Effective Heating Solutions For Your Camper Van Conversion

Heating your camper van is essential, especially in colder climates. Even a well-insulated van will get cold at night outside of the hot summer months. There are several heating options available for camper vans, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

One popular option is a diesel heater, which uses fuel from the van's main tank and a small amount of electricity from the leisure battery. Diesel heaters provide heat quickly, can be controlled via a thermostat, and are generally safe and reliable. However, they can be noisy and expensive, and require regular servicing.

Another option is a fixed gas heater, which uses LPG/propane as fuel. These heaters are efficient, slightly cheaper than diesel heaters, and provide heat quickly. However, they may be noisy, require correct ventilation, and can be challenging to find LPG in some areas.

For a more romantic and cosy option, a wood-burning stove is a great choice. They are cheap to purchase and maintain, and wood can be easily scavenged or purchased. However, they require regular cleaning, produce high amounts of carbon monoxide, and may not be allowed in certain campsites.

Finally, electric fan heaters are an option if connected to shore power. They heat up space quickly and require no installation costs. However, they are not suitable for long-term off-grid use and can deplete your battery quickly.

Other temporary heating solutions include portable propane heaters, electric blankets, and hot water bottles.

When deciding on the best heating option, consider your fuel sources, van size, travel destinations, fuel and installation costs, and whether you need hot water. Additionally, ensure you have proper insulation and ventilation to maximise heat retention and safety.

Insulation

Types of Insulation

There are several types of insulation available, each with pros and cons.

• Sheep's Wool Insulation: Eco-friendly, sustainable, non-toxic, and easy to install. It has sound dampening properties, is breathable, controls moisture, and sequesters carbon. It has a lower R-value per inch than foam board, requiring more thickness to achieve the same insulating effect. It is also more expensive, especially with shipping costs.
• 3M Thinsulate Insulation SM600L: Effective, non-toxic, easy to install, breathable, hydrophobic, and sound-deadening. It can be expensive and harder to stuff into small openings.
• Foamular XPS Rigid Foam Insulation: Effective, cheap, and rigid foam board insulation with high compressive strength. It has a high R-value and is ideal for floors, but can also be used as a budget option for walls and ceilings.
• EZ-Cool Radiant Barrier Closed-Cell Foam Insulation: Features foil wrapped around closed-cell foam, making it a more effective radiant barrier than Reflectix. It can be layered over a van's frame ribs to serve as a thermal break.
• Polyisocyanurate (Polyiso) Foam Board: Rigid foam board insulation with a high R-value that is widely used in green building applications and van builds. It is affordable, fairly easy to work with, and non-toxic. Proper installation is important to prevent accessible air pockets that can trap moisture.
• Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Board: Another type of rigid foam board insulation that is widely used. It has a high R-value and is impermeable to moisture, but it is not environmentally friendly and uses harmful greenhouse gases in its production.
• Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Board: A cheaper option with a lower R-value that works fine but contains a lot of air gaps, making it less durable and more susceptible to vibration and moisture over time.
• Closed-Cell Spray Foam: The highest R-value of any insulation. It forms an impermeable vapour barrier and works as a sound dampener, but it is expensive and installation can be intimidating and messy.
• Fiberglass: The most widely-used insulation in houses due to its low cost and effectiveness. However, it has a low R-value per inch, is toxic, itchy, and can degrade over time. It also soaks up moisture, which can lead to mould if not properly sealed.
• Rock Wool: A semi-rigid batting material made from recycled stone with a higher R-value than fiberglass. It is more durable and easier to work with, but it is more expensive, itchy, and there are emerging health concerns.
• Recycled Denim Batts: Made from recycled cotton blue jeans. It is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, but it is more expensive than fiberglass, very absorbent, and prone to mould.
• Lizard Skin and Other "Insulating" Ceramic Paints: Spray-on coatings that claim to provide an effective heat barrier. However, there is little scientific research to back this up, and it is expensive with doubtful insulating value.

Installation Process

The process of insulating a van typically involves the following steps:

• Sound Deadening: Before installing insulation, it is recommended to add sound deadening materials like Noico's sound deadening mat to the van's bare metal to reduce road noise.
• Floor Insulation: For the floor, it is common to use 1-inch PIR insulation or XPS foam board between the batons of the floor, followed by plywood or another type of flooring.
• Wall Insulation: For the walls, a combination of insulation types is often used. First, a reflective barrier like Reflectix is applied to the metal walls (leaving an air gap if using Reflectix). Then, the walls are packed with insulation like polyester eco wool, sheep's wool, or Thinsulate, ensuring a tight fit with no gaps.
• Ceiling Insulation: For the ceiling, batons are glued and screwed to the sides of the van's metal roof ribs, and then PIR or XPS foam board is glued on top.
• Vapour Barrier: There is debate about whether to use a vapour barrier. Argument 1 says it is necessary to prevent moisture from reaching the metal walls and causing rust. Argument 2 says it is not needed if there is proper ventilation, as moisture will evaporate. If using foam board or spray foam, a vapour barrier is effectively created, but proper installation is crucial to prevent moisture traps. If using breathable insulation like sheep's wool or Thinsulate, a vapour barrier is not needed.

Tips and Considerations

• Windows: Windows are a major source of heat transfer, so it is important to use reflective window coverings or curtains made of insulating thermal fabric.
• Ventilation: A vent fan is essential for moisture control and temperature regulation. It helps remove moisture and creates airflow, keeping the van cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Thermal Bridges: Thermal bridges are areas with greater thermal conductivity, providing an avenue for heat escape. To reduce their effect, insulate inside the van's hollow frame and use thermal breaks (non-conductive materials) in the pathway of thermal bridges.
• Safety: When working with insulation, always wear protective gear, including goggles, gloves, and masks, especially when handling toxic or irritating materials like fiberglass and rock wool.
• Environment: Consider the environmental impact of different insulation materials. Sheep's wool, Thinsulate, and recycled denim are more eco-friendly options.
• Cost: Compare the cost of different insulation options, factoring in shipping costs for less common materials.
• Climate: Consider the climate you will be using your van in. For extreme cold, focus on higher R-value insulation and reducing thermal bridging. For extreme heat, active ventilation and reflective window coverings are key.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not apply Reflectix directly to van walls without an air gap.
• If using moisture-absorbent insulation, ensure you use a vapour barrier.
• Do not crush wool/polyester-based insulation, as this reduces its R-value.

Diesel heaters

• Low fuel consumption
• Low electrical power consumption
• Reduce condensation inside the van
• Exhaust fumes are vented outside
• No separate fuel source is required as they can run off diesel in the running tank

• They are not easy to install without some mechanical knowledge
• They create noise pollution, especially during the startup cycle
• They contribute to air pollution as diesel is a fossil fuel
• They can have a buildup of carbon soot

Things to consider when choosing a diesel heater

• Size of the heater: You need to buy the right-sized heater for your van. A 2kW heater is powerful enough for a small campervan, while a 5kW heater or bigger is suitable for larger vans or colder temperatures.
• Plumbed or non-plumbed: If you plan to spend long periods in your van, it is recommended to plumb in a diesel heater. However, if you only plan to use your van occasionally, a non-plumbed, all-in-one heater is a better option.
• Altitude adjustment: If you plan to travel to high altitudes, consider a premium model with an altitude adjustment feature or purchase a high-altitude kit.
• Warranty and reliability: Premium models tend to have better warranties and are made with higher-quality materials.
• Noise level: Diesel heaters can be quite noisy, so choosing the appropriate size and managing the thermostat can keep things quieter.
• Fuel efficiency: All diesel heaters are remarkably fuel-efficient, usually using around 0.1 to 0.5 litres of fuel per hour.
• Cost: Diesel heaters can be expensive, with prices ranging from £600 to £2000 for an Eberspacher heater.

Installation considerations

• Size of the heater: Ensure the heater is the appropriate size for your van to avoid unnecessary noise, power consumption, and fuel usage.
• Altitude adjustment: Consider whether you need a heater with an altitude adjustment feature if you plan to travel to high altitudes.
• Power supply: Diesel heaters use a 12-volt power supply and draw power from your batteries, so ensure your power supply can handle the surge.
• Noise level: Choose a location for the heater that is away from the sleeping area, and use noise-deadening insulation to minimise the noise.
• Fuel efficiency: Diesel heaters are fuel-efficient, but you should still factor in the fuel costs, especially if you plan to use the heater extensively.
• Safety: Diesel heaters are safe when installed correctly. Ensure you install a carbon monoxide detector and regularly maintain your heater to prevent accidents.

Gas heaters

Types of Gas Heaters

There are two main types of gas heaters to consider for your camper van:

• Propane heaters: These heaters are fuelled by propane, which is easily available worldwide. Propane heaters are known for being energy efficient and relatively inexpensive to run. They are also safe to use, as they have low emissions and are less likely to produce carbon monoxide than other fuel sources.
• LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) heaters: LPG heaters are similar to propane heaters, but they use a mixture of propane and butane. LPG is also widely available and cost-effective. LPG heaters are known for being compact and powerful, making them a popular choice for larger camper van installations.

Benefits of Gas Heaters

• Energy efficiency: Gas heaters are known for being energy efficient, which means they will use less fuel to heat your camper van, saving you money and prolonging the life of your fuel source.
• Compact size: Gas heaters are typically small and can be mounted under the floor or passenger seat of your camper van, saving valuable space in your interior.
• Safe and reliable: Gas heaters are considered safe to use, with low emissions and a low risk of carbon monoxide production. They are also less likely to produce dangerous fumes than other fuel sources, such as diesel heaters.
• Instant heat: Gas heaters provide instant heat, quickly warming up your camper van without the need for a long warm-up period.
• Dry heat: Gas heaters produce dry heat, which is important in a camper van to prevent the build-up of mould and mildew.

Considerations for Gas Heaters

There are also some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a gas heater:

• Fuel availability: While propane and LPG are widely available, it may be more difficult to find replacement fuel sources while travelling in remote areas or outside of your home country. It is important to research the availability of fuel sources in the areas you plan to visit.
• Installation and maintenance costs: Gas heaters can be expensive to install, especially if you choose a complex system or require additional components such as a refillable gas cylinder. Regular maintenance is also necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your gas heater.
• Storage space: While gas heaters themselves are compact, you will need to consider the storage of fuel sources, such as propane tanks or cylinders.
• Safety precautions: As with any fuel-powered heater, it is important to take safety precautions when using a gas heater. This includes proper ventilation, carbon monoxide detectors, and regular maintenance to prevent the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Popular Gas Heater Models

• Propex HS2000 Air Heater: This propane-fuelled heater is compact and easy to install, with a heat output of 6,500 BTU. It is a good choice if you already have a propane system on board for cooking or hot water.
• Espar D2 Diesel Camper Van Heater: This diesel-fuelled heater is a popular choice for both professional and DIY van builds. It offers high heat output (7,500 BTU) and low fuel and power consumption, making it an efficient and effective heating option.
• Webasto Air Top 2000 STC: This diesel-fuelled heater is a premium choice, known for its reliability and performance. It offers instant dry heat and can be connected directly to your onboard fuel tank if your van runs on diesel.

Wood-burning stoves

Installation

You will need to carefully choose the position of your stove, ensuring it is bolted securely to the floor of your van. It's a good idea to position the stove at an angle in a corner, so it can be seen from the bed and doorway, and this also makes efficient use of space. You will need to consider the position of the flue pipes, avoiding cutting through any cross members, and the hole in the roof of the van should be in a suitable place to fit the roof flashing. The stove will also need to be a safe distance from combustible and non-combustible materials.

Air Vent

As vans are very airtight, it is crucial to install an air vent to ensure a good supply of air for the stove to function properly. The air vent should be fitted as close to the stove as possible.

Safety

You will need to fit a fire extinguisher and a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm inside your van. The stove should be bolted to the floor of the van itself, rather than to a raised platform. You will also need to ensure there is a hearth made from a non-combustible material that extends beyond the front of the stove.

Size

Not all vans are suitable for a wood-burning stove. Only a medium-wheelbase van or larger will be big enough to accommodate a wood-burning stove and ensure it can run at its optimum output. A small van may never be able to run the stove properly, leading to a build-up of deposits in the flue and stove.

Fuel

You will need to consider how you will source fuel for your wood-burning stove. Wood can often be sourced cheaply or for free, but you will need to ensure it is dry to prevent smoke and acidic tar from building up in the stove chimney, which could lead to combustion gases leaking back into the interior of the van.

Electric heaters

Power Source

Size and Portability

Consider the size of your campervan and the available space for the heater. If you have a compact campervan, opt for a small and lightweight heater that can be easily moved around. Larger campervans may accommodate bulkier heaters, but keep in mind that you'll also need room to store it when not in use.

Safety Features

Look for heaters with safety features such as tip-over protection, overheat protection, and thermal cut-off switches. These features will give you peace of mind, especially if you plan to use the heater overnight or while sleeping.

Heat Output and Thermostat Control

Consider the heat output of the heater and whether it has a thermostat or temperature control. A higher heat output (measured in watts or BTUs) will warm your campervan faster, but it may not be necessary for a small space. Look for heaters with adjustable thermostats so you can regulate the temperature according to your comfort level.

Timer Function

A timer function can be useful if you want to heat your campervan before you return from an outdoor activity or if you want to conserve power by setting the heater to turn off automatically after a certain period.

Noise Level

Some electric heaters, particularly those with fans, can be noisy. If a quiet environment is important to you, look for heaters that operate quietly or have a "quiet mode" setting.

Bovado Comfort Heater

• Compact and affordable.
• Overheat protection.
• Requires a 100V power source.

Car Cozy 12V Electric Blanket

• Plugs into any 12V outlet.
• Has a safety timer and auto shut-off.
• Ideal for targeted heating but may not be sufficient for heating the entire campervan.

Dreo Space Heater

• Remote control and digital display.
• Built-in digital thermostat with a range of 5°C to 35°C.
• Three fan speeds, removable filter, 12-hour timer, and safety features.

Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Chico Mini Radiator

• 700W output.
• Adjustable dial for temperature control.
• Safety cut function.
• Weighs 5.4kg, so it may be a bit heavy to move around.

Pro Breeze Mini Heater

• Lightweight and compact.
• 500W output.
• Adjustable thermostat, auto-off tip-over switch, and overheat protection.

These electric heaters offer a range of features to suit different needs and preferences. Remember to consider the power source, size, safety, heat output, and additional features when making your decision.

Frequently asked questions