The van does have a lot of vents plus it leaks a lot of air at the front too with it being rotten. I will be doing some major repairs after the season ends to rectify this.
Meanwhile I want sone electric heating as we never use gas (havnt used any at all this season.
I have a fanmaster and ducting etc ready to fit and now looking for the electric element to go behind the fire so I don't have to use gas. Won't be fitting this untill I do my big repair after the season ends though.
I am also going to insulate between the front locker and the inside of the van as I think a lot of heat is lost there. The front locker is well ventilated etc but the paneling between the van and locker is just single ply.
Some bubble wrap insulation stuck on with carpet spray adhesive might work there I think.
Quote: Originally posted by arc systems on 23/9/2013
Maybe the problem is you are confusing floor ventilation vents, common in van up to 1998, with gas drop holes?
Gas drop holes to allow escaping gas 'out', are normally small round vents directly below gas connection points, or at least very close to them, these should obviously never be obstructed.
On the other hand, much larger floor vents unconnected to the gas supply, are to allow ventilating air 'in' and prior to 98, were excessive to say the least and a big problem when it comes to trying to heat the van in colder weather!
So If I don't use gas how many of these vents can I block up. Also the cooker vents and fridge vents, can I block these up.?? Or do I need to leave one open for the fridge even though its in ehu for it not to overheat.??
Tube heaters do get very hot to the touch so be careful where you put them. We have one in our 12ft 2 berth and were happy with the heat but had to move it so that it was out of the way of accidental contact.
Quote: Originally posted by Ronni54 on 28/9/2013
Tube heaters do get very hot to the touch so be careful where you put them. We have one in our 12ft 2 berth and were happy with the heat but had to move it so that it was out of the way of accidental contact.
My plan was to put one under each seat at the front. Its a bit drafty around that area and I thought it would keep the chill off us. Not looking for a sauna just a steady heat.
When I say under the seat I mean under under. In the cupboard as such.
Should be OK then. We were surprised at the amount of heat it gave off. We don't have a front chest in our Avondale so fixed ours between the two front seats.
If there are opening's from the living space into the bunks, block them off, not needed.
If your not using gas, at all, you can block drop holes, but, this really should not be required.
Fridge should be room sealed so not allow draughts into the living space. So totally block off van from rear of fridge, but, do not block fridge vents from outside other than by use of proper winter covers.
As for heating, I'd say any idea of fitting heating under the bunks is a non starter. Primarily you need to heat the living space, not under the bunks.
Fanmaster you say? The mk1 Carver Fanmaster has it's own internal heating elements and is designed to replace the standard simply fan that works with the gas fire. The ducting for this then runs through bunks providing enough heating for them before delivering the bulk of the heat to the living space through the various outlets.
I was thinking along the idea that the cold draughts come from under the front bunks, by putting a heater there would turn the cold draught into warm and still have the ventalation.
Please remember this is temporary fix as the reason uts draughty is because the front of the van is rotten and will be repaired out of season.
What about the gas cooker vents they let a lot of air in can I block those and leave the fridge vent open.
I have a fanmaster ready to fit but as my old caravan also it doesn't have the elctric element fitted. I suppose I could get one. I will keep an eye out for one.
Please remember everyone this is a scrap caravan that I don't want to spend too much money on. I'm thinking of things I Can remove in the future to recope my money spend.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: underseat heating.??
