Cheap Ebay diesel heaters

[Homestar]

So, while we are having this supposed 'heat wave' I've been thinking about keeping warm in the Viscount during Winter which is when we use the van a fair bit. Top name diesel heaters go for around $2K but there are cheap Chinese units on Ebay for as low as $270 odd.

Given it would get used maybe 10 times a year, is it worth taking a chance on one? Anyone bought one of these cheapies and has any feedback good or bad?

Thanks in advance.

[101RRS]

Thinking the same - would work well in the back of the 101 when sleeping there or as a heater for my Haflinger as long as it doesn't use too much electrical power

12v or 24v versions 12V 5000W Air Diesel Heater 5KW PLANAR Set for Trucks Motor-homes Boats Bus Van | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5000W-Air-Diesel-Heater-5KW-PLANAR-Set-for-Trucks-Motor-homes-Boats-Bus-Van/263411051757'ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649)

Garry

[austastar]

Hi,
They draw about 8A on glow plug start I think. Running Amperage depends on fan speed and pump pulses.
The combustion air/exhaust are open to atmosphere, the cabin air is drawn in, heated and returned to the cabin.
The thermostat is internal, set to what is dialed in on a remote control. It runs at max setting when the intake air is much cooler than the control setting, slowing down as the intake air gets closer to the heat setting.
It will stop and restart to maintain temperature once all is warm.
Thus when installing, try to avoid the hot air going straight back in the intake or it won't heat the whole cabin.
Mount the pump with something to stop it's clicking resonating through the rest of the frame work .
The supplied fuel tank was awkward for my setting, needing to be mounted externally.
Cheers

[Homestar]

Is that 8 amps while it's running all the time or just on startup? That seems quite a lot. The fan would draw a couple but wouldn't have thought the ignition would be that bad?

[PeterJ]

Yeah well, I have not seen one first hand but the phrase "you get what you pay for" springs to mind a bit, and while the brand names might be a bit pricey the law of common sense says you can not make and sell something for 10% of what others are doing without cutting corners, you can not pay a little and get a lot. The question is, are you comfortable with the thought of an uncontrolled diesel fueled fire in your van? or carbon monoxide coming into the van from the combustion side of the heater which has been poorly sealed.

If you bought one I would be looking at it very very closely.........Just my 2.2 cents

Peter

[austastar]

Hi,
The 8A glow plug current on start/restart is what I've been told, not measured.
The actual exhaust output is surprisingly modest, it can be seen sometimes in the right light/temperature/humidity conditions.
The exhaust is contained in a flexible steel tube. The first half meter or so can get hot enough to melt plastic so needs to be isolated in air to cool.
The furnace itself needs about 100mm clearance onthe sides, and a bit more on top for access to the glow plug.

We have camped in temperatures below -10 and been quite cozy. I don't run it all night, if either of us wake up cold, it only needs an arm out of the sleeping bag to click it on for 15 minutes to warm things up.

Our outlet is positioned where it can warm clothes on the floor and it makes a very efficient hairdryer for Mrs.
Just watch that loose hair can't get in the intake. It winds round the turbine. (don't ask).
Cheers

[Milton477]

Hi,
The 8A glow plug current on start/restart is what I've been told, not measured.
The actual exhaust output is surprisingly modest, it can be seen sometimes in the right light/temperature/humidity conditions.
The exhaust is contained in a flexible steel tube. The first half meter or so can get hot enough to melt plastic so needs to be isolated in air to cool.
The furnace itself needs about 100mm clearance onthe sides, and a bit more on top for access to the glow plug.

We have camped in temperatures below -10 and been quite cozy. I don't run it all night, if either of us wake up cold, it only needs an arm out of the sleeping bag to click it on for 15 minutes to warm things up.

Our outlet is positioned where it can warm clothes on the floor and it makes a very efficient hairdryer for Mrs.
Just watch that loose hair can't get in the intake. It winds round the turbine. (don't ask).
Cheers

Is that for the cheapie version as per the original OP or a more expensive brand name?

[austastar]

Hi,
I bought a Webasto, cheapies were not around in 2010.
I have read favourable comments on the Chinese heaters from

Home - DHA | Diesel Heating Australia (http://www.dieselheatingaustralia.com)

Dieselheat | Easy, efficient diesel units for RV, marine, and space heating (http://www.dieselheat.com.au)

and similar.

Cheers

[Homestar]

Yeah well, I have not seen one first hand but the phrase "you get what you pay for" springs to mind a bit, and while the brand names might be a bit pricey the law of common sense says you can not make and sell something for 10% of what others are doing without cutting corners, you can not pay a little and get a lot. The question is, are you comfortable with the thought of an uncontrolled diesel fueled fire in your van? or carbon monoxide coming into the van from the combustion side of the heater which has been poorly sealed.

If you bought one I would be looking at it very very closely.........Just my 2.2 cents

Peter

Yeah, always a concern but for the amount of use it will get, don’t want to pay $2K for one and there’s also the possibility the other manufacturers have been gouging for years - Caravan stuff seems very expensive compared to its domestic counterparts - makes you wonder sometimes.

It would never be run when we’re asleep or not in the van so that side doesn’t worry me too much. Some cheap Chinese is very good and other stuff not so, which is why I’m hoping someone here has actually got one to report either way. It’s not on my priority list to buy but I will have to think about something within the next few months.

[rangieman]

Yeah, always a concern but for the amount of use it will get, don’t want to pay $2K for one and there’s also the possibility the other manufacturers have been gouging for years - Caravan stuff seems very expensive compared to its domestic counterparts - makes you wonder sometimes.

It would never be run when we’re asleep or not in the van so that side doesn’t worry me too much. Some cheap Chinese is very good and other stuff not so, which is why I’m hoping someone here has actually got one to report either way. It’s not on my priority list to buy but I will have to think about something within the next few months.
Im thinking Wood Duck or Guinea Pig and will be watching with interest [bighmmm]

[weeds]

A mate of mine has a cheaper version in his caravan for a few years....purchased on eBay from a guy in rural Victoria I think. He says it been faultless.

[Homestar]

Im thinking Wood Duck or Guinea Pig and will be watching with interest [bighmmm]

Will see how interested you are at Wombat this year if it's as cold again as some years. 👍

[rangieman]

Will see how interested you are at Wombat this year if it's as cold again as some years. 👍
We have our Butane heater[thumbsupbig]

[p38arover]

I've been watching a TV series "George Clarke's Amazing Spaces". It's surprising how often I've seen wood fires. e.g., pot belly stoves, in caravans (in the UK, of course)! [biggrin]

[bblaze]

I've been watching a TV series "George Clarke's Amazing Spaces". It's surprising how often I've seen wood fires. e.g., pot belly stoves, in caravans (in the UK, of course)! [biggrin]

A few years ago down here in Tassie the commercial fishing boats nearly all had a wood fired pot belly of some sort
cheers
blaze

[Homestar]

If it wasn't for the weight, I'd do that in a flash! 👍😊

[Dorian]

My parents have a “cheap” diesel heater. Had it in the 18ft van for a bit less than two years. They do the grey nomad thing. They’re in their 70’s, and for some unexplained reason like to travel thru SA / Vic during autumn, so they run it most nights for the two months they’re away. They’ve not had any problems. Uses about 3 litres per night when it’s less than 10 outside.
From memory they paid around $400 mark. Didn’t come with a tank though.

Cheers Glen

[austastar]

Hi,
I got a tank made to fit in a spare gas bottle cupboard.
Dumb!
A modified gas bottle would have been much cheaper.
In retrospect, I would put a deck filler from Whitworths

Stainless Steel Deck Filler Diesel 38mm, $34.95 | Whitworths Marine (https://www.whitworths.com.au/stainless-steel-deck-filler-diesel-38mm)

in the gas cylinder with a dip tube pickup and similar vent.

Then it can be easily filled outside. If you do it right, you can put a short rubber tube on the vent and use this to prime the pump and if put on the pickup as well, to seal the container if needed.
Cheers

[Ranga]

On a side note, I've recently acquired a new Truma 14L hot water system. Unfortunately, it runs off LPG, which I don't carry any more, and it's too big to fit in our slide-on. Not sure what I'm going to do with it...

[ian4002000]

My parents have a “cheap” diesel heater. Had it in the 18ft van for a bit less than two years. They do the grey nomad thing. They’re in their 70’s, and for some unexplained reason like to travel thru SA / Vic during autumn, so they run it most nights for the two months they’re away. They’ve not had any problems. Uses about 3 litres per night when it’s less than 10 outside.
From memory they paid around $400 mark. Didn’t come with a tank though.

Cheers Glen

I fitted an Ebaspacher heater to my van and it is great, got it from England on the web. I added extra mufflers and tubing and a pipe for a jerry can.
Really easy to fit.
I run it every night when cold, just set it to 16 and it controls the temp.
Mine uses approx. less than one litre per 14 hours but in freezing temps it may have used an extra half a litre a night.
The wife is very happy and makes travelling in winter great !
I also fitted an inlet muffler and the heater is very quiet but does have a slight jet roar when firing up from cold.

I reckon it is the best accessory for a van ever made.
These heaters are used in Europe for trucks , busses and earth moving and I have read where many people have added them to Defenders to pre heat the vehicle in the snow.
You can by a remote control timer switch thing but I just went with the basic thermostat.

Ian
Bittern

[Don 130]

If you look on here (https://www.aliexpress.com/store/416052'spm=2114.search0104.3.161.PWqdJ4), you'll find the 2Kw Belief heater that is used by Dieselheat of tassie. I've spoken to that bloke. he said they used to sell Webasto, but the reliability was sub standard and the parts and support expensive and poor. He also said they stock parts for the Belief heaters and that they're very reliable, much more so than the Webasto. He also makes up a diesel hot water heater. I don't have a diesel heater.....yet.
Don.

[Homestar]

On a side note, I've recently acquired a new Truma 14L hot water system. Unfortunately, it runs off LPG, which I don't carry any more, and it's too big to fit in our slide-on. Not sure what I'm going to do with it...

PM sent.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Our old Golf has a hot water system as standard,, but the thought of a fire under the van is , er, unnerving...

[silversurfer]

So, while we are having this supposed 'heat wave' I've been thinking about keeping warm in the Viscount during Winter which is when we use the van a fair bit. Top name diesel heaters go for around $2K but there are cheap Chinese units on Ebay for as low as $270 odd.

Given it would get used maybe 10 times a year, is it worth taking a chance on one? Anyone bought one of these cheapies and has any feedback good or bad?

Thanks in advance.

Seems like a big risk , considering theye is flame in there

[silversurfer]

May be a bit risky ,considering their reputation on water heaters

[Homestar]

I’ve had a cheap Chinese water heater for 3 years and it’s fine.

[tochse]

So, while we are having this supposed 'heat wave' I've been thinking about keeping warm in the Viscount during Winter which is when we use the van a fair bit. Top name diesel heaters go for around $2K but there are cheap Chinese units on Ebay for as low as $270 odd.

Given it would get used maybe 10 times a year, is it worth taking a chance on one? Anyone bought one of these cheapies and has any feedback good or bad?

Thanks in advance.

Have a look at Diesel Heating Australia. They have air heater and air/water heaters and also a portable air heater for camper trailers/tents. I have used installed one into a small motor home and used a portable unit in our camper trailer, both worked great. They use about 0.3 ltr hour diesel and draw around 2.8 amps while running and around 9 amps during startup and shut down.

[Corgie Carrier]

Save time and money....... buy a few more pugs [biggrin][biggrin][biggrin]

[Homestar]

Good idea but the Vet bills would soon add up to more that a top of the range heater. 😁

[Homestar]

Bought one for the grand total of $260.90 delivered.... 👍

Time will tell if it was a wise decision but for the amount we'll use it, I couldn't justify any more. The one I ordered comes with everythung which some don't, including tank, warm air ducts and facia vent, control pad, etc.

Other more used items will be of better quality like the fridge, dunny, etc.

[rangieman]

Bought one for the grand total of $260.90 delivered.... 👍

Time will tell if it was a wise decision but for the amount we'll use it, I couldn't justify any more. The one I ordered comes with everythung which some don't, including tank, warm air ducts and facia vent, control pad, etc.

Other more used items will be of better quality like the fridge, dunny, etc.
Did it come with muffler`s as well ?
Iv`e been looking at the thousands on fleabay and as you say some do some dont so it is hard to filter through all the variety .
Maybe a link might help[wink11]

[Homestar]

Doesn't look like it has a muffler, but if it needs one, I'll sort that later. It won't be used while we're asleep or anything so that's not an issue but no idea how loud the exhaust is to be honest.

Linky here - 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater Tank 2 x Vent, Duct, Thermostat Caravan Motorhome RV | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5KW-Diesel-Air-Heater-Tank-2-x-Vent-Duct-Thermostat-Caravan-Motorhome-RV/152741914823?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.S EED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dc4077 b955bf54951b8d151161ca0f3b7%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D 1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D152870783535%26it m%3D152741914823&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%253A7bbe234b-0524-11e8-b414-74dbd180c8a4%257Cparentrq%253A433c6bc31610ab6bacf2 75f1ffe213c7%257Ciid%253A1)

Use Promo code 'Awesome' and it knocks $32 off.

[bgennette]

Doesn't look like it has a muffler, but if it needs one, I'll sort that later. It won't be used while we're asleep or anything so that's not an issue but no idea how loud the exhaust is to be honest.

Noise can be greatly reduced with intake and exhaust silencers. I bought a muffler for a small 2 stroke motor bike and a tiny conical air filter (25mm again) from ebay, total cost $25. For a fuel tank I used a 10 litre gerry can with the supplied pickup and a $2 one-way air valve (ebay again). Easy.

On another note though ...
I bought a 'no-name' diesel heater 2 years ago and it has been faultless. Except for one thing (that no one has mentioned here), they are voltage sensitive at startup. Let me explain ...

Inside the heater diesel is sprayed in a fine mist onto a nickle/chrome wire loop that is at ~600°C. Some of the heat from the burning diesel keeps the wire hot (and an insulated ceramic base helps), but how does it get heated up in the first place? Electricity ! Lots and lots and lots of electricity.
At startup it will need around 5 amps at MORE THAN 12 VOLTS for at least 1 minute to get the wire hot enough to get the fuel burning. The 5 amps for 1 minute is not usually a problem, but at 2am in the middle of winter the batteries (stored under your van) will most likely drop to 9 volts after 30 seconds of heavy use and NEVER HEAT THE NICHROME WIRE ENOUGH for a start. (The same is true for a 24V system, it will drop to ~18V under load in the cold).

If your batteries are fully charged when you go to sleep the heater will happily cycle on and off all night as required, but if you have parked in the shade all day, watched TV, run the water pump for a shower or just had some lights on for a few hours your 12 volt system MAY NOT be at its optimum level, particularly if the batteries are more then a few years old. If you need the heater to work on a cold winter's night make sure your batteries are fully charged (easy at a powered site) or you will be disappointed.

Some one (maybe an RV magazine tester?) should investigate how to get a reliable 12 volts from a battery bank. Maybe a 10 amp continuous DC-to-DC converter, maybe a small 6 volt 'helper' battery with an auto switching circuit that adds it in when needed, maybe some new technology that mere RV users don't know about yet? Not just for diesel heaters, but for all the other 12 volt demands in modern RVs.


bye.

[bgennette]

The air inlet, exhaust outlet and exhaust tube are usually ~22mm so 'standard' 25mm (or 1") parts will fit around them. I bought a small air filter and a muffler for a small trail bike from ebay for less than $30. During normal running it is very quiet with only a little 'jet roar' during startup.

bye.

[bgennette]

Although several people have mentioned that these diesel heaters draw 5 or more amps for a minute or two at startup, no one has said a thing about the voltage requirements. We bought a no-name heater 2 years ago and have found it excellant, except for one very cold night ... Let me explain -


Inside a diesel heater a thick piece of nickle/chrome wire is heated to over 600°C with lots and lots of electricity and as it heats its resistance increases. When (if) it gets to 600°C it will set fire to a thin spray of diesel. Once the diesel is burning the wire will stay hot (from the flame) and the power can be removed.


But it takes both amps and volts to get the nichrome hot enough. And there is a problem with cold lead/acid batteries, the chemical reaction that produces electricity slows and voltage drops rapidly. A battery at 20°C may supply 5 amps at 12.3 volts = 61.5 watts, but the same battery at 0°C may only manage 5 amps at 10 volts = 50 watts; that's 12% lower. And this power drop is happening at the same time as the nichrome's resistance is increasing, requiring even more power to achieve the ignition temperature of diesel.


What this means is that your 12 volt battery system needs to be sized to supply the power you need at 0°C (not the 20° or 25° shown in the specification sheet), and it must be fully charged in order to start and restart and restart and restart your heater all through a cold winter's night. [ask me how I know about voltage droop]




There are several ways to ensure adequate 12 volt power -
* Oversize your battery system x 2
* Plug in to mains overnight to keep the batteries 'topped up'
* Run a generator for a few hours each cold day to keep the batteries 'topped up'
* Use a voltage boosting system,
... either a DC-to-DC boost converter
..... or switch in an additional 6 volt battery to make up for the loss


Maybe one of the RV magazines could do a tech story on what is actually required to have a (2 year old) battery system be able to cope with the demands of a modern RV; - lighting, water pumping, fridge management, TV, phone charging and heater startup. And maybe they could do some testing to show which 'solutions' work best when 500km from nowhere.


bye.

[DiscoMick]

Some camper trailer manufacturers offer diesel heaters/hot water as an option. The ones I've seen have the unit outside the main tent and on the drawer bar for ventilation, with the warm air ducted inside.
Diesel is safer than petrol. Many 4WDs are already carrying diesel in 20 litre drums, so it removes the need to carry petrol or gas for heating. I assume a diesel heater would use less power than a 12 volt heater.
We recently bought a portable gas hot water heater for use with an outside spa. I assume we could also take it camping, but haven't thought about piping the warm air inside the camper for heating. I guess it's possible.
Personally I just wear socks and long pyjamas to bed and cuddle the wife!

[rangieman]

Doesn't look like it has a muffler, but if it needs one, I'll sort that later. It won't be used while we're asleep or anything so that's not an issue but no idea how loud the exhaust is to be honest.

Linky here - 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater Tank 2 x Vent, Duct, Thermostat Caravan Motorhome RV | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-5KW-Diesel-Air-Heater-Tank-2-x-Vent-Duct-Thermostat-Caravan-Motorhome-RV/152741914823?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.S EED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Dc4077 b955bf54951b8d151161ca0f3b7%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D 1%26rkt%3D15%26mehot%3Dpp%26sd%3D152870783535%26it m%3D152741914823&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%253A7bbe234b-0524-11e8-b414-74dbd180c8a4%257Cparentrq%253A433c6bc31610ab6bacf2 75f1ffe213c7%257Ciid%253A1)

Use Promo code 'Awesome' and it knocks $32 off.
Sorry but i didn`t see the tank listed in the included extra`s[bighmmm]
Let us know if you do get a tank[wink11]

[Homestar]

Although several people have mentioned that these diesel heaters draw 5 or more amps for a minute or two at startup, no one has said a thing about the voltage requirements. We bought a no-name heater 2 years ago and have found it excellant, except for one very cold night ... Let me explain -


Inside a diesel heater a thick piece of nickle/chrome wire is heated to over 600°C with lots and lots of electricity and as it heats its resistance increases. When (if) it gets to 600°C it will set fire to a thin spray of diesel. Once the diesel is burning the wire will stay hot (from the flame) and the power can be removed.


But it takes both amps and volts to get the nichrome hot enough. And there is a problem with cold lead/acid batteries, the chemical reaction that produces electricity slows and voltage drops rapidly. A battery at 20°C may supply 5 amps at 12.3 volts = 61.5 watts, but the same battery at 0°C may only manage 5 amps at 10 volts = 50 watts; that's 12% lower. And this power drop is happening at the same time as the nichrome's resistance is increasing, requiring even more power to achieve the ignition temperature of diesel.


What this means is that your 12 volt battery system needs to be sized to supply the power you need at 0°C (not the 20° or 25° shown in the specification sheet), and it must be fully charged in order to start and restart and restart and restart your heater all through a cold winter's night. [ask me how I know about voltage droop]




There are several ways to ensure adequate 12 volt power -
* Oversize your battery system x 2
* Plug in to mains overnight to keep the batteries 'topped up'
* Run a generator for a few hours each cold day to keep the batteries 'topped up'
* Use a voltage boosting system,
... either a DC-to-DC boost converter
..... or switch in an additional 6 volt battery to make up for the loss


Maybe one of the RV magazines could do a tech story on what is actually required to have a (2 year old) battery system be able to cope with the demands of a modern RV; - lighting, water pumping, fridge management, TV, phone charging and heater startup. And maybe they could do some testing to show which 'solutions' work best when 500km from nowhere.


bye.

Some good points there. My system will have 400Ah of batteries which is overkilled to the max, but I see your point. Other thing is I wouldn't run it overnight, I've camped under canvas at minus 7 and didn't need it, so doubtful I'd ever need to do that. Would like it to work the following morning before I get up though, so some testing come Winter will be in order. 😊

Fridge will be the biggest draw on power but thankfully the fridges demands will be the lowest when the heater will be used. If I start to run short of power, the heater would be the first thing axed from the system as well. I've lived without one while camping all my life so it's one of those little luxuries rather than something I actually need. 😁

[Homestar]

Sorry but i didn`t see the tank listed in the included extra`s[bighmmm]
Let us know if you do get a tank[wink11]

Don't be sorry mate, now you've said that, I can't either... 😆

Will advise when it arrives...

[Chops]

Hey Gav, are you not running a 3 way fridge? If it is 3 way, then power will not be effected by it, leaving more for the heater.

I'm not sure if you remember ours down at S-Spray, but it was quite loud which surprised us a bit. Next time we run it, I'll be looking at where the noise is actually coming from with a mind to seeing what I can do to quieten it down a bit.

[Homestar]

Hey Gav, are you not running a 3 way fridge? If it is 3 way, then power will not be effected by it, leaving more for the heater.

I'm not sure if you remember ours down at S-Spray, but it was quite loud which surprised us a bit. Next time we run it, I'll be looking at where the noise is actually coming from with a mind to seeing what I can do to quieten it down a bit.

No 3 way fridge. Just bought a STR100F Engel for the Viscount, 12 or 240 volts but is a compressor fridge like other Engels. They fit in the same hole the gas unit will come out of. Low power draw and no issues running in th heat. I'll have plenty of power to run it and then I can just use a single 4.5Kg bottle for hot water and cooking.

This is said unit - Engel STR100F 95 litre 2-Way Compressor Fridge | SALE | My Generator (https://www.mygenerator.com.au/engel-str100f-95-litre-2-way-compressor-fridge.html)

If you'd read my other thread here on fridges you'd know this. 😁😉

[Homestar]

Some camper trailer manufacturers offer diesel heaters/hot water as an option. The ones I've seen have the unit outside the main tent and on the drawer bar for ventilation, with the warm air ducted inside.
Diesel is safer than petrol. Many 4WDs are already carrying diesel in 20 litre drums, so it removes the need to carry petrol or gas for heating. I assume a diesel heater would use less power than a 12 volt heater.
We recently bought a portable gas hot water heater for use with an outside spa. I assume we could also take it camping, but haven't thought about piping the warm air inside the camper for heating. I guess it's possible.
Personally I just wear socks and long pyjamas to bed and cuddle the wife!

But it doesn't get cold up there does it? 😁😉 And I hate wearing PJ's, even when camping... 😇

[Chops]

No 3 way fridge. Just bought a STR100F Engel for the Viscount, 12 or 240 volts but is a compressor fridge like other Engels. They fit in the same hole the gas unit will come out of. Low power draw and no issues running in th heat. I'll have plenty of power to run it and then I can just use a single 4.5Kg bottle for hot water and cooking.

This is said unit - Engel STR100F 95 litre 2-Way Compressor Fridge | SALE | My Generator (https://www.mygenerator.com.au/engel-str100f-95-litre-2-way-compressor-fridge.html)

If you'd read my other thread here on fridges you'd know this. 😁😉

Oh hello,,, I've a bit slow in the reading department lately you know,, [bigwhistle] I'll get onto that one straight away [biggrin]

[rangieman]

But it doesn't get cold up there does it? 😁😉 And I hate wearing PJ's, even when camping... 😇

Oh no :no2:

The mental pic is just wrong on so many fronts :BigCry:

[Milton477]

Please let us know what you think when you get it installed.

[austastar]

...... no idea how loud the exhaust is

Hi,
With a muffler, any one in a tent closer than 10m would find it annoying running at full noise.
Cheers

[DiscoMick]

Not cold no, but we were filling the spa from the garden tank to save water in the main tank, so we needed a way to heat that water.
The diesel hot water systems I've seen could be adapted to also blow warm air inside the camper.
Not needed unless we come south in winter.

[Homestar]

Hi,
With a muffler, any one in a tent closer than 10m would find it annoying running at full noise.
Cheers

Won't be running it overnight so no dramas there. Mornings when we get up is the time we find we'd like it the most. Wouldn't do anything to annoy other campers, but we don't often camp next to others too much anyway. 😊

[Homestar]

Please let us know what you think when you get it installed.

Will do. 👍

[Homestar]

Sorry but i didn`t see the tank listed in the included extra`s[bighmmm]
Let us know if you do get a tank[wink11]


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/02/247.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24aHkwH)812B8594-CC11-4D73-A95F-C879C679EFD9 (https://flic.kr/p/24aHkwH) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

👍👍👍

[Homestar]

Ys, it's arrived. 😊

Just unpacked it and checked off everything from the BOM - all there. Quality is.... ummm.... you know... 😆

The 20 page Chinglish installation manual is almost worth the entry fee on its own, gotta love the literal trabslations they use, very entertaining. 😂

Still not sure exactly where I'll mount it yet. Maybe under the same seat as the HWS as that will leave the opposite (door) side of the club lounge free under that seat - which I'm half thinking about building a slide out for a BBQ into - later down the track, but might oay to leave that area free for the time being.

A pic of all the bits...
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2018/02/249.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/235PtNm)378F8AF6-CDB8-4105-A5B7-010EA421602B (https://flic.kr/p/235PtNm) by Gavin Gregory (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150806513@N06/), on Flickr

[gofer]

Hi,
The 8A glow plug current on start/restart is what I've been told, not measured.
The actual exhaust output is surprisingly modest, it can be seen sometimes in the right light/temperature/humidity conditions.
The exhaust is contained in a flexible steel tube. The first half meter or so can get hot enough to melt plastic so needs to be isolated in air to cool.
The furnace itself needs about 100mm clearance onthe sides, and a bit more on top for access to the glow plug.

We have camped in temperatures below -10 and been quite cozy. I don't run it all night, if either of us wake up cold, it only needs an arm out of the sleeping bag to click it on for 15 minutes to warm things up.

Our outlet is positioned where it can warm clothes on the floor and it makes a very efficient hairdryer for Mrs.
Just watch that loose hair can't get in the intake. It winds round the turbine. (don't ask).
Cheers
Hi folks.
I've just moved back to aussie from uk, where i used eberspacher heaters in my vw van.
The cheap htrs are copies. But they will still be installed etc the same as the origionals.
This site.
Home (http://www.letonkinoisvarnish.co.uk).
Its run by guys who are into narrow boats, which usually have eberspachers.
They have an extremely good section on troubleshooting this style of heater.
Well worth a visit. 😀

[Homestar]

Should have updated this thread - I made comment of the heater in my caravan thread. I've since installed the unit and it works great - maybe too well as it kicks out a LOT of hot air even turned right down but will know for sure when it cools down enough to actually check it properly - was 28 the day I tested it so turned the van into an oven real quick. 😁

It draws just on 10 amps during startup - about 2 minutes it runs like this which puts almost no stress on the 400Ah of batteries I'm running. It then drops to 2.5 amps at its lowest setting and 3.5 at its highest - basically just the difference of the fan speed.

Have ordered a muffler and some exhaust tape just to make it a but quieter outside - it's fine inside but it wouldn't be too nice for someone in a tent next to me on a cold still morning if I cranked it up, but it's not loud, just a bit of a drone to it.

Very happy so far - will see what it's like when it actually cools down here.

[Homestar]

Hi folks.
I've just moved back to aussie from uk, where i used eberspacher heaters in my vw van.
The cheap htrs are copies. But they will still be installed etc the same as the origionals.
This site.
Home (http://www.letonkinoisvarnish.co.uk).
Its run by guys who are into narrow boats, which usually have eberspachers.
They have an extremely good section on troubleshooting this style of heater.
Well worth a visit. 😀

Great site - thanks for that! Yes, my chinese unit looks absolutely identical down to some of the smallest details - to the D2 unit - I wouldn't be surprised if the D2 parts would fit it if I ever needed them. 😊

Oh - and welcome to the forum. 👍👍👍

[Homestar]

Ebay muffler turned up today and I have fitted it. Much quieter - it has taken the drone out of it so it's not bad at all at the lowest setting, a bit noiser as it is turned up, but not terrible. I doubt we'll have it on flat out - almost cooked myself testing it tonight. When it starts, it runs on high for a few minutes before ratcheting down so makes a LOT of hot air before slowing down. Fan seems to vary based on the heat of the unit, and the heat setting slows or speeds up the fuel pump.

[austastar]

Hi,
As I understand it; the sensor measures the temperature of the air entering the heater from the room, and compares it with the setting put into the control switch. As the room warms,the heater burns less fuel.
Thus:
1)If the air was drawn from outside, it would try and warm the world.
2)If the warmed air can feed straight back into the inlet, it will slow down prematurely.

Cheers

[Homestar]

Not sure that mine works that way as you can't adjust the temp setting - just the fuel supply setting. It goes down to 1.6 somethings and as high as 5.5 somethings.... 😁

1.6 is a click of the pump every second or so, 5.5 it's going like a freight train.

[austastar]

Hi,
That actually sounds like a better method.
On a cold night (say 7degrees) and starting ours on a low heat setting ( 1 through 10) it will start off at full chat, slowing as the room warms.

With the inlet and outlet both under the table it pays not to huddle too much or it slows before the room warms enough.

Cheers

[Homestar]

I've got the inlet quite some distance away near the door, with the outlet under the table almost in the middle. Heading down to Walkerville in 2 weeks so it coukd very well get a good test - will see. 😊

[Ranga]

It draws just on 10 amps during startup - about 2 minutes it runs like this which puts almost no stress on the 400Ah of batteries I'm running. It then drops to 2.5 amps at its lowest setting and 3.5 at its highest - basically just the difference of the fan speed.e.

So, even at it's lowest setting, it's drawing a continuous 2.5 amps?

[weeds]

So, even at it's lowest setting, it's drawing a continuous 2.5 amps?

I’d assume so....

[Homestar]

So, even at it's lowest setting, it's drawing a continuous 2.5 amps?

Yes, appears to be. Not a worry for my setup though, in the Summer I'll run a 240 volt pedestal fan through the inverter all night which draws 3.5 amp and I've never got close to worrying the batteries. We never sleep with a heater on anywhere, so it will only ever do a couple of hours at a time I should think.

That reading is off the reg, I can stick my multimeter in the circuit to get a more accurate reading if you want me to?

[austastar]

We never sleep with a heater on anywhere, so it will only ever do a couple of hours at a time I should think.


Hi,
Ditto, our gets used in winter evenings and first thing in the morning. Having the control within arm's reach of the bed is a bonus.
Cheers

[Homestar]

Installation completed this morning. Secured the tank, installed vent for inlet and tidied up the wiring. First cool day we’ve had so ran it for about an hour while I was tidying up in there. With all the couch cushions back on, it is virtually silent inside except for the low noise the fan makes. On low it bought the temp up from 16 to 21 in that time with the top hatch still half open and the kitchen window cracked open an inch or so. Very happy overall - bring on Winter camping! (Or Glamping?)

[Homestar]

First really cool morning since the heater install so I went out early and gave it a blast. Also absolutely still and quiet, not a sound to be heard. Temp gauge in the van was showing 3 degrees. In half an hour at 75% it was at 15 degrees and quite comfy in there in a tee shirt. Turned it down to low and it keeps the temp stable no issues. Actual unit stays cool to the touch so that's good too. - BUT, it isn't all beer and skittles. With it being this quiet, it showed up the drone it makes when turned down low - it is quite noticable in the van and moreso outside. Being a very still morning, it is able to be heard from quite a distance outside, so still have to think about that. The fuel pump clicking is also annoying - I didn't notice this previously so I think it may be touching the chassis now from its rubber mount. I think I can isolate this better from the chassis where it is attached so hopefully I can solve that one easily.


Overall for the price I'm happy, if I'd spend $1,200+ on a name brand that did this I would be less so but for the price, very good. 👍

[RobMichelle]

Hi Homestar how is the cheap heater going couple of months on?

[Homestar]

Hi Homestar how is the cheap heater going couple of months on?

Still going fine - although it doesn't get used heaps, I have run it the last 2 weekends while working in the van to keep warm - probably a total of 6 hours in the last 2 weekends - I haven't burnt 5 litres of diesel all up yet. Very happy with it. Those that attend Winter Wombat in few weeks can check it out in person - I'm sure it will get a decent run there. 😊👍

Just noticed I didn't mention in this thread that we used it a fair bit down at Walkerville a month or so back - one night was very cold and we ran it for around 4 hours plus a quick blast each morning to take the chill off the van - It takes around 20 minutes to warm the van up from around 10 degrees up to around 18.

[RobMichelle]

Sounds promising, I'm trying to decide which brand, I've got a few months to sort it out, was thinking of going gas but reading a review the fan mounts break off road so may go ebarcher brand, just not sure on the 16 hundred price tag difference 🤤

[Homestar]

When you see what is NOT inside one of these, you'll scratch yor head as to why the Eberspracher units are so expensive. Note also that many of the Eberspracher D2 spare parts will fit the Chinese units as this is what they reverse engineered. The only things to reall go wrong in it are the ignitor (these are considered to be a consumable anyway), fan motor, fuel pump and control module. Looking at the control board, if push came to shove I'd be able to build one without too many issues - there isn't a single custom component - just off the shelf electronics on a single sided board. All it does is control the fuel pump and fan speeds plus the ignitor. There really isn't anything beyond that in them and no reason a cheap unit wouldn't survive off road as they are bolted down solid to the floor of the van so no mounts to break.

Having said all that, there is no doubt that the Eberspacher unit is a quality bit of kit, the contol panel is much nicer, th whole thing looks nicer - mine does have a very cheap feel to it.

I'd happily recommend the seller I got mine from, they were easy to deal with - which I needed to do and something that I haven't mentioned before - there was damage to the unit on its arrival - the box had been dropped quite hard on one corner and although well packed - each component in foam, etc, the main fan had a split in it and which caused some vibration and was rubbing on the main housing. One email later (where I was basically asking if they could supply spare parts) they promised to post a new fan for it - which turned up 2 weeks later and took 10 minutes to fit - they were under no obligation to do this either as it was clearly caused by its transit. That was when they told me the Eberspracher D2 spares would fit. 😉👍

[Homestar]

To give you an idea of the internals - not much.

[RobMichelle]

Mmm thanks for that food for thought for sure,
I see you are heading to winter wombat, only just read about it 10 min ago, we may catch you there wife is keen [emoji6] dog will follow I'm sure

[Homestar]

Wuld be good if you can make it. 👍 If you can, be sure to add your names for catering.

Oh - just found this video which is about recoed units but it is pretty good at showing the operation of it and at the end they take the lid off - my unit is absolutely identical to this - even the little catch that holds the front of the control module on is the same. 😁 The video shows this one heating up very quickly - mine takes longer but I have a feeling they had already run this one and had it warm already which makes a big difference.


https://youtu.be/0RpTEKviVB8

[RobMichelle]

Yes I watched that earlier today I'm sure your right in saying it was pre warm, the noise is the other thing, like you we don't really camp near people but don't won't to upset anyone either.
Who do I contact re winter wombat ?

[Homestar]

Yes I watched that earlier today I'm sure your right in saying it was pre warm, the noise is the other thing, like you we don't really camp near people but don't won't to upset anyone either.
Who do I contact re winter wombat ?

Noise isn't bad by any stretch and inside it's perfectly quiet, it's only the exhaust that makes a rumble - I would probably limit my use of it late at night or early in the morning if someone was in a tent near me and it was a quiet evening, but you wouldn't hear it over a light wind for example so not bad.

Re Winter Wombat, head to the thread - Winter Wombat 2018 (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/upcoming-events/261161-winter-wombat-2018-a.html) - and have a look through it. Copy and paste the list of names and add your own in. Maybe PM Alien as well and confirm with him as numbers for catering will be fixed from the weekend before. 👍

[RobMichelle]

So yours is a 5kw model with 2 outlets according to the link earlier on, I'm thinking a 2kw and 1 outlet would probly do for our 17.6 pop top,and hopefully a bit easier on the 12 volt, only have 100 amp at moment, not 400 like some [emoji847],although lithium is on my wish list, so is the money to pay for it [emoji6], thanks for all the info much appreciated
Rob

[Homestar]

Yep, a 5KW unit but only one outlet in the kit I got, which is fine. A 3KW would do in my van easy now I know more about them, a 2KW should be fine in something a bit smaller.

[loanrangie]

Post dig, will fit a diesel heater to our new 17ft van. Can anyone recommend a cheap unit and 2kw or 5kw, i'm sure i read somewhere that 5kw may be overkill ?

[101RRS]

You can always turn down a 5kw unit but cannot turn up a 2kw unit. Go to ebay, I bought two there for under $150 each. One is a whole lot of components I have not yet installed in my camper and the second is a portable unit in a steel box that requires external 12v power and it comes with intake pipes and exhaust. I have used this with my 101 and to heat the garage and could also be used to heat a tent. It works really well but I bought an extended exhaust pipe to ensure exhaust gases are kept well away. People complaint about the clicking of the fuel pump but it is not so bad. Once the unit gets up to temp it is quiet enough.

This is similar to the portable unit I got 5-8KW 12V Air Diesel Heater Remote Control Thermostat Caravan Boat Car RV Trail | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/363791064811?hash=item54b3a31eeb:g:1JcAAOSwtBFguez N)

This is similar to the other one I am yet to install in my camper 5KW Diesel Air Heater 10L Tank Remote Control Thermostat Caravan Motorhome RV | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313942675135?hash=item4918710ebf:g:HB4AAOSwtO1iSqS o)

Prices jump around a lot so pick your time to buy.

Garry

[loanrangie]

You can always turn down a 5kw unit but cannot turn up a 2kw unit. Go to ebay, I bought two there for under $150 each. One is a whole lot of components I have not yet installed in my camper and the second is a portable unit in a steel box that requires external 12v power and it comes with intake pipes and exhaust. I have used this with my 101 and to heat the garage and could also be used to heat a tent. It works really well but I bought an extended exhaust pipe to ensure exhaust gases are kept well away. People complaint about the clicking of the fuel pump but it is not so bad. Once the unit gets up to temp it is quiet enough.

This is similar to the portable unit I got 5-8KW 12V Air Diesel Heater Remote Control Thermostat Caravan Boat Car RV Trail | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/363791064811?hash=item54b3a31eeb:g:1JcAAOSwtBFguez N)

This is similar to the other one I am yet to install in my camper 5KW Diesel Air Heater 10L Tank Remote Control Thermostat Caravan Motorhome RV | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313942675135?hash=item4918710ebf:g:HB4AAOSwtO1iSqS o)

Prices jump around a lot so pick your time to buy.

Garry

Yeah, i thought i read that a 5kw even at the lowest temp might be too hot. Cant find where i read it so my just get a 5kw anyway, can always open a window.

[101RRS]

Yeah, i thought i read that a 5kw even at the lowest temp might be too hot. Cant find where i read it so my just get a 5kw anyway, can always open a window.

They run on a thermostat/controller so switch off when the required temp is reached. The portable unit has the thermostat in the controller which is on the unit so if you use one of these an extension cable will be needed to move it to the area you are wanting to heat.

[Saitch]

My niece's hubby bought a 'Cheap E-Bay' diesel heater, three times in 18 months. He then bought a recognised brand heater, which is still going strong, after four years.
Just sayin'. [wink11]

[101RRS]

My niece's hubby bought a 'Cheap E-Bay' diesel heater, three times in 18 months. He then bought a recognised brand heater, which is still going strong, after four years.
Just sayin'. [wink11]

Yes but the total cost of the three ebay heaters was still very much less than a brand name - the experience of your niece's hubby is very much at odds with most other's experience. Plenty of discussion on this forum and plenty of user reviews on youtube.

[Geedublya]

My niece's hubby bought a 'Cheap E-Bay' diesel heater, three times in 18 months. He then bought a recognised brand heater, which is still going strong, after four years.
Just sayin'. [wink11]

I’ve had my cheap 5kw for 4 years now. Only problem the fuel tank cracked. I bought a 5 litre diesel container from Repco and added a fuel straw and breather for less than $40.

[loanrangie]

Haven't purchased yet but looking for the ideal location to mount one that doesn't use up valuable storage space.

[Homestar]

Well a few years on and I can report the original heater fitted to the Viscount is still working just fine, and I’ve since installed another in my motorhome which is also working fine although it’s only been in a year now, but neither has in any way had issues and just does its thing as needed. No way I would spend 5 to 7 times the price on a name brand unit, these units work just fine. 👍

[loanrangie]

I had one on the list for next months purchase but found one on gumtree that the owner removed from a newly purchased van, apparently he only used it twice as he fitted it last year.
For $60 it was worth a shot seeing as i'll probably use a different fuel tank.

[DeanoH]

I've had a 5kw Chinese cheapy in the Oka for a couple of years now and it's been great :). Too big really for what I need but the 2 kw was nearly twice the price when I bought it. I've got it plumbed directly into the rhs fuel tank via its own pickup. Worth its weight in gold on those freezing desert nights and has its own remote so don't even have to get up to operate.

A couple of issues for a new owner though. The Chinglish install instructions were incomprehensible so totally useless. Google found a very good British user group which is a mine of information and written in English and very easy to understand. Our heater came with both a 'volume control' type operating box and a more comprehensive lcd display console. I installed the lcd console and once I'd figured out (from British site) that there are TWO operating modes for controlling the heat ie. pulse mode measured in Hertz and thermostat mode measured in degrees (default was Hertz) setup became a lot easier. There was no mention of this in the Chinglish instructions.

The 'ticking noise' of the fuel pump can be quite intrusive to both the user (you get used to it) and nearby campers especially at night so be warned and considerate :) There's really got to be a better way but every system I've seen (Genuine and Chinese knock offs) has the same noisy tick - tick - tick - tick ...............

I hope for any potential buyer that the instructions have improved.

Deano :)

[TonyC]

I've had a 5kw Chinese cheapy in the Oka for a couple of years now and it's been great :). Too big really for what I need but the 2 kw was nearly twice the price when I bought it. I've got it plumbed directly into the rhs fuel tank via its own pickup. Worth its weight in gold on those freezing desert nights and has its own remote so don't even have to get up to operate.

A couple of issues for a new owner though. The Chinglish install instructions were incomprehensible so totally useless. Google found a very good British user group which is a mine of information and written in English and very easy to understand. Our heater came with both a 'volume control' type operating box and a more comprehensive lcd display console. I installed the lcd console and once I'd figured out (from British site) that there are TWO operating modes for controlling the heat ie. pulse mode measured in Hertz and thermostat mode measured in degrees (default was Hertz) setup became a lot easier. There was no mention of this in the Chinglish instructions.

The 'ticking noise' of the fuel pump can be quite intrusive to both the user (you get used to it) and nearby campers especially at night so be warned and considerate :) There's really got to be a better way but every system I've seen (Genuine and Chinese knock offs) has the same noisy tick - tick - tick - tick ...............

I hope for any potential buyer that the instructions have improved.

Deano :)Dunno,
Could you put a small tank up high somewhere and gravity feed the heater?

Tony

[101RRS]

Dunno,
Could you put a small tank up high somewhere and gravity feed the heater?

Tony

The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber so I assume the pump is needed to provide the appropriate pressure.

Youtube has a lot of videos on how to quieten the pump or even replace it with a quieter one. I dont find the pump too bad as it is masked by the roar of the fan.

[Homestar]

Dunno,
Could you put a small tank up high somewhere and gravity feed the heater?

Tony

As mentioned, the pump is required to operate the injection nozzle at the correct pressure. The pump is also what regulates the temperature of the unit as it will pump more to produce more heat and less to produce less heat the units are not a constant output.

Would love there to be another way although in the motorhome the pump is mounted underneath and is barely noticeable inside although I wouldn’t operate it if there was anybody in a tent outside.

[loanrangie]

As mentioned, the pump is required to operate the injection nozzle at the correct pressure. The pump is also what regulates the temperature of the unit as it will pump more to produce more heat and less to produce less heat the units are not a constant output.

Would love there to be another way although in the motorhome the pump is mounted underneath and is barely noticeable inside although I wouldn’t operate it if there was anybody in a tent outside.

Gav, do you think changing the fuel line diameter will affect the performance ? I want to replace some of the plastic fuel line with rubber hose (4.8mm seems to be what is used) between the tank and pump which wont affect it but pump to heater may ?

[101RRS]

I remember seeing somewhere on Youtube that there is an issue if you replace the hose after the fuel pump with something more flexible as the pulse of fuel expands and contracts the more flexible hose where full pressure needs to go to the injector - research before changing the line. I didn't find any issue with the line provided.