Propex Heatsource Furnace Installation Report in FWC Eagle Shell

[enelson]

The only sound level testing I have done has been on the Propex itself. Measured with a dBa meter at approximately 12", on the bench, the HS2000 shows 63-65 dBa. The HS2211 is a tad quieter at 55-58 dBa.

There is the propex marine hull fitting that will terminate both pipes in a sidewall, we've sold a few of those to truck camper manufacturers, although I like the single port models available from other sources and may soon stock a few of those. One batch of 18 we sold to a truck camper builder in the US for distribution to Iceland just ran the pipes out on a sidewall, less than elegant IMO.

How about the noise level from the HS2800? I'm trying to decide on either the HS2000 or HS2800 for my camper.

 

[westyventures]

The 2800 sound level inside is close to the same, perhaps a couple decibles more. The exhaust outside does have a deeper tone as the pipes are larger diameter, but again, not noisy by any means.

 

[enelson]

Karl, our current Atwood furnace model 7916-11 outputs 12,160 BTU/hr which equals 3.56kW. The output is overkill in both heat and, especially, noise in our 8' truck bed pop up camper. We presently have to run the thermostat down at 35 degrees F since the furnace is so loud it can wake us with earplugs in. I'm confident the HS2800 would have enough output. However, the HS2211 looks to be an easier install into the existing furnace space. Thoughts on which model may work best for us? We use the camper as a ski cabin and stay up over 9000' with temps down to 0 degrees F.

 

[westyventures]

Keep in mind that all Propex models have 30" + exhaust and intake pipes that need to route somewhere. Depending on the insulation and overall tightness of the build, 6500 btu could heat it I guess. I'm not too familiar with these campers, having dealt mainly with the VW Westfalias. Bigger or smaller in heated space?

 

[enelson]

I guess similar heated space to a van but the camper (Hallmark K2) is better insulated than most vans with snap on covers over the windows and well insulated roof. I used to have a 144" wheel base Sprinter van and I imagine our camper is a bit easier to heat than the van would have been since the van has all that thermal mass.

The 30" pipes should be fine to route in the space where the Atwood is now. I'll measure the space tonight. The Atwood is fairly large and is mounted with a lot of space around it so I believe that the dimensions of the Propex are easy to deal with. The harder problem is the inlet and exhaust going out the bottom of the heater. I would have to install it up on it's side if I used the HS2800. The HS2211 is easier since it already has the inlet/exhaust on the side of the enclosure.

I guess I need to ask, does anyone with a FWC Grandby or Hawk have a Propex HS2000?

 

[westyventures]

I have a few folks heating Sprinters 140" - 144" with 2000s and 2211s, most well insulated.