70. A chat about safety issues with my campervan diesel heater installation

[@Nerd3927]

Having a mate or two comment on your safety in normal life is perfectly acceptable. Having 46.000 mates commenting on your safety will not be good for your mental health. My advice would be not to feel obliged to defend your choices to every one unaware of your constraints.

[@PAK2133]

I am a heating engineer, and my installation is very similar to what you have done. I have tested it every way that we test oil boilers, for products of combustion and carbon dioxide etc. it always 100% safe. So have no fear you are doing everything fine, as you are aware. Well done and keep up the good work.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@peterhadfield873]

I'd like to point out that I was perhaps the only one (or perhaps one of the silent majority) who whatched your last video and was quietly entertained and had no concerns about what you were doing. I now have a minor concern over your blood pressure :-) Keep it up. Cheers

[@Vandemonium]

🤣🤣

[@Bruce-ks7md]

Yea, So there. Let's all leave the man alone and let him make the videos the way he does and love them the way we do! Besides, IF you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.

[@philgray1023]

True. You see people doing near suicidal things on KZbin, but not David. He would be one of the safest operators going. I only fitted a carbon monoxide alarm after seeing his video on it.

[@esiebert7625]

I appreciate your explanation but feel its not owed to us. Ignore the trolls to spare your mental health. Another YTer English Woodsman always defends little things and you really should just ignore them as it just fans the flames. Good luck with the rest of your build, I trust that it will be done properly as you seem to think things out well and make smart choices. Cheers!

[@Andre-fj4xx]

Sir, I am absolutely convinced that, by not installing any heater at all, you will not die of any exhaust fumes. You will freeze to death, but that is much safer, trust me! 😇 Enjoy your van, enjoy your diesel heater. Love your content.

[@oceana9294]

Andre' , you are too funny, liked your comment.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Thanks David! You have cheered me up no end with this epic rant of the highest quality! I was going to say I have seen many diesel heaters inside the habitation areas of sailing boats.... life life to the max and maybe try some lime pickle in your cheese sandwich, you crazy high rolling dude!

[@Vandemonium]

Ha, I occasionally add a bit of Branston pickle to a sandwich but I really don't miss it if I don't 🤣

[@joesrvhome]

I love your videos! This one had me rolling on the floor laffin my hiney off! Take care of yourself because, bottom line, me and the tens of thousands of subscribers need some videos to watch! ha! Keep up the good work, David!

[@cinccave5459]

Although your videos are not DIY I don't think you'll be awarding yourself that Darwin award any time soon. Fact is I enjoy seeing you come up with unique and practical solutions to problems you encounter.

[@RB-wl7ct]

Its a heater made for vehicles. A heater. Made for vehicles. They use these all night in vans in Alaska and Canada instead of freezing to death. Nuff said. Except how you ever didn't drown living on a canal boat I'll never know. A man. In a boat. On water. Water. A man on water!

[@jayoneill1533]

No unsolicited advice from me David, I think you’re doing a marvelous job.

[@bellowsmain6762]

I very much enjoy the comedic inadequacy given that "somehow" ,things work out for the chaotic best. It's videos of us average beings. Your a good man Mr John.

[@isobelchapman9548]

You my dear aren’t going anywhere other than many happy journeys in your wee van. Hoping the missing bits turn up soon. Take care, God bless.

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

Sorry David. Have you considered two things. No 1 get hit by a meteorite and No 2 can Santa get your up your Diesel Heater Exhaust pipe to leave presents etc. Cheers from old George and Jane 👍👫🤠🇬🇧 Ps I have just ordered one for my campervan etc.

[@Vandemonium]

Yikes, I'd better plan my meteorite protection scheme immediately!

[@oceana9294]

As far as I know, you successfully lived on a narrowboat for several years, converted a vehicle into a caravan and had many happy times on both. I'm not worried for you. Keep on keepin' on!

[@kathyjohnson2043]

I remember the first video ^+ years ago that you said "This video is for entertainment only. I am not an expert. Do not do this." It was about electrical DIY. Have fun and keep up the enjoyment for you and us!

[@dorothydotson7154]

It's nice. of course, that people are concerned for your well being but if they have followed you for a long time they should realize how careful you are being.

[@ericbengtson2822]

Dear David, I enjoy your videos so much. Your wit and humor always come through. I don't know what to call it, a one way friendship, your someone who I enjoy listening to as you would a friend. Anyway I can only imagine some of the comments that are left and you feel you need to put all to ease. Please continue on with you interesting and entertaining videos and hope things are well.

[@wattsonboard6931]

Haha, thanks for the update… to be quite honest you don’t have to answer to all the negative comments that you receive but to your credit, you’ve explained fully why you are doing what you are doing so thank you and good night 😴💤

[@jobimzwarts4529]

Enjoyed your rant, David. You don't do a how to show, but I like what you do. It's a documentary of a learning curve, which in itself is unique. Keep up the good work! Cheers.

[@Chris_In_Texas]

David, I completely agree with you. We have both reverse cycle heat pumps and diesel heaters on our boat. The thing to remember, is the diesel doesn't produce near the amount of CO that gas does. To go back to the marine thing, CO detectors are NOT required for diesel powered boats, only gas by ABYC rules here in the USA. Diesel engines are not included because they are much less likely to produce deadly levels of CO. There was a much higher chance of getting CO poising from the propane hob than the diesel heater. You had open flames in the van with the hob. Look forward to seeing the full install when its all done. Keep up the good work sir! 😁👍

[@kevvywevvywoo]

It doesn't matter what you do on YT, there's always someone else who knows better. Such is life! Knowing your attention to detail from the quality of your YT channels tells me you'll be okay..

[@nicholasreason8379]

Have you ever thought becoming a diesel heater salesman - you would do a great job - I am so impressed

[@Ben-311]

Even your rants sound courteous and professional. I enjoyed it!

[@patrickshaw7983]

Most entertaining rant, I shall sleep more soundly now, knowing that you have taken all reasonable precautions to prevent your untimely demise. Keep up the good work. I was reminded during your rant of the saying, " If ifs and ands were pots and pans there'd be no work for tinkers".

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Brilliant!! Not sure what brick some people live under, but diesel heaters located inside vans is a very common practice. Usually they are fitted to the floor so that the tail pipes exit outside, but not always. The problem is that you have followers from many different fields, and it's apparent that many of the critics don't have any experience of van conversions. You appear to have covered all of the issues that may arise, and put in place suitable mitigation to ensure your safety. The nice thing (and its a nice problem to have ) is that so many people are concerned for your well-being, and you can take some comfort from that at least. You're such a nice bloke so folk care about you. Given that diesel heaters are so efficient, and your van so small, I expect you will either run it for a vary short length of time, or have the windows down to stop you dying of heat exhaustion. I can't wait to hear what people say when you decide to fit a micro wood burner stove in your van to bring in some narrow boat atmosphere. It would look well in the passenger footwell. 😉👋

Your last point is precisely why I titled any videos we made where we share what we did as "How WE Do" instead of "How To". 🤣 I've never seen you be anything but intelligently cautious. 👍

And your whole video is also why I leave comments off. 🤣

[@jab9694]

Love your humor! Thank you. We are not worried...you've got it all under control!

[@eleanorchapple8772]

I loved your rant. You rant better than anyone I know. 😄

[@eyeswideopen627]

LMAO. My goodness I laughed a lot. Thank you. I have sent you a canary for your added safety.

[@remyllebeau77]

Perhaps a little trolling is in order. "Today, we'll be running the exhaust to exit directly into the living space, and the heat directly outside."

[@Vandemonium]

🤣

[@flyovercounty1427]

And then disable comments.

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

Well why waste energy in blowing all that heat outside when you can have it inside the van! 🤡🤡

[@weekendcruiser]

Well said David! Looking forward to the rest of the install.

[@lorikendrick1705]

Gosh, I think you've covered your bases and more than explained yourself and your methodology. You are so patient with your 'concerned' followers. CARRY ON, David, I think your adventure into redesigning (again) the interior of your van, is well thought out and so THERE WILL BE NO OFFING OF YOURSELF!! 🍀😁😉 👏👏👏👏👏 💟

[@smilysun8358]

Oh my word David, I love how your followers/subscribers/commenters love you up and root for you, and so do I. And so many were hilarious, you got the best community going ever ❤

[@sarahjrandomnumbers]

"OMG YOU CANT HAVE THE HEATER *INSIDE* THE VAN!!!1" * said while sat in their home, with a gas boiler INSIDE their home * People need to chill out, it's not the first time he's done this, and if anything, he's over cautious on things like this. Like when removing the gas tank. I was watching him worry about getting a tiny whiff of gas, and I remember a previous job working at Calor when I would be jumping on the back of Mini bulk trucks checking the tanks level, and liquid gas pissing out for a second. Again, if you know what you're doing, and have mitigated against safety issues, it's fine, and if you don't know what you're doing, worrying a bit about the smell of gas is a healthy reaction.

[@jjudy5869]

Poke, poke, poke. Good Lord! Do people not pay attention? You are arguably one of the most cautious individuals I watch with DIY projects. You had a problem; I want to stay warm. You explored your options: type of heat source, where to place it, and how to keep from asphyxiating yourself with said heat source. Just because it might not be the way I would do it doesn't mean it's wrong. There is more than one way to skin a cat. Please, carry-on. I want to see how you put your van back together and how well you like what you did.

[@cbhlde]

Glad to see, you're ok and diesel is still available - since your latest PM shuffle, we really don't get that much info about the UK in our German media! ;)

[@penneynoss9552]

Hi David, I don't think you are idiot but I do think you're a comedian. You crack me up. Thank you 😊 Hope you are having a great day.

[@billharris6886]

David, thanks for posting this feedback video regarding your diesel heater, it should help reduce your stress load. I have observed over the years that you thoroughly research any project before you begin, as well as any problems that crop up during an install. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@soniavey5537]

Well said. Your van, your way, your rules. Looking forward to the next adventure. 😀

[@rickterry8148]

David, these people clearly don'know you. I would expect you to have gone through the safety thing to the Nth degree, crack on. Enjoyed vlog. 🙂

[@nabarnes]

8:55 "Video provided for entertainment purposes only" 🙂

[@Vandemonium]

And arguably not even that! 🤣🤣

[@davidoickle1778]

@@Vandemonium a very sound reply David.

[@michaelvacher1182]

@@Vandemonium don’t be hard on yourself David, do what you have do to in terms of addressing the comments, keep the content coming, thank you!

[@flyovercounty1427]

… but the comments…

[@okbanlon]

It's really good to hear that you're thinking ahead and working to mitigate the risks around that heater. For what it's worth, I think the diesel heater will be safer than the gas heater overall. Be safe, be careful, and have fun!

[@andrewbarnard667]

Please do more rants that was more than slightly amusing. For those that are concerned. David gives the impression that he has no idea what he's doing but he is way way more capable than he let's on. Everything he does it very well though out.

[@paulwilliams-ob1py]

Oh that's awesome so very well said David, you have explained things as you have gone along also telling people that this is not a how to vlog/video, let us hope that they finally take notice of what you are saying, and yes you have thought this all through and are doing it safely the only ones who could possibly disagree with you are people who do this for a living... hope that your parts turn up soon, and wishing you a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Safe and Peaceful New Year..

[@stephenhayes6133]

You know your van, you built it, the way you like it. hope all goes well for you, your new diesel heater.

[@garethlewis3647]

You are obviously aware of the safety aspects regarding the heater etc. Carry on and take no further notice of these people that invent hazards.

[@Bicyclehub]

I'm so impressed that you said all that without any edits; it was practically flawless. Do you do much practice first?

[@Vandemonium]

No, I thought about the points in advance but then just pressed record.

[@charles64028]

Rock on!! I am so understandably with you. I had a bunch of people try telling me what I saw out of my back window one day when I saw a Wolf hybrid dog. But NO I was told by every one that was Not with me. That’s a coyote you saw they told me and I said coyotes are gray. This was black. I can’t understand people, that want to tell you what you see with your own eyes. How would you know I didn’t even put up a picture. I feel your pain and can understand it’s so frustrating and those people are the ones that normally should know better.

[@shirleylynch7529]

You demonstrate in your videos just how safety conscious you are. Well done

[@mwolfer1]

From the marine environment (or any other high vibration/high risk use case): double up the T clamps on all connections. If one fails, the other will keep you safe.

[@davidpiper3652]

Looking at KZbin there are some very dodgy installations of dodgy knock off diesel heaters and thousands of us use these heaters and as far as I can tell all is well. My own installation is DIY and it is fine. But I really liked your rant. Well said.

[@michaelrasile5630]

Greetings, David. Everybody has to access their situation and do what is necessary to accomplish the task at hand . That you have done and as long as you are safe then well done. So you did what you had to do AND it will work quite well. Very nice. Stay safe. Be well.

[@G-AWNA]

“Rant” totally justified - great video, thank you.

[@bofor3948]

I think you have all the bases covered very well. Especially with the double provision of CO detectors, covers against a failed unit or batteries. A practice I follow in my own home with them mounted near the boiler. Nearly 40 years ago I almost gained a shroud due to a faulty multipoint water heater and I have been very careful about maintenance of Gas devices since. Those monitors will go off long before the levels get dangerous. btw I can tell you from personal experience it does not matter if you are asleep or wide awake, without the co detectors it will knock you cold. One minute I was stepping into a bath having shut off the hot tap (and the gas heater) the next I was partially submerged (head clear) in the bath unconscious. No memory of anything between. Wifey found me 30 mins later with the cold tap still running (February) and rang 999. Carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia. Doctor said the second condition probably saved my life by slowing my system. You have your lifejacket installed so enjoy the waves. oh sorry wrong Vlog.

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

Such an enjoyable rant. More please David, more 😂

[@maxiemills6982]

I trust that you are doing a good and safe job with your heater. Good job David.

[@BdManus]

I am very sure that you can install your heater in your van. I simply enjoy your content. You shouldn't get so flustered from all these nay sayers.

[@normangibson9907]

I have a bulk head tight behind my driver's seat and fixed the heater behind that to the floor. I have the exhaust pipe and air intake through the floor. I don't have the exhaust wrapped just clamped. I've been running it every night since November and like you I have a carbon monoxide meter beside the burner and beside my head where I sleep and not so much as a sniff. I live in the van full time and this heater has been a life saver but if I could id put a 2kw in here as it can get very warm in such a small space with the 5kw. Better hot that hypothermia though lol keep up the good work and the banter is great 👍

[@davidbagley1783]

You can never please the negativity.. but I really enjoyed your response..aloha

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David, well put.

[@tombarker4478]

Great video! Once again reminding me that "opinions are like rectums, everyone has one" I like the way you are doing your project!

[@CP140405]

I like this video... and FWIW, I've been watching your videos on this and your Cruising The Cut channel since about day 1. We have just (two days ago) purchased a travel trailer (caravan) that has both a propane furnace/heater (Canada... of course it does) and a propane heated hot water tank.... both mounted internally.

[@AndreasEUR]

4) Why? 6:50 They can run all day perfectly no problem, I had mine in my Transit on all the time, not gonna sleep in really cold temps.

[@EldoonNemar]

All campers here in the states have a combustible heater in the cabin with an exhaust that runs to the exterior. I’m not sure what all the fuss is about. You keep up the good work and don’t worry about the “KZbin experts”

[@leannsanford906]

Thank you. I am very relieved to know that you will be out living me. Especially since I just put you as the beneficiary of my 401K.

[@Vandemonium]

🤣🤣

[@David.M.]

David, you are brilliant. Without a doubt, you have the whole thing sorted.

[@minb1217]

I suppose it’s very nice that so many people are so worried about you - I choose to think you’ve done your research and have decided on the safest and most practical options! I also think a lot of them have never had anything to do with narrowboats where, as you say and I remember, everything is internal.

[@CMPInstructor]

I'm enjoying this series of videos and look forward to your showing how to make a proper cheese sandwich in the completed project.

[@remyllebeau77]

It's not proper unless it's toasted! 😆

[@jimhshull]

Very educational video. I assumed the subject would have been of zero interest, however I was wrong. Congratulations on making the boring interesting.

[@mrsbabycakes5551]

That was more of an impressive rant, David well done😊

[@paulmurphy5648]

Hi Dave, your van you do what you want!!! I have followed your narrowboat adventures so I know you are very safety aware and that you do any job to the very best of your ability. If people leave polite advice great, if they have a go at you, screw 'em!! Keep the narrowboat documentaries coming, and I look forward to some van adventures in 2023. Cheers, mate.

[@bluebellwood4287]

Long story short...don't mess with David :)

[@robertdady7126]

I have converted 3 campers and each time I have fitted the diesel heater inside and with the lwb citreon I fitted it under the bed and used it whilst asleep,,no problems as long as fully sealed exhaust and Co2 detectors ,I find your install you will never please everyone

[@Yorkmedia1]

You can’t beat a good rant David great video 👍👍

[@rebeccamackey4878]

You never fail to make me smile and entertain ..Thank you again..😘

[@timkarenarnold1136]

David Appreciate your thoughts,time and humour!! I agree,if you have the proper alarms. You will be safe from the off gasses.(if that happens) A diesel leak,possible fire. A propane leak!! KA BooM Stay safe Tim🇨🇦

[@CaptainK007]

A most excellent rant. You don’t want to do it like that! 😂😂.

[@CraigBedell]

David - I do hope you treated yourself to a scotch right after posting this video. I absolutely love the tenor of your rant. I can only imagine the dizziness you endure due to shaking your head over some viewer comments! Do have fun! Cheers and keep the videos coming on your channels!

[@markattardo]

I admire your restraint. I can appreciate some of the comments probably came with all the best intentions for your safety. If you ever get bored during heating season and want to do another heater safety chat, grab a Mr Heater Buddy...

[@mw0lge]

I would install a sun roof, and leave that open when you run the heater. An umbrella for when it rains, but then how do you mitigate all the bad luck received by using an umbrella indoors? hmmm life is full of these problems. In all seriousness, what you are doing is beyond what many do, it will be a great install. Cheers !

[@BradyRay_333]

In the van expediting industry in the USA, it is common to install diesel heaters the way you are. They just install a carbon monoxide detector and all is well. It is also common to run them all night long in the northern states.

[@macdaddykwm1]

Make sure your exhaust outlet isn't in close proximity to your vehicles vent flaps which are usually under the rear bumper cover.

[@hughcarson6837]

Well done David

[@frankligi7673]

The way you are doing it is more than adequate. It will be fine.

[@Motorhomelife_Adventures]

Great video! loved it! well said that man! hope you manage to get it all fitted out!

[@TerryLawrence001]

These heaters are amazingly low risk units that are extremely easy to install safely.The combustion circuit and the heating circuit have independent and isolated air-flows. I love the many videos on the much cheaper "Chinesium" heaters being run on any oily goo that can be burnt. It is interesting seeing the cleaning and rebuilding of these things after being experimented to death. Lots of people who go of on super safety get their jollies by fear mongering. Most of those would not have a heater because their mommy said NO! Not in my house. - Your rant was enjoyed!!

[@earlaagaard8175]

The world is full of busy-bodies!! Cheers, mate!

[@wallyclark1895]

David don't "off yourself" ! There is no one to replace you! You made me laugh! Awesome vlog!

[@Vandemonium]

🤣

[@1956vern]

Little frustrated with arm chair quarter backs! Lol! Your doing ok! Tell them if your safety is bothering them that much! Better to wait till the heater is done!

[@paca_bill4863]

LOL! "Don't do it like this" - but...but....but, that's the reason why we all watch KZbin videos, isn't it? We watch a video to see how someone does something, be it right or wrong, wait a couple of days or weeks (whatever) to determine that the YT creator is still alive, and then do it exactly like that 😆 If it's good enough for you, it should be good enough for the rest of us, right? Thanks for a great video, David!

[@PUTDEVICE]

the big companies install the heaters inside the mobile homes. so I don't understand why some have a problem with it. the combustion is closed. it is one thing if you bring in air to be heated from the outside that the air intake is not too close to the exhaust pipe from the heater. there are also diesel-powered stoves for both boats and motorhomes.

[@carycoombe3380]

Very educational. I would agree that you have done very well with the safety issues.

[@keithl6249]

I enjoy your videos. I'm sure the heater will be fine. I think just about everyone who buys those heaters put them inside a vehicle. I guess you could mount it on a skateboard and pull that behind the van. 🎆🚒

[@Chris_Carini]

Nice rant. Expertly done. 😊

[@Taffyappleify]

Wow, that rant melted my cheese sandwich into a toastie….bonus! 😃👍

[@JCisJD]

Noiuce.... Just about to install mine . I can go through the floor but yes , exactly, it's about understanding the possibilities and mitigation.

[@MACMoneU2]

You’ve always given the impression that you do things thoroughly and in the correct manner so I think you’ve probably taken all the right precautions. I do however hope you don’t have any issues. I also hope you don’t have to take the ceiling down again. That seemed like the most annoying refit you’ve done.

[@sozofam2164]

Thanks for the video. Always enjoy listening to you because you’re so sensible - too many have lost track of common sense these days. All the best, David! Merry Christmas!🎁🎄

[@scottjohnson7774]

just like the EBERSPACHER heater on the narrowboat. these units are very safe when installed correctly and can be used with a thermostat to turn on and off as needed. had one on a large bus to heat the back half.