[VAC] replacement heater

["randy unter" <runter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I yanked the Suburban forced air furnace out of my '66 Overlander and replaced it with 
two Olympian catalytic heaters: a 6000 BTU in the front, and the smaller 3500 btu in 
the rear bath. I wasn't sure that I would be able to tolerate the products of 
combustion in the a/s, since I am allergic to dust and other small particles. But with 
'cracked open windows' on opposite sides, it has produced an environment that I prefer 
over the older forced air system. The air is fresh (I also crack open a hatch cover), 
but the radient heat from the Olympians produces a very comfortable environment. 
Whereas I found the Suburban flattened my battery pretty quickly while boondocking, 
the two Olympians draw no power and use a surprising small amount of propane; I can go 
for days on the two 40# tanks in the coldest weather (I think I will add the muffin 
fan though for better circulation). On cool Colorado mountain Summer nights, I run 
just the small bath Olympian on low for a comfortable sleeping environment. 
In conclusion, if you camp with shore power mostly and are concerned about compbustion 
products, use a forced air heater. On the on the hand, if you like to go where the 
power cord won't reach, go with the catalytics-they're safe if you follow directions.
Randy Unter
'66 Overlander
Denver
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