
There are several ways to heat a camper, including gas, diesel, electricity, solar energy, or even energy recovery. The most popular heaters are gas heaters, which use electricity to power a burner that heats the air, which is then distributed inside the vehicle by a fan. Diesel heaters work in a similar way but draw fuel directly from the camper's fuel tank. Other heating methods include wood-burning stoves, LPG gas heaters, and hydronic heating systems. The best heating method depends on various factors, such as the size of the camper, travel destinations, and budget.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Types of heaters | Gas, diesel, electricity, solar energy, energy recovery |
Most common heater | Gas heater |
Gas heater fuel source | Liquid gas bottles |
Diesel heater fuel source | Diesel tank |
Electricity heater power source | Shore power |
Heater maintenance | Descale twice a year with white vinegar |
Gas heaters
When installing a gas heater, it is important to ensure proper handling and certified equipment to prevent deflagrations or explosions. Gas heaters should be certified, professionally installed, correctly operated, and regularly inspected to ensure safety. Additionally, gas cylinders should be stored vertically in a separate cylinder cabinet, and the use of a gas and carbon monoxide alarm is recommended for added safety.
Overall, gas heaters offer a reliable, quiet, and low-maintenance option for heating camper vans, but they require careful handling and consideration of storage and refilling options.
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Diesel heaters
A diesel heater works by burning diesel fuel to heat a heat exchanger. This combustion process draws in fresh air and expels combustion gases through an exhaust. The heat exchanger, which has a large surface area, heats up as the diesel fuel is burned. A fan then draws in air, which is heated as it passes through the heat exchanger. The hot air is then blown into the living space of the campervan, providing warmth.
Campervan diesel heaters can be connected to the vehicle's fuel tank or a separate, auxiliary fuel tank, allowing the heater to be used even when the engine is turned off. Most diesel heaters also come equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off in the event of overheating or fuel supply issues. Some models include a thermostat or remote control for convenient temperature adjustments.
When choosing a diesel heater, consider the size of your campervan and the climate conditions you typically camp in. Smaller campervans or milder climates may only require a 2kW heater, while larger vehicles or colder environments might need a more powerful 5kW or 8kW heater.
It's important to note that diesel heaters may have higher upfront costs than LPG or electric heaters, and they can be louder than LPG heaters. Additionally, they may not function as well at high altitudes due to reduced oxygen levels impacting the combustion process.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Chinese diesel heaters are available at a lower cost. However, they may have lower build quality and may not meet safety standards in certain regions.
Overall, campervan diesel heaters offer a reliable and efficient way to stay warm during your camping adventures.
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Electric heaters
For emergency solutions or additional heating, there are mobile electric heaters that can be operated via the battery, as 12V is sufficient. However, these heaters are not suitable for continuous heating during winter due to the load they place on the battery.
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Wood-burning stoves
Installation:
- Choose the right stove for your camper's size. The stove should be small enough to fit in your camper but large enough to heat the space adequately.
- Bolt the stove securely to the floor of your camper. Most stoves have pre-drilled holes for this purpose.
- Install the stove at an angle in a corner so it can be seen from the bed and doorway.
- Ensure safe distances to combustible and non-combustible materials around the stove and flue pipes.
- Cut a hole in the roof for the flue pipes to exit. Use double-walled insulated pipes to maintain draw and reduce deposits.
- Install an air vent near the stove, as vans are airtight spaces and the stove needs a good supply of air to function properly.
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher—these are required for all RVs.
Usage:
- Use seasoned wood with a moisture content of 20% or below. Oak, birch, ash, and hazel are good choices as they burn slowly, split easily, and produce fewer sparks.
- Build a fire with long-lasting warmth. Start with a bed of ash, then create a hash shape with small split logs and firelighters, topped with kindling. Once lit, add a larger log. Adjust the air vents to control the fire size and oxygen supply.
- If your wood stove is your only heat source, you may need to do extra preparation to prevent your plumbing and freshwater system from freezing.
- Be mindful of local ordinances and regulations regarding wood stove usage.
- Remember that you can't move your camper while the stove is burning, and the chimney pipe needs to be plugged before traveling.
Popular Wood Stove Options:
- Grizzly Cubic Mini: Lightweight and easy to install. Can be used for cooking by removing the rail around the top. However, due to its size, it's best used as a supplementary heat source.
- Salamander Hobbit: Manufactured in England, making it a good option for European travellers. Can be fitted with a boiler for heating water. Can burn various types of "eco logs".
- Hi-Flame Shetland: A larger wood stove option for those seeking a centrepiece for their space.
- Pleasant Hearth: A larger, more expensive model easily ordered from Home Depot.
- Summer's Heat: Another larger, stationary camper option.
- The Kimberly by Unforgettable Fire: Like the Cadillac of small wood stoves. Keeps burning all night, reducing fuel usage and environmental impact. EPA/CSA Certified and UL-tested. However, it is costly.
- Dwarf by Tiny Wood Stove: Cute and popular, with extensive support from the small company that manufactures it. Offers various sizes to fit your space. Can be vented from the back, providing a larger cooktop space.
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LPG gas heaters
LPG heaters are typically sealed units fed by a gas bottle and are safe to use, as long as they are installed by certified professionals. They use a closed system, so there is no naked flame, open combustion, or associated risks. The combustion chamber, where the LPG is burned, is separate from the compartment where the hot air is sourced, so no fumes enter the vehicle. The air intake for the combustion chamber comes from outside the van, and the exhaust is released outside the vehicle.
LPG heaters can be installed wherever there is space, with ducting to feed air vents. They are usually small and can fit into tight spaces. The heater unit often looks like a rectangular steel box with nozzles for ducting and exhaust. Inside the unit is a heater system that uses LPG to fuel a flame, which heats the air within a closed loop that includes a heat exchanger. This heat exchanger then warms the surrounding air, providing heat to the van. Some LPG heaters also include a small fan to help distribute the warm air, while others rely on convection to spread the warmth.
LPG heaters offer several benefits for campervan owners. They are efficient and relatively cheap to run, can be safely mounted anywhere (even externally), and provide fast heating for your vehicle. They are also low maintenance compared to other heat sources, such as log burners. However, there are some upfront costs for the heater unit and installation, and some LPG heaters may be quieter than others.
When planning to install an LPG heating system, it's important to consider the size of your campervan to match its interior volume with the heater's capacity. You can choose between LPG heaters, LPG water heaters, or combination units, depending on whether you want hot water in addition to warming the van. The installation process will also depend on where your LPG bottles are installed. Underslung LPG bottles make it simple to feed the pipes to the heater, while single-use bottles need to be easily accessible for replacement. Refillable bottles are less of an issue as long as you have the appropriate adapters if travelling in Europe.
Overall, LPG gas heaters are an excellent option for keeping your campervan warm and comfortable, especially during cold weather travels. They provide safe, efficient, and convenient heating, making them a popular choice for many campervan owners.
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Frequently asked questions
The two most common types of camper heaters are gas heaters and diesel heaters. Gas heaters are currently the most popular, but there are also other options such as wood-burning stoves, LPG gas heaters, and electric heaters.
Gas heaters use a burner, powered by electricity, to heat the air, which is then distributed inside the vehicle by a fan. The gas is typically stored in liquid gas bottles that are kept in the motorhome.
Diesel heaters also use a burner to heat the air, but instead of gas, they use diesel fuel from the vehicle's fuel tank. Like gas heaters, diesel heaters distribute the heated air using a fan.
Gas heaters are reliable, quiet, and require little maintenance. However, they can take up storage space and need to be refilled when empty, which can be challenging abroad due to different gas bottle standards. Diesel heaters save storage space and are suitable for longer trips as diesel is readily available at petrol stations. However, they may have higher electricity consumption and can be more expensive than gas heaters.