We are an authorized Autoterm Planar Diesel Heater dealer at Taylored Campervan Conversions. They provide rapid relief from the freezing depths of winter and create a tremendous opportunity to spend holidays during those colder months. They usually take a day to install.
They are manufactured in Russia and sold by Autoterm. They’re air heaters that get their electricity from the onboard diesel tank.
The heater will suck air directly into the combustion chamber of the heater, compressing it. The diesel will then be taken directly from the onboard tank and used to ignite the compressed air. This produces heat, which is subsequently sent to the camper via the outlet pipe. The gas produced by this ignition was vented to the outside via an exhaust pipe.
Aside from providing heat on the coldest of days, the Planar heater uses extremely little fuel and electricity, making it a very cost-effective alternative.
Because of its small inside box, it is a convenient way to heat your Campervan.
You can preserve a desired constant temperature in your camper with the Autoterm PU-27 Thermostatic digital programmable controller. They also have a very quiet operating noise, unlike other heaters.
They are fantastic value for money, and with a two-year warranty and the knowledge that they were built to survive harsh temperatures and have been used by the Ministry of Defence and the NHS in Scotland, you can be sure you’re receiving an excellent product. The Eberspacher heater is a key rival in this market, however it costs almost 700 more. It’s a really cost-effective option! It also features a safety function that shuts it off immediately if the temperature rises over the design temperature.
After the changes are completed, we can add these heaters; just let us know what you already have in your van!
Interested in having one installed by a professional? The starting price for a Planar Heater includes VAT and is 800. In most circumstances, they can be installed in one day.
More information on Taylored Campervan Conversions can be found on our website:
Is it safe to use Chinese diesel heaters?
With the majority of the country experiencing a colder-than-average winter, many RV owners may be considering installing heating in their caravan, camper, or motorhome. A diesel-fueled ducted heating system is the obvious solution if free camping is on the agenda. But which one will you pick? Is it better to buy a high-priced name brand or a low-cost Chinese knockoff? In this post, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of both, as well as consult with owners and service technicians about their experiences, so you can make an informed decision.
There are trusted brand names in diesel heaters, such as Erberspacher and Webasto, as well as a seemingly limitless number of vendors of cheap knockoffs available online, most of which are imported from China. There is a significant price difference between the two options. The Erberspacher D2, which has a rated heat output of 2200 watts, costs roughly $1900, while a 5000-watt heater from China can be had for as little as $270 online. It’s a significant price difference, which explains why Chinese units are so popular.
Chinese heaters, on the other hand, have a poor reputation for dependability, parts availability, and, most critically, safety. CJE Caravan Repairs’ Chris Emmerson has seen a lot of shoddy items pass through his store, but he’s increasingly being requested to address problems with inexpensive ducted diesel heaters.
“Caravan and motorhome customers are enticed to buy these units because of the significant price gap between them and name brand equivalents,” Chris explained. The issue is that low-cost heaters are frequently worse in many respects.”
What is the purpose of a Webasto heater?
Coolant Heaters from Webasto circulate the machine’s coolant through a heat exchanger before pumping it back into the engine and HVAC system. As a result, the engine and interior are pre-heated. The heater can be utilized with additional accessories to warm the fuel, hydraulic fluid, and batteries in harsh temperatures.
In a campervan, how does a diesel heater work?
Diesel heaters are powered by the vehicle’s main diesel tank as well as a recreational battery or an electric source.
They’re common in larger cars since they can have both hot air and hot water systems.
If you’re camping all year and want to take a hot shower, this is a great option!
A typical diesel heater uses 0.1 litres of diesel per hour as a rough estimate. It’s worth noting that the heater only consumes fuel when combustion is taking place.
The thermostatic controls and the fan both require 12 volts of power.
The consumption varies depending on the heating power required and the type of heater; as a general rule, it ranges from 10 to 50 watts.
The lowest wattage your electrical input must be in order for the heating to work is specified in the user handbook.
Most diesel (and gas) heaters warm the air with a heat exchanger before blowing it around the vehicle with a 12v fan. Without entering the car, the air required for combustion and exhaust is routed directly from the outside into the sealed combustion chamber and then back out. It is critical, as usual, to ensure that all safety criteria are met when installing. (See this blog’s safety section!)
Cons of diesel heating in campervans
- They (usually) consume more electricity than a gas heater. If you have solar panels, this can be offset.
- Webasto heaters range in price from 800 to 2000, depending on the KW output.
- Alternative models, such as this one, are becoming more popular, but if you’re fitting yourself, be wary of the dangers of buying from abroad.
- You could find that you need to translate a lot of Chinese instructions…
Simon, the previous owner of Quirky Camper, solved many of these concerns by putting a different type of diesel stove in his Mercedes Vito campervan conversion. It’s called a Refleks 66MK, and it resembles a wood stove but functions more like an AGA, with a convenient stealth mode!
What’s the difference between a 5KW diesel heater and an 8KW diesel heater?
According to our 20 years of expertise, if a diesel heater’s output is to be 8KW, the heater must be 1.5 times the size of a 5KW heater.
Is Webasto a reputable brand of diesel heater?
Webasto is a German company that makes high-quality heating, air conditioning, and sun roof systems for a wide range of uses. Their air and water heaters are recognized as among the best in the world in terms of quietness, fuel efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Webasto heaters are noted for their durability and ease of maintenance, with spare parts readily available when needed.
Are diesel heaters safe in caravans?
Diesel heaters are becoming increasingly popular as a heat source in caravans, and they are thought to be extremely safe. The combustion unit is completely isolated from the rest of the van, and all exhaust gases are directed to the outside.
Are Chinese diesel heaters any good?
Given the significant price gap between some of the most well-known and renowned diesel heater brands and the low-cost Chinese diesel heaters ($249 vs. $1,500+), it’s worth looking into whether any of the lower-cost brands are appropriate alternatives.
Marty over at RV DAILY has an in-depth and well-researched piece on the drawbacks of inexpensive diesel heaters imported from China that I believe has answered this subject very well.