Choosing the right diesel heater for your caravan or RV is essential for ensuring comfort during your travels. With so many brands and options available, ranging from $200 to $2500, it’s crucial to get it right. There are several important factors to consider, including heater size, brand, fuel source, installation location, and whether to install it yourself or have it professionally installed.
Choosing the Right Caravan Diesel Heater Size
Selecting the correct caravan diesel heater size is just as important as picking the right brand. An oversized diesel heater may never run at full capacity, causing carbon build-up and shortening service intervals. On the other hand, an undersized heater will struggle to keep you warm, operating on high and being noisier.
At Dieselheat, we recommend:
- 2.2kW heaters: Ideal for caravans up to 24 feet, flat floor campers, pop tops, and canvas-covered setups. These compact heaters use 60mm ducting and provide sufficient heat for most caravans.
- 4kW heaters: Best for larger RVs, 5th wheelers, and buses. These use 90mm ducting and are suitable for bigger vans or colder environments.
For canvas-heavy setups or areas with extremely cold conditions like alpine regions or desert winters, consider a larger heater. For most Australian regions with temperatures above freezing, a 2.2kW caravan diesel heater is usually sufficient.
Choosing a Diesel Heater Brand
There are three main tiers in the diesel heater market:
- Top-Tier: Eberspacher
Known as the ‘Mercedes-Benz’ of diesel heaters, the Eberspacher D2L AS3 is a German-made, high-quality option. It features an advanced burner design, longer service intervals, brushless fan motor, silent fuel pump, automatic altitude compensation, and advanced digital controls. We offer STANDARD and PREMIUM kits for this model.
- Mid-Tier: Belief
Belief heaters, made in China, are a reliable mid-tier option backed by our two-year warranty. These heaters are often compared to a ‘Ford’ in terms of quality and performance. With a brushless fan, digital controller, quieter pump, and comprehensive safety features, they offer excellent value at around half the cost of an Eberspacher.
3. Bottom-Tier: ‘Ebay Heaters’
Heaters from unbranded Chinese factories fall into this tier. These models often lack safety features, post-sales support, and genuine warranties, and are made with inferior materials. We recommend avoiding these heaters due to their reliability issues.
Post sales support matters
When choosing a caravan diesel heater, it’s important to select a brand that comes with expert support and service. Even the best heater can experience issues like mud wasps blocking the exhaust or poor fuel quality. At Dieselheat, we specialise in diesel heaters and provide full support, parts, and expert advice for every heater we sell.
Fuel Tanks for Caravan Diesel Heaters
For camper trailers, RVs and caravans without a built-in diesel fuel source, an ancillary tank is essential. We offer various options, including:
- Wafer tanks: Fit on the outside of the caravan.
- Easy Fit tanks: Designed inside installation in tunnel boots or front boots , easily removed for refilling.
- Jerry cans: Available in 10L and 20L sizes for convenient fuel storage.
Need help choosing a tank? Read here for more advice on diesel heater fuel tank selection.
For diesel motorhomes and buses, tapping into the main tank is often the best solution. Many newer models come with auxiliary fuel tank connections. For older vehicles, accessing the tank may require more effort. See our guide on Motorhome and Van Fuel Pickup Installation for further details.
Installation Location for Your Diesel Heater
Caravan diesel heaters should be installed in an out-of-the-way location, such as under a bed or seat. Ensure there is clear space underneath the heater, as the mounting plate must extend through the floor.
- Ducting considerations: In most cases diesel heaters don’t require return air ducting, but you’ll need space on the outlet side for ducting. Position the heater’s air outlet to blow hot air down the length of the interior for maximum efficiency.
- Controller placement: Install the controller within reach of your bed so you can easily turn the heater on when it’s cold in the morning!
DIY Installation vs. Professional Installation
All Dieselheat kits come with detailed printed installation instructions, specifically designed for customers who have never installed a diesel heater before. Installation typically takes 1-2 days and requires work both inside and under your van.
For those who prefer not to install the heater themselves, we offer a network of professional installers who can supply and install your RV diesel heater.
Still unsure? We’re passionate about providing the best diesel solutions and would love to chat about which system would work best for you! Contact us for a chat about your diesel heater project or see here for our full range of diesel heaters.
