Diesel Heaters
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Vehicle Diesel Heaters for Camper Vans – A Practical Guide
Diesel air heaters are a popular heating solution for camper vans, motorhomes and off-grid vehicles. They burn a small amount of diesel in a sealed combustion chamber and use a fan to distribute warm air through the cabin. This provides fast, reliable heat with low electrical consumption and no need for gas bottles.
Manufacturers
A number of established manufacturers produce high-quality diesel heaters for recreational and commercial vehicles:
- Eberspächer / Espar (Airtronic series) – A long-running German manufacturer widely used in OEM and aftermarket installations.
- Webasto (Air Top series) – Another major OEM supplier known for robust auxiliary heaters used in RVs, trucks and boats.
- Autoterm (formerly Planar) – A respected mid-range brand offering 2 kW and 4 kW heaters with widely available spare parts.
- Planar, Timberline and other regional distributors – Often supply branded versions of Autoterm or OEM systems.
- Unbranded/Chinese Diesel Heaters – Budget-friendly options commonly sold online. Performance can be acceptable, but documentation, QC and support may be inconsistent.
How Diesel Heaters Work
A typical diesel air heater includes:
- A metering fuel pump drawing diesel from the main tank.
- A combustion chamber with a glow plug for ignition.
- A heat exchanger and fan that blow warm air into the cabin.
- An external exhaust outlet and fresh-air intake.
Because the combustion process is sealed, no fumes enter the living area. Correct installation of the exhaust and intake system is essential to ensure safe operation.
Installation Considerations
Installing a diesel heater requires mechanical, fuel-line and electrical work. Key points include:
- Location – The unit must be mounted on a flat, stable surface with enough space for ducting and maintenance access.
- Fuel Line – A dedicated feed from the diesel tank or auxiliary pickup point must be installed with proper filtration and secure clamps.
- Exhaust & Intake Routing – Exhaust gases must be routed outside with correct clearances. The combustion air intake must not draw from inside the cabin.
- Wiring – Units typically run on 12V and require appropriate fuses, switches and controllers.
- DIY vs Professional – Experienced DIY owners often install their own heaters, but many choose professional fitting for safety, insurance and regulatory reasons.
Maintenance
To keep a diesel heater operating safely and efficiently:
- Perform an annual inspection or pre-winter service.
- Check the exhaust for soot buildup or leaks.
- Keep diesel clean by ensuring filters are changed when required.
- Inspect electrical connectors for corrosion.
- Carry spare glow plugs, fuses and a fuel filter for field repairs.
- Heaters that are run frequently tend to stay cleaner internally, whereas rarely-used units may carbon up and require more frequent servicing.