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Thread: Cheap Ebay diesel heaters

  1. #1
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    Cheap Ebay diesel heaters

    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.
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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    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

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    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

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    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?
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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    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

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    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

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    Quote Originally Posted by austastar View Post
    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?
    + 2016 D4 TDV6

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    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

    Dieselheat | Easy, efficient diesel units for RV, marine, and space heating

    and similar.

    Cheers

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    Quote Originally Posted by PeterJ View Post
    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.
    If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Homestar View Post
    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

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