John,  google tent propane heaters.  They should be cheap to make with
air coming in through the sliding window via a custom block-off panel.

On 12/4/08, John Rodgers <inua@charter.net> wrote:
> 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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--
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Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"

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