Diesel Heater Install

[mccrlc]

So I have taken a few days off work to start the install of the diesel heater, very nervy cutting holes in the new van but so far so good,.
A few photo's of progress..
Any suggestions welcome or if you'd like to know more let me know.

Bonza Day in Tassie, once the frost lifted...

 

[Billrw136]

What brand heater have you used? Where did you buy it from?
I am interested wrt our new Journey. I installed a Truma gas heater in ou Expanda 16.49-3.
Bill

 

[mccrlc]

Evening Bill,
Planer 2KW & it came from Pinnacle Wholesalers in Ballarat, seems ok, I will be glad when I know it blows hot air though.

Marco

 

[Billrw136]

Thanks for that Marco - will check them out - diesel quite a bit cheaper than buying a Truma again.....
Bill

 

[jvp]

So I have taken a few days off work to start the install of the diesel heater, very nervy cutting holes in the new van but so far so good,.
A few photo's of progress..
Any suggestions welcome or if you'd like to know more let me know.

Bonza Day in Tassie, once the frost lifted...

View attachment 24902 View attachment 24903 View attachment 24904

 

[ShaneT]

I installed my first one under the table like you but found that the wood on the other side (the base of the other chair) got way to hot so I had to put a bit of cork there to protect it. You may not have this issue since you have split it into 2 outlets but just check anyway. They pump out so much heat.
Not to upset your thread but just for others info I brought my second one (for new van) from aliexpress for $468 to my door. Its the same as the Pinnacle Wholesalers one I brought first, minis the mounting plate , (you can get that aswell but I wanted to try something different this time) but $280 cheaper.

 

[mccrlc]

I installed my first one under the table like you but found that the wood on the other side (the base of the other chair) got way to hot so I had to put a bit of cork there to protect it. You may not have this issue since you have split it into 2 outlets but just check anyway. They pump out so much heat.
Not to upset your thread but just for others info I brought my second one (for new van) from aliexpress for $468 to my door. Its the same as the Pinnacle Wholesalers one I brought first, minis the mounting plate , (you can get that aswell but I wanted to try something different this time) but $280 cheaper.

All good ShaneT, sucking air from under the table not the other way.
And your right they do pump out lots of heat.

 

[mccrlc]

Very happy with the rest of the install today, the heater has been running since lunch time and heating the van up very well, a few little problems but overall very happy with the result.
It is still running on the lowest setting and the temp in the van is 19, outside temp is 10.
Might go and watch the football in there tonight and keep it running for a few more hours.

Cheers All..

 

[mbr37746]

Excellent stuff! I'm about to do my 4th instalation tomorrow. 1 in each of my last 2 vans plus a mates.....now it's Dads van. I should start charging.

 

[mccrlc]

Thanks Matt.
You would be an expert by now.
Have you ever been concerned by the heat around the exhaust under the van, it gets very hot obviously. I have been monitoring it, it's warm around the area but ok.
I still have it running and it's lovely and toasty inside, the better half agrees so that's all that matters

 

[mbr37746]

Not quite an expert yet, getting close though.
I haven't been concerned with the heat at all, we have it running around 14hrs each night over the last weekend with no worries. Have a look at the install I did in or current van.... http://www.expandasdownunder.com/threads/diesel-heater-install.5063/

 

[mccrlc]

I have looked at this before, I did get some ideas so thanks.
Can you give me any advice on the use of the controller, red light v's green etc..

Cheers & Thanks..

 

[mbr37746]

I'm still trying to decipher it as well. If I work anything out next weekend I'll let you know.

 

[ShaneT]

The green light makes the dial control the heat output I think it was between 0.75kw to 2kw.
The red light makes the dial auto control the temp of the van, I think it was 19degC to 30degC. If you use the red light the heater turns on and off by itself, by doing this you run the risk of having a flat battery as the thing uses the most power turning off and on as it powers up the glow plug.
I just ran mine on the green light so I would just turn it up flat out to start with and when it was warm enough turn it right down. You will know when you are in manual mode as the fan speed will go up and down with the dial.
With your heat under the van issue I found the floor was getting hot around the bottom of the heater itself, thats why I didnt order there mounting plate as this time I want to cut a bigger hole in the floor and use a larger mounting plate.

 

[BigSkiddy]

Are they normally this expensive ($7600)??

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330992879231&alt=web

 

[BaxnRach]

Are they normally this expensive ($7600)??

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=330992879231&alt=web

Bargain, I've seen them for $96000. they obviously dont proof read their ads
Just a decimal point in the wrong spot:stupid:

 

[Billrw136]

I sent the ebay seller a message re those listed prices. The reply follows.......

"If they are at that price its because they are out of stock at the moment.

We have some more on the way, would you like us to put one on back order for you? IF so, please reply with contact number "

Bill

 

[macca]

Thanks Matt.
You would be an expert by now.
Have you ever been concerned by the heat around the exhaust under the van, it gets very hot obviously. I have been monitoring it, it's warm around the area but ok.
I still have it running and it's lovely and toasty inside, the better half agrees so that's all that matters

Wouldn't the exhaust run under the van to the side opposite the door? Or do you just mean it gets hot.

 

[mccrlc]

I wo

Wouldn't the exhaust run under the van to the side opposite the door? Or do you just mean it gets hot.

Yes Macca you are correct.
Not concerned about the exhaust heat coming out the end of the exhaust, was more thinking about the area around the floor where the unit sits, it all seems fine though.
The exhaust is situated opposite side of the door.

 

[mccrlc]

The green light makes the dial control the heat output I think it was between 0.75kw to 2kw.
The red light makes the dial auto control the temp of the van, I think it was 19degC to 30degC. If you use the red light the heater turns on and off by itself, by doing this you run the risk of having a flat battery as the thing uses the most power turning off and on as it powers up the glow plug.
I just ran mine on the green light so I would just turn it up flat out to start with and when it was warm enough turn it right down. You will know when you are in manual mode as the fan speed will go up and down with the dial.
With your heat under the van issue I found the floor was getting hot around the bottom of the heater itself, thats why I didnt order there mounting plate as this time I want to cut a bigger hole in the floor and use a larger mounting plate.

Thanks for the info ShaneT, very useful for me and others.