Espar vs Webasto

TomC · February 23, 2013, 08:36:25 AM

Espar makes both Diesel fired air heaters and hydronic systems. Webasto also makes Diesel fired air heaters and coolant preheaters that the AquaHot system is based on.
Anyone have opinions on which one is best? I've heard the Espar is a simpler system. Good Luck, TomC

luvrbus · February 23, 2013, 11:03:55 AM

You see a lot of Espar water units in the seated buses,we had 4 Webasto air heaters in our boat they are not much I remember those being around 5000 btu on the water with the wind a candle was probably better heat

Both Espar and Webasto are German made not much difference in the 2 units

wg4t50 · February 23, 2013, 11:41:23 AM

Being unfamiliar with either unit, and know the Aqua Hot uses the Webasto burner unit, so wonder what makes the difference, am guessing the controls, additional pumps for the different zones etc, plus keeps the domestic water hot, sinks & shower , just a guess on my part.
The Aqua Hot as installed in my coach uses 4 thermostats also can circulate hot water through the engine to preheat it, then when engine is up to temp, the burner does not need to run as the engine keeps it all hot. Also had a 1500 watt 120 volt AC heater element that I use in the garage as do not want to run the boiler indoors.
Nice, but still a mystrey to some degree.
Dave M

gus · February 23, 2013, 12:36:05 PM

Proheat makes these for trucks.

I tried once to fit one of these in a former Webasto location and found the exhaust holes were a lot different.

luvrbus · February 23, 2013, 12:49:06 PM

The Hurricane system uses the Pro/Heat burner the Aqua/Hot foe in the bussines lot's of RV's have the Hurricane system It's just as good of a unit as the Aqua/Hot for a little less $$ and some folks have those and think they have a Aqua/Hot.

Any diesel fired boiler can like Pro/Heat,Webasto or the Espar can do the same as a package unit like a Aqua/Hot as they say you pay for the packaging

buswarrior · February 24, 2013, 08:34:23 AM

They are simply competitors.

Like the whole Chevy/Dodge/Ford argument.

Proheat, Espar, Webasto, and several reputable smaller outfits all make the stuff we'd like to have to make heat.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Geoff · February 24, 2013, 04:47:13 PM

I have a Webasto, and when it is working right it is pure comfort in the coach. When it breaks down for one reason or another it is just another maintenance item. I'm glad my house isn't the same way. But then I have a lot of items in my bus conversion that never give me any trouble and they don't break down after an 10.0-12 point earthquake everytime I drive it down the road.

OneLapper · February 26, 2013, 12:02:23 PM

Tom,

Are you thinking diesel for heating your truck conversion?

Fred Mc · February 26, 2013, 10:06:56 PM

What about one of these.
http://shop.sayautoterm-canada.com/Air-heater-Planar-4DM-12-P-1.htm

TomC · February 27, 2013, 05:48:00 AM

Fred-for the same $619.00 for the 11,000btu Diesel fuel heater you can buy a 35,000btu propane furnace.

I'm always looking for different ways. But currently I'm still heading in the direction of using a Suburban 40,000btu propane furnace, and 2-10gal electric water heaters without coolant heat. The three combined will cost less then $2,000.00. I've had this setup on my bus and am very pleased at their performance and lack of maintenance problems. Will also have an Atwood 3 burner 21 inch range-just ordered it in white. I'm being weird and ordering white appliances-but then again we're trying for a craftsman/Polynesian look. Good Luck, TomC

OneLapper · February 27, 2013, 06:17:18 AM

Tom,

There's a local busnut that is planning to sell a pair of 40k btu 12 vdc ProHeats. I have seen both units and can vouch for the condition. PM me if want his info. Just in case you might want to consider the *other* fuel!