OP
OP
And an evaluation of a chinese diesel heater after 2000 hours of runtime -
Diesel Heater in Your Camper?
- Thread starter ski3pin
- Start date
Old Crow
Searching....
Update on my portable diesel heater....
1. My suitcase-style portable heater sits outside and pushes the warmed air into my van through a 10-foot duct hose. That means about six feet of the hot-air duct is exposed to cold outside air before it enters the van. I recently bought Eberspacher MaxiTherm insulation blankets (off Ebay) to insulate that section. I went with snap-on blankets rather than slide-on tubular blankets as I figured the snap-on style would be easier to dry out when they get wet. They also fold down small enough to store in the heater case between uses. On my test on a 40*F day, they made a 20-degree difference in the temperature of the air at the outlet (in the van).
2. I noticed the brochure for the heater now says it operates up to 13,700 feet elevation. I called the distributor to ask if mine was good for that as the ad had said 8200 feet. The answer was that yes, all of them in the last five years are the auto-compensating HA (High Altitude) ones. He did tell me to remember that performance degrades at higher elevations. I took that to mean the elevation specs have to do with heater output. In other words it will put out the full btu rating up to 8200 feet and will run at higher elevations but heat output will be reduced. He also reminded me to always use kerosene at elevation.
3. I've not used the heater in the last year. We took it along on our western Canada trip but never got into cold weather by our return in early October. We had a few overnights into the 30s (F) but the warm days kept the van warm enough that we didn't need the heater by bedtime. I do run the heater for a half-hour every two months for maintenance and it always starts easily.
1. My suitcase-style portable heater sits outside and pushes the warmed air into my van through a 10-foot duct hose. That means about six feet of the hot-air duct is exposed to cold outside air before it enters the van. I recently bought Eberspacher MaxiTherm insulation blankets (off Ebay) to insulate that section. I went with snap-on blankets rather than slide-on tubular blankets as I figured the snap-on style would be easier to dry out when they get wet. They also fold down small enough to store in the heater case between uses. On my test on a 40*F day, they made a 20-degree difference in the temperature of the air at the outlet (in the van).
2. I noticed the brochure for the heater now says it operates up to 13,700 feet elevation. I called the distributor to ask if mine was good for that as the ad had said 8200 feet. The answer was that yes, all of them in the last five years are the auto-compensating HA (High Altitude) ones. He did tell me to remember that performance degrades at higher elevations. I took that to mean the elevation specs have to do with heater output. In other words it will put out the full btu rating up to 8200 feet and will run at higher elevations but heat output will be reduced. He also reminded me to always use kerosene at elevation.
3. I've not used the heater in the last year. We took it along on our western Canada trip but never got into cold weather by our return in early October. We had a few overnights into the 30s (F) but the warm days kept the van warm enough that we didn't need the heater by bedtime. I do run the heater for a half-hour every two months for maintenance and it always starts easily.
I see that the new Scout popup camper has an external diesel heater mounted on the passenger side rear wall in what appears to be an aluminum case. Any insights as to the manufacturer? They appear to use Autoterm diesel heaters in their hard side camper. Autoterm has a portable diesel heater model in what appears to be a plastic case but the Scout version isn’t this model, at least in the form factor that appears on the website.
I wonder if this can be an option on ATCs or FWCs.
I wonder if this can be an option on ATCs or FWCs.
Old Crow
Searching....
I see in this Scout video about the diesel heater that the comments include a reply to "TheJensss" where Scout says the heater is an Autoterm one. Also, the controller appears to be Autoterm PU-28/Comfort Touch control panel.
The heater in the video is in a hard-sided Scout camper. I suppose it's possible they'd use a different diesel heater in the new pop-up model. I'd think they'd prefer to use the same brand to keep supply chain and dealer-training issues simpler but who knows. You may want to keep an eye out for that control panel as we see more photos and videos about the new pop-up model.
The heater itself is an Autoterm but the aluminum case it's mounted in is a Zarges case. Scout chose to use this case while the distributor of the Planar/Autoterm portables chose to put the heater in a Kanuq-brand case (I think this is the plastic one you refer to). The Kanuq case with its external fuel tank, vertical exhaust pipe and multiple air inlets wouldn't have been a good choice for this application.
Thanks Old Crow, the Scout video is very informative. I like how they route the combustion air and exhaust outside the camper. I also like how they vent the warm air directly into the camper without a warm air vent exposed to the exterior. Ditto for the enclosed fuel tank.
Are there any opinions about whether this is an option for ATCs and FWCs?
Are there any opinions about whether this is an option for ATCs and FWCs?
OP
OP
And so I can keep this straight - here is a link for the -
Autoterm Diesel Heaters
and coming up with a way to mount and install the heater on the exterior of the camper makes the process much much easier.
Autoterm Diesel Heaters
and coming up with a way to mount and install the heater on the exterior of the camper makes the process much much easier.
Old Crow
Searching....
In my opinion a diesel heater is a viable option for a truck camper as they can safely produce a dry heat, they operate economically and (if optioned for it) they can operate at elevation. Downsides include (1) installation can be tricky (in a slide-in camper) (2) you have to deal with another fuel type (3) you can't (typically) take it to a dealer to get it fixed (4) it blows cold air for a while as it fires up (5) it should be run every two months or so year round as a preventive-maintenance practice (6) the fuel pump can make an obnoxiously loud ticking sound if not mounted and vibration-isolated adequately (7) diesel fuel can gel in cold temperatures
Fly Fisherman
Member
Here is my diesel heater install. Been using it 3 years now. Jan 2. 2024 thru Feb 16 in Ouray, CO. Ice climbing. Back to CO in May for 3 weeks spring alpine season this year. It is cold up there that time of year. No problems with heater. Headed back in Jan 2025. Still same cheap heater in home built camper 3 years now.
Attachments
CPT Davenport
El Pescador
I think when/if my OEM heater fails, I will go with the diesel. Since my truck is a gaser, it would require carrying a third fuel source. On my Cutwater cb30 I run a Webasto heater that is fed from the 180 gallon tank that powers the Volvo Penta D6 power plant. I must say that it is the most even, comfortable and consistent heat I have ever experienced.
craig333
Riley's Human
If I were to consider one I'd probably go with the portable unit. So far my twenty year old Suburban furnace shows no signs of giving it up.
Hoopy
Advanced Member
We have a 5K diesel heater mid range price point (600$)
We love it use it all winter mounted inside our flatbed hawk. Only regret is placement for easy access for maintenance haven’t done much other than change flow plugs. Will be moving the heater to easier spot for maintenance this fall. Fuel consumption is minimal, I do a burn off before shutting down turn it up to max for a bit…keep carbon from build up. We generally run the heater on low keeps us very comfortable.
Having experienced force air propane and diesel wouldn’t go back?
We love it use it all winter mounted inside our flatbed hawk. Only regret is placement for easy access for maintenance haven’t done much other than change flow plugs. Will be moving the heater to easier spot for maintenance this fall. Fuel consumption is minimal, I do a burn off before shutting down turn it up to max for a bit…keep carbon from build up. We generally run the heater on low keeps us very comfortable.
Having experienced force air propane and diesel wouldn’t go back?
Old Crow
Searching....
Hoopy, can I ask how you know when it’s time to change the glow plug? Are you doing that when something’s wrong or after a certain number of hours or ???
Last edited:
xjoehallx
New Member
What are the "mid-range" heaters? I feel like I've only seen the cheap $100 ones and then the $1,000+ ones (Espar, Planar, etc).
Is there something in between?
Is there something in between?
Glenn
Senior Member
Still on my bucket list
xjoehallx
New Member
Are folks using 2kw or 5kw heaters in their pop-ups? Does the 5kw pull more power at startup? Planning on running a 5kw off of a Yeti 1000x.
This video series is very well done.
This video series is very well done.
Bos_Trok
Advanced Member
Currently have one in my Alaskan, had the same one in a tall insulated canopy before that. First time I was in my buddy's Troopy with one, I knew I had to have my own. I haven't found anything that works better. His was a Webasto, mine is a cheapo. buy two if you are worried about reliability.
Those who say they are loud, are confused or parking on top of each other. Loudest thing is the pump, and if you make sure to not solid mount it, it can be quiet as well. They sound about like someone blowing through a straw.
Favorite mod for mine was getting this simple controller. A knob and two buttons, so much easier!
I could have installed the unit under the seat, but was easier to put it in the service box on the other side, not very fun to install things down in a hole. Heat on the left, intake air on the right. Did without the recirculation at first and It worked, just isn't as efficient when it has to heat up the cold air from a non-insulated steel box. Still have room to store my pillows down there as well.
Those who say they are loud, are confused or parking on top of each other. Loudest thing is the pump, and if you make sure to not solid mount it, it can be quiet as well. They sound about like someone blowing through a straw.
Favorite mod for mine was getting this simple controller. A knob and two buttons, so much easier!
I could have installed the unit under the seat, but was easier to put it in the service box on the other side, not very fun to install things down in a hole. Heat on the left, intake air on the right. Did without the recirculation at first and It worked, just isn't as efficient when it has to heat up the cold air from a non-insulated steel box. Still have room to store my pillows down there as well.
Wango
Contributors
Update a year on,
Still really happy with the Planar, still running kerosene only. Have experience with diesel hot water heaters and kerosene helps to keep them cleaner.
Not sure about a loss of btu's.
Like the idea of an exterior mount, but would want to be able to disconnect in warmer times.
Was thinking of retrofitting one of my propane tank enclosures and using this for the heater/tank.
Someone asked me about size of the heater itself, 2k vs 4k. Mine is the 4k, and what i do is once it is up and running(i don't put the hose into the camper until it is blowing hot air) I run it on high for abut 30 minutes, that seems to bring it up to a nice temp, then it goes down to it's lowest setting for the duration of the evening. I do run mine at nite, multiple co detectors. In the morning, i fire it up a little to raise the temp. I just love the quieter/drier heat. Kerosene costs more, and i might consider a blended mix if i was out more then three or four nights at a time.
I fill it up about 3/4 before leaving, i carry a 10 litre wavian can of fuel, mounted on the back bumper of our camper. Seems to be plenty for a weekend.
While traveling, it is wrapped in a contractor trash bag, and sits on the platform where the rear seat was. No noticeable smell in cab, may switch to putting it in a tote and sitting by the back door inside the camper.
It was a bit expensive, but what isn't when it comes to this lifestyle. I won't cut corners/costs on heat though. Buy once/cry once?
Still really happy with the Planar, still running kerosene only. Have experience with diesel hot water heaters and kerosene helps to keep them cleaner.
Not sure about a loss of btu's.
Like the idea of an exterior mount, but would want to be able to disconnect in warmer times.
Was thinking of retrofitting one of my propane tank enclosures and using this for the heater/tank.
Someone asked me about size of the heater itself, 2k vs 4k. Mine is the 4k, and what i do is once it is up and running(i don't put the hose into the camper until it is blowing hot air) I run it on high for abut 30 minutes, that seems to bring it up to a nice temp, then it goes down to it's lowest setting for the duration of the evening. I do run mine at nite, multiple co detectors. In the morning, i fire it up a little to raise the temp. I just love the quieter/drier heat. Kerosene costs more, and i might consider a blended mix if i was out more then three or four nights at a time.
I fill it up about 3/4 before leaving, i carry a 10 litre wavian can of fuel, mounted on the back bumper of our camper. Seems to be plenty for a weekend.
While traveling, it is wrapped in a contractor trash bag, and sits on the platform where the rear seat was. No noticeable smell in cab, may switch to putting it in a tote and sitting by the back door inside the camper.
It was a bit expensive, but what isn't when it comes to this lifestyle. I won't cut corners/costs on heat though. Buy once/cry once?
Old Crow
Searching....
I ran into a small problem with my Planar portable heater today....
I had noticed a few months ago (during the last maintenance run) that the heater failed to fire up on first try. The LED on the control flashed nine times, indicating low voltage. But it started up fine on second try. At the time, my van's house battery was a bit low so I didn't think much of it.
Today, it failed to fire up on three attempts, again showing the nine-flashes code each time. But the house battery showed 12.54 volts. That should be plenty.
I put the voltmeter on the battery terminals for the next attempt. During the initial draw to heat the glow-plug, I saw voltage drop as low as 11.3 volts and the heater once again shut down and flashed the code.
I then tried starting up the van and plugging in the little on-board charger I have for the house battery. That brought battery voltage up to 13.6 volts.
As the glow-plug heated up, this time the voltage drop was slower and bottomed out at 11.9 volts. That was apparently enough and the heater continued its startup sequence. I also saw battery voltage climb back into the 13s and eventually to 14.4.
I shut down the truck to allow the heater to run on the house battery for a half-hour or so.
I then wondered if I might see a problem on shut-down. During shut-down, heater draw once again exceeds 10 amps. Voltage did drop as the heavy draw started but it didn't last long and never dropped below 12.3 volts. The heater shut down normally.
I believe the basic problem here is battery age. It's about three and a half years old and I've noticed it doesn't hold a charge as well as it used to. It appears to be ok if I only check resting voltage but it doesn't hold up to a load.
I'm surprised the heater is failing in the 11-volt range as the manual says minimum voltage is 10 volts. But then again I'm measuring voltage at the battery and there's a 22-foot cable between it and the heater.
I had noticed a few months ago (during the last maintenance run) that the heater failed to fire up on first try. The LED on the control flashed nine times, indicating low voltage. But it started up fine on second try. At the time, my van's house battery was a bit low so I didn't think much of it.
Today, it failed to fire up on three attempts, again showing the nine-flashes code each time. But the house battery showed 12.54 volts. That should be plenty.
I put the voltmeter on the battery terminals for the next attempt. During the initial draw to heat the glow-plug, I saw voltage drop as low as 11.3 volts and the heater once again shut down and flashed the code.
I then tried starting up the van and plugging in the little on-board charger I have for the house battery. That brought battery voltage up to 13.6 volts.
As the glow-plug heated up, this time the voltage drop was slower and bottomed out at 11.9 volts. That was apparently enough and the heater continued its startup sequence. I also saw battery voltage climb back into the 13s and eventually to 14.4.
I shut down the truck to allow the heater to run on the house battery for a half-hour or so.
I then wondered if I might see a problem on shut-down. During shut-down, heater draw once again exceeds 10 amps. Voltage did drop as the heavy draw started but it didn't last long and never dropped below 12.3 volts. The heater shut down normally.
I believe the basic problem here is battery age. It's about three and a half years old and I've noticed it doesn't hold a charge as well as it used to. It appears to be ok if I only check resting voltage but it doesn't hold up to a load.
I'm surprised the heater is failing in the 11-volt range as the manual says minimum voltage is 10 volts. But then again I'm measuring voltage at the battery and there's a 22-foot cable between it and the heater.
Fly Fisherman
Member
Back out in Ouray for 2025 ice season. Heater still working great. 9 degrees last night.
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