Heater for 6.1 Day Van

[karl.brad81]

Hi everyone, I have searched a lot of posts but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

My T6.1 is a converted day van. I use it mainly for work and ferrying the kids about. It's got a bench set behind the driver for three passengers. The seat comes out if I want it too.

I'm looking at installing a heater. I'm not intending on staying in it overnight (unless she kicks me out). It's mainly so I can defrost it on these cold mornings and if I'm sitting in it in a carpark for an hour whilst the kids are at clubs.

I don't have a leisure battery, all the sides are carpeted (although not insulated I believe).

I was looking at a portable power source and a cheap Chinese Bluetooth heater (or one with a timer). It's just for the cold months, I could take it when it warms up.
It's just finding somewhere to fit the exhaust. I was thinking about fitting it under the drivers / passenger seat as ultimately it's the windscreen I want to defrost.

Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions? I'm based in Bedfordshire if anyone knows either a fitter or company that can help? Thanks in advance.

 

[Skyliner33]

Hi everyone, I have searched a lot of posts but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.

My T6.1 is a converted day van. I use it mainly for work and ferrying the kids about. It's got a bench set behind the driver for three passengers. The seat comes out if I want it too.

I'm looking at installing a heater. I'm not intending on staying in it overnight (unless she kicks me out). It's mainly so I can defrost it on these cold mornings and if I'm sitting in it in a carpark for an hour whilst the kids are at clubs.

I don't have a leisure battery, all the sides are carpeted (although not insulated I believe).

I was looking at a portable power source and a cheap Chinese Bluetooth heater (or one with a timer). It's just for the cold months, I could take it when it warms up.
It's just finding somewhere to fit the exhaust. I was thinking about fitting it under the drivers / passenger seat as ultimately it's the windscreen I want to defrost.

Just wondered if anyone had any suggestions? I'm based in Bedfordshire if anyone knows either a fitter or company that can help? Thanks in advance.

Af it’s just for defrosting the windscreen in cold weather, just want to point out, one thing I have noticed is that the window will be defrosted but loads of condensation on the inside. That takes longer to clear than the frozen screen.

 

[karl.brad81]

Thanks skyliner, do you think this would be the case if it was ticking away under the seat an hour before I use it??

 

[JoshB_]

For something as simple as you require, would one of those little ones that plugs into the cig lighter do?

 

[oldiebut goodie]

I have 4Kw with 1/2 of it directed from under the offside rear seat to the windscreen, this takes a good 3/4 hour to 1 hour to defrost and remove condensation without any action on my part. I just start it as soon as I get up and find out how frosty it is....by this time the interior of the van is a balmy 28 - 30 degrees.

 

[Skyliner33]

Thanks skyliner, do you think this would be the case if it was ticking away under the seat an hour before I use it??

In my opinion. Yes.

 

[karl.brad81]

Hi guys, just a follow up on this...

I've fitted a leisure battery under the passenger seat and a diesel heater under the driver's seat.
It's nice and toasty in there now. Just need to see what I can get to help rid the condensation.

 

[karl.brad81]

Am trying to find some info on what control panel I have. I'm waiting for the installer to send me over some info.
It looks like it's a chinese brand I see on youtube videos everywhere (the button lay out), however I don't think I can set a timer on it which is a real bummer.

I can't see the heater as it's fitted underneath. I'll need to get it up in the air and have a good look.
I'm assuming the controller could be changed easy enough? Also wondered nhow weasy it would be to have a remote or blue tooth to it.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Am trying to find some info on what control panel I have. I'm waiting for the installer to send me over some info.
It looks like it's a chinese brand I see on youtube videos everywhere (the button lay out), however I don't think I can set a timer on it which is a real bummer.

I can't see the heater as it's fitted underneath. I'll need to get it up in the air and have a good look.
I'm assuming the controller could be changed easy enough? Also wondered nhow weasy it would be to have a remote or blue tooth to it.

View attachment 312025

View attachment 312026

Well you need to know what brand it is and find some instructions I guess, there seem to be many many different Chinese ones ...

It's got a clock so may have timers.

 

[karl.brad81]

Just to follow up, the controller is limited but the app lets you set timers. I’ve mastered it now and it’s been great the past few months…

 

[monkeybusiness]

For something as simple as you require, would one of those little ones that plugs into the cig lighter do?

Sorry to highjack your thread Karl.

Funnily enough I was looking at these today for those moments when you don't want to fire up the (chinese) diesel heater but need to take the edge off.
Any recommendations? The stuff on Amazon get horrible reviews.

 

[karl.brad81]

Hi Josh,

I’ve just got a Chinese diesel heater under the drivers floor. It does what I need to do. Just use the timer for half hour before I jump in.

The plug in 12v’s looked cheap and would have to position each time.

Cheers