Vlog 27: Adding extra exhaust insulation on my Propex HS2000 campervan heater
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 พ.ย. 2018
- Having tested the Propex HS2000 propane heater in my DIY campervan, I decided the exhaust was still rather hot despite having wrapped it in a heatproof material, so I added another layer of a different kind of exhaust wrap as well. This has made it very cool indeed where the exhaust pipe exits the van, which is a good thing because that's quite near where the filler pipe is for the LPG tank.
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, thank you!
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
See also the two vlogs where I installed the heater: • Vlog 18: Propex HS2000... and • Vlog 19: DIY campervan...
DeWalt jigsaw: geni.us/Van_DeWaltJigsaw
DeWalt drill: geni.us/Van_DeWaltDrill
DeWalt mitre saw: geni.us/Van_DeWaltMitreSaw
Portable toilet: geni.us/Van_Toilet
Sink unit: geni.us/Van_SinkHob
Fridge: geni.us/Van_CoolFreezeCDF26
Heater unit: geni.us/Van_PropexHS2000
Inverter: geni.us/Van_Inverter
Mains charger: geni.us/Van_MainsCharger
Solar charger: geni.us/Van_SolarMPPT
Web www.vandemonium.co.uk
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Good for you not to give up and it works safely now that it’s double wrapped!🤗
Your VLOGS have to some of the best on TH-cam. Keep it up.
Great job David. You continue to impress with your mechanical aptitude and abilities.
Thank you David. More things to add to the check list for anyone planning on following your example and putting together a camper van. I hope you realize how helpful you are being on this type of project. Have a good week.
Funny what you think will be a simple job turns in to a bit of a bother...but you emerged victorious. And gave us an interesting vlog as well. Time for a well deserved cup of tea.
Always enjoy your vlogs. Informative and interesting. Smart of you to err on the side of caution. I'm the same way. Otherwise I'll start dreaming about it catching fire etc. Peace of mind so worth what's needed.
Nice work. I hope it all works out.
Thanks for showing us how it was all done.
Cheers
Listening to voice over in this one made me realise there's an Oliver Postgate tone to your voice. Very calm and reassuring. Looking forward to the first trip vlog
This is so much better than the build videos where people pretend all went well (and quickly!). I think everyone who builds anything discovers issues like this, and that they didn't foresee having to access whatever it is to deal with it. :) I sure did. :D
Finally someone address the hot exhaust pipe. I'm getting ready to purchase a Propex heater but have been leery because of how hot that pipe might get, especially running through the floor boards and in your case next to the wood paneling. Thanks for the idea addressing the problem. BTW, love the terminology from the other side of the pond.
Hi. Glad it's useful. Of course most people drop the heater directly into the floor so the exhaust spigot goes directly outside and then the exhaust pipe is entirely on the outside. The only other place I've seen an installation done the way I have it (exhaust pipe inside, with wrap) was on a small canal narrowboat but at least that indicates I'm not alone.
I'm just about to put up another vlog talking (briefly) again about this topic, amongst others, and will be doing a further temperature investigation on the way I have it sometime this winter.
Hay mate all good. its good to feel better about these things
I like it when a plan comes together .. jolly good carryon pip pips 😁
Think I've finished the build vlogs - on to your trips next. Thanks for doing them all. My late dad was into his DIY years ago - but he had a Bedford CA so it gives you an idea of how long ago that was. I think he might have appreciated TH-cam if it had been around in his days. However not something that I feel an urge to do!
Well done.
BTW you provided a good view of the depth of tread on your rear left hand tyre. I think someone previous commented that the same tyre looked bald.
'Morning David. - I think that you have done VERY well. - I seem to recall you calling yourself (on The CUT) a "numpty" .. well I'd say more of a "Triumpty" as you've done a good job ... although at one stage I was reminded (just a little) of Gerard Hoffmun's 'The Bricklayer' story. Greatly informative entertainment.
Excellent episode David, you was Rapping there more than the Sugarhill Gang! 😂 Cheers👍
Looks like a good job!...
Good job, sir.
Infrared thermometers are so useful and quite cheap too!
Splendid. I watch another TH-cam van builder who is planning to use the Propex heater l will let him know about this video 👍😊
nicely done! 😊
I'm looking at all those pipes, and all I can think of is Brazil... :)
Hi David - you have done a great job and actually you need that access hole, let’s call it Version2 of the design.
Recommend you add a laser thermometer to your now extensive tool collection - it will help quantify these sorts of problems with a tad more precision. It will also provide a source of amusement on dark winter nights looking for cool spots in the van. I would cut another hole in that wooden boxing and fit vent terminals to that and the closing plate you eventually fit over the access hole. The benefit is that it will allow any heat build up to escape into the living area . Well done for your persistence.
Good ideas, cheers!
Well that looked exhausting..... but a job well done. 👊😀
Since you now have an opening where the warm exhaust pipe is, install a small blower fan, to distribute the heat from that area - make good use of the waste heat. Thus the pipe bend becomes even more cool, and you dont need to run the heater as hard.
fess up! It was a polar you met on Tinder, and wasn't a lover of properly made cheese sandwiches. The nerve!
Glad you figured off the exhaust issue.
Love that the English is Jubilee Clip. In the US they are a "hose clamp" since it clamps a hose to something. Jubilee Clip sounds more posh.
Well done old boy 👍
Regards 👍😀🐾
Nice going on the vid, hope the nose heals quickly!
Can we have a 9pm watershed video of you fitting the full heat sheild 😤 only joking.The little jobs are always the worst.Good video David..chris
Hope you do not get up to too much shenanigans on your trip bro. Being safe where heat could be a problem is a good thing and you seam to have covered that well in this case. ATB
Oh god, I'm about to refit my propex heater as well and I have the same issues. I'm not happy with the way the original manufacturer fitted my exhaust and mine is also high up due to the wheel arch being in the way. It's a relief to see that someone else has had the same problem as me 😳.
Good luck!
At 1:24 I noticed the exposed ends of the screws that secure the heater. Covering them with some putty or soft plastic might save your hands from a nasty encounter. Love the van and enjoy your adventures. All the best for the new year.
I keep meaning to trim those ends off! Good point!
Hi, David-could you open up the side of the van and add a cover plate with a couple of louvers in it to help the excess heat escape? Glad to see you having fun.
👍 thanks again !
Over here, in Canada, we call them 'ring clamps', although 'jubilee clips' certainly sounds nicer. :)
In the US we call them hose clamps.
I think it be safe or you could make a heat shield like the one you did on your boat fire place that could help great vlog
Hi David you could remove the insulation in that void allow the air to circulate a bit best wishes chris
"No polar bears were harmed in the making of this video..." Your van build has been fascinating, have really enjoyed watching it. Looking forward to further adventures!
Thank you David, I have caught up with the van - I am still working on Crusing the cut! I think you did a great job of the van, but you still can't stand up in it! I was wondering where you kept all your tools, are they on the boat or do you have a lock up? I have looked at the comments and can't see an answer, but have failed to find a way to search the comments!!!! keep the volgs coming we love them!
No I can't stand but generally I don't need to, I'd be sitting or sleeping in there. I am pondering whether to add a poptop roof when I've saved the money though.
Those polar bears can be quite a nuisance, especially when tickled in the wrong places!
oh my word David, that's got to be the worst love bite I've ever seen!
Those dang polar bears are not like kittens David. So quit trying to pet them... lol... You've got more patients then I. I'm sure you was a swearing @ those bits. I would of thrown the dang thing, kicked it a bit & kicked it some more... lol...
I so glad you got it to wear you wanted it. Hope it works after you wrangled it into place. I'm sure it will. Now to make you hole look good. With you great idea w/the magnets like you did on the other panels, I think it will look nice. You have a way to make things look good after you cut out a hole. I really do like you van & I think you did one hell of a good job.
Wishing you all the best nights & day time fun in your van that you can stand.
Chris from Missouri
Haha cheers Chris!
Hi David, If you feel that the van gets too warm, may I suggest that you either cover the carpeted area of the van with some lightweight paneling, or (bigger job) replace the carpeting with insulation, and outer light weight paneling. All of that carpeting that you have in your van, is going to add noticeable heat. Just a suggestion. Richard M., Scottsdale, AZ U.S.A
I want it warm! That's why I've got the heater. I simply didn't want the heater exhaust setting fire to the van!!
Ha So, Very wise grasshopper.
Always enjoy your Vlogs David....btw..isn’t the wrap insulation that you used the same type that you see on the exhausts on most of narrow boats?
Yep! That's why I ordered it.
Jobs like that will make you invent new swear words. Looks like you got the result you were after. The worst downside to the whole thing is that it would be really nice to be able to somehow reclaim that heat and use it to keep warm.
Those clamps you were working with and you refer to as Jubilee clips, here in the US they go by several names, Breeze Clamps; the name of a company known for making them, kind of like a Hoover, Hose clamps; because they are used on hoses, Strap clamps, Screw clamps, or Worm Clamps; because of their design. I'm sure there others but those are the highlights.
David you have done a brilliant job on the van. Not perfect but that is the point of almost any job done by hand.
I liken it to going to buy a new coffee mug. Walk into the shop and on the shelf are 20 mugs all identical. Obviously screen prints. Nah not for me.
In the shop next door are also 20 nice new coffee mugs all looking the same but were hand painted. While they may all look the same at first glance, on closer inspection you notice the slight differences. A brush line is not quite straight, or thins a little towards the end. They are all the same but all individuals.
If I was doing this build there are 2 extra things I would have probably done.
First thing would have been to is us a big thick black marker and write my name on the Celotex somewhere. Probably on that wall you lean against behind the couch. Also leave your contact details. Just think in 15 years time some young couple buys the an and in the process of gutting it to do a fresh install and find a link to this channel.
The other thing I would have installed is what we here in Australia, call a Voltage Sensitive Relay (VSR), between the original van battery and your leisure battery. Probably the same thing on your boat that you call a split charge relay.
All in all a very good job.
Hello Peter. I considered a VSR (or, if my van had a smart alternator then a battery-to-battery charger) but as the engine battery is lead acid and the leisure is AGM they have slightly different charge requirements so it would have to have been a b2b charger and I couldn't find any I liked that said they could deal with differing chemistries on the two batteries. Cheers
if you want it cool to the touch why not add a larger id pipe around it kinda like a double insulated flu. lovin the videos on both your channels :)
Not a bad idea but because of the way it flexes, I'm not sure how I'd do it without heat transmission from the inner pipe to the outer pipe..? They'd have to touch to hold the outer one in place I think.
Hi, I'm really pleased with my Propex & gaslow set up. I have the thermostat add on & it's awesome. Would you say that it's more quieter inside & outside now you have insulated the exhaust? I might buy a muffler kit for added stealth.
The insulation over the exhaust and intake made no difference at all to the sound levels, at least not noticeably. Most of the noise comes from the whoosh of the heated air being blown through the ducting (see my later video testing their "acoustic ducting" which does cut it down)
The fact that you´ll have that opening now where the pipes are passing might bring the temps down too.
If you'd clamped or wired the two propex external pipes together till outside the van, had wrap across the both of them together, the incoming air would be warmed, while the exhaust air would have been cooled a bit by the incoming air..
The incoming air doesn't need to be warmed, it's for combustion only, it's not that air which is blown around the van
another job well done but did you not think to turn the jubilee clip the right way round when you had the pipe off.easier to undo the other way round.
Yes I did and it was not possible, unfortunately.
13:22 - I thought you'd shattered your window for a second!
Was the polar bear of the ursine variety or one of those people who like to jump into freezing water?
Couldn't you put a small fan in the box wall to draw the Xtra heat into the van instead of wasting it ?
That’s what I usually do ,”squash it down the hole and hope for the best”, sometime it works and most times it don’t”.
I’m a bit worried that your fluffy insulation isn’t fireproof. If it’s not I suggest some rock wool insulation be placed around the hottest part of the pipe to create a barrier from the fluffy insulation. Should be simple enough now that you have a honking big access hole.
Everyone tries to help, and I'm no exception. A suggestion . . . Why not use the "wrapppy" insulation OVER the pipe in the area FROM the heater TO where it just goes through the floor. That's the hottest part of the hose and would be "triple" insulated. I know it's a bit of work but that seems to be your style of doing things. Do it right the first time, and it's a joy forever. The other thought I had was perhaps that particular cabinet should have been constructed of metal, but NOT aluminum. Too late now though.
The wrap does go over the pipe from heater to the floor (and beyond). Then the other insulation is over the top of that.
Did you look at the roof spoiler for your solar panels,it would help with fuel economy and wind noise.
Not yet but I'll get round to it sometime.
Please keep an eye on the silicone coupler. I've seen where they have failed when they are insulated. What happens is they'll overheat after because the heat can't escape.
Excellent info, thanks for that. I intend to keep a close eye on it whenever it runs. Cheers
I'll second that. Silicone tends to disintegrate rapidly just above its working temperature. When I had a propex years ago it had a metal elbow. I wonder if they are still available from somewhere?
Well I got the joints from Propex themselves, sold for that purpose....!!
Hi. What propane regulator are you using? Trying to find a durable regulator that can withstand RV use.
Hi. No idea, sorry, just one that came with the gas bottle kit if I remember rightly.
Hai David, do you have the link for me where to get the exhaust wrapping?
I wil need it for my exhaust on the boat because my exhaust pipe is going up and 1,5 meter of the pipe is inside my boat where it wil heat up my boat.
Greetings,, Kitty.
Hi. No link offhand but if you just search Amazon for "exhaust heat wrap" you'll find loads of it. Cheers
I see your propex is mounted above the floor and the exhaust connection to the heater is not outside the van , but rather inside... any concerns with exhaust gas leaking in the living area or do you feel confident in the connection ? My van floor is pretty thick , I may have to have to do the same...just curious on your experience so far.
I was anxious about this as well but I emailed Propex describing the setup and they said it’s OK but best to use the blue high-temp silicone joints where the inlet and exhaust pipes join to the unit, as these are a very tight squeeze fit. I added jubilee clips as well. I’ve never smelled any exhaust from the heater. As shown in the videos, I also double-lagged the exhaust pipe and routed it with air around it as it heads out of the van. I’d have preferred a more conventional installation but it wasn’t feasible. Plus I know they mount those heaters in boats with pipes then running to an exit (above water!)
@@Vandemonium Awesome. Thanks. Cheers from New Mexico.
How about putting a grate on the area you cut out so there is no heat build up in the cabinet under the heater. Perhaps a fan to blow the air out too.
Good idea!
Thank you David. Appreciate all of your time and effort to film and post. One question, in the last few moments of the video the window is in the background. It look like it has been shattered. Is this the case, or is it a trick of the light?
Not shattered. Either dirt or the silver reflective foil things to keep the sunlight out and act as primitive curtains.
Does the combustion air inlet hose get hot as well? I'd like to mount that on a wall that has some fabric like material on the wall and out the trailer.
As far as I know it remains cool but as my pipes are hidden underneath the corner cupboard, behind the gas locker etc, I have never actually put my hand on it to test. I can see no reason it should get warm though, it's simply pulling in air from outside.
@@Vandemonium that's what I'm thinking to. Thanks for circling back.
I can't help feeling there is a missed opportunity for the exhaust pipe to provide heat for a radiator before it wends its way out the hole in the bottom of the van. Yes/no/maybe?
With hindsight, yes
How so?
What product was used for the 90° end connector (blue)?
www.propexleisure.co.uk/shop/22to25elbow/
I didn't realise the exhaust would be so hot. That's give me an idea though, I wonder with alot of thought whether you could use the exhaust heat to heat water. Maybe wrap the exhaust with copper pipe transferring the heat to a small tank 🤔
Yes, I've had a few people suggest that and with hindsight, quite a good idea. I'm not going to try to retrofit one now though.
11:47 - surely by definition it is "gripping television", or at least, gripping _on_ television.
Nice job sir I think that was a good idea. You really shouldn’t try to snuggle strange cats they tend not to take it well (wink)
I suggest trying to use that heat otherwise waisted inside that wheel well box.
Hello David is there any reason a gas heater
cannot be underslung
The van
They do make external ones but you need to have the space underneath to fit them, of course.
Just put a vented grill over the hole u cut out and gain that little bit of extra heat that comes from ur heater........... rather than box it up again. Just a thought.
Use a proper size socket (and a universal join with a ratchet if necessary), instead of a screwdriver on jubilee clips, much more secure holding and not as frustrating trying to keep the driver in the slot without being able to see it.
Hi. I was indeed using a socket.
@@Vandemonium Then... perhaps a bit more drama expressed than encountered? ;-)
@@Vandemonium In all seriousness, if the nut cannot be seen, and is almost inaccessible, but can be reached with your fingers, put some hot-melt glue in the socket, apply it to the nut and let it set, a matter of a few seconds, then offer up the ratchet, u-join or extension.
The glue bond is easily broken and can be removed with a pick or tiny screwdriver.
Me, hamming up the drama for a video?!! Hahaha, never!
Please stop wrestling polar bears. I don't know what I would do without your vlogs!
He came at me out of nowhere!
Not sure why but the Propex website says the red combustion heat sleeve isn't suitable for the HS2000. Did Propex mention this when you spoke with them?
Oh! No, they didn't. Does it say why? As it happens, I'm now in the process of taking that heater out to replace it with a diesel unit.
Obviously if your heater was fixed to the floor, you wouldn’t have the hot exhaust problem, as there wouldn’t be a longer exhaust as it would just drop to the floor. Maybe a rethink or tweak?
The heater can't go on the floor for reasons explained in the build videos.
Let's do the time warp Agaiiiiiin!😎
I’d hate to see what the polar bear looks like!
You are learning what I did when I built up my van back in the 80s. I keep thinking of getting another van to outfit for camping and travel.
Having built pleasure and work boat for a living you learn to make assess for repair paramount. Make it easier for the next guy! Because it could be you.
I hated working at a chandlery when I had to work on sailboat engines... they do their best to cram 4 pound of crap in a 2 pound bag and it's not always well thought out!
Haha yes that sounds like most narrowboats too!
I was thinking the same thing after watching a few videos of them being built...
Bears can bite!
When are you coming to Wales and where are you going? Remember I said I would stand you a breakfast or an ice cream or something (can't remember exactly) if you were coming anywhere near Swansea. :-)
Already been and now back. Was near Swansea but visiting a friend, already arranged, and very much a flying visit so no time to get together, sorry. I imagine I'll be back sometime though.
What a shame! Hopefully we can meet up another time! :-)
👍
cruising the cut?
yes
What a fiddly, faffy job but where there's a will there's a way. So I assume the insulation that's next to the exhaust is heat/fire proof? Yes, it must be..
I've actually taken out the insulation that was in direct contact with the bottom of the heater, just in case. Anything like that makes me nervous, which I think is probably a good safe trait to have!
@@Vandemonium Yes, I guess so 😏
If it helps, Natural gas has a high ignition temperature, approximately 1163 degrees Fahrenheit.
It does. Thank you, I hadn't actually thought to check that. That's quite high!
@@Vandemonium your welcome. 👌
There you go, another job, like I said, you never finish a conversion!
Houston is amused with the swearing, stinking hot, wrangling wrap!
well now it seems i'm locky 2 days in a row !
pretty sure I'd have turned the awkward jubilee clip round whilst it was off, 20/20 hindsight mucho apologio
👍😁👏👏👏
Did you hear me shouting solutions to get the pipe down th’ole? Guess not... it involved a condom.
Anyway, consider a computer cooling fan on that boxed in area to draw out the heat from it. Take bugger-all current and get a little extra heat into the interior where you want it.
Also wondering about your nose. Hope the insulation works.
Where are your curtains? front or windows -
I don't have any curtains
What did you do to your nose David?
WARNING! Nosing may hurt your nose! :D
What happened to your bugle?
Bugle?
@@Vandemonium nose?
@@johnyoungieyoung123 I was wondering . snoz defererably been in the wars .
No, it doesn't make sense. I don't listen to you when you go meandering off! But otherwise....you are a good laugh sometimes and always informative!
Polar bear? Looks more like you been chasing parked cars to me.
What's going on ?? First Kevin off CountryHouseGent all bloodied and bruised and then you David looking like you've just given Mike Tyson a good seeing to ! What the hell goes on on these narrowboats? Is there some secretive underworld of mass brawling, cleverly disguised by blissful camera footage along scenic towpaths by day. But once the pubs close at night the mood abruptly changes to something akin to a zombie apocalypse !
I'm unaware of what happened to Kevin but as you know, the first rule of narrowboat fight club...
Is that the compulsory Morris Dancer uniform rule ?