[Tom White]

My 2nd and final pump controller gave up the ghost yesterday.  That's two pump controllers knackered in the space of 18 months, and you know what?  They just been trouble.  I even ended up buying another leisure battery 'cos one of the little bleeders was mucking me about.

So that's it, two of us, battery pump - fast flow - no controller and it's great.

I've put my pumps on a piece of ply and I can disconnect them in under 10 seconds from the battery wires and the tank, and take them in the house on those freezing nights also. 

I have an immersion heater in the tank, and I'm going to get some insulation to keep the tank warm.

What have you done to prepare?

[Dave Willis]

I have my head in the sand as we speak.

Might get some lagging this weekend.

[John pearce]

Nothing yet,   i bought a pure freedom diy system, the pump and controler came on a metal plate which i just unsrew and take indoors when weather goes sub, plus i got my wcw back pack which i take in every night any wayway, but am thinking of putting a heater element in my storage tank in garden ( never had a problem with the controler in two years .... touch wood.)   john.

[SB Cleaning]

Few old blankets and a 1800watt oil rad  at the ready

[richard jagger]

The cheapest way to wrm water is to use a 1000 watt pond heater I used one last year and was happy with the results. Plugged in at night and 33 degrees by the morning.

[rg1]

My 2nd and final pump controller gave up the ghost yesterday.  That's two pump controllers knackered in the space of 18 months, and you know what?  They just been trouble.  I even ended up buying another leisure battery 'cos one of the little bleeders was mucking me about.

So that's it, two of us, battery pump - fast flow - no controller and it's great.

I've put my pumps on a piece of ply and I can disconnect them in under 10 seconds from the battery wires and the tank, and take them in the house on those freezing nights also.  

I have an immersion heater in the tank, and I'm going to get some insulation to keep the tank warm.

What have you done to prepare?

Nothing! I just put an oil filled rad in the back of the van when temperature gets to zero and plug it in the mains! No pipe or tank lagging, no blankets anywhere..nothing! I've been doing this for last 4 yrs and have had no problems. 

[evo]

My 2nd and final pump controller gave up the ghost yesterday.  That's two pump controllers knackered in the space of 18 months, and you know what?  They just been trouble.  I even ended up buying another leisure battery 'cos one of the little bleeders was mucking me about.

So that's it, two of us, battery pump - fast flow - no controller and it's great.

I've put my pumps on a piece of ply and I can disconnect them in under 10 seconds from the battery wires and the tank, and take them in the house on those freezing nights also.  

I have an immersion heater in the tank, and I'm going to get some insulation to keep the tank warm.

What have you done to prepare?

Nothing! I just put an oil filled rad in the back of the van when temperature gets to zero and plug it in the mains! No pipe or tank lagging, no blankets anywhere..nothing! I've been doing this for last 4 yrs and have had no problems. 

this is what i do as well works a treat.
james

[rosskesava]

I've done nothing for the winter but as I live 14 floors up and my van is in a the car park, there isn't much I can do anyway by way of heating or keeping the van warm.

As I use a trolley both as a trolley and as a van mount pump, all I do if it looks like freezing is bring the trolley up here. I also have a Merlin in the van which I can just lift out and bring up here as well.

About the pump controller/flow controller - I think they're a complete waste of money for general wfp work. I have a £10 maplins voltage regulator which I can use if I need to vary the flow.

[AuRavelling79]

I never replaced my controller when I fried it!

I've also changed from shurflo to flojet.

All is good.

I have an immersion in each of my van tanks and the tanks are insulated.

[Dan crowther]

I've had my head buried in the sand too but as ive, for the first time ever, got my work done in 5 weeks instead of 6 and have some free time, boredom gave me the sudden  urge to get my finger out and start insulating the van. Got some 25mm (not very thick I know but better than nothing, please allow me to deceive myself!!) polystyrene sheets from b&q and set about putting it on the roof, doors, sides etc. I'm going to keep the chill off through 3 strategically placed 60w greenhouse heaters. I'm also told that putting a 30w aquarium heater in the tank overnight gives off just enough heat to stop the water freezing. I'm doomed to failure I know but as a thrifty (keeping it polite!) Yorkshireman I just can't bring myself to use a 2kw heater.

[gary999]

got myself a nice new fleece jacket

[rosskesava]

Gary, I've bought some skelepoos or what ever you called them.

I tried them on indoors yesterday and it was like wearing a portable furnace.

[Gav Camm lammy 283]

will just amble to my van
lift in large calorgaz bottle connect
to my thermostat and battery
turn on gaz
my propex 2000
works like a treat 

[Granny]

Getting one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-450w-Oil-Filled-Electric-Radiator-Small-Lightweight-Portable-5-Fin-Heater-/170913026897?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&hash=item27cb35d351
Think it will be powerful enough for a Vauxhall combo?
Ta.
G.

[rg1]

Getting one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-450w-Oil-Filled-Electric-Radiator-Small-Lightweight-Portable-5-Fin-Heater-/170913026897?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&hash=item27cb35d351
Think it will be powerful enough for a Vauxhall combo?
Ta.
G.

I have a 800w radiator in my Peugeot Partner which is similar size to your van and it keeps it well above freezing when temperatures are low.

I would suggest 7-800w minimum.

Maybe this?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/700W-OIL-FILLED-PORTABLE-ELECTRIC-RADIATOR-HEATER-7-FIN-THERMOSTAT-CARAVAN-NEW-/320775246693?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&hash=item4aafb1d365


Or this?

   http://www.maplin.co.uk/compact-900w-oil-filled-radiator-415742?c=AffilWin36799&t=216410071&clickref=PI_org_56714521_Compact-900W-Oil-Filled-Radiator--900W-Oil-Filled-Rad-_19.9900

[dazmond]

no action or equipment needed here!

i have an oil filled radiator from last year to put in van when below freezing,still got some salt tubs left and sweeping brush!thats all i need!oh and a spare flask of hot water to thaw jets if they freeze!

my controller,battery and pump are 2 and a half years old and ive never had any problems whatsover since i started WFP(touch wood)

[gary999]

Gary, I've bought some skelepoos or what ever you called them.

I tried them on indoors yesterday and it was like wearing a portable furnace.

i think you mean salopettes oh wise and grumpy one lovely and warm arent they
hope you got the waterproof ones matey best winter trousers ive ever bought
nice and breathable aswell i took the inner liners out and wore them in what passed
as our summer this year

[rosskesava]

i think you mean salopettes oh wise and grumpy one lovely and warm arent they
hope you got the waterproof ones matey best winter trousers ive ever bought
nice and breathable aswell i took the inner liners out and wore them in what passed
as our summer this year

Oh Master of the Banjo, those are the ones.

My missus went in our local Aldi's and asked and they had quite a few left over from last year which weren't going to be on sale untill the 21st when this years outdoor stuff goes on sale. She bought 2 pairs for £40. They are incredibly warm and the liner being removable is a real bonus.

[keyser soze]

The cheapest way to wrm water is to use a 1000 watt pond heater I used one last year and was happy with the results. Plugged in at night and 33 degrees by the morning.

which one do you use?. have you a link ?im thinking of a pond heater this winter

[GB Window Cleaning]

This too shall pass