This question comes up every year. Three basic options (well, truly safe
options), from low to high in price, with my observations:
1) Atwood, been around forever, 75% efficiency = 9000 btu. Probably find one
for $300-400. Does the job but doesn't fit so well in the stock Westy cabinets
2) Propex, been around a long time also, and continuously improved, 93%
efficiency = 6500/9700 btu depending on model. Half or less of the physical
size of the Atwood. $735-840.
3) Espar and Webasto gas/diesel heaters - well established design, multiple
speeds and heater levels, efficiency good, half the size of a Propex, but
1.5 to 2 times the price. Yearly maintenance required, which the propane
heaters usually do not.
I've had vans with all of the above and all served the purpose. My favorite
is the Espar diesel version as I usually install these in my personal diesel
Syncros.
What I wouldn't use is a catalytic or other non-vented heater. Sleeping bags
are much cheaper. I'd sooner build a tiny wood stove. :-)
Karl

>On Oct 30, 2013, at 4:33 PM, Harry Hoffman <hhoffman@IP-SOLUTIONS.NET> wrote:
>
>> Hi All,
>> So, it's getting cold and I just read Finn's email about his propex install.
>> I'm currently using a portable propane heater and crack the windows.
>> Propex looked really nice until I saw the price tag.
>> Are there any other moderately priced heaters out there or am I being
unrealistic in thinking the propex is super expensive?
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Harry