Diesel Heater

Ian G · Senior Member

Diesel Heater

yobarr · Guru

Ian G wrote:
I am thinking of installing a diesel heater in my van, the only location I have available is under my double bed at the front of the van which is where my house batteries and controller are. The heater would be approx 200 mm from my batteries. Can anyone see any issues with this ?

Hi Ian...I don't know the andwer to your question,but you might like to know that my Diesel Heater melted the supplied steel reinforced plastic pipe,and also melted the 3mm plumbing pipe that was used as a substitute.I have since replaced all piping with 3mm aluminium tubing.The heat created is almost frightening.Cheers

landy · Guru

I don't know the answer either But If I was going to do it I would be partitioning of the heater from the batteries. and considering if it would be in any way possible for the heater to ignite the battery fumes.
Landy confuse

Old and Grey · Senior Member

Ian G wrote:
I am thinking of installing a diesel heater in my van, the only location I have available is under my double bed at the front of the van which is where my house batteries and controller are. The heater would be approx 200 mm from my batteries. Can anyone see any issues with this ?

Gooday Ian G,

Perfect. No issues at all. I installed ours exactly in this spot. mounted the single outlet smack in the middle to blow down the to the shower at the rear of our van. So when you step out you are greeted with a flow of warm air.

Whats more when you slip under the sheets, they are warm like an electric blanket. Just a pair of jocks on on the coldest of nights in the middle of winter.

We would never be without one. mounted the tank in the front boot.

Old & Grey

Tony LEE · Guru

I'd be interested in seeing the installation that melted pipework. Fuel pipe is below the heater in free air and the exhaust pipe, while hot, is routed far enough away to avoid damage. Heated air ducting will get hot of course but not up high enough to ignite anything

Ian G · Senior Member

Thanks I was going to place some cement sheet in selected areas though I don't think the unit gets overly hot, only the exhaust. As Landy mentioned it is the battery fumes that I am concerned about.
Yobar I think you should get your unit checked unless you have your inlet on the exhaust !!! biggrin

oldbloke · Guru

Battery area should be vented to out side. Is it?

Ian G · Senior Member

Yes batteries are vented to under the van

AndyCap100 · Senior Member

Our Jayco has diesel heater located under bed at front and all electrical systems too .,no problem ,grab yourself a metre length of 75mm.dia corrugated plastic pie too ,just hold over vent outlet when its really cold and hold end under bedclothes . mmm toasty . biggrin

iana · Guru

I installed our diesel heater outside under the floor, no space inside the van.

Jaybird · Veteran Member

My heater is installed in My Jayco under the seat and is only 50mm away from a plastic wheel arch. As a precaution I put an aluminium sheet between the heater and the arch but probably didnt have to as the body of the heater only gets warm. I can hold my hand on it.

Ian G · Senior Member

Thanks Jaybird sounds like I don't have anything to worry about, I think I will also lag the exhaust pipe .

Ian

yobarr · Guru

Jaybird wrote:
My heater is installed in My Jayco under the seat and is only 50mm away from a plastic wheel arch. As a precaution I put an aluminium sheet between the heater and the arch but probably didnt have to as the body of the heater only gets warm. I can hold my hand on it.

Thankyou,Terry,as that is EXACTLY the ducting that my heater melted,along with a base plate and a 90 degree bend.Perhaps this is the difference between good and bad? In this world,you get what you pay for.Cheers

Craig1 · Guru

Iana, would you post some pics of outside mount. I would have my own" hell heater" if I stole any inside space, thanks Craig

iana · Guru

The reason I don't put much info in my reply post, is I feel that if the OP is interested, they will ask for more. Only to happy to oblige. The heater is mounted sideways, the exhaust is 25mm stainless tube, going up to the hitch. The muffler has since been taken out. The inlet has a Sthil chainsaw air filter mounted on a electrical conduit junction box from Bunnings. Most of the noise comes from the air inlet to the turbine, the air filter also acts as a muffler. The fittings for the hot air are tight 90 degree adaptors, available from the supplier.

The hot air inlet and the exhaust are placed well apart which ensures warm air circulation. It is 2.5 kw, and is quite adequate for our 25ft van. The heater is of course enclosed in a cowling to weather proof it. I will post more pictures if required, and as I find them.

Ian

Magnarc · Guru

The more I hear about diesel heaters, the more I love my gas one!!!!!!

Ian G · Senior Member

Very neat install iana, it never thought of mounting the unit sideways. Do you get any noise or fumes from the exhaust having it on the same side as the door.

Ian

iana · Guru

Maybe on start up when the wind is in the wrong direction. The outlet for the exhaust is up by the hitch, well away from the door. Wouldn't matter if it was gas or diesel, there was no suitable place to fit the heater inside the van.

iana · Guru

Maybe on start up when the wind is in the wrong direction. The outlet for the exhaust is up by the hitch, well away from the door. Wouldn't matter if it was gas or diesel, there was no suitable place to fit the heater inside the van. Exhaust noise is minimal, most people don't know its running.

Craig1 · Guru

Thanks Ian,

Gravy73 · Veteran Member

If you want the facts regarding diesel heaters check this link www.youtube.com/watch, it is one of a series that contain valuable information including installation and maintenance advice.

Hylife · Guru

Nah, no probs, the case doesn't get hot.
Anyway, you can always get self adhesive motorcycle faring heat shield like I did.

Full install pics here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6VFpPrnTbBNZcmtL7

PeterInSa · Guru

Thanks iana for you comment and photos, an interesting install ( ours is under our bed) inlet on one side, hot air out the other going down the center of the van.

I think if I was to install again would seriously look at under floor.

KJB · Guru

I see new 5 Kw. Diesel Heaters on Amazon for $163 ........at the moment..

KB