Propex Heating and Leisure
Propex Heating and Leisure is a UK-based manufacturer founded in 1989 that designs and distributes blown-air heaters, water heaters, and LPG systems for caravans, motorhomes, marine craft, horseboxes, and van conversions, serving OEMs, dealers, and aftermarket customers across 15+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersRingwood, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Propex Heating and Leisure does
Propex Heating and Leisure Ltd is a UK-based private company founded in 1989 and headquartered in Ringwood, Hampshire, that designs, manufactures, and distributes blown-air heating systems and hot water storage heaters for leisure vehicles. Its core product range centers on the Heatsource family of LPG-powered blown-air heaters (including HS2000, HS2000E, HS2211, HS2212, and HS2800 models), complemented by Malaga and other electric storage water heaters, underslung LPG vapour tanks, technical acoustic ducting, and the proprietary Propex Digital Thermostat. The company also distributes complementary products such as the Whale Expanse water heater under a partnership with Whale.
The business serves three end-markets: touring caravans and motorhomes (its primary segment), marine and leisure boats, and horseboxes, with an emerging focus on van conversions (VW T4/T5/T6). Customers span OEM vehicle builders, dealer networks, specialist converters, and a long-tail of aftermarket end-users purchasing via e-commerce, with prices quoted in GBP inclusive of VAT. Propex operates an NCC Approved, Gas Safe certified workshop in Ringwood providing installation, servicing, and repair, and runs a distribution network covering 15+ countries. The company leverages over 35 years of brand heritage as a niche specialist in gas heating and water heating for the leisure vehicle sector.
Propex Heating and Leisure firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Propex Heating and Leisure
- Legal name
- Propex Heating & Leisure Ltd
- Website
- https://propexheatsource.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Propex Heating and Leisure is a UK-based manufacturer founded in 1989 that designs and distributes blown-air heaters, water heaters, and LPG systems for caravans, motorhomes, marine craft, horseboxes, and van conversions, serving OEMs, dealers, and aftermarket customers across 15+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Propex Heating and Leisure industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Leisure Vehicle Heating Systems
- NAICS
- Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Heating Equipment (except Warm Air Furnaces) Manufacturing (333414)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Heating Equipment, Except Electric & Warm Air Furnaces (3433)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Automotive PTC Heaters, Heat Pumps & Auxiliary Heating Systems (IMACALAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Heat Exchangers & Thermal Transfer Equipment (IMAHAKAC)
Keywords
Where Propex Heating and Leisure is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ringwood
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Propex Heating and Leisure business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel
Revenue model
- Heater product sales: Sale of blown air heaters, water heaters, accessories, and LPG vapour tanks to consumers and trade customers through distributors, dealers, and direct online shop (propexleisure.co.uk).
- Workshop services: On-site fitting, servicing, and repair of heaters, installation of underslung LPG tanks, caravan and motorhome habitation checks and repairs through their NCC Approved Workshop in Ringwood, Hampshire.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Malaga water heater starting price |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HS2000 heater starting price |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Workshop servicing |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Propex Heating and Leisure product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Propex Heating and Leisure designs, manufactures, and distributes blown air space heaters and hot water storage heaters for leisure vehicles (caravans, motorhomes, sailing yachts, motor cruisers, horseboxes, and campervan conversions). The Heatsource range includes gas-fired and dual gas/electric models (HS2000, HS2000E, HS2211, HS2212, HS2800) running on propane/butane, alongside the Malaga water heater and Whale Expanse balanced flue gas water heater. Complementary offerings include underslung LPG vapour tanks, the Propex Digital Thermostat, acoustic ducting, and an NCC Approved Workshop providing fitting, servicing and habitation checks.
Product overview
Propex Heating and Leisure is a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of heating solutions for leisure vehicles, offering two main product categories: blown air space heaters and hot water storage heaters. The Heatsource range includes the HS2000, HS2000E, HS2211, HS2212, and HS2800 blown air heaters powered by Propane/Butane gas or dual gas/mains electric configurations. The Malaga water heater series provides hot water storage with combined gas and 230V electric heating. Additional offerings include the Whale Expanse balanced flue gas water heater, 10L/6L electric-only water heaters, and the iVan Air and Water Kit. The product ecosystem is supported by complementary accessories including the Propex Digital Thermostat, Technical Acoustic Ducting for noise reduction, and underslung LPG vapour tanks for extended off-grid capability. Products serve the caravan, motorhome, marine, and horsebox markets with global distribution.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Heatsource: Brand name for the company's blown air heating product range including HS2000, HS2000E, HS2211, HS2800 models.
- Heatsource Digital Thermostat
Products and services
- HS2000 Blown Air Space Heater Gas-fired blown air space heater for caravans, motorhomes and leisure vehicles running on clean-burning propane or butane independent of engine fuel supply. Incorporates leading-edge electronic monitoring for efficiency and conforms to European Standards for gas-fired heaters. Includes a single outlet vehicle fitting kit and thermostat. Starting price from GBP 496.
- HS2000E Blown Air Heater (Gas and Mains) Dual-power blown air heater operating on both propane/butane gas and 230V mains electric for flexible off-grid and on-grid heating in leisure vehicles. Features the same electronic monitoring and European safety compliance as the HS2000.
- HS2211 External Gas Air Heater Externally-mounted gas air heater designed to free interior mounting space, providing blown air space heating for caravans, motorhomes and other leisure vehicles.
- HS2212 External Gas or Mains 230V Heater External-mounted heater available in gas-only or dual gas/230V mains electric configurations, providing versatile space heating without occupying interior storage.
- HS2800 High Output Blown Air Heater (Gas) High-capacity gas-powered blown air heater for larger vehicles and marine installations where greater heating output is required. Conforms to European Standards with electronic operation monitoring.
- Malaga 5 Water Heater 13.5-litre hot water storage heater with integral 750W mains electric element and gas heating capability. Heats a full tank from cold to 75 degrees C in approximately 20-25 minutes. Compatible with inline or submersible pumps up to 1.5bar/20 PSI. Starting price from GBP 360 + VAT.
- 10L and 6L Mains Electric Water Storage Heaters Mains electric water storage heaters in 10L and 6L capacities with a 900W heating element. Cannot run off vehicle battery; requires 230V mains connection or suitable generator.
- Whale Expanse Water Heater Balanced flue gas water heater for motorhomes, distributed by Propex under its partnership with Whale. Described as a game-changing product for leisure vehicle hot water.
- iVan Air and Water Kit Combined air and water heating kit for van conversions, integrating with the Whale iVan control system for compact campervan installations.
- Whale HeatAir 4G Whale-branded blown air heater distributed by Propex for leisure vehicles, offered alongside the Propex Heatsource range.
- Propex Digital Thermostat Digital temperature control thermostat with precision setting to within 1 degree Centigrade over a 0-30 degrees C range. Plug replacement for twin rotary dial thermostat; compatible with HS2000, HS2800 (from 2016), HS2000E, HS2211, HS2212, HS2202. Features optional 1-16 hour countdown timer on gas-only heaters and surface mount design accepting standard CBE frames in multiple colours.
- Technical Acoustic Ducting Sound-absorbing ducting manufactured from semi-porous material that absorbs frequencies from 50-500 Hz. 60mm internal diameter, compatible with HS1600/1800/2000 heaters, Whale underfloor space heaters, and Truma heaters using 65mm outer diameter ducting.
- Underslung LPG Vapour Tanks (GASTORE 12L and 25L) Under-chassis refillable LPG vapour tanks available in 12L and 25L capacities, distributed by Propex for motorhomes and van conversions. Enables refilling at petrol stations and frees interior vehicle space. Includes level indicators and internal controls. LPG freezes at -42 degrees C versus Butane at +3 degrees C, providing winter camping capability.
- Marine Fitting Kits Marine installation kits for sailing yachts and motor cruisers using high-grade APK hot air ducting, longer exhaust and combustion inlet pipes, approved hull skin fittings, and stainless steel bulkhead mounting brackets. Available for Propex heater models.
- NCC Approved Workshop Servicing and Installation On-site fitting, servicing and repair of heaters, installation of underslung LPG tanks, and caravan/motorhome habitation checks and repairs delivered by Propex's NCC Approved Workshop in Ringwood, Hampshire. Three vehicle bays including a 5.3 tonne lift; Gas Safe registered engineers. Caravan or motorhome service priced at GBP 99 + VAT (limited-time promotional offer). 66-point habitation service approved by NCC.
Quantifiable outcome
- 6Kg LPG (12L tank) runs HS2000 heater continuously for 42 hours at a cost of 20.5p per hour
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Propex Heating and Leisure
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Propex Heating and Leisure technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature6 records
Propex Heating and Leisure partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- WhalecoreDistribution agreement between Propex and Whale for the supply of pumps, taps, and water fittings commonly installed by caravan and motorhome manufacturers (e.g., Bailey, Elddis, Autosleeper). Whale products are distributed through Propex's trade customer base and online shop at propexleisure.co.uk. Propex also stocks and demonstrates Whale's space and water heaters, including the Whale Expanse balanced flue gas water heater and Whale HeatAir 4G. Propex was named UK mainland 'Centre of Excellence' supporting Whale Space and Water heaters.
- Central College NottinghamminorApprenticeship programme partner providing training for Caravan Maintenance and Repair Apprentice vacancies at Propex. Training leads to City and Guilds Caravan Service Engineering Award, ACoPs Gas training qualification, Electrical Level 2 Test & Inspection, and ELV Electrical Systems qualifications over a 36-month programme.
- GASTOREcorePropex distributes GASTORE underslung refillable LPG vapour tanks for leisure vehicles and van conversions. Tanks are fitted underneath vehicles freeing interior space and allowing refilling at petrol stations. Available in 12L and 25L capacities with internal level indicators. Rhino Installs is an authorised GASTORE fitter in the UK North West.
- Kenwood ElectronicsminorPropex offers fitting of Kenwood DNX525DAB Multimedia/Navigation System (as fitted standard to VW t5.1 Sportsline) in their Ringwood workshop. A demonstration unit is installed in the showroom.
- Socal (Southampton Calor)minorSocal (Southampton Calor) hosts Propex at the Southampton Boat Show on stand BO36. Socal staff have product knowledge on Propex heaters and assist with demonstrations at the show. Socal engineers are GasSafe registered.
- Rhino InstallsminorAuthorised GASTORE LPG tank fitter covering North West England (Manchester, Blackburn, Liverpool areas). Family business with 15 years of specialist experience in motorhome and caravan accessory fitting. Fully equipped AWS fitting centre in Bamber Bridge, Preston.
- iNewForestminorOfficial sponsor of iNewForest website, a popular New Forest tourism site. Propex is featured on New Forest Camping and campsites sections with a profile page highlighting their Ringwood workshop. Serves as community engagement and local marketing partnership.
- NCC (National Caravan Council)coreNCC jointly runs the Approved Workshop Scheme with The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club. Propex's Ringwood workshop achieved AWS Approved Workshop Status through NCC-led annual audits demonstrating competence in skill, technical expertise, customer service and accountability.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Propex Heating and Leisure competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Webasto: Global manufacturer of automotive and marine heating, cooling and e-mobility solutions including air and water heaters for motorhomes, boats and specialty vehicles; overlaps directly with Propex's leisure vehicle and marine heating range at greater scale.
- Eberspächer: German automotive supplier of vehicle heaters (air and water), including combustion and electric solutions for passenger, commercial, and recreational vehicles; offers overlapping auxiliary heating capability for motorhomes, boats and specialty vehicles.
- Truma: German-based manufacturer of gas and electric heating, water heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems for caravans, motorhomes and boats — directly comparable product portfolio to Propex across blown air heaters and water heaters serving the same leisure vehicle OEM and aftermarket channels.
- Alde International: Sweden/UK manufacturer of hydronic (liquid-based) hot water and central heating systems for caravans and motorhomes; competes in the same OEM-fitment and aftermarket channels with a different heating technology but identical end-use applications.
- Whale (Munster Simms Engineering): UK-based manufacturer of pumps, taps, water heaters and space heaters for caravans and motorhomes; Propex is also a Whale distributor and UK Centre of Excellence, making Whale both partner and direct competitor in water heating and gas heating for leisure vehicles.
- Suburban Manufacturing: US-based manufacturer of RV furnaces and water heaters primarily serving the North American caravan/RV market; comparable gas-fired forced-air heating product and customer base to Propex, though weighted toward US OEMs and dealers.
Broad incumbents
- Dometic: Global mobile living solutions provider with a broad portfolio including RV air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators and sanitation; addresses the same end customers with a much wider product set, acting as a broad incumbent rather than a leisure-heating specialist.
Others
- Fiamma: Italian manufacturer of accessories for motorhomes, caravans and vans (awnings, bike racks, storage); operates in the same leisure vehicle aftermarket channel and sells through many of the same European distributors as Propex.
- Vitrifrigo: Italian manufacturer of RV and marine refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units; an adjacent-category supplier to the same leisure vehicle OEMs and conversion companies Propex serves, sharing the European aftermarket distribution footprint.
Emerging players
- Thetford: Dutch/US manufacturer of RV appliances including refrigerators, toilets, and cookers, with adjacent water-heating products; competes for the same caravan and motorhome OEM/aftermarket shelf space and customer wallet share as Propex.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Propex Heating and Leisure social profiles
Digital presencePropex Heating and Leisure compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Propex Heating and Leisure financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Propex Heating and Leisure leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Propex Heating and Leisure funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Propex Heating and Leisure M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Propex Heating and Leisure
What does Propex Heating and Leisure do?
Propex Heating and Leisure designs, manufactures, and distributes blown air space heaters and hot water storage heaters for leisure vehicles (caravans, motorhomes, sailing yachts, motor cruisers, horseboxes, and campervan conversions). The Heatsource range includes gas-fired and dual gas/electric models (HS2000, HS2000E, HS2211, HS2212, HS2800) running on propane/butane, alongside the Malaga water heater and Whale Expanse balanced flue gas water heater. Complementary offerings include underslung LPG vapour tanks, the Propex Digital Thermostat, acoustic ducting, and an NCC Approved Workshop providing fitting, servicing and habitation checks.
Is Propex Heating and Leisure a public or private company?
Propex Heating and Leisure is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Propex Heating and Leisure founded?
Propex Heating and Leisure was founded in 1989. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Propex Heating and Leisure based?
Propex Heating and Leisure is headquartered in Ringwood, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Propex Heating and Leisure make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Heater product sales are the primary driver. The others are workshop services.
Who are Propex Heating and Leisure's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Webasto, Eberspächer, Truma, Alde International, Whale (Munster Simms Engineering) and Suburban Manufacturing. Dometic is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are Fiamma and Vitrifrigo. Thetford is listed as an emerging player.
Does Propex Heating and Leisure have an API?
No public API is recorded for Propex Heating and Leisure.
What industry is Propex Heating and Leisure in?
Propex Heating and Leisure's product category is Leisure Vehicle Heating Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMACALAI, Automotive PTC Heaters, Heat Pumps & Auxiliary Heating Systems, with a secondary code of IMAHAKAC, Heat Exchangers & Thermal Transfer Equipment. Its NAICS code is 333415 and its SIC code is 3585.