Propex HS-2000 Heater Error codes

[Cosmo]

I was camping in Vermont last week and after some rough roads when I set up camp my propex heater had an error (4 flashing lights) which I cleared. But then the unit went to one solid red light which I could not clear (even pulling the fuse would not clear it).

It was +26 and 6 inches of snow falling. I ended the trip to fix the issue. The search led me to the latest importer/distributer for Propex which Is Van Café. On their web site they have a very good troubleshooters guide.

I had to use the CN18 fix to clear the error code and get the heater running again. https://vancafe.freshdesk.com/support/s ... -procedure

The site also mentions a proprietary fuse. I did not blow a fuse but it seems like a good part to have a spare or two for.

You might enjoy looking at this site if you have not seen it yet. https://vancafe.freshdesk.com/support/s ... 9000116439
I downloaded all the web pages for repair so I can view them on the road with no Internet access.

More parts https://www.vancafe.com/category-s/5266.htm

Regards
=Cosmo

[featherliteCT1]

Great info Cosmo!

[lfhoward]

Really good to know for anyone with a Propex HS2000. Hope you can get back up to Vermont for another round of camping!

[Philip]

Hea Cosmo how do you like that propex?

How much noise does it make when its running?

I am thinking about putting one in the van this fall or winter.

[Cosmo]

I am leaving for round 2 in Vermont tomorrow morning! So nice to have my priorities in order!!!

I love my Propex. I have had to clear the codes twice in about 5 years (usually pulling the fuse clears the error codes to allow it to function again ). Not bad in my opinion. Other than that it has been very reliable and it sips fuel. Due to my Youtube channel i get lots of feedback from other happy Propex owners.

At 6500 BTUs it pays to check the square footage on your rig and make sure its right sized for your needs. I was camping with a friend last week and he has a Dometic 12,500 BTU heater which is overkill (by 2 times) for the interior size of his rig. I think the Propex is a great match for a van if its normal size. Once you know the square footage of the area to be heated you can find BTU calculators on line that tell you if the heater output is a good match for your rig. It tucks into a small space and while I was working on my it was running and the actual heater box was not hot to the touch - just warm.

Regarding noise: Acoustic ducting reduced the noise a lot. I sleep through heating cycles with the ducting. Without the noise reduction I would wake up during heating cycles and did not sleep well. I have not installed the muffler on the exhaust. I dont need it
Check this video regarding noise https://youtu.be/mRFRRw9_CV0
More Propex experience https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... muYQLCyU0I

Here is what you need https://vancafe.freshdesk.com/support/s ... sper-quiet

Several others on this group have the Propex. I am sure they will want to contribute to the conversation for more opinions.

With the Covid demand for RVs the parts and orders are not as fast as usual. Plan ahead. Thursday afternoon I am releasing a video about a Bushwacker teardrop. My friend paid $10K for it last March and this March they are selling for $15K. We did the review to show what one gets for that money.

I have to say adding heat added so much enjoyment to lounging around the trailer I dont want to camp without it.
Dry heat of the Propex is very good at helping control condensation.

Vermont boondocking here I come!
=Cosmo

[Philip]

Our current heater is a 1400 watt small 110 volt box. Auto Tsat that works if it wants to. LOL

We were out in AZ last Oct. It dipped into to the low 30's a couple of nights. That 1400 watter let it drop down inside to 50 or so due to that flakey Tstat. The night before the Tstat worked about like it was supposed to. We woke up to 65 degrees. Set point was 70 both times. Outside winds were 20+ both nights. That little box doesn't have much of a fan in it.

The van has a diesel engine. So I could go that way. The reports of having to run a espar in low throttle for ever would over power the temp needed big time. It doesn't take much to heat this van. Plus the noise of a espar. The van currently has a espar on it. No way I could sleep with a mini jet engine running. It is loud in high fire mode. Mine has never dropped to low fire while running. MB has it on a 20 minute timer. So I don't know what it sounds like in low fire.

Right now I am just bounching ideas around and trying to find real world users. Currently the propex seems to fit the bill better than an espar or china diesel chit.

Before anyone asks about replumbing the current espar for cabin heat. If you have never driven Sprinter van in winter. Let me tell you. At low ground speeds a sprinter engine will not warm up above 130 degrees. You need the espar for cabin and engine heat. MB calls the espar an engine booster for a reason. Once the sprinter gets above about 45 MPH. Then engine temps come up to 180 and stay there.

[GDSav]

Hi Cosmo

I too purchased the HS 2000. I have it installed in my build but have only tested it so far. In testing it put out a lot of heat and seemed very quiet. It was super easy to install.
Thank you for the link to the error codes. Hope I don't need em, but you never know.

[tony.latham]

I have had to clear the codes twice in about 5 years (usually pulling the fuse clears the error codes to allow it to function again ).

Cosmo:

Thanks for posting this. I just printed out the instructions and will stash it in Flame's junk drawer.

We had a cold (almost) month-long trip to the SW. Generally, it was a long-pants affair, unlike our past trips. 28º-32º in the morning wasn't unusual. And a lotta chilly nights. So our little blue box got a good workout.

Of note, we started out with a full 11-pound propane tank. After 23 nights, we arrived home with it at 40%. And of course, that's with cooking two meals a day on our stove.





Tony