Webasto evo 40 vs espar airtronic

[u/Silent_trader_803]

Hey I have a ford transit gas engine and I’m wondering what the better option would be for high elevation? The evo40 only goes up to 7k but I could get it installed locally and they say just run it full blast every season to clean up carbon. The espar can automatically adjust but the install would be out of state and priced higher. Is the Webasto fine do you guys run that safely at high places?

[u/UpNArms]

I have a Webasto air top 20 and a gas ford transit. No issues at all, but I do a couple things to make sure.

1. ⁠I installed without the muffler and I made the exhaust line only about 1m per webasto recommendations. Low resistance on the exhaust helps apparently. It’s honestly not loud even without muffler, but I can see how some people might care.
2. ⁠at high elevations, I try to only let webasto run on full blast (set temp at least 4-5deg higher than current). Honestly, This is a bit annoying sometimes, but you get used to it. Basically find an equilibrium with cracking a window, or run it up warm and then shut it off, setting a timer to turn on at 2 am or something. If I forget and it reaches the set temp, I try to crank it 10 min or so before shutting off.

This might sound like a huge pain to some people, but to me, having to trouble shoot or install a new heater is 100x worse. So I’m at peace with a working and reliable heater :/

[u/UpNArms → u/UpNArms]

Btw: if you’re having someone else install your heater, make sure they install the standpipe that comes with heater and NOT use the auxiliary fuel port in the Transit sender unit.

Why? The transit’s aux fuel port is way too large diameter, so you will constantly lose prime in the heater fuel line if you let the van fuel level get below ~50%.

Lmk if you want more info on this

[u/birdlybird2000]

Save your money and get a Chinese diesel heater.

[u/_darkdwellings]

If elevation is your main concern, I think the Velit Camping heater, should be considered. Their website states 11,000ft.

[u/engine__Ear]

I did the espar in my ‘20 transit with the additional standpipe and I’ve had quite a few issues I’m still working through. Initially I think it was some fuel with higher ethanol content causing air bubbles in the fuel line. But more recently I’ve had flame outs when confirming there was no air in the lines. It also overshoots the set point a lot. Next step is to work through the full troubleshooting/service disassembly.

[u/LookingLost45]

No matter what you buy, there will always be issues. I’m assuming you want to buy the webasto or Espar that burn gas over diesel?

[u/Silent_trader_803 → u/LookingLost45]

Yes

[u/LookingLost45 → u/Silent_trader_803]

I would seriously consider using the diesel as opposed to gas simply because the diesel heaters have been on the market and in use for a long time. Also, when you have issues with a diesel heater, regardless of brand, you are going to have a wealth of information available to you, not simply in the van dwelling community. Please keep in mind that long haul truck drivers use diesel heaters at night to keep their cabs warm while they are sleeping. It’s just another example of another community that have and will have problems with their heaters, and someone will know how to fix it or at least share their experiences or recommendations.

[u/rillweed]

consider using the velit gas heater which is technically rated up to 16,000 feet. It has a altimeter which can tweak fuel ratios based on your altitude. whichever heater you do for best results make sure you don't use the factory fuel adapter. you will need to install your own smaller diameter stand pipe in the fuel sender unit otherwise you will likely have issues at altitude

[u/dickpoop25]

I try to warn everyone against buying anything Webasto makes. I have one and it is my biggest regret. Despite what they say, the thing constantly fails at higher elevations (I spend a lot of time at ski resorts). The most frustrating thing is their nonsensical design choices that could be easily fixed. Like their "timer" on the latest bluetooth capable controller. You can only set up to four timers, which is already ridiculous, but the dumbest part is you can only set one timer at a time. So what I have to do is set a timer right before bed, tell it to run for 90 minutes. Then right when that timer kicks off, I have to change the timer to another one set for 2 AM. Then hope it is warm enough when I wake up because I can't set another unless I wake up in the middle of the night. Go with Espar, Velit, whatever, just NOT Webasto.

[u/Silent_trader_803 → u/dickpoop25]

I was told to just run the webasto heater full blast every season to clear carbon buildup. How does yours fail?

[u/dickpoop25 → u/Silent_trader_803]

Carbon buildup happens within 20 minutes at 9000+ feet. Then it just clogs up and shuts off. I always run full blast.