17 replies to this topic

[Your Mileage May Vary]

I'm planning to add a Webasto heater to my ATC shell model. So I appreciate you sharing the report of your installation and your photos. Lots of wonderful ideas here. For example, I hadn't thought of using a Rotopax container as you have, and need to give that some consideration. I also love that you mounted it on the front wall. It would be less exposed to curious fingers.

For those reading this tread and considering a similar installation, here are a couple more things to consider.

Webasto makes a gasoline version of their "diesel" heater. As my truck has a gasoline engine, I like the idea of carring and needing to source only one type of fuel, and so this is what I plan on installing. The gasoline versions are a little harder to source as most of the Webasto heaters used in North America are installed in 18-wheeler type and other commercial vehicles that generally run on diesel.

Another option apart from the expensive Webasto and Espar diesel heaters, is the Planar Heaters https://planarheaters.com/ . They are, I believe, a Canadian company that has them made in Russia. Canadians and Russians should know about cold temperatures, right? The Planar Heaters are priced somewhere between the European and Chinese heaters and I have read good reports about them. Unfortunately for me, they don't have a gasoline option.

If anyone knows of any reasons not to go with the gasoline version, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Hope this helps.

[photohc]

I think the gasoline version makes sense. I also have a gas engine but wanted the Webasto and only could source the diesel version here. I know you can source a gas version outside of the US but didn't want to deal with the issues if any problems developed in the delivery or the heater. I decided to go ahead with the diesel thinking that in most cases I would not have any issues finding a station that served both. On my last 2 week trip, I added 1 gal to the Rotopax after 7 nights of heating.

 

I highly recommend the Webasto heater. I did first buy a Chinese version and had it setup on my bench and just didn't like the build quality. The components on the Webasto is in another class. For example, the exhaust tube is twice the weight of the Chinese version. You could easily deform the tube with your fingers but not possible with the Webasto version. I eventually sold the Chinese heater on Craigslist.

 

 

Best to you on your install.

Edited by photohc, 23 April 2021 - 08:51 AM.

[Old Crow]

Here's an interesting and very thorough web page on Webasto/Espar heaters.  I remember this guy being so frustrated with his Webasto that he also installed a Propex propane heater.  But he worked through his Webasto problems and now prefers that one.

 

Far Out Ride's "Webasto/Espar Heater (Diesel or Gas) Heater for Van Life: Theory, Installation, and Review"

 

Lots of good info I've not seen elsewhere.

Edited by Old Crow, 23 April 2021 - 07:24 PM.

[ramblinChet]

Here's an interesting and very thorough web page on Webasto/Espar heaters...

Wow, that is one impressive article! Thank you for sharing your find.

[Your Mileage May Vary]

I think the gasoline version makes sense. I also have a gas engine but wanted the Webasto and only could source the diesel version here. I know you can source a gas version outside of the US but didn't want to deal with the issues if any problems developed in the delivery or the heater. I decided to go ahead with the diesel thinking that in most cases I would not have any issues finding a station that served both. On my last 2 week trip, I added 1 gal to the Rotopax after 7 nights of heating.

 

I highly recommend the Webasto heater. I did first buy a Chinese version and had it setup on my bench and just didn't like the build quality. The components on the Webasto is in another class. For example, the exhaust tube is twice the weight of the Chinese version. You could easily deform the tube with your fingers but not possible with the Webasto version. I eventually sold the Chinese heater on Craigslist.

 

 

Best to you on your install.

 

Thank you for the advice and recommendations. And again, thank you for posting this.

[Your Mileage May Vary]

Here's an interesting and very thorough web page on Webasto/Espar heaters.  I remember this guy being so frustrated with his Webasto that he also installed a Propex propane heater.  But he worked through his Webasto problems and now prefers that one.

 

Far Out Ride's "Webasto/Espar Heater (Diesel or Gas) Heater for Van Life: Theory, Installation, and Review"

 

Lots of good info I've not seen elsewhere.

 

Isabelle and Antoine self built the van a few years back, sold their home in Quebec, and hit the road full time. They have based themselves in B.C. If memory serves, they are both engineers, and their logic and build quality is next level and difficult to criticise. They share much of their build and ideas, and will sell you plans and the finer details. I'm guessing that's how they finance their Far Out Ride life on the road. I've been a fan for a while.

[Old Crow]

Another good resource for those considering or new to Webasto heaters:

 

Vanlife Outfitters Webasto Air Top 2000 STC Tech Talk - High Altitude

 

Concepts include: 

 

- Max design altitude: 4900' (Evo40 = 7200')

 

- Can be run for relatively short periods (in days) at higher altitudes but heater should be run at max heat (to burn off carbon deposits) after returning below max design altitude

 

- Should be run at max heat monthly to burn off carbon deposits

 

- Adjusting for altitude is essentially adjusting how fast the fuel pump cycles

 

- Fuel line tubing is precisely matched in diameter to the heater's requirements -- do not substitute

 

- Don't use worm clamps

 

- Webasto fuel filter material is metal, others fiber

 

- A hard-working heater is a clean heater

.

[Jsoboti]

photohc,

 

After having the diesel heater for a few seasons, can you give us any info on the difference in winter camping? Are you able to maintain 40-50-ish degrees in the camper in cold climates without waking up to massive amounts on condensation? How often is the heater cycling on and off in cold temps? Have you used it at altitude above 7000 feet?

 

I mostly camp in the winter and due to excessive battery draw /propane usage/ condensation, I sleep with the heat off. I'm usually between 7000-8500' so it's pretty cold. Totally fine with a 0 degree sleeping bag and down comforter, but my girlfriend is not as stoked about that whole set-up as I am. 

 

Really wondering if I'd be able to keep the camper dry, between 40-50 degrees with 0-15 degree ambient, and not run out of diesel in a weekend. If yes, I may have an upgrade in my future. Thanks