Diesel Heaters

[Greg C.]

Has anyone on the forum had any experience with the diesel powered heaters? My PO removed all traces of propane powered appliances, and I have no
heat, range, or oven in my coach. The water heater has an electric element installed. Camping in November was a chilly experience using only two small
electric space heaters. They were unable to reach 60 degrees inside during the night. I am installing a 1500 watt in wall heater with blower in my
dinette wall next to the entry door, but that won't get it done alone. I know diesel heaters are commonly used on boats with good effect, and I am
seriously thinking about installing one under my jack knife sofa. These heaters will run on battery power. I will utilize the duct work path Coachman
used, except I will have the heater up front blowing toward the rear instead of the factory furnace in the rear bath. I will put the fuel tank out
front behind the steering column and in front of the left tire. Has anyone used one of these in their GMC?
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[ejames]

I don't have any experience with these but wabasto heaters can run on gas
and diesel which would be nice rather than having to have a diesel tank.
They are a lot more expensive than the knock off heaters from amazon, etc.

--
Ethan James
1976 Glenbrook "Rosie"
Roanoke, VA

On Sat, Jan 8, 2022 at 7:35 PM Greg Crawford
wrote:

> Has anyone on the forum had any experience with the diesel powered
> heaters? My PO removed all traces of propane powered appliances, and I have
> no
> heat, range, or oven in my coach. The water heater has an electric element
> installed. Camping in November was a chilly experience using only two small
> electric space heaters. They were unable to reach 60 degrees inside during
> the night. I am installing a 1500 watt in wall heater with blower in my
> dinette wall next to the entry door, but that won't get it done alone. I
> know diesel heaters are commonly used on boats with good effect, and I am
> seriously thinking about installing one under my jack knife sofa. These
> heaters will run on battery power. I will utilize the duct work path
> Coachman
> used, except I will have the heater up front blowing toward the rear
> instead of the factory furnace in the rear bath. I will put the fuel tank
> out
> front behind the steering column and in front of the left tire. Has anyone
> used one of these in their GMC?
> --
> Greg Crawford
> KM4ZCR
> Knoxville, TN
>
> "Ruby Sue"
> 1977 Royale
> Rear Bath
> 403 Engine
> American Eagle Wheels
> Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

 

[tyler]

If you google slim potato head diesel he has two videos I have previously watched to learn about that type heater. He is not tze specific but might
still inform the decision
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC

 

[trevor pordage]

I put one in our coach earlier this year i found this guys vidios extremly useful.
look at all of his videos he goes into great depths on every component
plent of us in Australia have installed these in caravans etc
i purchased a cheap chinese one on ebay around 120 AUD i installed a 15 liter tank up front under the stering column with the diesel heater under the
cooktop where the old suburban heater was located i then connected it to 2 of the old floor ducts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64B2tnH1WDo
--
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project

 

[Greg C.]

Trevor, did you find that the heater adequately heats the coach? And what BTU size heater did you use?
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[Jim Hupy]

I must have missed the point about propane. I guess sitting on top of a
fuel system that contains 50 gallons of highly volatile gasoline perhaps
clouded my judgment regarding the hazards of 10 or 12 gallons of propane
that leaves the tank at about 2 psi pressure or so. Tens of thousands of RV
vehicles go down the highways every hour of the day and night and
experience no problems with it at all. But, what the heck, it only takes
once, right?
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Mon, Jan 10, 2022, 4:10 PM Greg Crawford
wrote:

> Trevor, did you find that the heater adequately heats the coach? And what
> BTU size heater did you use?
> --
> Greg Crawford
> KM4ZCR
> Knoxville, TN
>
> "Ruby Sue"
> 1977 Royale
> Rear Bath
> 403 Engine
> American Eagle Wheels
> Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

 

[mills]

Jim, one more point for your side:If your regulator is
putting out 2 psi pressure you have a problem.NG and propane
appliances are supposed to have 11" WC or 6.35 ounces per sq
in (sorry I don't do metric).
> > IN WC PSI OSI> 10 = 0.36 5.77>
> 11 = 0.40 6.35> 15 = 0.54 8.66
https://www.engineeringclicks.com/manometer/Here is a good
article aon U-Tube manometers.The traditional U-Tube device
is the most common with one end of the partially liquid
filled tube open to the atmosphere and the other connected
to an outside source. By measuring the different heights of
liquid on the left and the right hand side of the U-tube it
is possible to calculate the pressure from the outside
source in relation to atmospheric pressure.
I've used "slack tube" manometers for years. Just 30" of so
of plastic tubing attached to a board and filled with about
15"of water.a rubber hose to a jet in your range top,
measure from the low water side to the high water side -
should be right about 11"
-- Jim Mills N0JME
Greeley, CO
1973 CanyonLands 260 TZE-063V100731(under renovation)

> I must have missed the point about propane. I guess
> sitting on top of afuel system that contains 50 gallons of
> highly volatile gasoline perhapsclouded my judgment
> regarding the hazards of 10 or 12 gallons of propanethat
> leaves the tank at about 2 psi pressure or so. Tens of
> thousands of RVvehicles go down the highways every hour of
> the day and night andexperience no problems with it at
> all. But, what the heck, it only takesonce, right?Jim
> HupySalem, Oregon
> On Mon, Jan 10, 2022, 4:10 PM Greg Crawford <
> captgregcrawford>wrote:
> > Trevor, did you find that the heater adequately heats
> > the coach? And whatBTU size heater did you use?--Greg
> > CrawfordKM4ZCRKnoxville, TN
> > "Ruby Sue"1977 RoyaleRear Bath403 EngineAmerican Eagle
> > WheelsEarly Version Alex Sirum Quad
> > bags_______________________________________________GMCne
> > t mailing listUnsubscribe or Change List Options:
> _______________________________________________GMCnet
> mailing listUnsubscribe or Change List Options:
For appliances propane is measured in inches of water column.

 

[Greg C.]

I don't know why the PO removed the propane tank and the propane cooking appliances, unless he was trying to get more storage room. I have a rear
bath, so the starboard storage compartment at the rear of the coach is sealed off with the tub shower right against an aluminum sheet riveted behind
the storage compartment door. The propane tank was originally in a compartment forward of the entry door, now it is storage. I would have preferred
the original propane furnace, but that was removed as well, so I am forced to consider other options.
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[Jim Hupy]

I was going to give that figure about inches of water column, but, figured
that would confuse rather than inform. So I just gave a rough equivalent in
psi. I think that it is even lower than the figure I used. Sorry if I
wasn't exactly clear.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Mon, Jan 10, 2022, 5:48 PM Greg Crawford
wrote:

> I don't know why the PO removed the propane tank and the propane cooking
> appliances, unless he was trying to get more storage room. I have a rear
> bath, so the starboard storage compartment at the rear of the coach is
> sealed off with the tub shower right against an aluminum sheet riveted
> behind
> the storage compartment door. The propane tank was originally in a
> compartment forward of the entry door, now it is storage. I would have
> preferred
> the original propane furnace, but that was removed as well, so I am forced
> to consider other options.
> --
> Greg Crawford
> KM4ZCR
> Knoxville, TN
>
> "Ruby Sue"
> 1977 Royale
> Rear Bath
> 403 Engine
> American Eagle Wheels
> Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

 

[trevor pordage]

I used a 5KW heater it was fine for what we require
but as we are in australia our temps rarely go below freezing

when looking check out the physical size
also some sellers may advertise an 8KW unit but it may only be a 5KW

but the price is right

here is a link about sizes https://abigpeacheyadventure.com.au/diesel-heater-size/

also for reference here is a link to where i purchased ours from
we paid approx 145 Australian so you should be able to get 1 in the states for around 110 USD

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/353252591992

--
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project

 

[Greg C.]

Trevor, thank you for the reply. I am going to try to get an 8KW sized heater if I can. I've read quite a bit about the loud ticking from the dosing
pump. I plan on putting my pump outside under the floor to try to minimize the noise.
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[ScottC]

Greg, the video I watched clearly stated the 8Kw heater was just a
rebranded 5Kw and suggested not to spend the extra money for the 8Kw.

On Tue, Jan 11, 2022 at 3:47 PM Greg Crawford
wrote:

> Trevor, thank you for the reply. I am going to try to get an 8KW sized
> heater if I can. I've read quite a bit about the loud ticking from the
> dosing
> pump. I plan on putting my pump outside under the floor to try to minimize
> the noise.
> --
> Greg Crawford
> KM4ZCR
> Knoxville, TN
>
> "Ruby Sue"
> 1977 Royale
> Rear Bath
> 403 Engine
> American Eagle Wheels
> Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>

--
Scott Campbell
Jack of All, Master of None!
President AMCA River Valley Chapter
Member GMCMI & Great Lakers
1980 FXEF, 1997 XL, 2000 FLHT, 2014 FLD
1982 Chevy G20
1973 GMC Glacier Motorhome

 

[trevor pordage]

my pump ticking iswas not a problem we have it mounted on the side of the tank up near th esteering column
--
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project

 

[Richard RV]

> I have a rear bath, so the starboard storage compartment at the rear of the coach is sealed off with the tub shower right against an aluminum
> sheet riveted behind the storage compartment door.

Greg,

One of my Birchaven's previous owners cut an access door into the aluminum panel. There's a fair bit of storage under and behind the tub. Awkward to
get to, but definitely useful exterior storage space for infrequently used items. It also allows access to the plumbing under the tub and is useful
for pulling wire from one side of the coach to the other.

Richard

--
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach under construction;
‘76 Edgemonte waiting its turn

 

[Rick Brackett]

I have removed the aluminum panel and there is a fair amount of room in there. I removed it so I could get at the P trap for the tub. I have not put I back nor do I plan to.
Unused space for jacks, wheel wrenches etc.

Rick.

>

>> I have a rear bath, so the starboard storage compartment at the rear of the coach is sealed off with the tub shower right against an aluminum
>> sheet riveted behind the storage compartment door.
>
> Greg,
>
> One of my Birchaven's previous owners cut an access door into the aluminum panel. There's a fair bit of storage under and behind the tub. Awkward to
> get to, but definitely useful exterior storage space for infrequently used items. It also allows access to the plumbing under the tub and is useful
> for pulling wire from one side of the coach to the other.
>
> Richard
>
> --
> '77 Birchaven TZE...777;
> '76 Palm Beach under construction;
> ‘76 Edgemonte waiting its turn
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:

 

[Tom Katzenberger]

Rick,

Also room for an out door shower wand and controls. Great for washing feet and dogs.

Take care,
Tom K.
--
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee
Ignition

 

[Carl Stouffer]

With the understanding that Diesel fuel is not nearly as volatile as gasoline, You might re-think the tank location. In case of a front end
collision, that tank could rupture and spray flammable liquid all over the front end of the coach, right where you are sitting.

This is true of the Fi-Tec "command center" as well.

Personally, I would be looking to re-install a propane system, but then again, we dry camp a lot and like to have the propane cook-top, furnace,
fridge, etc.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[Greg C.]

Carl, a point worth considering.

I have removed the aluminum panel that covers my tub shower. There is not enough room in there to make it worthwhile. The shower surround practically
touches the aluminum panel. Bob Donohugh had originally reached out to me regarding the possibility of storage there, so that's when I removed the
panel, only to replace it after scraping out a dead mouse. There would be room for an outdoor shower box to the rear of the water tank.
--
Greg Crawford
KM4ZCR
Knoxville, TN

"Ruby Sue"
1977 Royale
Rear Bath
403 Engine
American Eagle Wheels
Early Version Alex Sirum Quad bags

 

[Tom Katzenberger]

Greg,

I did the same thing. I was hoping to find storage for tools, but no luck. I also riveted it back up. Then I began working on the outdoor shower to
wash sandy feet and dogs. I think that is all I will get out of it.

Take care,
Tom K.
--
Tom & Oki Katzenberger,
Kingsville, Maryland,
1977 23' Birchaven, 455 C.I.D., Micro Level, Howell EBL-EFI Spark Control, Macerator, York Air Compressor, 6 Wheel Disc, Quadra Bag, Onan W/Bovee
Ignition

 

[6cuda61]

The real, not chinese knock off's work pretty good. I have one in my Volvo semi truck to keep the sleeper warn and it does a good job. As for one of
our coaches, im not sure if it will be good enough unless you have a wack load of insulation in the thing.

The PO of our coach took the heater out so at one point i'm going to be searching for something as well but we still jave propane so it makes the
selection easier.
--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600