Cabin Heat Worth it?

RudiGreyling · #1 01-15-2007, 01:37 AM

Hi Guys,

I am at the point to cut the 2" hole in the firewall, and want to know if the Vans standard Cabin Heat system actually work? (More specifically for a RV7)

Do you use yours and does it work? or is it not worth the weight, money and labour to install?

For reference I have the standard triangular kit already, live in South Africa where the ground temperatures rarely go below 32-F or 0-C in the coldest winters.

Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards
Rudi

terrykohler · #2 01-15-2007, 04:08 AM

Considering the temperature lapse rate, it is likely that you will need a single muff system if you're going to be comfortable at altitude in the winter months. Here in the Norther U.S., it's necessary to have two muffs (run in series) to keep the cabins warm enough year round. The standard system is easy to install while you're building but would be much more work after you've hung the engine. My suggestion would be to use a stainless steel mechanism (offered thru this site) to increase cockpit safety in event of an engine fire. System does not effect engine performance, weighs very little, and is not a maintenance issue. Finally, I would also recommend you use a carbon monoxide indicator in the cabin. These are disposable "buttons" that are mounted within view of pilot with two sided tape. Cost is very low and considering you are scavenging heat from the exhaust system (normal in aircraft) it's cheap insurance. These would also help even if you don't install heat but perhaps have exhaust leaking into the cockpit.
Terry
RV9A N323TP

Kyle Boatright · #3 01-15-2007, 04:44 AM

I've flown my -6 on 3 hour cross countries where the outside air temperature was 10F or lower. With an extra layer of clothing, we were comfortable.

I don't think the flights would have been doable without the heater.

By the way, these flights were during the day, so we did have the canopy greenhouse effect on our side.

Geico266 · #4 01-15-2007, 05:50 AM

Definately, put in the heater.

pierre smith · #5 01-15-2007, 06:04 AM

Rudy is sitting in the middle of summer and that's the trouble....

He can't imagine winter.

Seriously, at the 8000 foot altitudes these little rockets love, you'll need heat and Van's heater will get you by.

Regards,

videobobk · #6 01-15-2007, 06:44 AM

Rudi,

From experience, if there is a chance you will want one, do it now. I had the engine mounted before I got the SS heater control. It is ALMOST impossible to install without pulling the engine. An hours work took about a day.

Bob Kelly

DeltaRomeo · #7 01-15-2007, 07:24 AM

I cut (2) holes and used them both on a summer trip to Idaho for camping. 14,000' over the Rockies got COLD <g>.

During most flights in the early Spring and late Fall I use a combination of fresh air vent and heater vent (both out a little).

Best,
Doug

RV7ator · #8 01-15-2007, 07:45 AM

Rudi,

Aye, mate, install a heater. Even on warmer cold days, if clouds block the sun, you'll feel a significant IAT drop. You want all the heat you can accumulate.

I recommend, also, the stainless unit with the actuating arm on the cabin side. That's one less penetration of the firewall with a Bowden cable.

John Siebold

svanarts · #9 01-15-2007, 02:17 PM

Oh yes. You will definitely need cabin heat. Some day when you're flying along in July or August, you'll be thanking us.

RudiGreyling · #10 01-15-2007, 11:30 PM

Thanks guys,

OK i'll put it in, but where is the best sources for the Stainless Steel one.

Ideally I'd like to get one that matches the holes exactly the Vans Aluminium one, that means I can drill it so-long while I order and wait for the long expensive shipping from the USA to SA.

Regards
Rudi