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Why We Chose the Propex:
for the Meadow Campervan Build
A campervan that feels like home has to work for more than sunny weekends. From the start of the Meadow project, we wanted a van built for all four seasons: a crisp spring morning, a rainy autumn getaway, a winter escape. Reliable heating makes all the difference.
After weighing our options, we chose the Propex HS2000 gas air heater, not for its spec sheet alone, but because it matched the way we build vans: dependable, thoughtfully made, and practical for everyday travel.
Designing Meadow for Every Season
A genuine four-season campervan was one of our core goals for Meadow.
A warm, dry interior changes the whole experience of van life. Instead of planning trips around the forecast, you’re free to travel whenever the mood strikes. Coming back to a warm camper after a long hike, or waking up comfortable on a frosty morning, that’s a different level of enjoyment entirely.
The HS2000 became a key part of making that possible.
Why thE Propex HS2000 Was the Right Choice
A few things set the HS2000 apart during planning.
Its reputation for reliability was reassuring from the start. Heating is one of those systems you simply expect to work, especially in the cold, and the HS2000 has proven itself across countless campervan builds over the years.
Its compact size was another clear advantage. Space inside a campervan is always at a premium, so every component has to earn its place. The small footprint let us fit it into Meadow’s layout without giving up storage or compromising the design.
Efficiency mattered too. Low LPG consumption suits off-grid travel well, and running independently of the vehicle’s diesel system fit the whole concept behind this build. We also liked that it draws from the same LPG supply as the cooker, one simple, cohesive gas setup instead of two separate systems, and one that burns clean, without the smell of diesel or a build-up of soot.
Installation: Easier Than We Expected
The installation itself is straightforward, though cutting two openings through the underside of a freshly built campervan, for combustion air intake and exhaust, is still a step that calls for care and precision.
Propex makes this easier than it sounds. The heater ships with detailed instructions and a full-size drilling template marking exactly where the openings go. The documentation is clear and well illustrated, and it takes most of the guesswork out of the process.
Fitting the HS2000 into the full Meadow conversion, we found the whole system logical to install. Once the openings were cut, fitting the heater, routing the ducting and wiring it up followed a straightforward sequence. The electrical connections are simple, and its low clearance and compact size give real flexibility in positioning: it tucks neatly into cabinetry or mounts underneath the van floor, without costing us storage space.
As with any gas appliance, careful installation and proper testing remain essential, but it’s clearly a system designed with installers in mind.
Everyday Use
The best test of any campervan component is forgetting it’s even there.
Since finishing the Meadow build, the HS2000 has done exactly what we hoped. It warms the space quickly, and the electronic thermostat holds a comfortable temperature automatically, steady enough that we’re comfortable running it overnight while sleeping. Because it’s a sealed combustion system, fresh air comes from outside the van and exhaust goes straight back out, so no extra moisture is added to the living space, unlike unvented propane heaters that can leave a van prone to condensation, mould and mildew over time. That matters most in the colder months, when damp air is otherwise hard to avoid.
It also runs quietly, with a gentle airflow sound rather than the bulky muffler or ticking common to some fuel heaters. Rather than something you keep noticing, it fades into the background while keeping the camper comfortable. Paired with a control panel that’s easy to reach and use, everyday operation is effortless.
More Than Just a Heater
At Lavender Campers, every product we install has to earn its place in the overall experience of travelling in the van.
The Propex HS2000 isn’t the flashiest feature inside Meadow, but it has one of the biggest impacts on comfort. It keeps the van welcoming long after summer ends, stretching both the camping season and the range of what’s possible.
Its compact build tucks seamlessly into the furniture, its clean-burning LPG operation keeps maintenance low, and its dependability gives us real confidence that Meadow is ready for the road in any season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Propex HS2000 suitable for winter camping?
In our experience, yes. Paired with proper insulation, it turns a campervan into a genuinely comfortable space through the colder months and makes year-round travel much more realistic.
Can you install the Propex HS2000 yourself?
The installation is well documented, with detailed instructions and a drilling template from Propex. Builders with the right experience and confidence should find the process logical, but as with any gas appliance, it should always be installed carefully and tested thoroughly before use.
Why choose a gas heater instead of a diesel heater?
For Meadow, we wanted a heating system independent of the vehicle’s diesel supply, running on the same LPG as the cooker. Combined with clean combustion, low fuel use and straightforward installation, it suited both the design and how we intended the van to be used.
Final Thoughts
Looking back on the Meadow build, the Propex HS2000 has turned out to be one of those components that quietly improves every trip. It’s not a feature that catches your eye, it’s one you appreciate the moment temperatures start to drop.
Its compact size, intuitive installation, quiet operation and dependable performance made it an excellent fit for this project. More than that, it helped turn Meadow into the comfortable, four-season campervan we set out to build, ready for adventure, whatever the season.