Diesel and gas heaters

bushranger · Veteran Member

Diesel and gas heaters

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Most of the heat will be lost through the canvas.
We have a small pop top on our motorhome. the difference between the pop top being up and down is chalk and cheese.

Cheers,
Peter

Moonraker · Senior Member

Hi Tony,
Might be a good idea to check out the camping and camping trailer forums.
www.dieselheat.com.au in Tassy supply a portable diesel heater which I think is basically the same diesel heater unit fitted to caravans but supplied in an aluminium box as well as other portable heaters for camping. Not cheap and I cant recommend any as I havent used then though. What ever you use will obviously loose a lot of heat through the canvas but might provide enough heat to keep you warm.

thomas01 · Senior Member

Hi Bushranger,

We own an expander type van which means we have canvas on 3 sides around our bed. As you can imagine it can get quite cold when traveling during winter, especially in the southern states. We installed a diesel heater a few years ago and wouldn't be without it now. Obviously a camper has more canvas, but any heating will be better than none. A diesel heater has an output equivalent to an electric fan heater on high setting. I am pretty sure you will find it will keep you reasonably comfortable while the heater is running, although the camper will cool down fairly quickly once the heater is turned off. If you can afford it, I would definitely have one.

If you have any doubts about whether it will work or not, try using an electric heater in the camper at home on a cold night and see what you think.

Oops. Just re-read your original post and realize you haven't got the camper yet. If you currently have a tent or know someone who does, try the electric heater test in that and see what you think.

Robert.

-- Edited by thomas01 on Tuesday 19th of December 2017 09:13:18 PM

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

They work well . But thereâs various types of anexes etc when it comes to retaining heat ! Nothing beats a good blanket, bedding . Been cought out big time ., ALWAYS travel with good blanket or quilt !!

bushranger · Veteran Member

To everyone who replied, thanks for your input. Your comments bore out what I thought but it's nice to have confirmation.

Bushranger

hako · Guru

We used a cheap Aldi gas canister heater in our Avan when we did the lap. Only used it for an hour or so before bed whilst having tea and watching TV...turned it off then. It kept us warm and also was great first thing in the morning when the van was icy cold.
They cost about $50 and are very light and don't take up much room plus you can use them outdoors as well. No need to carry a diesel or petrol can just a few gas canisters. There are safety concerns which many people will raise but if commonsense prevails there should be no problems. They put out about the same heat as your gas stove when cooking so if gas stoves are OK then why not a gas heater of the same output.

Good Luck.

Bagmaker · Senior Member

you can get 2kw and 5kw air heating diesel units. Do a trial with a little kmart 100w blow heater and imagine either twice or 5x the output.

Possum3 · Guru

Good thermal sleeping bags are an absolute must in Camper Trailers - even in Qld & NT. Sometimes the nights can become very cold even in the summer months. Wouldn't use heater in a tent (which is basically the same as a Camper Trailer). They are not only fire risk but a asphyxiation risk as well.