Going Gasless in your Caravan or RV

Go Gasless: Why Diesel and Electricity Might Be Better Fuel Options for Your Caravan, RV, or Boat

Selecting the right fuel system for your caravan, RV, or boat can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll explain why combining diesel with electricity might be a smarter option than gas, and why going gasless could make your off-grid adventures simpler and more efficient.

Here’s why diesel and solar/battery are a good combination

1. Diesel is more cost-effective than gas
   Diesel tends to be cheaper to run than gas, offering better fuel efficiency for long-term travel.
2. One fuel for all appliances
   With a diesel-electric system, you only need diesel to power your appliances, heating, and hot water. This eliminates the need for multiple fuel sources.
3. Quick hot water heating
   Diesel systems heat water rapidly, ensuring shorter wait times between showers.
4. Better heating performance in cold weather
   Diesel heaters outperform reverse-cycle air conditioning systems when temperatures drop, making them ideal for winter travel.
5. Space-saving designs
   Diesel systems provide both hot water and air heating in one compact unit, saving valuable space in your caravan, RV, or boat.
6. Quiet, reliable, and efficient
   Modern diesel systems are compact, efficient, quiet, and reliable. All exhaust is vented outside, keeping your living space comfortable.
7. Solar/battery for appliances, diesel for heavy lifting
   While solar and battery systems are great for powering appliances, they will struggle with high-energy tasks like heating water or air.

The downsides of using gas in your caravan or RV

1. Gas stoves add moisture and carbon monoxide
   Gas stoves introduce moisture and CO into your living space, which can lead to condensation and air quality issues.
2. Gas systems have more compliance issues
   Installing and maintaining gas systems can be more complicated and subject to stricter regulations.
3. Safety concerns, especially in boats
   Gas can be dangerous, particularly in confined spaces like boats.
4. Heavy, hard-to-handle gas bottles
   Gas bottles are cumbersome and not always easy to get or top up in remote locations.

Why not go fully electric?

Going all-electric sounds appealing, but it’s not always practical for off-grid travel. Here’s why:

1. Inefficient in cold, dark conditions
   During cold weather and short winter days, solar systems often can’t generate enough electricity to run heating systems or heat water efficiently.
2. Slow hot water reheating
   Electric water heaters take significantly longer to heat water compared to diesel—up to five times longer for 240v systems and 15 times longer for 12v systems.

Let’s compare gas/electric, all electric and diesel electric power solutions for your caravan or RV:

Diesel/Electric Wins

Use solar and battery power for lights and low-energy appliances, but rely on diesel for heating, hot water, and long cooking sessions.

Going gasless: equipment for your caravan, RV or boat

Hot water and air heating

Check out our DH Hydronic all-diesel systems for compact and efficient hot water and air heating. For a solar-diesel combo, explore the E-Solar hot water systems that use solar energy with diesel backup.

Diesel cooking solutions

If you’re an avid cook, consider the new Wallas 1200D diesel cooker. It’s fast, compact, and ideal for long cooking sessions without draining your battery.

Going gasless, but still need an oven?

The new Wallas 76D Diesel Oven is a fan-forced Diesel Oven, offering efficient cooking while saving space.

Still unsure? We’re passionate about providing the best fuel solutions for caravans and RVs and would love to chat about which system would work best for you! Give us a call on 0418 130 971 or email sales@dieselheat.com.au for more info