OZK Customs + Espar 12V Hydronic Heating System

If you’ve already checked out the Espar Transit and Sprinter Heaters that we install, then you know we love Espar – and this pioneering Hydronic Heating System is no different. This is the same hydronic heating kit, available for Gas fuel systems (such as found in the Transit) and Diesel fuel systems (the Sprinter). A hydronic heating system is a multi-purpose system ideal for van life, functioning as both a regular interior heater, as well as a water heater, and engine warmer.

Both 12V heaters produce a tremendous 17,000 BTU output – more than enough heat for even the coldest adventures – and can function efficiently up to 10,000 feet in elevation thanks to the integrated altitude control in the Espar EasyStart Pro Controller. The heating output can be varied from 6,100 to 17,000 BTU, enabling you to precisely control the van’s temperature for the desired level of comfort. The heating unit itself is compact enough to be installed either internally, or externally in your camper van’s engine bay.

Espar continually looks to innovate their products, always using the highest quality components to go along with their industry-leading design and engineering quality. The updated brushless fan of the heater blower unit is quiet and efficient, and provides dynamic fan speed automatically adjusted to the temperature you have set. The improved fuel pump and stepless heating control mean optimized noise reduction and fuel efficiency.

As far as the Espar Hydronic system’s function as a water heater – the kit provides a complete water heating system that is integrated throughout your van, providing you with hot water for showers, faucets, and even outdoor taps. This really is a 2-for-1 solution brilliantly designed for adventure vans, and for life on the road, providing on-demand hot water and effective heating from one top tier system.

How does the Hydronic system work to heat both your air and water? Once it is turned on, the system uses your camper van’s fuel in a combustion process to heat the engine coolant through the Hydronic Unit’s heat exchanger. Once heated, the integrated water pump circulates the coolant around the heating circuit and through the blower heaters. A fully self-regulating heating system, it is extremely energy efficient, consuming only 0.17 gallons of gas or diesel fuel per hour, while using your van’s own resources (such as the coolant system) to provide heat for your water system and your van. This unique camper van heater’s function also means that it pre-heats your engine coolant, providing you with warm starts even in the coldest climates.

The Espar Hydronic Heating system includes a 24-plate, 4.3 kW water heat exchanger with mixing valve, exchanger, water pump capable of delivering 130 gallons per hour, and a 5-liter water expansion tank, as well as all the necessary waterlines and mounting brackets and clips. Here at OZK Customs, we will run the water lines through your van’s wall to your desired locations.

This complex system is easy to control thanks to the EasyStart Pro Controller, putting all system monitoring and temperature control at your fingertips. We’d love to talk with you more about the Espar Hydronic Diesel or Gas Heater for your Sprinter or Transit vans!

Check back soon for more info on the Espar Hydronic Heating System from our OZK Customs podcast experts. Learn more about use cases, the pros and cons of this van heater and water heater vs. other options on the market, and other questions you never thought to ask!