I've used an olympian (non-vented) and one of the platinum cat heaters (vented. See http://ventedcatheater.com/2.html ). There are a couple of differences.

The platinum-cat is vented and comes with a remote thermostat. The venting keeps the combustion products out. Moisture doesn't build up inside the van and the thermostat maintains a nice temp - even if you aren't sitting in the van. It does require 12v @ 2A for 5 minutes to start the heater and just a small draw run the exhaust fan. I could go for 2 weeks on a deep cycle without issues. 

Non-vented catalytic heaters work fine, but I found that when using them for more than a few days, everything gets "soggy" even with windows open. Inside surfaces get coated with moisture if the temps are cold outside. If you have a chance to dry things out after using it, that's fine. But if it's for a longer period of time, it's not ideal.

In my experience both work, but vented is definitely nicer. I think the plat-cat heaters sit somewhere in the middle cost-wise.

- Aaron

PS I would love more info regarding the quick-connect. I haven't hooked up the heater in my newer van and would love to get it done this way.

On Aug 30, 2012, at 7:01 AM, Tom Buese wrote:

> That is basically the setup I have, but w/ a Wave 3 Catalytic Heater-1500 &
> 3000 BTUH off a tee to the propane line under the sink to a specially made
> rubber propane line w/ quick disconnect that sits behind the drivers seat &
> connects to the heater which I hang from 2 set screws mounted on the front
> table arm which allows one to aim the heater in a variety of angles to the
> rear.  Unplug cold heater & stash under the bench seat or in the garage
> when not needed, which is most of the time.
> 
> I have never slept w/ it on overnight & obviously skylight & slider window
> are cracked for proper ventilation.
> 
> YMMV,
> 
> Mr. BZ-not a Propex, but 1/6+-  the cost installed
> 
> On Thu, Aug 30, 2012 at 7:14 AM, Jonce Fancher <streetbugs@frontier.com>wrote:
> 
>> Hi all
>> I have been playing with making a Kit to connect to my outside on
>> board Propane tank for my Westy.
>> 
>> I have looked and many propane heaters.
>> This one does not look bad and it is fairly small which would be
>> great if you do not have 110V power.
>> 
>> The kit is basically a T connector into your propane line and then a
>> quick disconnect with hose so you can just plug in your heater when
>> you need and or want it.
>> 
>> But I was looking at this heater.
>> Like the Size and Heat Ranges. Of Course you will need to crack
>> windows to use it but that is easy enough to do.
>> 
>> Any thoughts on this one.
>> I use a 110V electric heater when I have it avail.
>> But there are many times I do not have it avail and even with the R-8
>> Thermal I make it can still get a bit chilly without a heat source
>> 
>> Jonce
>> 
>> BTW here is the link http://www.northstarflameless.**com/new/rec-3000.html<http://www.northstarflameless.com/new/rec-3000.html>
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Tom Buese