Residential vans (RVs) provide users with excellent options for exploring new destinations and creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. However, sharp temperature drops and unexpected weather conditions could sour the camping experience – without a heater. Here’s why getting the appropriate diesel heater for RV usage deserves priority on your shopping list.
In this review, we explore the 5 best van diesel heaters, highlighting the features of each diesel camper heater across various categories. It also includes expert maintenance tips for all diesel heaters for campers exploring their outdoors during the colder months, plus a handy FAQ section to clear users’ common queries on the equipment.
Talking about the best camper van diesel heaters in the market, we’ll always recommend the VEVOR diesel heater as a top pick. Stay on the page for an in-depth review of the best camper van diesel heaters today.
Table of contents
- What Is a Diesel Heater for an RV? Why Should You Choose One?
- Top Features to Look for in the Best Diesel Heater for RV
- Top 5 Best Diesel Heaters for RVs, Vans, and Campers
- Webasto Air Top EVO 40 – Best Diesel Heater for Large RVs
- Diesel Heater Maintenance: Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Heater
- FAQs about Diesel Heaters for RV
What Is a Diesel Heater for an RV? Why Should You Choose One?
A diesel heater is a portable heating unit that runs on diesel fuel, a common fuel for RVs, cans, campers, and boat engines. Hooking up the heater to the vehicle’s fuel tank is seamless which makes installing the overall heating unit much more convenient. Here are the top reasons you should choose a diesel heater over other heater types.
Diesel Heater vs Other Heater Types: Pros and Cons
Here, we explore the leading advantages of using camper heaters with diesel engines over propane or electric heaters. You’ll also find the pros and cons of diesel heaters for RVs to help you make informed decisions on your equipment or purchase.
Pros
- Diesel heaters are more energy efficient, compared to other options like propane and electric heaters.
- Diesel heaters are cost-effective in areas where diesel costs are favorable over propane while retaining their overall better energy efficiency.
- Diesel heaters are also safer than other heater options like gas heaters for vans and other camping needs.
Cons
- Installing a diesel heater requires the services of an expert and could cost a little
- Diesel heaters are a little more complex to run than other heater types
- Diesel heaters have a higher initial cost
Why Diesel Heaters Are Ideal for RVs, Campers, and Vans
High-quality diesel heaters for campers can make one of the best winter investments you can make for your RV. Diesel heaters function by harnessing the energy produced from the combustion of diesel fuel, drawing in cold air and efficiently heating it in a specific combustion chamber. Ultimately, all diesel heaters for vans distribute warm air throughout the surrounding space, making them ideal for RVs, campers, and vans.
Top Features to Look for in the Best Diesel Heater for RV
Are you considering purchasing a top diesel heater for RVs anytime soon? Here are the top features to look out for to give your home a pleasant and all-round experience.
Heating Power and Efficiency
Your heater’s BTU percentage is a top indicator of its efficiency. For instance, the average diesel heater contains 34% more BTU than LPG. That gives it a higher heating efficiency. You also want to look for the prospective heater’s heating range and power consumption ratings.
These metrics can go a long way in helping you make the best heater choice for your household aboard the camping trip. A diesel heater with a relatively poor heating range of efficiency could dampen the fun of your winter camping adventures. You want to purchase a diesel heater with significant ratings based on heating power and efficiency for optimal results and suitability.
Ease of Installation and Use
You want to purchase a diesel heater for camper vans that promises a seamless experience installing and using it. Consider user reviews of the best diesel heater for RV options on your shopping list for a guided decision. Also, check product review sections from the product’s page for some manufacturer’s guide on how to install or use the specific heater in question. That way, you can be sure of what to expect before making any purchase.
Durability and Build Quality
If you’re purchasing a diesel heater for RV usage, look out for one that can last you several years with little maintenance needs. Diesel heaters tend to outlive other heaters like propane heaters, thanks to the ruggedness of the material used. Are you wondering about where to start? Count on VEVOR diesel heaters and similar top-rated heaters to last you longer years of use across varying weather conditions.
Noise Levels and Comfort
Diesel heaters can make excellent, durable, and efficient heating sources for your RVs and vans. However, they can be noisy when functioning. You want to avoid purchasing diesel heaters with elevated noise levels which could be a source of concern for users, compared to propane heaters. This is especially true if you intend to sleep in the RV.
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Top 5 Best Diesel Heaters for RVs, Vans, and Campers
Next, we walk you through our top 5 picks for the best diesel heaters for RVs, vans, and campers. You’ll find specifics on each product from features to design and usability to guide your next buying decisions.
VEVOR Diesel Heater 8KW – Best Budget Diesel Heater for RVs
Do you need the best budget diesel heater for RVs? Look no further than the VEVOR diesel heater 8 KW for campers, vans, and RVs. Thanks to VEVOR’s mission of providing tough tools for “half the price,” the brand’s 8 kW diesel heater for RVs is one of the most affordable.
Beyond its affordability, the VEVOR diesel heater 8 KWs boasts features like LCD control and quick heating capabilities which are handy for swift intervention when the temperatures drop. What’s more? It is perfect for medium-sized RVs with easy installation and user-friendly controls to give all categories of users a seamless experience.
Webasto Air Top 2000 STC – Best Compact Diesel Heater
Webasto Air Top 2000 STC boasts a compact design that stands out in the competition. Besides, the compact diesel heater for campers produces a heating output of up to 7,000 BTUs alongside an automatic altitude adjustment for usage at high elevations.
Moreover, the diesel heater has a very high heat output for such a compact package, up-ticking it for use in smaller areas or larger rooms with expensive legroom. Thanks to a brand name that consistently provides top-notch products across various categories, you can rely on the Webasto Air Top 2000 if its general features match your tastes and preferences.
Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 – Best Diesel Heater for High Altitudes
Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 is unarguably one of the best diesel heaters for high altitudes. Users can enjoy its offerings at up to 9,842 feet and count on their equipment for quiet and suitable operation in extreme environments. The diesel heater also provides optimized fuel efficiency and a range of operation modes that compare with the industry’s best. The heater also includes excellent safety features to protect all campers from accidents during adventures.
Planar 2D-12 Diesel Heater – Best Mid-Range Option
If you value features like self-diagnostics in a quiet-performing diesel heater, this mid-range Planar 2D-12 diesel heater might be your best bet. Excellent for use in medium RVs and vans, the Planar 2D-12 diesel heater puts up an efficient performance that churns out warm and dry air instantly. Like the VEVOR diesel heater 8 KW, it’s easy to install, earning it a top spot among the best camper van heaters.
Webasto Air Top EVO 40 – Best Diesel Heater for Large RVs
With a high heating output of up to 13,650 BTUs and advanced features like a whisper-quiet fuel pump, the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 is ideal for large RVs. Its powerful heat output provides up to 5.5 kW heat output for constant heat with highly efficient energy production. To top it all, this diesel heater produces low noise, with all features in place to complete a seamless professional installation.
Diesel Heater Maintenance: Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Heater
Even the best diesel heater for campers requires top-notch maintenance to serve you longer years of useful existence. Check out these must-know diesel heater maintenance tips for all categories of diesel heaters.
Regular Cleaning and Servicing
Ensure to clean or replace the glow pin and remove any carbon deposits from the combustion chamber, replacing it if necessary. You also want to replace any worn-out fuel filters, ensuring that the fuel and exhaust lines are in good condition. Generally, periodic maintenance is vital for continuous diesel heater efficiency.
Preventing Carbon Build-Up
Remove the glow pin and inspect for carbon buildup. You also want to ensure the vent hole isn’t clogged to manage all deposits for optimal heater performance. Inspect the ducting, ensuring that the air intake screen and air outlet are rid of any restriction or blockage. Also, use fuel suitable for the climate and avoid blending used engine oil with diesel fuel to get the best of your equipment.
Storing Your Diesel Heater During the Off-Season
Before storing for the long haul, perform a final check on your heaters, ensuring there are no issues that could compound over the hotter months. You want to be sure the heater starts up without any hitches and produces that warm dry air you enjoy during your winter camps.
Storage tips to prevent damage during extended periods of non-use.
Once you’re ready to store, run the unit until the diesel tank is nearly empty, possibly adding a fuel stabilizer. The stabilizer prevents the diesel from breaking down during storage to provide optimal quality during subsequent usage.
FAQs about Diesel Heaters for RV
In this section, we answer some of the most common questions on choosing or using the best diesel heater for vans. Whether or not you’ve used a diesel heater for vans over a camping exercise, this section could clear your final doubts about the product.
Are diesel heaters safe for use in an RV?
Yes. Diesel heaters are generally safe to use in a caravan. Manufacturers design them to be efficient and produce clean heat without emitting harmful gases or fumes into the van. However, you want to install your heater properly and service it regularly to maintain the integrity of its safety features.
How much diesel does a heater use in a day?
Generally, a diesel heater will consume about 0.15 to 0.5 liters of fuel per hour. That shows how long your heater will last throughout its working “day.” However, specific figures for the fuel consumption rates differ based on different models and usage patterns. You might want to look up your heater’s model and intended usage pattern for more particular fuel consumption rates.
Can a diesel heater run continuously overnight?
Theoretically, yes – a diesel heater can run 24/7. That’s because diesel heaters don’t easily overheat due to their high compression ratio and lower operating temperature than gasoline engines.
Conclusion: Invest in the Best Diesel Heater for Your RV
Diesel heaters for RVs are budget-friendly and fuel-efficient, making them a top choice for savvy campers. The best diesel heaters are also more durable with low or moderate noise levels which makes them ideal for all user categories. However, you want to work with a heater tied to a reliable brand for guaranteed optimal performance. The VEVOR diesel heater meets these requirements.
We also recommend abiding by all relevant storage instructions and other precautions from the manufacturer to ensure your diesel heater for vans lasts you over the long haul. Stay warm and cozy during your adventures as you choose the best diesel heater for your RV today!
