LPG heater

ssobol · Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 7:05 pm Post subject: LPG heater

An alternative to a diesel heater. Uses propane or similar gases. Seems to be popular in Europe for van conversions. About US$600. I have no personal experience with them. Like everything else, there are various pros and cons and I'm not going to get into them. Just giving some info.

https://www.propexheatsource.com/
https://www.propexheatsource.com/marine-heating/

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2019 10:04 pm Post subject:

These look good, in some ways comparable to the Espar and other marine heaters
One element to consider is about the 2 amp draw when on, so battery amp hours are a consideration as added to the total load.
I don't see that it is ABYC certified or allowed in marine use or construction, this could affect your insurance if you have a claim. Have to check with your insurance company, European certification may not be enough here.

Yakmandu · Posted: Fri Aug 02, 2019 10:45 am Post subject:

Info relating to marine applications...

https://www.propexheatsource.com/marine-heating/

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2019 6:42 pm Post subject:

I did look at that part of their website and that is where I noticed that it does not contain US certification.
I went through this process looking for a new stove and the one we wanted did not pass our insurance because it was not US certified and any claims resulting from it would have been denied, so you would need to check with your insurance company.

jkidd · Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2019 9:00 pm Post subject:

I have one of these that I made into a portable and use it in my off-road trailer and my cargo trailer. They are a very efficient and quite heater. The only downside would be the propane.

ssobol · Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2019 10:18 pm Post subject:

jkidd · Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2019 11:55 pm Post subject:

Nothing wrong with the propane really. I just think the diesel solutions are less complex. The Propex heater requires the intake and exhausts tube be a certain length or you will have flameout issues.

thataway · Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 1:03 pm Post subject:

I am the spoiler about propane. (My back up to the induction burner is the small 1# common bottles, which I keep inside PVC pipe on the side of the splash well. I have had well designed systems on my larger cruising boat for cooking only)

Even with the ;propane heater in the cockpit there are risks. The propane is heavier than air, and a leak can accumulate in the cockpit. The same standards apply for in the cockpit as the cabin. A solenoid or manual shut off at the tank, with a "sniffer" in the lowest part of the bilge (cockpit floor). Also storage of the propane tanks where any fumes/gas drains overboard. (A totally sealed Lazarette with drains overboard to the side will meet this requirement).

My personal issue with propane for a heater, is the in-connivance of getting tanks filled. Diesel seems like a better option--less risk, and easier to obtain.

Are these "marine" units designed for outside installation? The installation in an RV is entirely different than in the cockpit of a boat. Yes, I have LP for cooking (use the induction any way), refrigeration and heating in the RV--but the 30 gallon tank is under the unit, all except the stove are vented to the outside--and I have 2 shut off valves--one at the tank, and one (with a sniffer) as the propane enters from below the floor. I also have electric options, and use those 90 % of the time.

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Sun Aug 04, 2019 9:50 pm Post subject:

Yes you have to be rigorous about safety with propane, so many carelessly and unprofessionally installed systems have obliterated boats and their owners, ABYC installation standards are no joke. The list of tiny details is long and leaving any one out can spell disaster. And even in a well designed system solenoids seem to fail around salt water, lines rot and leak and sniffers have to be checked out often, a lot of maintenance. That said I always have liked the convenience of cooking on propane. Our alcohol stove sucks so most is on the rail mount barbi.