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Vented Platinum Catalytic Heater
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Vented-Platinum Catalytic heater in a vanagon westfalia camper.
You can see the vented platinum catalytic heater installed in my
westy.
The front passenger seat can still be swiveled around and used for seating.
We're using the Platinum Cat vented heater in our 1990 vanagon
westfalia pop top camper, since that is the only catalytic heater
available that vents the exhaust to the outside.
(keeps the air much more pleasant).
The vented heater can be left on all night, even while sleeping,
and it constantly pulls in fresh air through the front vents.
The burned air/ water vapors are pushed out through the exhaust vent.
The installation is more tricky with the vented heater,
but in my opinion was well worth it.
Since the plat cat is vented, it does not
release any fumes
into the van. It's efficient, safe, and quiet.
It is not a forced air heater. It works by convection, which also
keeps it
quiet and the current draw to a minimum.
It has made camping possible
year-round.
Current draw is only "0.5" AMP for the exhaust fan.
Equal to a miniature light bulb. It can run on a fully charged battery
for over a week or longer.
The heater comes with a thermostat, so it shuts off . Just like in a home.
It is very efficient. The 5200 btu uses 1/4 pound hr,
3000 btu, uses 1/8 pound hr.
But the heater cycles on and off.
Ours runs off the camper's propane tank. The heater keeps our
westy warm for several days on one tank full of propane, in
the winter. (sounds too good to be true, but it is.)
Why not install the more common unvented heater instead?
Unvented catalytic heaters create a lot of condensation inside
the compact vanagon, especially in humid climates.
In addition, you have to
keep a window open, which creates a draft.
You should only use the unvented heaters
while awake.
Also the platinum catalytic pad becomes less
efficient after awhile,
and the heater doesn't burn as clean anymore,
creating more combustion byproducts.
About my installation of the vented Plat Cat.
I have an additional tee fitting on the exit line from the tank, where the
pipe for the stove and refrigerator is connected. Installed a small shut-off
valve, to which I connected the hose for the "Cat".
Use approved sealant on all the fittings. The steel reinforced propane hose
is routed along the cross-member to the other side, where the heater is
installed. My heater is behind the front passenger seat, facing the back.
I built a plywood cabinet, to mount the heater against the rear of the
battery compartment.
The exhaust on my heater exits on the right side of the heater housing,
then exits the van through the floor, under the heater.
I drilled 2 holes. One 1 1/2" for the vent, and one
1"
or so for the propane hose about 9'' away from the sliding door.
Figure some extra for the rubber grommets.
Electric hook-up is fairly simple.
I run a wire from the battery to the Platinum Cat, with a inline
fuse. Mounted the thermostat, and hooked it up to the Plat Cat.
To test operation: hold your hand against the exhaust.
You should be able to feel warm air coming out.
If exhaust is blocked, the heater turns itself off
Things to consider:
Have the installation done by a professional.
ONLY USE FITTINGS AND HIGH PRESSURE STEEL
REINFORCED PROPANE HOSE, RATED FOR USE IN
LP INSTALLATIONS.
Use common sense. LP can be very dangerous stuff. Don't underestimate it.
Also there are different ways to install a "cat".
Disclaimer :
I advise any interested party to consult a professional installer.
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