Bunk Heaters - pros/cons

[Chaz]

Hey guys,
  In another thread about temporary heating solutions I seen this:
   http://www.webasto.us/press/en/am_trucks_heaters_826.html
Being a rookie, I had not seen these before and I am curious. Is this just a Webasto diesel fired heater that has been discussed before and also heats the engine, etc?? (like a Proheat or Esbar whatever) Or is it something entirely different?
  The poster mentioned that these heaters got mixed opinions. I was under the impression that IF it is actually the diesel fueled heater that I had heard about, it was the "Hot ticket". (no pun intended) 
  Thoughts??

   Thanx,
     Chaz

[bevans6]

I've seen those advertised as truck sleeper heaters and as marine boat heaters.  they seem to be a diesel fired forced air heater solution.  I have also seen Webasto's that seem to be circulated water heaters that hook into the cooling system of the bus, heat the water, create hot water for showers, and somehow also heat the bus.  I have no idea how they actually work.  they also seem to approach a significant percentage of my total investment in my bus!  I'm still trying to learn, and a primer on the nuts and bolts of these would be wonderful!

BW posted a link to a system that is wall mount or free standing, looked kind of like a little stove, and could  produce both not air and hot water.  Again a marine oriented system.  I'm not sure it you would tend to use a couple of these systems, since they aren't ducted and I have three "zones" in my bus - living, bath, and sleeping, with either doors or barriers.  the hot water systems seem to either have a radiator with a fan to turn it into hot air, or radiant flooring.  Shlepping hot water around may be easier than ducting hot air, so maybe that is the idea.  But I don't know!   

[Jeremy]

Yes, Webasto make both air heaters and water heaters, with the one in the link being an air heater. They won't heat the engine I'm afraid. They are quite commonplace I think, judging by the number of sale on Ebay. They're much cheaper than the water heaters - I know this as when I was looking for my Webasto I kept thinking I had found a bargain, only for it to turn out to be an air heater

Jeremy

[WEC4104]

Yep, the AirTop2000 is a small forced air heater that runs off diesel fuel.  They are compact and fairly fuel efficient, with a modest electrical need as well.  They do not heat water, so you aren't going to preheat the engine or take a shower from these.   The 2000 model has a max output of 2 kW (less than 7,000 BTUs) so venturing into colder climates will take more than one unit.  [They also have a bigger Air Top 5000 model, too]    Neither model comes cheap.

[fe2_o3]

We found a couple of Suburban forced air heaters that were from parted out camp trailers. I think $25 or so. Had them serviced by a pro. and have used them for 7 years with no problems. Total investment of about $100 for 2 furnaces. I don't have a large budget, but I like to keep the wife and grandkids warm. Sofar..Sogood...Cable