Alternative to Eberspacher

[realslimshady]

Has anyone got experience of these-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Warmtoo-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I guess cheap chinese copies. I can't make my Eberspacher work properly so thinking of simply swapping to one of these.

 

[superheat6k]

I fitted one last Winter (4 kW) and it has worked impeccably since. I would suggest getting original eber exhaust tubing and a decent stainless through hull for the exhaust. All up and including a new vent system mine cost ~ £250.

The one you have linked to is 8 kW so is likely bigger than the 4 kW which is identical in size to the D4. £112 is very cheap.

You will hear lots of nonsense about them catching fire, and otherwise being really bad. Fact is none have been reported as catching fire in service. The only report of one burning was where one on test had had the inlet deliberately covered, which is asking for it IMHO. Any way I have fitted an overheat klixon (100oC) on the discharge cowling of mine which cuts the power to the fuel pump should an overheat occur. This in turn causes the unit to trip properly on the flame out sensor.

I have also fitted one to a friend's camper. Both were from different suppliers and were received complete and with no damage, nor missing parts. Be aware the common one is the equivalent of the D4. The lower output are I understand the same size as the D4, not the smaller D2. When I say same size, they are a direct copy so will fit original mount plates, and duct connections, and can use the same fuel pump. The controllers are very different.

 

[realslimshady]

Thanks for that. I've got a D2 in the boat at the moment, which replaced a D1, so I'm thinking an 8kw one is probably a bit over the top-there are plenty of 5kw ones on ebay too, at the same price-or get the larger one?

 

[ARE]

Has anyone got experience of these-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Warmtoo-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

I guess cheap chinese copies. I can't make my Eberspacher work properly so thinking of simply swapping to one of these.

There is planar heaters, these are Russian alternative to eberspacher or wabasto. The quality is a lot better than the Chinese copies and there is a uk agent, so service and spares is no issue.

 

[pumpsmynads]

I was looking at the planar option. £350 vs £800.
But part of me thinks that cutting costs on something like that may be false economy. But then they look pretty much a straight copy.

 

[MrB]

Take a look at this thread, quite a few forum members fitted them and were happy. There are some good tips and links.

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?511722-Good-Value-Boat-heaters

 

[PetiteFleur]

I've fitted a Chinese copy on my boat - 5kw which works fine, but not used in earnest yet. The extra marine fittings cost more than the heater. Hose clips are rubbish, I fitted Eberspacher exhaust tubing and exhaust outlet, I also upgraded to copper fuel line and upgraded the wiring. There is a good site on facebook for more info, which seems to be of problems, 99% of which appear to installations not done correctly.

 

[superheat6k]

There is planar heaters, these are Russian alternative to eberspacher or wabasto. The quality is a lot better than the Chinese copies and there is a uk agent, so service and spares is no issue.

That is quite a statement.

Please explain why / how they offer superior quality ?

 

[Bigplumbs]

That is quite a statement.

Please explain why / how they offer superior quality ?

Quite. The ebay ones are fine. Both of mine (one in boat and one in the Garage) are working very well

Let us not forget that Webasto and Eber were successfully prosecuted for price fixing

 

[oldgit]

That is quite a statement.

Please explain why / how they offer superior quality ?

Having installed a Planar and speaking to several folks ( at least half a dozen) who have fitted the chinese version, have come to the conclusion that the "external" quality of the chinese copies including all the supplied installation components are well below that of the Russian version.
One chap purchased a Russian version (direct from Russia) in the first instance and then subsequently bought an Ebay Chinese version later on, both installed on the same boat, very happy with both.
Main differences appear to be, my Planar came with everything needed for a marine install, including a good quality stainless silencer which required no additional work for safe operation.......and there is somebody at the end of an email to solve problems when your ability to follow simple instructions is rubbish.
The silencer is real boon after the roaring nightmare of a straight through Eber, when it worked !

Owners of the chinese heaters have all had to buy additional/substitute bits and pieces to complete their installs which has added expense to initial purchase, especially that exhaust .
Have no idea how the quality of the internal construction of the two heaters compare, probably only time will tell.
The chap who did buy his version direct, dismantled his heater with view to commercially using parts from Russian units to repair genuine eberspacter units. Verdict......... several differences making it not a viable prospect, did conclude it was of very robust construction.
Suspect by the time you have fitted your new heater the cost between the two will have narrowed.
What happens now to WebEber prices will be interesting to say the least ?

 

[Bigplumbs]

Having installed a Planar and speaking to several folks ( at least half a dozen) who have fitted the chinese version, have come to the conclusion that the "external" quality of the chinese copies including all the supplied installation components are well below that of the russian version.The quality of casing of the the controller being very obvious.
One chap purchased a russian version in the first instance and then subsequently bought a chinese version later on, both for the same boat.He is very happy with both.
Main differences appear to be, my Planar cam with everything needed to install a heater in a boat

If you replace the exhaust and buy a few more bits you need the Chinese ones work out a lot cheaper and are just as good

 

[oldgit]

If you replace the exhaust and buy a few more bits you need the Chinese ones work out a lot cheaper and are just as good

Quite probably, would still like to get some info from somebody who has dismantled both units and compared
Wonder if the combustion chambers are all from China anyway ?
We have about 10 of the various versions installed in boats on the club pontoons ranging from Broom 44 and Turbo 36 down to a 23ft US sportboat.
Have not heard a bad word so far. Earliest versions are now 3 years old.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Quite probably, would still like to get some info from somebody who has dismantled both units and compared
Wonder if the combustion chambers are all from China anyway ?
We have about 10 of the various versions installed in boats on the club pontoons ranging from Broom 44 and Turbo 36 down to a 23ft US sportboat.
Have not heard a bad word so far. Earliest versions are now 3 years old.

On the thread mentioned above I think someone posted pics of a dismantled unit

 

[realslimshady]

I was looking at the planar option. £350 vs £800.
But part of me thinks that cutting costs on something like that may be false economy. But then they look pretty much a straight copy.

just had a quick look and they're £500+, so hardly an 'economy'....

 

[pumpsmynads]

just had a quick look and they're £500+, so hardly an 'economy'....

the planar with kit are £350. That’s why I said ... £350.

 

[Nauti Fox]

I was fortunate in that my Chinese one replaced a Webasto, the only extra was an adapter for the outlet as the trunking was a larger diameter and also tapping into the Webasto wiring.

 

[pumpsmynads]

Stupid question alert... possibly. *Prepares to wear hard hat*

Would an ethanol heater be an option? Not underway for course. Safe fumes, cheap to run.

Am I being daft?

 

[rubberduck]

I've fitted a Chinese copy on my boat - 5kw which works fine, but not used in earnest yet. The extra marine fittings cost more than the heater. Hose clips are rubbish, I fitted Eberspacher exhaust tubing and exhaust outlet, I also upgraded to copper fuel line and upgraded the wiring. There is a good site on facebook for more info, which seems to be of problems, 99% of which appear to installations not done correctly.

Got a link or something for the fb page ?

 

[Nauti Fox]

https://www.facebook.com/groups/146837062640024/

 

[realslimshady]

the planar with kit are £350. That’s why I said ... £350.

Just had another look on the Planar site. Cheapest one on there (kit) is £515. Where are you sourcing one for £350?