03-26-2018, 11:54 AM
Gary CarterParking heater (diesel)
The original owner of our coach wanted no propane inside. We do have a 30 pound propane tank that ran the generator. It had an electric stove, plus the propane was not installed to the refrigerator.
In addition it had two Espar parking heaters that are normally used in 18 wheelers so they have heat when parked without running the engine. The rear one has never worked and the front one failed a couple of years ago. I believe it was the controller ($700).
Finally decided to cure the problem. New Espar heater is about $1800. There is a Russian unit for about $1300. I'm to cheap for either of them so the search was on. Ebay to the rescue. I found some units from China for $250 complete (wow). Turned out to be almost a R&R.
There is no thermostat, instead you turn the heat up or down, much like a stove. The reason for this that the startup current is high due to the glow plug, but once started the maintain current is low.
I doubt there are many RVs with this setup, but this may help someone. If you have to replace your propane heaters and you have a diesel coach you may want to consider this option.
03-26-2018, 03:34 PM
Doug Smileyquote; I found some units from China for $250 complete (wow). Turned out to be almost a R&R.
...What is the link to where you got them?
03-28-2018, 03:01 AM
Mike/Cindi WGary, I'm curious re: your Ebay purchase.. i.e., can you quote the name of the Chinese item & model, so I can look it up..?
03-28-2018, 12:08 PM
Gary CarterMine has no name, but appears to be Drvworld. I have the 5kw unit. Just look for parking heaters on Ebay. Also look up parking heaters on youtube. Lots of stuff.
I wanted the digital controller. Most have the reostat.