Anyone ever Retro fitted a gas fire to motorhome

[pwilmo]

Hi there Funsters
I am seriously considering fitting a gas fire to my 2006 Bessacar, for use when there's no hook up power. The existing blown air races away with leisure battery electricity and gas fire is much cheaper to run.
Many other models have their gas fires fitted on the boiler cupboard so exhaust/inlet balanced flue would be no problem here.
Has anyone here ever done a retro fit?
While I do enjoy many of the wise cracks and funnies on these forums, and no doubt some posters enjoy showing off their humour, they are not very helpful towards a sensible reply . Thank you

 

[gus-lopez]

As you say with the balanced flue it wouldn't pose too much of a problem retrofitting it .

 

[Reallyretired]

I fitted one many years ago. There was a suitable place at the bottom of the wardrobe. The balanced flue was through the floor and needs a fairly large hole and obviously you need to know what's underneath. Mine only just cleared a chassis member. They can also be flued through the roof.

 

[Campervan_man]

You could have a Propex HS2000 gas heater, very good on gas and 12V
or
fit an 8KW chinese air diesel heater, uses diesel as fuel and 12V again very good on 12V and diesel.

 

[Mikeco]

A gas heater without any 12v input will not replace your current system, perhaps you could look at your battery setup instead, apologies if this is outside your desire for sensible replies.

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[mikebeaches]

Many moons ago we bought a brand new budget caravan that didn't have any heating as standard.

The dealer was able to fit a carver gas heater with a proper flue etc.

I often think it would be a useful facility in modern motorhomes - but you don't see them these days. I suspect space is one issue; and possibly cost?

 

[Two on Tour]

A gas heater without any 12v input will not replace your current system

So why not, please explain.

 

[Mikeco]

So why not, please explain.

Because it would rely on the heat coming from the gas heater, it would not reach the nether regions such as toilet/shower. Even the wall mounted Truma ones use a fan.
It would be far cheaper to put in either Solar or another battery or both.

 

[Two on Tour]

We had a Truma Carver gas fire in one of our previous vans which the blower unit had gone West and the heat permeated throughout the van including the toilet/shower if the door was left open.

 

[Barclaybasher]

30 years ago used a propane catalytic heater on a boat - no flue, worked well

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[TheBig1]

yes I retrofitted a gas fire on a couple of vans. They put out plenty of heat, but it was not an even heat round the van. Plus you need clear space round it for obvious reasons.
I would go with a diesel blown air heater rather than gas convection heater

 

[andyman]

30 years ago used a propane catalytic heater on a boat - no flue, worked well

Just happens I’ve got one for sale.

 

[Lenny HB]

I don't have a problem with Truma Combi power usage. Takes about 5-6 amps for up to ½ hour after start up until the van is warm then drops to about 1 amp ( less on the newer versions). My TV and sound system use a lot more power.
.

and gas fire is much cheaper to run.

The S5400 fire (6kw) uses the same amount of gas as the 6kw Combi.
So probably more expensive to run a fire as it would need to be on a lot longer for the heat to reach the extremities of the van.

 

[Nikki]

I have found the same problem, at this time of year, when you need the heater on, I have over 300 Watts solar and 200 amp batteries, but there is just not enough sun to replace the power the fan uses in my propex blown air heating over days of use
I fitted one of these and it's been a life ( battery ) saver, and adjustable if you have a tap on gas pipe, fixed mine onto the wall

Alke Mini Catalytic Heater Gael Force Marine

Minicat catalytic heater that works off either butane or propane gas. Complete with a safety thermocouple. It is possible to wall-mount the heater - free-standing or wall-mounting The safety factor is the catalytic element which allows the g .... £346.99.Gael Force - suppliers of the best and...

www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk

 

[pwilmo]

Thank you all for your great ideas .. looks like I'm off to Amazon for an Alke Mini Catalytic Heater, sounds exactly right for me.

Ooooh remember the days of parrafin pump table lights with the glowing mantles, and stand up parrafin heaters, ventilation a must.

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[pwilmo]

GAS IRONS
Check this out, joins onto my BBQ point with a useful length of lpg hose, and gas powered iron ... jets works a treat on LPG but was originall for town gas. The missus reckons it's a tad on the heavy side.
If you're wild camping how often does stuff need ironing anyway?

 

[Happy1]

What about the truma log effect fire in this van?
Perfect for a skiing trip but Can’t find any where selling them, if anyone does please let me know

<Broken link removed>

 

[Lenny HB]

That looks fabulous far better that the small flat iron my daughter has as a door stop I keep trying to nick for the van.

 

[Coolcats]

Just in case you are still hankering for a gas fire how about a wood stove?

 

[scotzsue]

yes I retrofitted a gas fire on a couple of vans. They put out plenty of heat, but it was not an even heat round the van. Plus you need clear space round it for obvious reasons.
I would go with a diesel blown air heater rather than gas convection heater

We hve diesel, I hate it we have solar and 2 batteries and it just does not work in the winter. Last van had a gas/electric fire and also blown air far more efficient and even though a large van the fire did heat everywhere, except for the bathroom, up. would fit a gas fire in the one we have if we had a suitable place to put it.
As a balance of opinion John thinks it is fine, but I feel the cold more
please don't respond and take away from the OP original request, any sensible ideas pm me.

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