[Steve Chapman]

Hi all,

Just wondering whether these heaters would be safe to keep me t/m warm in the winter?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Parasene-Anti-Frost-Heater_W0QQitemZ300050027212QQihZ020QQcategoryZ41987QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Just looking for something to stop it freezing, and cant get near enough to run electric heater in there, and cant afford the more expensive ones.

What do you think?  or am i just being a cheapskate?

regards
steve

[John Kelly]

The problem with parafin heaters is they can start burning black. If this happens everything in your van gets an oily film on it.
Homebase have some good insulation rolls for 12.99 this is a good start to prevent the van freezing. Put them on the roof held in place by wooden battens fixed to your cross beams with self tapping screws (short). Filling your tank with hot water at night if possible would give you a nice radiator.

[Glynn]

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[Steve Chapman]

i've just spent £23000 on new van & t/m 

Don't think i can stretch it anymore, can only do about £14.50

steve

[Glynn]

Yes you are being a cheapskate.
Simon and me have both had brand new, professionaly Webasto diesel heaters fitted to our vans at a cost of  £740 each today. These are well worth the money.
Why ?
Because frozen heat exchangers and pumps etc will cost you several thousand £s.
Why take a chance, is your business/investment not worth it ?

[Steve Chapman]

i know you're right but do not have the £740 right now

Will have to insulate and invest in a big quilt

regards
steve

[BRSL]

carpet doc you can pick up eberspachers cheap secondhand around £150 simple to install

James

[Phil Marlor]

You are going to need some sort of heating in there or you will be in big trouble.
Insulate the van roof and sides if possible, but you must get heat in there!

Glynn has to have a good heater because North West Lancashire  rarely gets above -50deg.

Phil

[Shaun_Ashmore]

ask Goron he made his own ewock thingy.

Shaun

[Buster Ingram]

I think you mean suicide in a box don’t you Shaun besides Ewock was better looking than that thing Goron made.

[Shaun_Ashmore]

I wouldn't like to take it into the centre of London you may think it's the Taliban!

But it is a money saving item especially if they cost £750 new.

Being a born and bred Yorkshireman I like money saving ideas!

Shaun

[Liahona]

I understand the need for heat but if you insulate the van and i mean top and all sides it wont freeze inside. Best, Dave.

[Steve Chapman]

Dave,
when you say insulate, with what in particular, the van is already ply lined except for roof do i still need additional insulation on top?

And back to original question, are the parafin heaters safe or a bit risky.

regards

steve

[Liahona]

Steve, you need to insulate between the van walls and your ply lining. You can fill the cavity with a variety of insulates. Fibre glass, foam, .......... Ply lining alone will not or could not be sufficient. My van is insulated with fibre glass and then the ply is 6mm by 3 layers thick so obviously a total of 18mm. It is insulated everywhere, walls, doors and roof too. Although the floor isnt but has a vapour barrior on it as well as a 4mm altro floor. I havent had it freeze up yet and have had the van in temps of minus 20 before when I was in the states. If you dont want the hassle of taking the ply lining down again you can always have it foam filled as in cavity wall insulation. Then you would justhave to patch the holes up where you drilled for access. Best, Dave.

[the red carpet]

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[NigelD]

Steve

I am pondering exactly the same question. I have been told that paraffin heaters can a, cause soot if they burn incorrectly and/or b, cause lots of condensation.
I understand that electric heaters designed for greenhouses are better in that they run dry and keep the van at a set temparature, i.e. 5c and are designed for damp environments. Obviously you need an electric point. Maybe someone can comment.

Nigel