It's called a Buddy heater from Mr. Heater, self-proclaimed as "America's #1 heater company". I'm sure you can have one shipped to the U.K. though, even if you have to get it from Ebay. The Buddy heater runs on propane and will accept 1lb bottles or, with a hose and adapter, you can run it off of your bus's tank. It can be set anywhere from 4000 to 9000 BTU's, enough to heat 200 sq ft. Unless you're tagging penguins in Antarctica from your bus, I'm fairly sure that should do the trick. If in fact that is the case, there is the slightly larger "Big Buddy" which tops out at 18,000 BTU's, enough to BBQ a small cow in any van, to be sure. As nice as it would be if we could all afford the simplicity of flipping on our Propex and setting the thermostat, we cannot. But the Buddy has advantages as well. Portability. You can move it to a tent or take it with you wherever you go. Emergency availability. Handy if you lose your electricity in a Winter storm. Space saving. Although close in size to a Propex, the Buddy can go in the garage during Summer to make room for beach towels and picnic baskets, etc,... No installation required. Price. My buddy heater was only $70. (43 GBP) I think The Big Buddy was around $100. (61 GBP) The Propex- $700 (425 GBP). To be fair, the Buddy is not perfect. Without a thermostat you may find yourself waking up overheated at 2am, as it only goes down to 4000 BTUs, but if 4000 is too much there is the even smaller and less expensive "Little Buddy", perfect for Fall and Spring. The Buddy and the Big Buddy have several safety features including automatic shut off if it tips. If you use it while driving, it may switch off if you brake hard or lurch. It will also switch off when it senses low oxygen levels, so you won't likely wake up dead. We like that. I'm not sure what features the Little Buddy has, but our buses aren't exactly vacuum tight, especially with the top up. So the Little Buddy might not kill you either. You may want to explore that for yourself. The Buddy fits quite snugly between the kitchenette and the Z-bench. You can drive with it there, it won't budge. Yes, the seat cushion gets just a little warm, but it's fine. Of course the table above it stows in the rear while driving. http://www.mrheater.com/ProductFamily.aspx?catid=41 [glow=red,2,300]WARNNG:[/glow] [glow=red,2,300]For all you know I could just be some sociopathic American nutjob, Hell-bent on seeing all of you asphyxiated or blown into another dimension. For the love of God, don't take my word for anything. Read the directions on the blummin' box. [/glow]
I checked the owners manual on-line and the following extracts are relevant THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA RE QUIRES THE FOLL OWING WARNING: Combustion by-products produced when using this product contain carbon monoxide, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects (or other reproductive harm). (and death? ) This heater requires a vent area of 9 square inches (example 3” x 3” opening) minimum for adequate ventilation during operation. Do not use other fuel burning appliances inside Nuff said. Insurrers would have a field day.
the state of california is a bunch of arse, my bus has warning stickers all over it - these people are either real stupid, or even in the 70's lawsuit mad, i'm supprised i haven't found one yet that says "farting under the duvet with your head covered may cause you to giggle like a child - then barf" .
I just tried to order one of these bad boy's, through amazon, they want to charge me £92 shipping!!! Is there anywhere else to get these from in the UK?
Well, I've sent an email to the Mr. Heater company inquiring about their best available shipping rates to the The U.K.. I also asked if they offered a volume discount, just in case there is a peak of interest on TLB. I will let you know if and when I get a reply.
we have similar in the UK - Black Cat http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-Blackcat-Propane-Catalytic-Heater/dp/B001P80GHI
My mention of the Californian stuff was only part of my checking out the authenticity of the statements as I had not heard of this technology before. I agre that Californians need to get out there and live a real life. But I now find that there are lots of similar products already available in the UK as Google search for "catalytic gas heater" reveals - with prices from £40! Including some mage by Colemans for camping. Quite interesting. The process does work without a flame but it still the same chemistry at a lower temerature due to the catalytic effect and still produces CO2 and water vapour, like any gas appliance, so condensation would be a worry. I guess you just have to open a window.
Does anyone really need a heater to be on all night ?? Once your tucked up under a quilt, possibly next to your better half and having had one or two sherberts, then its warm enough. :-
