In this guide, Iāll get straight to the point. Iāve worked on a lot of campervans and tested various diesel heaters, and Iāve learned that a high price doesnāt always mean high quality. Here, Iāll explain why and recommend some affordable, reliable diesel heaters that are great for your project. Iāve personally tested some of these, and others have been used in family and friendsā vans for years. Theyāre still working perfectly and getting the job done. Letās dive in!
Top 5 Diesel Heater Recommendations
How Does a Diesel Heater Work?
How to Install a Van Diesel Heater
Choosing the Right Diesel Heater Size
Why Avoid Overpriced Diesel Heaters
Why Choose a Campervan Diesel Heater?
Imagine running out of LPG gas when you’re stuck in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, miles from the nearest refill station. Not exactly ideal, right? That’s when you’ll be so glad you installed a diesel heater connected to your van’s fuel tank. At that moment, itāll feel like youāve got endless energy to keep warm!
Efficiency and Reliability
Diesel heaters are super efficient, packing more heat power (BTU) than LPG. Theyāre perfect for quickly warming up your campervan, even in freezing temps, so you stay cosy no matter the weather.
Fuel Availability
Diesel is easier to find than LPG, especially when you’re out in remote areas. Just swing by a petrol station to refill, and youāll have no trouble keeping the heat going during your road trips.
Safety Features
Diesel is a safer option with a lower risk of accidental combustion compared to LPG. On top of that, modern diesel heaters are packed with built-in safety features like automatic shut-offs and smoke detectors, so you can stay warm without worrying.
How Does a Diesel Heater Work?
A diesel heater is a great way to keep small spaces like vans, RVs, or boats cosy and warm. It works by burning diesel fuel to produce heat. The heater pulls fuel from the vehicleās tank (or a separate fuel source), mixes it with air in a combustion chamber, and then ignites it to create warmth. The heat passes through a heat exchanger, so you get clean, warm air inside while the exhaust is safely sent outside.
How a Diesel Heater Keeps Your Campervan Cosy
| Step | Process | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fuel Supply | Your diesel heater pulls fuel from your van’s main tank or a separate reservoir for a steady fuel flow. |
| 2 | Combustion Process | The diesel burns efficiently inside the heater, producing heat while keeping emissions low. |
| 3 | Heat Transfer | The heat goes through a heat exchanger, warming the air without mixing in exhaust fumes for clean heating. |
| 4 | Air Distribution | A fan spreads warm air evenly around your campervan via the heat exchanger for consistent comfort. |
| 5 | Safety Features | Modern diesel heaters include safety features like thermostats, overheat sensors, and automatic shut-offs. |
Type of Diesel Heater:
| Type of Diesel Heater | Description |
|---|---|
| Air Heaters | Heats the air inside the van directly, providing quick and efficient warmth. |
| Air and Water Heaters | Heats both air and water, ideal for maintaining a warm interior and hot water. |
| Hydronic Heaters | Heats liquid (coolant), which can be used for underfloor heating and hot water. |
What Size Diesel Heater is Right for You?
Picking the right diesel heater for your van depends on a few key factors. Hereās what you should know:
- For Smaller Vans (Most Standard Models)
- A 2kW diesel heater is usually perfect.
- Itās less powerful than a 5kW heater, so it might take a bit longer to warm up, but it delivers steady, cosy heat.
- Great for avoiding the intense, quick heat that larger units produceāideal for smaller spaces.
- For Larger Vans or Extreme Climates
- Go for a 5kW diesel heater if you have a bigger van or plan to tackle freezing temperatures.
- It heats faster and works better in sub-zero conditions.
- Keep in mind: youāll run it on lower settings most of the time, but youāll need to crank it up occasionally to prevent carbon build up.
- General Rule for Insulated Spaces
- For homes or well-insulated campers, calculate 1kW per 14 cubic meters of living space.
- For campervans (which are usually less insulated), double or even triple that number to ensure adequate heating.
Why You Should Avoid Buying Expensive Diesel Heaters
This experience really opened my eyes: just because something costs more doesnāt mean itās better quality or built to last. You donāt have to take my word for it, thoughāhere, Iāll share some of the best diesel heaters Iāve used and some budget-friendly options that perform just as well (if not better) without emptying your wallet.
Iāve seen so many people spend big on fancy brand-name heaters that look amazing in ads, but when it comes to actual performance, they often donāt deliver. Honestly, they usually donāt last as long as the much cheaper Chinese diesel heaters Iāve tried.
Top 5 Diesel Heater Models I Recommend for Your Van
1: LF Bros 5KW Diesel Air Heater
Key Specifications
- Heater Model: LF Bros 5KW 12V Diesel Air Heater
- Power Output: 5 kW
- Fuel Consumption: 0.18 – 0.53 litres per hour
- Runtime on 10L of Diesel: 18.9 – 55.5 hours
- Runtime on 20L of Diesel: 37.8 – 111 hours
- Price: Ā£179.99
Product Highlights:
- Constant Heating Power: Experience steady warmth with a power output of 4700~17000 BTU. No more piling on layers to stay warmājust set it, and go.
- Smart Timer Functionality: Preheat your car or clear frost with the upgraded T3 LCD timer. Set it up to 24 hours in advance and enter a pre-warmed vehicle every morning.
- Versatile Heating Modes: Choose between Power Mode for uninterrupted heating or Temperature Mode for energy-saving automatic adjustments. Change settings easily with the remote control or central switch.
- Portable & Wide Applications: Compact in size but big in performance. This heater is perfect for vehicles, motorhomes, caravans, and boats. Quick to install and simple to use with a user-friendly LCD screen.
- Top-Notch Safety Features: Built to ensure peace of mind with overheat, short circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage, and reverse-connection protection.
2: LF Bros Diesel Heater, 12V 5KW S-PRO
Technical Specifications:
- Heater Model: LF Bros Diesel Heater S-PRO
- Power Output: 5 kW
- Fuel Consumption: 0.16 – 0.48 litres/hour
- Runtime on 0L Diesel: 20.8 – 65.5 hours
- Runtime on 20L Diesel: 41.7 – 125 hours
- Price: Ā£299.99
Product Highlights:
- Start Heating When You Want: With the upgraded T4S LCD display, schedule your comfort up to 24 hours in advance. Perfect for warming your car in the morning or defrosting windows on frozen mornings with just a simple press of the “Time” button.
- Plateau Constant Temperature: The intelligent PID-controlled thermostat ensures efficient performance even in altitudes as high as 5km, delivering consistent warmth and precise combustion control.
- Upgraded Durability: An enhanced shell and 90mm air outlet ensure improved heat transfer and larger coverage so you can enjoy warm air quickly across any vehicle or space.
- Rapid Heating: With a high-quality ignition pin and a weighted aluminium shell for faster combustion and heat dissipation, warm up any space quickly and effectively.
- Safety at the Forefront: Feel secure with built-in protections, including overheat, short circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage, and reverse connection safeguards.
3: HCALORY 8KW Diesel Heater Bluetooth 12V
Technical Specifications:
- Heater Model: HCALORY 8KW Diesel Heater
- Power Output: 8kW
- Fuel Consumption: 0.15L/h – 0.44L/h
- Runtime on 10L of Diesel: 22.7 – 66.6 hours
- Runtime on 20L of Diesel: 45.5 – 133 hours
- Price: Ā£79.99
Product Highlights:
- Fast Heating: Feel the warmth in just one second with its built-in all-aluminium construction that ensures rapid heating. Within 10 minutes, it covers 20-27mĀ² with a powerful output of 5500-18000 BTUs.
- Energy Saving: Low fuel consumption (0.15-0.44L/hour) maximises diesel efficiency. Its 10L tank ensures continuous warmth for up to 10 hours without refuelling.
- Altitude Mode: Built to thrive at up to 5500m above sea level, making it ideal for high-altitude adventures.
- Enhanced Safety: Equipped with multiple safety protections, including short circuit, over-voltage, and overheating safeguards. Safe to use in indoor and vehicular settings.
- Smart Control: Operate conveniently with options like remote control, an LCD panel and even a smart app for temperature adjustment, timer setting, or switching to fan mode.
- Wide Application: Perfect for RVs, vans, camping trips, garages, and boats. Easily adapt to your needs with its modular user interface.
Diesel Heater Fuel Efficiency and Runtime
Fuel efficiency matters, especially when youāre on the road. Hereās how diesel heaters stack up:
- Highly Efficient Heating
- Diesel heaters only use the fuel they need to maintain a stable temperatureāno wasted energy here!
- Factors That Impact Fuel Use
- Power output (measured in kW).
- Runtime (how long the heater runs).
- Outside temperatures (colder weather means more fuel).
- Pro Tip for Saving Fuel
- Diesel heaters work best when left on low for steady heat. Short bursts at max power burn more fuel, so aim for consistent, low-level heating to stay warm and save fuel!
Whether youāre prepping your van for winter or just want a cosy space year-round, the right diesel heater makes all the difference. Stay warm and adventure ready!
How to Install a Van Diesel Heater:
Installing your van heater might sound intimidating, but trust me, itās easier than you think! If I can do it, so can you. Just follow this guide, take your time, and be sure to read the instruction manual. Youāve got thisāyour cosy, warm van is just a few steps away!
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Van Heater
1. Choose the Perfect Spot
- Pick a flat, stable location near the fuel tank.
- Ensure the area is well-ventilated and free of obstructionsāyour heater needs room to breathe!
2. Get the Area Ready
- Mark where the air intake, exhaust, and fuel line will go.
- Drill the necessary holes and smooth out any rough edges to ensure safety.
3. Mount the Base
- Securely attach the mounting plate to your vanās floor using screws or bolts.
- This serves as the foundation for keeping your heater steady.
4. Install the Heater
- Place the heater onto the mounting plate and lock it in place.
- Connect the air intake and exhaust pipes snugly for a proper fit.
5. Hook Up the Fuel Line
- Run the fuel line to the tank and secure it with clamps.
- Add a fuel pump if recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Wire It Up
- Connect the wiring harness to the heater and power supply.
- Use the wiring diagram in the manual to ensure correct connections.
7. Set Up the Controls
- Mount the control panel in an easily accessible location.
- Connect it to the heater and test the controls to make sure they work.
8. Fire It Up
- Double-check all connections.
- Turn the heater on and inspect for leaks, unusual noises, or error messages.
- Fine-tune the settings to your preference.
9. Wrap It All Up
- Secure all cables and lines neatly.
- Clean up the area.
- Enjoy the cosy warmth of your vanāyou’re ready to hit the road in comfort!
Note: Always refer to the heater manufacturerās manual for safe and accurate installation.
Maximise Comfort on the Road
A van diesel heater is an essential item for off-grid living, providing reliable warmth wherever your adventures take you. Itās an investment that enhances your experience, ensuring comfort even in the coldest conditions. By understanding their benefits, operational features, and maintenance requirements, you can choose a heating solution that best suits your needs.
If youāre ready to make your campervan winter-ready, now’s the time to install a diesel heater. Whether you’re seeking professional installation or considering a DIY approach, always prioritise safety and efficiency.
