This Sunday looks like it will be a double header. As well as my blog today on “Braking Aids For Steep Grades”, I would like to address a possible new innovation in hydronic heating systems products. Perhaps you read my article of March 2nd covering the heating system choices available today; if not here is a link. Rumor has it that one, or more, of the companies building the hydronic heating systems, like possibly Vehicle Systems Aqua Hot or Oasis, has developed a propane fired model. This unit is supposedly some 20% less expensive to purchase than the diesel burner type. This would also open the hydronic heat market up to gas powered coaches and perhaps, by reducing the price point, to entry level diesel pushers.
Would gas chassis buyers opt for this more expensive heat option? That’s anyone’s guess as even at 20% reduction in price, would still pin the cost at 8 to 10 thousand dollars. That cost however, may come down if more were produced and sold. Many potential buyers would probably quickly say, no. But they should first understand the difference in heating quality that this method can provide. Again, please refer back to my article that compares furnace and hot water heat to that of hydronic type systems. It is possible that the additional capital costs may be slightly justifiably offset by extending the camping season in the colder climates in somewhat more enjoyable comfort. The maintenance costs on a propane fired burner should be far less than that required by the diesel unit.
If in fact this is a product to be soon introduced, what about after market? Could it be added to an existing recreational vehicle? I don’t see why not. It would be a labor intensified project to locate and install the heat exchangers throughout the vehicle and to plumb them back to the burner tank assembly. This is certainly a job that could be done by a handy owner which would substantially reduce the capital cost of such an addition.
So, is this fact or fiction? My guess would be fact. If there is a market for it, they will build it.
Just Stirring the Rumor Pot, Lug_Nut