 'Commando' would not be too good on the bike..<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>I know just what you mean Steve....I have a pair of shorts on right now that are so big and baggy that I might as well have a kilt on...I do have a Macabee skirt, that they sell as a men's skirt but Katie Twoknives laughingly told me it is the same one they sell women ...oh HaHa sez I...<br>Someone took some photos around the campfire at the RTR with me wearing it and it does not look so bad...it is just really long and that is good in some instances but not in others...like when you are showing off your legs....<br>Of course it helps to have pretty good looking legs...ROFLMAO!<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rofl.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>I suppose someday I will get up the impetus to spend the cash on a Ute....oh yeah I forgot...I might win the Powerball tonight...no problem then.<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[johnny_canuck]

<FONT size=3>Hi Drifter,</FONT><BR><FONT size=3></FONT>&nbsp;<BR><FONT size=3>Check out my 3 candle lantern heater.&nbsp;I posted the details on my thread, Simple Survival Expedition.</FONT><BR>

 

[twokniveskatie]

Brian, i think you have charming legs. and you are so cute in your manly Macabi&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/cool.gif"><div><br></div><div>steve, i hear ya about some things being worth spending extra. i spend a couple hundred on my Steger mukluks, but they last me a decade, and it prorates out to less than some girls pay annually for flip-flops. it's about time to start saving up for my next pair.....</div>

 

[Guest]

Ah, you guys make some good points about quality....very good points...<br>And Katie, you always have something sweet to say...thank you my friend. <br><br>Bri<br><br>

 

[karl]

JohnnyC-&nbsp; seems like a person could create a "fireplace" out of a tin box spaced away from combustibles, maybe even with glass door salvaged from a fireplace door...it could have several of those candles for more heat and ambiance, eh?<br><font size="1">Disclaimer-<font size="2"> </font><font size="2">use common sense!</font></font> <br><br>Kilts- I am of Scottish decent, and indeed acquired the frugal gene,&nbsp; but&nbsp; I don't think I will be investing hundreds in any manly wear (maybe boots) that doesn't include a zipper. <img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>

 

[sl1966]

If/when we cross paths Karl, we'll sit down to a nice big bowl of stovies!

 

[johnny_canuck]

<FONT size=3>Hi Karl,</FONT><BR><FONT size=3>The reason that I made my candle lantern is quite simple. I already had the lantern. It's cheap to use. Heat can be controlled by burning 1, 2 or 3 candles.&nbsp;I did a test burn and got 11 hours from all three candles lit. You can warm up water on the top lid. It get really hot! You could place this lantern in a new gallon paint can and place it in a safe place. My will be mounted on the side wall of my truck cap camper. And yes it is the safe distance from all sides <IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif">. I am working on a 8" computer case fan that is installed in a ceiling case to direct the heat from the ceiling down. The Antec Big Box 200 costs less than $20. and runs on only .3 amps. Also has 3 speeds, 65 cfm and up. Lantern and candles are readily available. Let me know if you have any questions. </FONT><BR>

 

[Drifter]

I love your idea Johnny!<br><br>I love burning candles, they provide a relaxing atmosphere, scent the area wonderfully, and if they put out a reasonable amount of heat, than we have a winner!&nbsp; I am VERY picky about looks.&nbsp; It has to be more than just functional, it has to look attractive.&nbsp; This is my home, and I am a woman, it WILL look pretty!&nbsp; Dang it.&nbsp; Heh.<br><br>

 

[johnny_canuck]

<FONT size=3>Here is the link to the lantern:</FONT><br><A href="http://candlelantern.com/candlelier.html" target=_blank><FONT size=3>http://candlelantern.com/candlelier.html</FONT></A><br><br><FONT size=3>This lantern is sold in most outdoor or camping stores. You have to use the candles they sell because of the shape of the holders. Each one has a spring loaded mechanism under the candle which keeps the candle up against the aluminum cone shape top. This keeps the wick at full burn. Very little wax drippings. If you notice in my photo there is a leather punch. I use this to chip away at any bits of hardened wax. The candles are paraffin. However they do sell beeswax ones. I don't like the way the wicks burn. You can take one of the candles to a candle maker, they can make a mold&nbsp;and have them make beeswax or scented. Yes you can have the candle scent you like! Buy a good supply of candles.</FONT><br>

 

[sl1966]

How big is that candle heater btw? I'm hoping to see something like a quarter next to it to gain some perspective.