OK, so I've had my Espar Hydronic installed for 2 weeks now - so a report!
Aesthetics: The unit hooks up to the fuel line with its own fuel pump. It hooks into the coolant lines to draw in the coolant with its own coolant pump. (Simple so far huh!) The controller / timer sits inside the cab. The exhaust for the unit exits behind the front right wheel. The result looks like an octopus is making time with my truck!
Results: I set the timer to start about 30 minutes before I need the truck, or I manually hit the start button before I need to go somewhere. In the mornings I let it run a little longer (about 45-50 min). By the time I get in the truck, the temperature gauge rises full up to operating temp. These results are for colder days (so far -10 to -15). I let it run for about 10 minutes which seems to do the trick for anything around 0 c. No white smoke, starts like it did in summer, and I can turn the heater on right away and it blows warm. I haven't scraped windows in two weeks, just let the fan run for a while and use the wipers.
Other observations: When it starts up it sounds like a small jet engine, causing quizzical looks from the neighbours. One guy actually walked up to the truck and looked under it to see what was making the noise! I love it. I love a truck that never gets plugged in, and that runs like a dream. I added two new 950CA batteries under the hood and at -15 I barely touch the key and it starts. Sweeeet!
Downside: Price is the only downside I can see. The unit costs about $1400 plus 12 hours labour and parts. You figure it out - because repeating those numbers out loud might make me cry. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />
But damn its nice - and I could have spent the same money on a bull bar and roof rack, but I like this better!
