Ball Family Bus

Since I first started looking at bus conversions, one of the aspects that I’ve been undecided about is heat. There are any number of options. They include traditional ducted furnaces, radiant heat, and hydronic systems that use water for heat transfer.

My inclination is to go with a hydronic system because it can supply hot water for sinks/shower, heating the bus, and even engine pre-heat for cold weather starts. These systems also tend to be diesel fueled which I like. It does mean you pay road tax on fuel you use for heat, but if I could avoid having more than one type of fuel on board, I’d love to. The main problem with these systems is they tend to cost about twice what we spent on the bus itself, so unless we found a real steal, they are out of the running.

Another consideration I’ve thought about is having an electric heat source in addition to a fuel powered one. This would be a nice option for when parked with a hookup so as to avoid expending fuel capacity. But I don’t really want to have to install dual heating systems.

Finally tonight, I came across what might be the right answer. The PrecisionTemp TwinTemp Junior does unlimited (demand) heated potable water and can drive up to six heat exchangers. It doesn’t appear to have the engine preheat option, but it is dual powered with both propane and electricity. It also has a retail list price of less than the bus! This may still be too much in the end, but it gives me hope that there are other options I like.

Now I have to get the taxes done so we can get things back in gear on the bus project….