I browsed the Esper site and found out first I've been misspelling Eberspächer all these years!
When I was custom ordering my '90, I spent several hours with the then Bus manager for VW US. We discussed the auxiliary heater and VW's decision to drop it from the US market -- it was still available in Canada. But at $1,600, it wasn't a hot-selling option in the US. At that time, Eberspächer had opened an office in the US, but I didn't have any luck getting them to supply a factory kit. We then tried various VW routes through Canada and others. Net result = zero. Would have to order parts piecemeal, which would make the National Debt pale in comparison . . . if we could even figure what was needed from the parts fiche. Thus I went to the Coleman Model 5440-751
3000-5000 BTU and don't regret it.
I pass on the following from Esper:
Although just about any one of Espar’s heaters may be installed into a VW van, the most suitable heaters are the D1LC compact air heater or the Hydronic 4 or Hydronic 5 coolant heaters. These heaters are available in both diesel-fired and gasoline-fired versions. (The Hydronic 4 is included in the Dodge Ram kit.) The universal installation kit includes all parts required for installation.
I would expect that there are few replacement parts available for the BA6 heater . . ..
Matthew Frais
Engineering Manager
Truck and Bus
Espar Products Inc.
The D1LC is an air furnace (suitable for the air-cooled Westies). I assume it could also be used on the 2WD water-cooled since VW stayed with their air-furnace BA6 as well. It is a 4-setting unit 2,900 - 7,500 Btu. Electrical consumption is a low .8-2.5 amps. Base unit size is 14"x5"x5.3". Also quite compact and well below the original Ebersächer, though at far less power (20-23,000 Btu). You still have to route in air feed, fuel feed and exhaust lines. I'm assuming you can feed the warm air into the VW duct system with minimum custom duct work.
The Hydronic D4 & D5 would be for water-cooled Westies only as they heat the vehicle coolant. The Vanagon Syncro used a similar system when it was offered. The D4 has 3 settings, 5,500-13,000 Btu at 1.5-3.3 amps. It's physical size is 9"x3.5"x6.3" plus feeds & exhaust. Since it would T into the existing cooling system, it wouldn't require ductwork.
This unit is included in their Dodge Ram pick-up truck kit. Now -- and sit down for this -- I didn't say they were cheap! The D1LC lists for $1,374 and the D4 lists for $1,450. That is for complete kits. Their site
www.espar.com lists dealers & distributors in your area.
In '90, I'd have sprung for VW's $1,600 option; today I'm not so sure. I really liked it in my '79 and the '90's regular system leaves a lot to be desired on the road. Maybe when I get back from 2 weeks in the winter Northwoods of Wisconsin, I'll do another cogitatin'!
