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Wed Feb 08, 2012 10:29 pm

I sold my '87 Westy with the2.5 Subi in it, the new owner, would like a heater for camping and can't afford the Propex. So I was was looking at this instead

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-57331-Olympian-Wave-3-Catalytic/dp/B000BUV1RK/ref=lh_ni_t

My intention is to is to tap in to the fridge's propane line and install a quick connect and flex hose, that way is not a permanent fixture in the van.
Like this

has any body done this?
The hose comes with the male/female connector at the end , but I still need to get the the one for the heater and the "T", and what ever I need to do the splicing in to the lines.
where can I find this hardware?
or is it safer or easier to just do a separate bottle for it.

Wed Feb 08, 2012 11:02 pm

I got one like that (olympian 3100) back in '90 or so. I seldom used it, but recently I dug it out and had it working on a couple of winter trips. I to wanted to plumb it in just as you described, but never got around to it and was worried about how well the disconnects would seal after the flex hose removed (of course a valve would help eh?).

So I use bbq propane tank. Quite the kludge, but it is workable for 1 - 2 person camping. The heater does put out a lot of moisture (approx 750 g water for every 500 g propane) and I run it when I can have a window or skylight open and I am awake.

But, last weekend I added to the hokey-ness of the set up by making a extraction hood of sorts connected to a length of flexi aluminium ducting. I have to field test it, but in the workshop it works well as a chimney. I'll post pics after I make a trip with it.

alistair

Oh, btw, FWIW up here in BC I believe it is illegal to plumb additional gas appliance in the way you described. The line has to go outside to be T-eed.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 3:47 am

Jeff the Canuck did this same thing.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 7:50 am

:bay_blue: At least in Arizona, was told by the RV dealer that flex or rubber hose in side the van is illegal, for permanent installation. You have to use metal lines. Also the stock tank is a little to small won't last to long. Check GW site. If you go this way I would get a bigger tank. Also keep a vent open for your safety. And they put out a lot of moisture can lead to rust! Some of us like the Mr buddy heater, at least you don't have the propane issue and lines to deal with. :D

Thu Feb 09, 2012 10:56 am

Racerrojo,

with your skills, I'd think you coud do a nice Atwood furnace install ... maybe find a used one in the classifieds from an Adventurewagen. I think Gowesty has some install photos. Certainly more work for you but in the long run, the client will be much happier - they crank out the heat.

I had a Wave 3 ... it was ok if you were in front of it. Like the other poster, I had it hooked up to a small BBQ tank - which kinda sucked in the van. I'd probably just go green can and Mr. Buddy rather than invest in the wave again.

My buddy has the big Wave and it puts out some heat but takes a lot of wall space (he has a weekender with a custom cabinet).

Good luck,

Tom

Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:16 pm

In WA State - I had the RV dealer tap in to the stove/refrigerator hardline when I replaced the original propane tank with a GW upgrade on my 87 Syncro Westy a few years back.

This tap led to a flex line to an Olympian 3100 - mounted with 3 small screws to the inside of the under sink (propped open) sink cabinet door.

I cut an approx. 3" X 12" notch into the shelf under the sink so I could close the door with the (cold) heater mounted for travel. Would post pics - but '87 is in other (good) hands.

Seldom used for winter camping - but ALWAYS had the roof vent and side window open about an inch. Used the low setting - still plenty of heat with the 2 of us, 2 medium sized dogs and sleeping bags.

OK for a night or 2, but always filled up with propane before and after cold weather camping.

Yes - moisture/condensation was generated by heater and our own breathing (window and pop top insulation provided by HD) - usually closed the top overnight...and shut heater down for sleeping.

87 Syncro Westy showed very little rust when sold last year.

The '90 Syncro Westy also has an Olympian 3100 - currently hooked up to a BBQ tank. Not ideal - but will likely mount (as above) when I replace the propane tank...future project.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 4:43 pm

I second the recommendation of getting at atwood hydroflamee 8012. You won't find that model used, it is the newest one and has a very low battery draw and puts out 10K BTUs. $450 on ebay. The ones you find are usualy 7912 7916 or 7920s that use more battery power and depending on the unit can really suck down the propane. I had hooked up a quick disconnect fitting under the sink and it worked fine. I had my Atwood setup as portable but later mounted it permanently as it was pretty big.

Or if that doesn't fly, I would do the quick disconnect and get a Mr Buddy heater. It will put out more heat than that 3K cat heater you are showing, and it is cheaper (~$100) and reliable. If they plan to use it a lot, an unvented heater will not satisfy in the long run, but the Mr Buddy is a good first heater. The quick disconnect makes it so convenient.

The quick disconnect parts cost me 50-75 bucks I think when you add them all up. I got most of them at Ace but the parts I could get at Sportsmasn warehouse were cheaper.

Thu Feb 09, 2012 5:00 pm

davevickery wrote: I second the recommendation of getting at atwood hydroflamee 8012. You won't find that model used, it is the newest one and has a very low battery draw and puts out 10K BTUs. $450 on ebay. The ones you find are usualy 7912 7916 or 7920s that use more battery power and depending on the unit can really suck down the propane. I had hooked up a quick disconnect fitting under the sink and it worked fine. I had my Atwood setup as portable but later mounted it permanently as it was pretty big.

Or if that doesn't fly, I would do the quick disconnect and get a Mr Buddy heater. It will put out more heat than that 3K cat heater you are showing, and it is cheaper (~$100) and reliable. If they plan to use it a lot, an unvented heater will not satisfy in the long run, but the Mr Buddy is a good first heater. The quick disconnect makes it so convenient. :
The quick disconnect parts cost me 50-75 bucks I think when you add them all up. I got most of them at Ace but the parts I could get at Sportsmasn warehouse were cheaper. :bay_blue: X2 On the mr. buddy to run it on a big tank like the westy. You need to get there filter, that what they say. I did not, that said I'm on my 2 one. I ruined my first one. On 1 lb bottles no problem FYI :D

Thu Feb 09, 2012 6:56 pm

I have one of the older modles and it works great. 2 years ago i took it with me on my 4 week ski adventure. I had it conected to a 2.5 gal bbq in the front passanger side floor. I got about a week of run time. Low all day and at night. I think I put out more steam / vapors than the heater did.

The last van i had it conected at a T just after reg. on the vanagon tank. I used to stay at the resort for 3 days and nights no problems cooking and heatting.

Jcl

Thu Feb 09, 2012 7:47 pm

I do have an extra westy tank, that would need some new hardware and a good sanding/painting that would be good for heater use. can install on the passenger side, but that's over kill.
I don't think the heater would get extreme use, just to take the edge off.
I like the price and versatility of Mr. Buddy, the only draw back is the battery use. but the again the money saved could be used on an aux batt.... but I digress.
I looking for a good compromise in ease of installation, price, and function. not much. Right?

Fri Feb 10, 2012 8:10 am

I've been looking at heater options for a while. I see a lot of people using the Mr Buddy. Isn't this one a better option because it's a catalytic heater and puts out less CO?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUQW8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Also, you can buy an adapter from harborfreight that allows you to refill the small propane tanks from a bbq or other larger tank.

Fri Feb 10, 2012 8:51 am

PURE HOKUM!
with the OPD 20~40# tanks you can only fill the 16oz bottle with gaseous propane via that adapter and not any liquid. (you need to tip the tank over for liquid and the valve will shut off the opening)
w/o replenishing LPG into the small tank you'll only refill to a very minor capacity, sure there'll be gas in there, but 1/7th the original capacity.
*iirc LPG expands to create 7x's the gaseous volume.
subter wrote: Also, you can buy an adapter from harborfreight that allows you to refill the small propane tanks from a bbq or other larger tank.

Fri Feb 10, 2012 9:12 am

danfromsyr wrote: PURE HOKUM!
with the OPD 20~40# tanks you can only fill the 16oz bottle with gaseous propane via that adapter and not any liquid. (you need to tip the tank over for liquid and the valve will shut off the opening)
w/o replenishing LPG into the small tank you'll only refill to a very minor capacity, sure there'll be gas in there, but 1/7th the original capacity.
*iirc LPG expands to create 7x's the gaseous volume.
subter wrote: Also, you can buy an adapter from harborfreight that allows you to refill the small propane tanks from a bbq or other larger tank.

Here's the link. I've never used it before. Reviews say it works but as you said you won't get a full fill. Still cheaper in the long run instead of buying the 16oz bottles.

http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-bottle-refill-kit-45989.html

Fri Feb 10, 2012 11:09 am

Quote: PURE HOKUM!
with the OPD 20~40# tanks you can only fill the 16oz bottle with gaseous propane via that adapter and not any liquid. (you need to tip the tank over for liquid and the valve will shut off the opening)
w/o replenishing LPG into the small tank you'll only refill to a very minor capacity, sure there'll be gas in there, but 1/7th the original capacity.
*iirc LPG expands to create 7x's the gaseous volume.

We've been using one of these adapters to fill our green tanks and this has not been our experience. After refilling, it sure feels and sounds like there is liquid in the little tanks (you can hear it when lightly shaken). Based on weight of the green tank before and after, it seems like I get ~75% of the original weight after refilling.

After the refill, I always check the both top gaskets for leaks with soapy water. I also don't refill more than 6 times per container, just to be safe. That is an arbitrary number, but I don't want to risk reusing them forever and having it leak.

We use them to run either a coleman blackcat http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000004165#.TzVZVcjntAk or Mr Heater Little Buddy, and also for our Coleman grill http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/detail.asp?CategoryID=2036&product_id=2000003735#. We never sleep with the heater running, always crack a window open when we run it, and have a working CO detector in our westy. Both heaters do generate some moisture.

Sat Feb 11, 2012 9:33 pm

Olympian heater was delivered yesterday; but I'm tempted to return it and get the Mr heater buddy or Big Buddy. They are cheaper they seem to put out more heat. My biggest reserve is how bulky they are. The Olympian is smaller and it matches the Van's gray interior nicely
As far as the installation i could use the rubber hose and and out side bottle, which makes for an easy solution, and since both of this require an open window for ventilation, the hose route is obvious. or tap in to the existing fridge or stove line and have a valve and connector for the hose, and connected when in need, and using the right connector will allow to run the stove on 1 pound bottles.

Wed Feb 15, 2012 8:27 pm

Well we decided on keeping the Olympian heater. The installation wasn't hard at all (3 screws), and I'm using the rubber hose to the outside bottle with an adapter to run 1lb bottles in a pinch.
Is a pretty slick and inexpensive heater, I will put to the test soon.

Wed Feb 15, 2012 9:07 pm

keep us updated on how well it works for you (or the owner). One thing, make a bag/cover to protect the catalyst infused pad from dirt contamination.

cheers

alistair

Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:41 pm

Was wondering how this heater is working for you.
I am getting one for my 2003 EV Weekender
Will run it on 1Lb bottles until I get hose to 20Lb external tank set up (use that for hot shower).

Yes, I have a CO Alarm with constant digital reading down to 30ppm.

Racerrojo wrote:
Is a pretty slick and inexpensive heater, I will put to the test soon.

Wed Feb 19, 2014 4:43 pm

I used this set up on a customer's van, it ran with either a 1lb bottle or a 20lb BBQ propane bottle.
while is not as good as the propex heater, it does take the edge of the cold, as it works by reflecting heat on near by objects.
I could sit on the rear and feel the radiant heat, but I never used it my self over night. and I think with a small computer like fan moving the warmer air around it would work better.
All and all is an inexpensive set up that can be easily removed from the van, when not in season, and can be used as a place heater in the garage, while wrenching on the van.

Fri May 13, 2016 8:19 pm

I've now installed it and it seems very efficient - I use it with Worthington 1 Lb Cylinder which lasts a long time. No odor and very even heat comes out of it. Seems extremely safe.

Add Reflectix window shades it's a great way to stay warm at night.

Right now it's free standing on the two legs, but I will mount it to a board where my sub-panel and water pump are attached for my camping trips.
Thank you @Racerrojo for the suggestion. I'm happy with the Olympian as I'm mostly concerned about efficiency.

Olympian Wave on Amazon - Unfortunately expensive now, the buddy heater might be a cheaper option - just check the gas usage on that one.