Replacement Heating April 16, 2025, 11:17:43 am So...this is just a conversation starter. It's not a huge priority, but I'm inclined to do something about the stock heater in our 2002 MB. And, I'm open to the possibility there's no significantly better option at this time.For us, given the majority of our travels are Fall and Winter, we use the heater way more than the air conditioning - although I'll be looking at replacing that as well. And, while the previous owner installed a Wave 3 under the cooktop and put in a quick disconnect for another Wave in the back - I've used those, and am not a fan. Yes, they sip the propane and are silent - but the heat is mostly directional, they introduce condensation and regardless of how safe they may be - I'm not comfortable leaving them on overnight when most needed.With the electrical upgrade project nearing completion, the stock generator will be removed. It occurred to me this might open up a couple of possibilities. First - the generator fuel line will be available, and installing an Espar or Webasto gasoline heater could utilize that. Both of them are extremely fuel efficient, quiet and use less battery than the stock furnace.Second - a portion of the vacated generator space could be used to install a small diesel tank, and a diesel heater could replace the onboard unit. At first, this might seem a little odd given the existing gas fuel source - but one of the things I've always disliked about using on board vehicle fuel systems is the requirement the tank be above a certain level. Perhaps it sounds silly to some, but I just don't want to coordinate stopping for the night with a fuel stop if running a little low. If I'm tired or see a good stop and have 1/4 tank, I want to pull over and stay and deal with fuel the next day. These diesel furnaces also sip the fuel and tend to be more trouble-free than their gas counterparts. One reason is, treated diesel has significantly longer life than gas. The coach might sit for 6+ months without needing the heater, and I've more confidence in propane or diesel over gas in this scenario. A small three gallon diesel tank would likely last a full travel season for us and diesel is easier to source than propane.Thoughts?
Re: Replacement Heating Reply #1 – April 16, 2025, 01:34:14 pm Quote from: Will G - April 16, 2025, 11:17:43 amWith the electrical upgrade project nearing completion, the stock generator will be removed. It occurred to me this might open up a couple of possibilities. First - the generator fuel line will be available, and installing an Espar or Webasto gasoline heater could utilize that. Both of them are extremely fuel efficient, quiet and use less battery than the stock furnances.After a friend's VW bus burned to the ground, caused by a defective gasoline heater, I'm gunshy about burning gasoline for heat, instead preferring diesel if given the choice due to its lower propensity to ignite.The Factory furnace is very inefficient and noisy, I wonder if more efficient propane furnaces are available; it is tough to determine unless the input and output BTU ratings are available, something that is difficult to find. Propane isn't a bad fuel if a better heater is available and would not require an additional fuel tank and its assorted hardware. Consider keeping the Wave heater, along with switching to a better furnace. We leave our Wave on during the day in very cold weather while we are out doing whatever, coming back to a rig that isn't cold. An MB's 16-gallon propane tank will run the Wave for a long time, and it uses no battery power, although power usage isn't something you do not need to worry too much about.We do not run the Wave while sleeping, but many do.We do not use supplemental heat at night, even in the winter, and instead rely on good sleeping gear. We use a mattress heater to preheat the bed in cold weather, which could also be run at night at a low setting in extremely cold weather, The power consumption isn't bad. A mattress heater is wonderful in cold weather.A remote heater switch in the bunk is handy to preheat the rig's interior before getting up in the morning.With your large battery bank and the ability to charge at high rates, have you considered removing the A/C and installing a mini-split heat pump? I saw a Class C with the external unit mounted on the back bumper, it utilized a heavy-duty slide to move the unit away from the RV's rear to allow air circulation when parked..Larry
Re: Replacement Heating Reply #2 – April 17, 2025, 12:55:16 pm Hydronic floor heating was recently discussed with Liam, he is looking for better heat for their winter ski trips. This would be perfect for your cold, moist climate. When camping in cold conditions, our LD's floor is never warm, no matter how warm the interior.With the generator removed, the space needed for a propane boiler, pump, and controls would be available.This would allow leaving the Factory furnace in place for rapid warmup and then use the hydronic system for longer-term heating..Larry
Re: Replacement Heating Reply #3 – April 17, 2025, 01:53:08 pm I have a friend who uses two diesel heaters to heat his snowmobile trailer. I had my doubts but they do work and they are very fuel efficient. They aren't without some noise but if installed right they would be ok. They come with a small diesel tank, maybe 3 gallons, and that lasts him for days. They don't seem to consume much power either. He was running them in the winter and he ran into some fuel issues even though the tanks were inside. I convinced him to use winter blend diesel instead red dyed and his problems went away. They are very inexpensive so a guy could try one without much cost.Jon
Topic: Replacement Heating (Read 289 times)
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Topic: Replacement Heating (Read 289 times)
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