With a Bing search, I found two threads from other RV forums right away (only looked a the first page of results):
http://www.heartlandowners.org/showt...omfort-Systems
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f427...ace-74489.html
When I got to the part about the system costing about $1,500 installed and installation must be done by a certified rv shop (whatever that is), I almost stopped reading. Then I read on a bit and one guy does some serious calculations on cost comparisons of using your existing LP furnace vs. installing and using the CheapHeat. Great info and not particularly in favor of the CheapHeat.
It also uses up a good portion of your trailer's amperage limits. That may not be a huge consideration if you have full 50 amp 110/220vac service. But if you're in a park with 30 amp 110vac only or your rig is only 30 amp or you are only using the 30 amp cable, you loose a touch over half of your limit to the CheapHeat. Here is the consumption chart from CheapHeat's web site:
DH50: 21 amps per leg on 50-amp service (about the same as 2 roof AC)
DH50: Leaves 29 amps per leg to run the coach (58 amps at 120 VAC to run the coach)
DH37: 16 amps per leg on 50-amp service (about the same as 2 roof AC)
DH37: Leaves 34 amps per leg to run the coach (68 amps at 120 VAC to run the coach)
DH18: 16 amps per leg on 30-amp service (about the same as 1 roof AC)
DH18: Leaves 14 amps to run the coach (14 amps at 120 VAC to run the coach)
The CheapHeat has to run a lot longer than an LP furnace to maintain the same temps. That's not a big deal if you are in a park that doesn't meter or charge extra for electric consumption. It matters big time if you're on a metered hookup.
Running the generator to power the CheapHeat makes no sense. You would still be consuming a fossil fuel, probably at the same or a greater rate as just using the LP furnace. And, you'd need to run the genny continuously to operate the unit throughout the day and night just to maintain a consistent temp inside the trailer. That's a lot of hours of wear on the generator. Most portable generators (including the on boards) really are not designed for long term 24/7 operation. Except for unusual circumstances, I certainly would not run a 3,000 or 1,500 watt portable Honda or Yamaha or any other brand continuously for days on end, week after week as a regular thing.
And let us not forget that many no hookup CG's have limited hours which you can even use the generator. I will also point out that 24/7 operation of one of the noisier generators is probably not going to be acceptable for very long in most close quarters situations.
It's possible that you could buy one and DIY install it. I did not find the CheapHeat listed on an online sales web site but one guy in the Airstream or Heartland forum quoted a purchase price of around $800 which sounds about right. That is still a whole bunch of LP refills and you still have all the conditions I already listed.
Many folks in both the Heartland and Airstream forums also pointed out that you could heat or supplement the LP heat in your trailer far more economically with one or two well placed cube heaters for around $40 each or so. It probably would not be that much of a savings on electric consumption compared to the CheapHeat, but the initial cost difference between the cube heaters and the CheapHeat is obvious.
I am having difficulty envisioning a scenario where the product would be advantageous
and economical given the high cost to purchase and install it.
Well, read over the two threads I linked above and see what you think.