westmicher
Veteran Expediter
In America, we call it soil.... Welcome
Buddy Heater/Fantastic Fan
- Thread starter vanman10x2
- Start date
For some yes for others no. I ran without the extras for several years and actually take more time off now that I have them. In general it probably does but this isn't a one size fits all biz.
In reference to another post.
I'm a load one driver too and most of us have normal size heads. Don't let the few label the majority.
sent from my Fisher Price - ABC123
I have under one dollar loads once in a while which is fine because the next one will average it higher. Give and take.
sent from my Fisher Price - ABC123
P
I know xiggi you are a good guy.. majority of your fellow drivers are great...but there is that group that strut around thinking there the shiz..they wave the drive less make more flag all over...dollas
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I know xiggi you are a good guy.. majority of your fellow drivers are great...but there is that group that strut around thinking there the shiz..they wave the drive less make more flag all over...dollas
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westmicher
Veteran Expediter
That's odd. My drivers think I'm the best owner they've driven for. Then again, they drive like crazy and never complain. But I do wear a 7-7/8 hat...
That's not what he's saying at all. What he's saying is, if you're smart, then you'll figure out the best way to use your money efficiently, to get the most for your money. A lot of people go for the quick, easy and expedient of a propane heater, without ever bothering to do a cost analysis of other heating methods.
Many of these same people will drive 75 or 70 MPH instead of 65 or 60 because 2 MPG just ain't that much gas over a full tank. It's only $8 over a 500 mile runs. Big fat hairy deal, it gets me there an hour quicker. But if you figure 2 MPG over the course of 80,000 miles in a year, that's more than $1400 a year paid out to get there an hour early. $1400 pays for a lot of oil changes, or tires, or whatever else you NEED to spend money on.
Figure out how many hours you use a propane heater over the course of a winter, and how much it costs you to do that, including the cost of the heater. You should also somehow account (or at least not ignore) for your "messin' with it" time in changing out tanks and any maintenance involved with the heater, lines or tanks, including how many times you have to get up in the middle of the friggin' night and change tanks. Once you have that figure you can begin to compare it to the costs associate with an Espar heater.
Having said all that, if you are happy and content with spending your money on a propane heater, then that's exactly what you should be spending your money on. Take me, for example... I'm happy spending my money on a permanent bunk so that I can comfortably sleep while loaded even if it costs me 5 or 6 loads a year, and I don't care what anyone else thinks about it.
I'm not arrogant and I'm also not rude like some. I pointed out that many people don't have good money management skills. Apparently you are either incredibly thinned skinned and took it personally or don't understand the difference between many and all or some third unknown complication. There are some vanners as well as some truck drivers who are very good money managers. One of our most prolific is a good example of good money management. Some do just fine. Many need varying degrees of improvement.
Those of y'all that are walking around with your noses in the air, thinking you're better than your neighbors, may want to use an umbrella when it rains. Helps to prevent drowning, you know.
I use a Big Buddy, found that the small tanks left something to be desired so now I run a large tank and a "green" hose to feed the thing. It does the job, and considering that this van is a '98 with 427,000 miles on it the less permanently-mounted stuff I have on it the better. Maybe the next van can be outfitted with an Espar, but for now the Big Buddy will hold its own.
OVM, I seem to remember reading about that incident where the hose pulled apart. Preventable if I remember right, these things do demand a certain amount of attention to be taken with them. Not allowing freight to fall on a connected hose, or anything else that can forcibly break the connection--- that hose didn't just fall apart as I remember the story.
Special note: Before I roll, I've shut off fuel at the tank and then allowed the burners to run off the remaining fuel in the line, that allows that the line will not be pressurized while the van is in motion. It's in the instructions, just so's everyone who uses these devices knows.
Special special note: The costs of an Espar don't end with purchase and installation, it gets the fuel it uses from somewhere. I can assure you that elves don't bring Espar fuel in reindeer-drawn tankers for it. That device gets its fuel from your main fuel tank--- so you HAVE TO count the fuel it uses-- not as much as running the engine, but still not non-existent-- into the overall cost of operation. Better figure on maintenance too. It might not be much, but it still exists. Bad luck on you if the line from the tank to the Espar gets a leak, or the heat exchanger gets cracked slightly. That CO detector is cheap insurance regardless of what kind of fuel-using devices we use to heat our vans, just sayin'.
I use a Big Buddy, found that the small tanks left something to be desired so now I run a large tank and a "green" hose to feed the thing. It does the job, and considering that this van is a '98 with 427,000 miles on it the less permanently-mounted stuff I have on it the better. Maybe the next van can be outfitted with an Espar, but for now the Big Buddy will hold its own.
OVM, I seem to remember reading about that incident where the hose pulled apart. Preventable if I remember right, these things do demand a certain amount of attention to be taken with them. Not allowing freight to fall on a connected hose, or anything else that can forcibly break the connection--- that hose didn't just fall apart as I remember the story.
Special note: Before I roll, I've shut off fuel at the tank and then allowed the burners to run off the remaining fuel in the line, that allows that the line will not be pressurized while the van is in motion. It's in the instructions, just so's everyone who uses these devices knows.
Special special note: The costs of an Espar don't end with purchase and installation, it gets the fuel it uses from somewhere. I can assure you that elves don't bring Espar fuel in reindeer-drawn tankers for it. That device gets its fuel from your main fuel tank--- so you HAVE TO count the fuel it uses-- not as much as running the engine, but still not non-existent-- into the overall cost of operation. Better figure on maintenance too. It might not be much, but it still exists. Bad luck on you if the line from the tank to the Espar gets a leak, or the heat exchanger gets cracked slightly. That CO detector is cheap insurance regardless of what kind of fuel-using devices we use to heat our vans, just sayin'.
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Wrong I was in the back of the van with the tank I was moving the tank out of my way and the crimp just let go Blowing the line out of the fitting
I don't think anyone is walking around with their head up their arse I am not making a judgment call one way or the other all I am saying in my own opinion is if you can afford it The Espar is the best way to go
As a matter-of-fact I was out there for 12 years I played around with every heater on the market before buying the espar Heck in my early years I even lit candles for crying out loud LOL
My wildest idea? I put charcoal that's right briquettes in a tin can got them going and hung them from the ceiling of my little cargo van! So don't you guys be telling me about head up my arse!
I have earned the right to have my head up my arse LOL
I have earned the right to have my head up my arse LOL
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KickStarter6
Veteran Expediter
You can always move the espar and other accessories over to the new van
KickStarter6
Veteran Expediter
OVM did any of those work but any chance? Not trolling just cutious
Mental note for future reference: First, before doing anything else, find a place to secure the tank so it's out of the way and won't move. Second, don't mess with moving either the tank or the heater while the line is pressurized. Taking the time to de-pressurize the line just may save you from the problem that OVM had here.
You just could not light enough candles LOL the briquettes was the best idea I ever had
It could've been because you know we connect and disconnect every 3 to 4 to 5 days to swap tanks, You probably know the crimp I'm talking about
And be sure to turn the tank off first to run the fuel out of the line
I think most would opt for an espar if possible. Some need every penny to support family pay bills etc. Some are new and getting experience running for a little less. I think most of us have somewhere we waste money, i smoke, some spend alot on food, some have a leadfoot. It is all about learning and improving as we go. Sometimes most of us have a weak moment and we judge another too quickly, i know i have. Everyone has different reasons for doing what they do. Offering advice and options is a great thing and sometimes can be taken wrong or maybe worded wrong with no real intent. Many of us have been guilty of both at times and probably will be again.
The most important thing is everyone do what they need to stay safe and warm in these extreme conditions.
sent from my Fisher Price - ABC123
The most important thing is everyone do what they need to stay safe and warm in these extreme conditions.
sent from my Fisher Price - ABC123
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KickStarter6
Veteran Expediter
What about like 10 massive 3 wick bed bath and beyond candles? That way if it doesn't work you van at least smells pretty
