Thread: Diesel heaters for caravans

Originally Posted by oka374

Chris you might want to adjust that first bend as the exhaust comes out of the floor so that the exhaust is continuously running downhill from the heater to the end past the muffler to ensure that there is no condensate buildup in the exhaust, any bends that can trap moisture will do so and eventually stop the heater starting and working.

These pics are upside down so the angles all look wrong

Thanks for the advice but i reckon it will be ok as there is a fair bit of pressure in the exhaust when it is running so any condensation is soon extracted .

Thanks guys appreciate the pics
I was looking at one on you tube and fella put heat gun on exhaust, 150 degrees, I wouldn't be to worried about condensation build up personally.

Originally Posted by austastar

Hi,
I had no option but to put a bend in the exhaust, but have had no problems in 9 years or so.




Cheers

On your unit can I ask why the big pipe on end of unit.
1 is the heat outlet so the other end is ?
I thought unit took its air from underneath which looks like you have connected to some PVC piping.
My unit has a louvered cover
Over other end si I was just gonna leave clearance there, is this correct?

Cold air in and warm air out are the big pipes. I’ve just left the little grille on mine but I have put a vent in the cupboard near that as they move a lot of air. If you put it in a closed cupboard without adequate air inlet, it won’t be as efficient is all as it will be trying to suck air in from around cupboard doors, etc. Running a duct to somewhere like this is an option if needed but not nessesary.

The small air inlet from underneath is combustion air. 2 small pipes are combustion in and out and 2 big ones - each end of the unit - is heating air in and out.

Thanks Gav, if I have room il duct the intake as well, what's another hole lol

Hi
On your unit can I ask why the big pipe on end of unit.
Cabin air in and warm air back to the cabin.

1 is the heat outlet so the other end is ?
Cabin air in.

I thought unit took its air from underneath which looks like you have connected to some PVC piping.
That is combustion air in. I used pvc piping as it was convenient; I also used copper pipe in the exhaust as that was convenient too.
The combustion air and exhaust exit to atmosphere via small caravan sink outlets mounted upside down on the floor of the camper where it overhangs the sides of the ute.

My unit has a louvered cover
Over other end si I was just gonna leave clearance there, is this correct?
As mentioned in another posting, use the cabin air inlet and the heater outlet to give you a sensible air circulation.
Mine has very limited space and the cabin air in/out are next to each other under the table and we have to be careful not to restrict the flow causing the hot to go straight back into the air in, and confusing the thermostat into thinking the cabin air is up to the set temperature.

They also make a good hair dryer, Brownie points to be earned here!

cheers

Thanks for the reply I do appreciate it

Originally Posted by Homestar

Plenty of room there IMO - make it so the exhaust has the most clearance, the inlet can go anywhere as long as it clears physically but you could move those lines an inch or so each way if needed.

Hi Gav
What size hole did you cut with hole saw to give adequate clearance for exhaust?