Catalytic heaters

[Aethelric]

I have been looking at catalytic heaters for use in the bongo. As far as I can ascertain they give off far less carbon monoxide than a flame heater, but obviously they use oxygen and give off water and carbon dioxide. (Then again, people and animals do the same)
I reckon with the precaution of a good CO alarm and a smoke alarm (probably a good idea anyway) and leaving a window open (I think six square inches of ventilation is recommended, so that a door window open about a half inch) a catalytic heater would be a good choice for wild camping.

Any views?

[dandywarhol]

Would it be any good at making toast?

[Aethelric]

Would it be any good at making toast?

No, I just light a normal fire for that up in the roofspace.

[helen&tony]

Hi
I hope you're not talking about those catalytic "pad" heaters that used to be used in caravans......they're highly dangerous.....that's why USED to be used. They are also quite useless in a caravan.
Your best bet is to take off all the interior trim panels, and glue an insulating felt to the metal skin...it's that that radiates cold from outside into the van, and the heat you generate is easily lost through the metal. You can use carpet underfelt if it has a suitable fire- retardant rating, or foam the panels. I "felted" my type 2 with great effect, and you get the bonus of sound deadening. Also, curtain off behind the driver's area, as it is just "dead space" to keep warm by the heat you give off....lastly, use a high- rated quilt. The same would apply to hanging insulation in the free top....I believe I read that Mike had done this.
Believe me...if you insulate well, you can sleep in some pretty low temperatures.....
Cheers
Helen

[Aethelric]

Thanks Helen, its not really for sleeping, (I can't even sleep in a heated bedroom) and the heater would definitely be off at night. It's for sitting comfortably in the van, maybe reading, or eating, or whatever when it's cold and wet outside. OK I could put on a couple of fleecies and wear gloves and a woolly hat, but I do like a little creature comfort.

Maybe something like this
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemanc ... oryid=3000

Dave

[helen&tony]

Hi Dave
Ah...for sitting around....I know there's a price difference...but a propex unit is the jobbie....I just inherrently dislike free-standing fuelled appliances, except in an awning, which can be pulled off the vehicle in the event of a catastrophe.
Cheers
Helen

[Aethelric]

Yep Helen, there is a wee tad of a price difference - about a factor of 10 If I was going to that sort of price I think I'd be looking at a diesel heater and so no gas to carry and store. I have a nice heater in a caravan, but it does need a flue outlet and would be fidly to fit in the bongo. Also my bongo is unconverted and I kind of like the way I can re-arrange it from a weekender to a 8 seater in a few minutes. So I'm not ready yet for permanent fittings.
I do like the thought of insulating all the walls though.
Dave

[helen&tony]

Hi Dave
You used to be able to get a treated underbonnet felt....i've got some on the Bongo, but for inside, behind the trim panels, you can use felt carpet underlay....it's streets ahead of sound deadening pads, and makes a huge difference to the coldness of the steel panels. If you wish to fire-proof the felt, you can buy solutions to treat it....I used old carpet felt from a skip on my Type 2....CHEAP
The propex heaters would probably fit under the passenger seat, and I bet you could find one second hand, and get it serviced....just carry a small Gaz cylinder when you need it. We like the unconverted Bongo , too, and have a kitchen in the awning....I've plans to make a cookhouse trailer eventually with a cover overhead for colder / wetter days....we only need the Bongo so the dogs don't crawl under the canvas while we sleep!!!!
Cheers
Helen

[vanvliet]

Wonder if the new bubble /reflective insulation which is so effective in raising the U values of kit houses would be any good for vehicle insulation? It does not wick dampness like some carpet insulation

[Aethelric]

Wonder if the new bubble /reflective insulation which is so effective in raising the U values of kit houses would be any good for vehicle insulation? It does not wick dampness like some carpet insulation

I've just bought some to make some window screens.