I was getting a line on a Blue Heat (Webasto) heater for my truck. I was wondering if anyone has installed it themselves? The install hours for the local shops around here are anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. How tough is it? The electrical doesn't scare me at all so whats all the time for?

Any advise would be appreciated..

 

Ive never installed one on a pickup truck but have done many on semis. the time is really spent on drilling mounting holes and installing the plumbing, I have always wanted to put one in my truck but couldnt justify the $$$, please post some pics of youre completed install, BTW are you going with Webasto or Espar?

 

Based on pricing around my parts, I can get a better deal from the local DC dealer here for a Webasto. The Espar is about $400 more installed and is only available with the 7 day timer. For the extra $400 you can get a keychain remote for the Webasto... All tolled, $2K (CAD) installed at the DC dealer here...

The parts guy at the local Dealership said he got an email from DC about a new heater coming out from Daimler similar to the Webasto/Espar. He didn't have any specs but it would be available as an installed option at the dealer.

 

Lil Dog Just my .02 but I went with the espar and 7day timer. Plumbing is the reason for the time. 7day timer is great, set it for one hour before going to work and its warm ready to go cab is also warm. That way you set it and forget it. same at the end of the day. just have to get used to the timer. Polar Mobility in Edmonton did install. B.J was the tech that did the work, very nice to talk to. Very professional. As far as the key chain starter goes for the Wabasto, I think when I checked them they were only good for a short distance. Maybe they have changed now. Very happy with mine. If I can figure out how to send pics i'll try to put some up. www,polarmobility.com

 

I have installed everything on my trucks, but the clutch and the espar heaters, because its a bit of work to do.

Making bracket, running fuel lines to the tank/hole in tank, plumbing, electrical. Plus warranty, if its acting up, just take it in. No questions asked.

My espars cost 25-2600 each installed, with gst, with the fan/defrost option, At Polar Mobility Edmonton, theres one in Red Deer too.

After at least 1 hour, engine is at 65C, Best $ Ive ever spent

 

J-eh, go with the Webasto....they are supposed to be better.

The 7 day timer is a MUST...the keyfob works good to but you want the unit to run for about an hour before you leave for work - so the timer is necessary.

I have yet to install mine in the 12V. Count on probably 10 hours and most of the work is mounting it and plumbing. The ESPAR site "may" have some install instructions for you to look at...

 

Espar does have instructions, as I was checking them out. They have a kit for the dodge with mounting brackets, mounts under the just above the frame under the MC. Looks like a good portion of the time would be for plumbing. Need to drop the tank, toss in another pickup and return line. How much is the Webasto? I called Cummins in Calgary, and its about $1600 for the Espar, with the timer. I never did ask about a remote, but that would be best feature I think, since you don't always have a set time to leave.

 

Jason,
Doesn't Marc have one in his '97? He'd have all the facts.
Andy

 

Lot of info on this post, were to start. Espar does not make the kit any more. I do have the booklet for the kit thought. mounting is as easy as the spot you pick, I have mine mounted in the tool box with the lines wraped. just cause i had it laying around. was going to mount it on the frame but changed my mind. still working on hooking it up thought, (install them all day don't want to look at them again at home ) as for the remote don't get it they are junk both of them, heard from a rep. as for the tank it is just like in stalling a bigger draw tube. as for the 7 day timer good idea. the use so little power you can have them sit runnig for 8 hours and still start your truck. or their is another idea that I'm working on that might work out even better. these fourms are great, it is this typing that sucks, better a talking then typing (most of the time) just my $.02 thanks

 

I just checked Ebay and found D5 Espars for $1000 CDN, $877 US. I would love to have one but can't spend that kind of $$$ at this time do a search on Ebay for Espar. Someone in Canada is selling them.
-P

 

I've installed Webastos, Espars and ProHeats into lots of things......none of them a pickup truck though. Last time I checked on them from Waterous was ~$1300 for a kit.

 

Good stuff guys. Thanks. IIRC the Webasto is the only unit with the keyfob remote, and that is also with the 7 day timer. The radio is in the 7 day timer for the keyfob. I wasn't really interested in the keyfob anyhow, just that you have to add the keyfob to get the Webasto price up to the Espar.

I am not an Ebay fan, I would like to get it locally for any repairs etc.

From what I read here its mostly the mount and plumbing? That should be covered pretty good in the instructions would it not? A few feet of heater hose and some fuel line is cheap. I guess its how much time is worth to me. I don't like the mechanical monkeys doing electrical in my truck, they are always messy and use crimp connectors instead of solder/heatshrink.

 

J-eh, I should also add that you will not regret spending the money one bit....

Maybe, we should have a hydronic water heater install party....I need to do mine as well.

Dont sweat the electrical (I cant speak for teh Webasto) but the Espar is very straightforward. YOu dont have to cut and wires or anything. Two leads hook to the passenger battery then the wiring runs through the grommet in the firewall, runs under the dash, and attaches to the heater control, and the timer gets installed in the glovebox (at least on mine it will).

I have some pics of the install on my 01 before I removed it...

 

trying to send some pics of my install. It's out of the way and fits perfect.hope this helps you decide where to put it. espar site shows on the frame, hard to do maint. on it there

 

Yikes...thats pretty close to the hot exhaust manifold...