How much wattage needed to heat a van in 12-32 deg. temps?

[66788]

one way you could look at this is what can i insulate in the van so i dont need so much energy or use less energy
recently I parked my camper van next to a friends van similar size and was surprised at the early morning difference in temperatures .I am just starting out on the insulation of my van 1977 Dodge Tradesman high top .
anyway just an idea
Good luck

Can you give us more details on the difference in temperatures and how each van was equipped?

 

[1977dodge]

Can you give us more details on the difference in temperatures and how each van was equipped?

well i have to say that it was only a difference in percieved temperature difference but as his whole van is covered in refecix and carpet it did not have the cold metal panels that i have in my van when he comes up again for thanksgiving I will put the temp gun on both interiors and compare it to the outside temp
sorry i cant be of more help .

 

[GotSmart]

I have my eye on a Mr Heater for $105.00 I will also need a hose, tank and filter, but it is a one time investment to not lose out to frostbite. Less than $200.00

I estimate maximum heat propane cost at $60.00 per month

I have paid higher heating bills when my kids were little.

Then comes electricity for refrigeration!

 

[akrvbob]

You can get the Mr. Buddy on Amazon for $83.
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/

Bob

 

[GotSmart]

You can get the Mr. Buddy on Amazon for $83.
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/

Bob

Not available in California due to protecting me from my own knowledge on how to use it safely. I have to buy the fancy schmancy version approved by the backside of the Moonbeam himself. (For an additional $20.00!)

 

[LeeRevell]

Drive over to a Free State and get it cheaper........

 

[GotSmart]

Drive over to a Free State and get it cheaper........

That would cost much more in fuel.

 

[LeeRevell]

So what special Goobermint Mandated and Approved Googawry does the Cali Special Version have that the standard model lacks?

 

[Simran]

The Mr Buddy Bob recommends above will heat the rear of a hi top van, with an insulated barrier between the cab and living quarters, down to sub zero temps (in my case down to -28 and colder I'm sure) from my experience the last two winters. Provided the walls, and ceiling are insulated properly.
Actually the Little Buddy works pretty well down to 0.

 

[GotSmart]

So what special Goobermint Mandated and Approved Googawry does the Cali Special Version have that the standard model lacks?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JT7IGQ...olid=2V2H86R4VLH9&coliid=I38FJRVTHJDCFD&psc=1

I am really not sure, but this unit is approved for sale here, and is less likely to be knocked over than the little ones I have been looking at.

 

[LeeRevell]

Looking at the ad, I see NOTHING that the Cali model has that my Buddy Jr. and Big Buddy don't already have. The Low Oxygen Sensor is on ALL Buddy heaters. I asked this on the ad comments section, and will await the answer. I just don't see any goody for that extra twenty bucks.....?

 

[Simran]

It's the sticker that says it conforms with California standards of safety!! That's a $20 sticker.

 

[Phreedom]

Has anyone tried a portable kerosene heater? There are many that are rated for indoors. The only drawback I can think of is they can put out smoke when turning them off or on or if they run out of kerosene.

 

[akrvbob]

there are people that really like Kerosene heaters and use them in a van with great success.

I'm pretty free to break safety rules, but one I never break is I don't use liquid fuels in the van. Period! Never!

I get all my winter heat from my Coleman 1 burner propane stove. I just turn it on and leave it on when it's cold. But I have a lot of insulation so it gets warm fast and stays warm long for quite awhile. I usually have it on twice an evening, once after dark when I cook a meal and once mid-evening as it cools off. If it's really cold I may run it a third time.

While it's on the second time, I boil some water, have some hot chocolate or tea, and fill two hot water bottles with it and put them under the bed covers to pre-heat it! That propane goes a long way to keep me warm all night!

Because of the insulation, the inside of the van is usually at least 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature the next morning.

I never have the stove on unless I am there, awake and can see it!
Bob

 

[highdesertranger]

I too want to know what the idiot regulators in the peoples republik of kalifornia came up with this time. highdesertranger

 

[Simran]

I've got a little info. on using kerosene stoves. I will address this in the thread on heaters in that thread. I've got some pics. to share there as well here

Has anyone tried a portable kerosene heater? There are many that are rated for indoors. The only drawback I can think of is they can put out smoke when turning them off or on or if they run out of kerosene.

 

[vanman2300]

Regarding the storage of fuel inside the van I read a story recently where a woman died just from breathing in gasoline fumes. She parked her car to take a quick nap and accidently and unknowingly tipped the gas can enough to spill some. They found her dead still sitting in her seat. I know kids get high huffing gasoline but didn't think it could kill you so quickly by breathing some of the fumes.

 

[LeeRevell]

If it displaces enough oxygen, yes. And gasoline is toxic. It certainly can kill. Kero wouldn't be as bad as it isn't as 'aromatic'. Doesn't produce as much fumes. But like Bob I would avoid liquid fuels in the van. YMMV, this is my personal choice.
For me I go with electric heat if I have shore power, propane if totally off-grid.