Class B Owners
Hi All, My wife and I were full timers for over 8 years. We had a 40 foot Monaco and loved it. We have now sold it and moved into a condo about 2 years ago. We miss traveling. Thinking o...
Forum Discussion
avanti wrote:wincrasher65 wrote:
So it sounds like, after all the discussion of power requirements, batteries, solar, engine generators, etc, that the feature that makes this van work well is the diesel heating system.
I don't know whether DavyDD will agree with that assessment or not, but our Great West Vans Legend has exactly the same Espar system, and I can report that it is kick-a**. Compared to the propane furnace and separate hot-water heater in our previous Airstream Interstate, it is just amazing. The heat is fast, even, and quiet; and the on-demand hot water is even better. It is my favorite feature of our van. I can't quantify the fuel usage, but except in the most extreme conditions, it is really down in the noise. I honestly don't understand why the whole industry hasn't moved to this approach.
Thanks for the insight.
The point I was trying to make, was that the foundation of building a "go anywhere" van, the core of what makes that possible, is getting a heating system and water heating system that works well enough and uses it's own energy source. You can't do these things off a battery pack. Weather it's LP or diesel is something to consider - sounds like your capability is greatly increased using the Espar. Air conditioning is nice to have, but you get get by without it (I mean you won't die from the heat, but you can die from the cold and your van can become broken and inoperative) or run off shore-power or genset.
Once you resolve your heating and water heating system, then the rest is set by how much luxury you want. Coffee machines, toaster ovens, convection microwaves, entertainment systems and the like can be included, or not, based on your personal wants and needs, and accordingly set the size of the battery pack.
