Alternative to a BN4?

suntour · Post by **suntour** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 12:00 am

Found this link while doing my once a year check of the Topica Thing list.

http://www.espar.com/htm/specials/bn2bn4.htm

Thought it might be interesting. I also emailed Espar to get some more info. I will post the reply if its useful.

alsehendo · Post by **alsehendo** » Mon Dec 20, 2004 3:30 am

I called a dealer a while back, they were like 1,500.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:17 am

Not to drum back up an old thread but have any new Thingers check out the Coleman ventless propane electric fanned auto heaters. We ran a long drawn out thread on that alternative a year or so ago. K-mann

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:20 am

Coleman - ProCat? Portable Catalytic Heater w/ Electronic Ignition #5053A751
Product #: 5053A751

? Designed for indoor use
? Use the fan for better heat circulation (2 D Batteries not included)
? 3,000 BTU
? Catalytic heater with platinum technology provides flameless warmth
? Pressure-regulated propane fuel system
? Operates up to 8 hours on 16oz. propane cylinder(not included)

FREE SHIPPING!
NO SALES TAX Outside KS!
Questions: 1-800-814-6815

Our Price: $79.00

This is the item that I posted in reference to. K-mann

suntour · Post by **suntour** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 2:15 pm

Hey 3000 BTU?s isn?t bad. I wonder what a stock BN4 puts out in BTU? I think the newer ones from Espar produce around 7000. But for 79 buck you could put on up front and one in the back and still be a little cheaper than the average used BN4 that is questionable if it works. Good idea.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:31 pm

You can get those colemans for less than $79 I just did a quick web search to post the model number and other information. Others have used these mounting it on the back shelf and wiringthe dc circuit direct to the car's wiring to eliminate the "d" batteries. They say this baby will defrost the windsheild and keeps the car toasty. I have heard nothing but good things about them. You can hardly get a fuel pump and glow plug for a BN-4 for $80 K-mann

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:34 pm

How are the pictures posted under a person's name on this forum? Thanks. K-mann

suntour · Post by **suntour** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 4:43 pm

Click on your user profile and then the edit profile button to the right (looks like a house) at the bottom is an Avatar control panel. You can upload a picture there. I think you are limited to 90x90 pixels, but this one guy has a monster sized avatar that takes up half the screen, it drives me nuts. I have to keep scrolling to the right to read all the text in the posts.

stevemariott · Post by **stevemariott** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:20 pm

Hey guys,

I had a Coleman catalytic heater in my bus last winter when I tried to do without my old leaky heaterboxes (bad idea...). Anyway, I personally didn't think it worked all that well. It still smelled like propane all the time and didn't really put out enough heat to fill the interior. In 30 degree weather I could feel it when it was right next to me and pointing at me, but otherwise it wasn't exactly a raging inferno - the condensation put off from it would also fog up the windows quite a bit too. It was better than nothing at all, but it did not work like I thought it would. After that experience, I went through the harrowing task of installing a BN4 (and new heaterboxes) into my bus for this winter, and it has made all the difference in the world. Not to rain on anyone's parade, but in my experience it just did not work all that well. These are just my thoughts though, it seems other people have had better luck with them.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 6:36 pm

Facts based on real life experience is never a rain on a parade. Great post and input on this. I have never owned a Coleman and have no real knowledge. I just reposted an older idea that was explored. You on the otherhand shared your experience. You are the better post in this. Thanks for the input. K-mann

stevemariott · Post by **stevemariott** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:57 pm

Thank you K-mann, and thanks again for helping me with my BN4 tech questions long ago!

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:13 pm

Steve.. You are always welcome. My goals is to share my very limited information to its fullest. My other goal is to beg borrwo or steall the part I need to keep jmy two VW Things(On the road again) Warmth has always been a valid issue wiht the AC VW in all its glorisous forms. K-mann