Bought me an Espar from Espar of Michigan

chetjester · Oct 27, 2010

I got a load from Middleboro, MA to Lansing, MI Monday 10/18. When I knew I had the load, I called Espar of Michigan to see if they could fit me in for an install in my 2010 Mercedes Extended Sprinter. Very accommodating as long as I didn't mind them starting the install until after 5 PM.

I got there Tuesday morning and slept until they were ready for my van. What a great job they did on the installation. I had them install the D2 because I thought the D4 would be too much (heat and money).

So far, I've only used it twice, with excellent results (I ended up headed south and spent Friday night through Tuesday morning at home near Dallas).

I am telling dispatch to send me somewhere cold. I want to really test this heater. I have great expectations for it. I'm in Florence, KY tonight where temps will drop to 47. But, if I'm still stuck here tomorrow, the temps are going down to 37!!! Whoo Hoo!!! Can't wait.

Lawrence · Oct 27, 2010

Thanks for the feedback. Most people I have heard from like the dry heat generated.

Where are you in Florence? TA? Flying J? Pilot? Mall Rd?

chetjester · Oct 27, 2010

Florence T/A. Exit 181. I was at the exit 175 T/A earlier, then thought I would try the "J" at Walton. Under construction. No ice. No microwave. Showers are better at the T/A.

davekc · Oct 27, 2010

No one is better on those heaters than Ray at Espar.

The Enemy · Oct 27, 2010

davekc said:
No one is better on those heaters than Ray at Espar.

I'll second that. He always gives you a good price and treats you right.

chetjester · Oct 27, 2010

Yes. He was great. But, it was Brian that installed it.

I also bought their aux battery isolator. Got it from UPS Monday, but not sure I'm smart enough to wire it. I will probably call Ray for advice or pictures. I know he will help me.

I would recommend them to everyone.

I also bought their cage to enclose the heater so that any out of control pallets won't be able to damage it. Didn't know they had the cage, but Brian showed it to me and I said "Yes. I need that."

rfields200 · Oct 27, 2010

You will love that heater. I have the D4 installed in my truck,a Freightliner with an 84in condo sleeper. It will run me outta here no matter how cold it gets outsied. Even when it was -35 outside I was as warm as could be in my truck. Burns almost zero fuel and is quiet. Can't go wrong with it.

Lawrence · Oct 28, 2010

chetjester said:
Florence T/A. Exit 181. I was at the exit 175 T/A earlier, then thought I would try the "J" at Walton. Under construction. No ice. No microwave. Showers are better at the T/A.

Stopped by to give you an EO shirt and a Nations Express Sprinter driver said you had just pulled out.

BillChaffey · Oct 28, 2010

How many of Vans with a Diesel have the Espar Hydronic (sp) set up? Does it work well for you.

vernertech · Oct 28, 2010

Glad to hear that you are happy with the heater! Let me know if I can be of help with the isolator.
-Brian
VTS/Espar of Michigan

Hightech_Hobo · Oct 28, 2010

Congrats on your purchase. It is next on my list for my 2010 extended sprinter. I hear no bad comments at all about this product...It is the "right" way to go.
is there a sleeper in your van or are you heating the entire cargo area...I was thinking the D4 for me as I will be heating front to back...

Turtle · Oct 28, 2010

Either the D2 or the D4 will heat en entire van with no bulkhead. The D4 has much greater airflow than the D2, so the D2 will generally be working harder for a given temperature than the D4 will. These things have four power levels (Boost, High Medium and Low), and will automatically cycle up and down depending on the temp setting. If the D2 spends most of it's time at the Medium to keep the van warm, the D2 may spend most of that at Low power to keep the same temp. So while the D4 uses more amps and fuel at equal settings as the D2, the D2 spends more time at lower settings, so amps and fuel is a wash.

The key is airflow within the van. Heat rises, so it'll generally always be warmer near the ceiling and colder near the floor. If you have the heater output near the front of the van, you want a long piece of duct hose to be near the rear of the van to keep the airflow moving to the rear and thus evening out the heat throughout the van.

I have a permanent bunk with storage underneath. Heat will move back and forth across the top of the van, but it will not move across it and then down to the floor. So, I have the heat output entering the storage area under the bunk, and then inside the bunk there is a "Y" adapter that takes the heated air from the Espar and forces some of it through the front of the bunk at floor level, and some of it out the rear of the bunk at floor level. The air intake sucks in from a hose that's a couple of feet from the rear doors.

chetjester · Oct 29, 2010

Hey, Lawrence. I had no idea you were nearby. I just thought you were interested in where I rested while in Florence.

I got a load shortly after my post about my location. I had plenty of time, but I wanted to stop in Georgetown and buy a portable fridge from Truck Fridge. Knowing I was headed to Russell Springs in KY, I thought it would be a good opportunity to stop at Truck Fridge and make my purchase. It's better to touch and feel the product rather than buying it online. So far I'm happy with my new portable cooler/fridge.

Were you sitting in Florence? Sure would have enjoyed meeting you. Don't hesitate to send that t-shirt to my home. lol