Heating a van in winter when camped out and away from external electric
power is always problematic, it seems to me. Catalytic heaters produce
moisture and the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Any kind of open
flame gas heater has the same problem. The gasoline fired heaters under
the rear seat are very pricey. So trying to get some sort of heat is a
bit of a problem.

So, how about this concept. An external, propane fired burner, with
circulating hot water(antifreeze coolant)  to supply the heat to a
radiating core (rabbit heater core)  inside the van.  A small blower fan
would circulate the air across the heater core. A small inline
circulating pump could be installed in the coolant line if needed -
something wih very low power drain. If the core was made to mount in a
window like is done with some airconditioners, then the heater element
could sit on the ground outside  and thermosiphon action would circulate
the coolant.- no circulating pump necessary - only a small blower fan.
It could be taken down quickly when breaking camp. Another possibility
would be a permanent mount of the heater core with the coolant lines
being fixed in place, but run to the a point outside the vehicle to
allow quick disconnect fittings for hookup/removal  of the propane
burner element. when ready to hit the road.

Just some heater thoughts on a miserable rainy morning in the deep
south. And to think - when my water line to the broke night before last,
temps were such that the water spraying on a large grassy plant made a
beautiful ice image standing in the morning sun. And this morning it is
raining. Southern winter weather. Yuk!

John Rodgers
Chelsea, AL

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