Heating System: Propex, Eberspächer or Webasto???

[Fred-W]

I’m undertaking a Transit Custom camper van conversion and would like your feedback regarding Heating Systems and which you feel is the best of the following system:

1. Propex HeatSource HS2000 Propane

2. Eberspächer Airtronic D2 Diesel

3. Webasto Air Top 2000 Diesel

Are any of them noisy?
Do any of them give off undesirable fumes?
How many Amps do they really use on a 12-volt system?
Any pros and cons, like and dislikes you may like to share.

[dumper]

I've had the propex in a previous van was ok but it ran off the termosat and it was all the time switching on and off as the temperature would rise and fall and run for 8 to 10 hours before the battery volts dropped to 10 volts and it cut out not sure what amps it drawers but it ran on a 10 amp fuse as does the eberspacer .the eberspacer I now run in my current van is a DL3C it is maybe a bit to big but when the van is up to temp it will tick over all day and keep the van warm all day no problem .i use the van fo radio marshalling on car rally's so is used manly in the day time and only use the heater at night when up and watching TV the van is well insulated and I have a good sleeping bag so not needed at night.
The webasto I have not used but I think it my be mutch the same as at one time it owned propex .

[Fred-W]

Thanks for feedback dumper

[bar72]

Got the Propex HeatSource HS2000 Propane in our camper. Works great and as previous reply states, runs on thermostat. Had no bother with it until the exhaust pipe needed replaced. Very fussy on the inlet / exhaust pipes positioning as I replaced it at a different position from the original and heater would no longer start up. They must be at least half a meter apart or the heater picks up that there may be a Co2 problem then shuts off. I repositioned inlet to just under back bumper and the exhaust out at the offside rear wheel arch and runs fine again. No smell from it when running.

[Wongo]

Proper is simple, safe and if you go for refillable GasLow cylinders peanuts to run

[Softlips]

We have a Eberspacher in our Terrier. It's a fantastic piece of kit. It makes a ticking noise on warm up, after that it's virtually silent. It's very very effective. Camped out mid winter in the snow and woke up to a lovely warm interior. I have considered the remote switch on option so I could turn it on before we get back to the van after a walk etc. Although to be honest, it uses so little diesel you could leave it on, and it heats up in a few minutes anyway.

[hornhead]

best one imho isTruma 2400 I think is called...
very quiet and only 1/2 amp when only on 1kw, comes with long lead thermostat
prices did vary wildley 3-4 years ago,think i got all kit needed for about 550£

think cos they in game longer than propex and have a 1/2 power setting did it for me and i asked technical how long motor lasts...a long, long time but they sell brushes for few squid if you ever clock the hours up.. so i reckon diesels for trucks in laybys, caravan stuff for lesiure cos you gotta have lpg anyway and everyone wants the zzz's

[paulrichardson]

Hi Fred,

My vote is for the Propex, we have fitted one in our conversion.

Easy to install, relatively compact and I am sure there is an option to have the whole unit outside, which would be handy in a compact conversion.

You have probably found the Propex specs by now, but just in case here they are:-

https://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/heaters/hs2000#control

For some the ability to heat the van using Diesel might be important, but we fitted an under-slung gas tank for cooking/heating (easier to get lpg abroad, so I've been told, not been yet).

Regards,

Paul

[dethleffs]

I fitted a propex is my last camper (a VW T4)
Very pleased with the results and cheaper than the others.

[dumper]

As in my last post I have used both I prefer the eberspacher as it seems to use less power and fuel then the propex and that it keeps cutting in and out the temperature is not consistent.as I use the van for radio marshalling on car rally's I am on duty in the van for up to ten hours on a cold day it would flatten the battery and use a small bottle of gas .
If I was going to fit a gas heater again I'd go for the trauma that hornhead has recommended as that is what lets the propex down not been able to run at half power.as for night use I have only run any heater for maybe 20 minutes when woke up cold and warmed up the van just to get back to sleep.

[mistericeman]

Eberspacher d2 for me (pretty much same as webasto) didnt want the expense of running on gas (we dont have any gas in van anyway) BUT the d2 barely sips fuel and IF you fit the silencers to both inlet and exhaust then is very quiet in use ...
Kept us cosy in the van all over Xmas/New year even in the snow current draw is about 8 amps dropping back to very little once up to full running temprature .

I paid £575 for a brand new complete kit complete with pump/controller and everything needed down to the last clip and screw with a full 3 years uk warranty (be wary as only approved dealers can supply the full warranty )

Simple to fit the only thing i added were inlet/exhaust silencers .

Was cosy ...even in the snow

[dumper]

The best thing I did going for the ebespacher with the propex I had a 3.9 kg and a 13 kg bottles in the van to run it now I just have the 3.9 kg for cooking the last one lasted about two years now I have a cupboard to use and saved a lot of weight you no how easy it is to overload a jumbo camper van.

[timoat]

The best thing I did going for the ebespacher with the propex I had a 3.9 kg and a 13 kg bottles in the van to run it now I just have the 3.9 kg for cooking the last one lasted about two years now I have a cupboard to use and saved a lot of weight you no how easy it is to overload a jumbo camper van.

Punctuation, please!

[dumper]

No

[Fred-W]

Thanks to all the Forum Members that added comments.