You’re here because you want to transform your rolling home into a cosy haven from the cold with the help of a camper van heater. But before parting with your hard-earned cash, you want the low-down on the Propex HS2211, right?
We don’t blame you! Propex heaters come with a hefty price tag, so it’s super smart to want assurance that your money will be well spent.
Now, we can almost hear you thinking that you don’t know how the HS2211 is different from the HS2000 model or why you should care.
But, there’s an essential difference between them, and buying the wrong one would be a very costly error! So, we’ll share the important differences between them, including the one huge difference!
As well as potentially saving you from buying the wrong heater, we’ll share with you our list of reasons for splurging on a Propex HS2211 camper van heater.
We’ll show you exactly how the HS2211 works and teach you where to put your heater ducts, so your van heater will run efficiently and cost-effectively.
Not only that, but we’ll go through all the kits that are available and show you which one we bought.
Then, once you’re an expert, head over to our 25 Stage installation guide to fit your Propex camper van heater.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you make a purchase after clicking one, we may earn some commission. This pocket money will help Vandercamp Adventures continue to grow at no extra cost to you. It’s a win win situation!! Learn More…
Table of Contents:
Unboxing Video
Propex HS2211 vs HS2000
Both heaters have the same components and therefore function in the same way; they provide you with a warm and toasty camper van.
However, there are some important differences between them:
Essentially, the Propex HS2211 camper van heater is bigger, heavier and more expensive version of the HS2000. But there’s one crucial reason to spend the extra money!
It’s wearing a heavy-duty raincoat, meaning you can mount it somewhere outside your camper while still being covered by the guarantee.
Why We Chose The Propex HS2211 Camper Van Heater
Now, because we don’t have much room in Vandercamp (a short wheel base van), we needed a heater to run from our existing LPG gas tank and mount externally.
We researched the different heater types and their efficiency, cost, weight, size, manufacturer, usability, and reliability.
After spending hours weighing up the pros and cons, we finally decided to splurge on a Propex HS2211.
A Propex HS2211 Camper Van Heater Is:
To us, a Propex heater is a worthy investment because they’re built to last. We didn’t want to potentially source a new heater while travelling or keep sending broken heaters to landfill.
(Side note – we recognise this choice is a privilege and not everyone has the capital to buy an expensive heater.)
How Does It Work?
Are you ready to do some learnin’? Yeah, you are, because you’re the type of person who likes to know how stuff works!
1: Inside the heater, an inline fan draws air in via the inlet duct.
2: This air mixes with fresh air (via the combustion inlet) and gas (via the gas supply) in the combustion chamber.
3: In the combustion chamber, the mix of air and gas is then automatically ignited.
4: All the fumes created in the combustion chamber are drawn out through the exhaust flue, because the unit is totally sealed.
5:The reaction in the combustion chamber heats the surface area of the heat exchanger.
6: As the fan continues to push the air, it flows through the (now hot!) heat exchanger.
7: The air is heated up as it goes through the heat exchanger.
8: This hot air then flows through the outlet duct into the living space of the camper.
How Does It Work Efficiently?
9: As the air in the camper becomes warmer, the fan continues to draw air into the heater via the inlet duct.
10: This warmed air flows back into the heater.
11: Once again, it mixes with the gas and fresh air in the combustion chamber.
12: As it passes through the heat exchanger, it gets even warmer.
13: The hot air then flows back into the living space via the outlet duct.
And so, the cycle continues.
Each time the heater draws in the warmed air via the inlet duct, the heating process becomes more efficient.
This cycle continues until the thermostat inside the control panel reaches the desired ambient room temperature, then the heater will automatically switch off.
However, once the temperature drops below your chosen setting, the heater restarts the cycle.
This cycle helps your Propex camper van heater be cost-effective, too. As a result of recycling hot air, less gas (and electricity) is used.
What’s The Best Duct Pipe Positioning?
The HS2211 heater has two vents; an inlet and an outlet.
Inlet vent: Draws air into the heater from your campervan.
Outlet vent: Blows hot air into your camper.
The correct placement of the inlet and outlet ducting vents is super important for efficient hot air circulation.
Avoid positioning the vents adjacent to or directly opposite each other; the air will not circulate efficiently.
This will cause areas of still air which will stay cooler than the heated space. You’ll end up creating the perfect environment for condensation, damp and mould. We’re sure that’s not what you’re aiming to do!
The most efficient way of heating your space is to position the vent ducts so all the air can recirculate. However, campervans naturally create still air space because they are so compact with furniture, storage and stuff.
Suppose you’re installing the heater ducting before building your furniture. In that case, you need to have a detailed layout design to ensure correct duct positioning.
Check out this post about designing your perfect camper van layout.
On the other hand, if you’re routing the ducting around after completing the furniture, you can place them in such a way that avoids creating any “still air” spots.
The FAQ’s section of the Propex website says the total combined length of ducting should not exceed 5 Metres.
However, after speaking with Propex directly, they said it could be longer, but the ducting would lose efficiency, as the hot air has further to travel.
If you only have one outlet vent, then the ducting length should not exceed 1.5 metres.
On the other hand, if you have more than one outlet vent, the ducting length to the vent closest to the heater should not exceed 1.5 metres.
VW T5 Camper Van Heater Installation Plans
Check out the gas installation layout for Vandercamp’s HS2211 heater
The Propex HS2211 Camper Van Heater
Propex Camper Van Heater Kits
There are three kits available to choose from. The size of your camper van and the layout will determine what kit is best suited to you.
These kits do not include the components for the gas installation, supply cable wiring and bracket for securing the heater underneath the van.
We designed and made our own bespoke HS2211 heater bracket.
The components listed in the kits above are available to purchase on their own. So, you can make up your own kit or add stuff to an existing one, which is what we did.
We bought the single outlet vehicle kit (V1) and used the following components to make it fit our layout:
| Product | Image | Description | Uses | View online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducting |  | 60mm APK Marine Grade Ducting | Inlet and Outlet ducting | Buy from Propex |
| T piece |  | T Piece for 60mm (65mm) Hot Air Ducting | Join ducting together to allow multiple inlets/outlet vents | Buy from Propex |
| Open/close and directional vent |  | Open Close Vent Directional and Restrictable | To direct and restrict air flowing through a vent. | Buy from Propex |
| Thermostat extension cable |  | Thermostat Extension Cable With Connectors | To extend the existing 3.5metre thermostat wiring | Contact Propex |
Technical Specification
| Specification | HS2211 |
|---|---|
| Maximum dimensions | Height: 230mm, Width: 157mm, length: 430mm |
| Weight | Under-floor Installation 7.7kg |
| Gas | Butane 28-30mbar – CAT I3+ (28-30/37), Butane/Propane 30mbar – CAT I3B/P (30) |
| Propane | 37mbar – CAT I3p (37) |
| Gas Consumption | (M) 150g/h |
| Classification of Heater | Type: C53 (Fanned) Normal Installation C13 Vehicle In Motion Installation |
| Nominal Heat Input | Gas 2.0Kw |
| Battery Supply | |
| Nominal voltage | 12V d.c. |
| Operating range | 10.0V d.c. min. to 15V d.c. max. |
| Maximum current | d.c. gas operation: 1.7 Amps (0.01Amps on standby) |
| Dry Storage Temperature | -20°C to 70°C |
| Hot Air Duct Diameter | 60mm ID |
| Flue Diameter | 22mm ID |
| Maximum Exhaust Flue Length | 2m |
| Minimum Exhaust Flue Length | 0.75m |
| Maximum Combustion Air Flue Length | 2m |
| Minimum Combustion Air Flue Length | 1.0m |
Manuals And Documentation
Recap
Now you can buy the Propex HS2211 camper van heater with confidence, knowing it’s just what your rolling home needs!
We’ve shared with you why we chose a HS2211 as well as the kits and components that are available. In addition, you now know the perfect placement for your duct vents to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
So now you’re about to buy your camper van heater, you need to head over to our 25 Stage Installation Guide to install it!
1 Comment
How To Install A Propex HS2211 Campervan Heater -
06/09/2021 at 3:39 pm[…] One final thing, we’re assuming that you’re clued up about the most effective place to put your campervan heater and your outlet ducts. If you’re not sure, then have a read of this post. […]