UK sites with metered electricity

that really made me chuckle 

In our caravan the heater is right at the front of the van on the off side, so the tubes run down that side through the food cupboard (boxed in) under the wardrobe and into the bathroom. It also crosses the van (inside) at the front where the middle chest is, then runs down that side under the seats, behind the fridge and vents out under the cupboard next to the fridge. The only place in the van that isn't cosy warm is the bathroom.

In the MH the heater is at the rear of the van on the drivers side, its a rear lounge. The heating runs down that side of the van, first to a vent inches from the heater (it gets very hot) it runs under the seating to a vent under the fridge, its good. Another tube runs along the outside wall under the seating, splits into 2, one feeds the bathroom, (nice and warm) the other vents out under a cupboard opposite the big sliding door (it is the weakest vent) the heater would be best placed forward of the rear axle.

With it placed under the seating it makes that area very hot (shortest run) but the front of the van chilly (longest run) the thermostat is at the rear of the van so its very difficult to get the front of the van warm without making the rear of the van boiling. I've given in now and take a small oil filled radiator with me in winter to 'sit' at the front of the van. With this on low and the Truma on 900w the vans heating feels more balanced.

Having experienced Alde heating if I was to buy another caravan I would certainly look at it having Alde. Once its warmed up its a much more even heat.

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Because blown air really does not make it to the washroom I've installed there an electric towel rail.  Makes towels nice and warm as well as heat the space.

As corners mentioned, with weight balance being an important element of caravan design, you'd think the heater (usually full of water) would be placed centrally, then  enter able to give a more even heat distribution.

with many caravans being front lounge and rear washroom, with the heater placed at the front, it's a long run to the washroom..heated towel rails at the ready..

conversely, with a rear lounge MH and the heater under your seat, as TG notes, it's great at the rear (very hot) then a long run to the cab end (less heat in the coolest part of the van) and thermostat control can be tricky.

there's no doubt that, for even heat distribution, a wet system is better able to maintain its purpose wherever the unit is sited but a cheaper, lighter warm air system can still be more than adequate especially in smaller vans and if a little thought is given to its siting in relation to the layout of that van.

Occupants at one end and the heater at the other, especially in a larger van might make life a bit more interesting...however, using gas/mix certainly does give even the distant outlets some real puff...

interestingly, the Combi started out as a gas only product with electric options being introduced to suit particular markets and inclusive electric options.

however, 900w or even 1800w doesn't deliver the same impact as a 6kw (or even 4kw) Combi on full chat.

I wonder how many converters test their systems on all power supplies (especially the 'weaker' EL settings) to asses the effectiveness of their (considered?) install?

or do they just whack it in where there's space and let the customers do the real life testing? Surely not?

stay warm everyone👍

Assuming its a Truma system may be an idea to try and partially close the rear outlets so more air goes to the front but still maintaining the rear at a decent temperature.  May balance the heat out more?

I have noticed that the Truma thermostat is connected by two wires.  It would be a simple job to relocate the thermostat somewhere else in the caravan that makes more sense in relation to the actual usage of the inhabitants. I have been meaning to shift it in my caravan as it is at carpet level and right opposite the outside door so does not react to the tropical heat at roof level but to anyone opening the door.

That is what I did with the previous motorhome I owned which had the Truma blown air system.

AD, FYI you can fit fans to the Aldi system to give you blown air, I think it is an option just like the engine heat exchanger.

peedee

 I meant to mention that on the back of the Truma heating unit in my caravan there is a diverter flap that can be used to send more of the hot air in one of the two directions. As the two front outlets are only a couple of feet from the fire I have it set to send most of the air through the cupboards and under the bed to the sleeping area.

Adjusting this flap, if present, may help others avoid the cold zone.

We do seem to be drifting away from "metering" to thermal efficiency of outfits.