During the winter, more and more people show interest in camping in their RV. While planning camping trips, most people focus on finding the right campground with the best facilities, reservations, etc.
Often, people forget to upgrade a significant system for winter camps – a heater!
An old, inefficient heating system can make you shell out more money and face serious health and safety issues.
It’s time to get a new-age diesel heater for your RV. However, if you’re unfamiliar with them, let’s start with the basics!
What is an RV/Camper Diesel Heater?
A reliable diesel heater for RV/camper uses diesel to heat the air moving through the heat exchanger. This distributes warm air throughout the RV/camper.
While propane heaters need a spark for fuel ignition, diesel heaters use compression. Thus, diesel heaters are more fuel and power-efficient. But there’s more, so let’s know it here…
What’s the benefit of using a Diesel Heater?
Compared to choices, a diesel heater is packed with several advantages like the following:
1. It’s a safer choice
When there’s a leak in propane heaters, a spark causes a fire hazard. About 3000 propane fires and explosions are reported annually.
However, diesel heaters aren’t ignited through sparks, unlike propane heaters. Fuel leaks in diesel heaters won’t be an issue. This is because it’s ignited through compression, which doesn’t work beyond the compression chambers.
Diesel heaters also have extra safety features like auto shut-off. This turns off the system when the temperature is too high or the heater falls over.
2. The carbon monoxide release and off-gassing is low
The compression chamber – where the diesel is ignited – stays sealed when in use. So, unlike propane heaters, it won’t fill your RV with carbon monoxide.
Furthermore, venting the exhaust outside is suggested. So, hardly any carbon monoxide enters the interior.
There’s also a bare minimum of off-gassing in diesel heaters. Thus, it’s pretty safe to use in small enclosed spaces.
3. There’s fast heating
Another interesting benefit of using a diesel heater is that it warms the interior much quicker than alternatives.
Its internal fan pulls in all the air, sends it through the heat exchanger, pushes out heated air, and blows hot air fast.
4. It’s fuel and power efficient
Diesel heaters have a high fuel efficiency of around 90%. So, compared to alternatives, it consumes less fuel and produces more heat. Thus, you also save a lot on fuel charges.
Moreover, there are lots of 12V diesel heaters available in the market that need only 12V DC power and not 110V AC power. Devices with AC power sources need AC-to-DC converters, which causes power loss. Thus, 12V diesel heaters save a lot of power!
5. There’s no condensation
Exposed flame propane space heaters create humidity and cause condensation in the RV. But diesel heaters don’t cause the same and keep the interior dry. Interior humidity can cause problems in RVs.
6. The fuel is accessible
During refills, diesel is much easier to find than propane. If you have a diesel RV, you can get fuel from your vehicle’s tank – if there’s no fuel station around.
How to choose the right Diesel Heater?
To ensure you buy the perfect diesel heater for yourself, here are some things to remember!
1. Size & Weight
Account for the space you have within your camper/RV. If it is small, go for a compact and lightweight model.
2. Heat Output
Diesel heaters produce 10,000-27,000 BTUs. Make sure you calculate the heating capacity based on the space you need to get heated.
3. Fuel Consumption
All diesel heaters aren’t built the same. While they save your fuel, some save fuel better than others. So, always compare the fuel consumption rate of all the models you consider. Go for the lowest fuel consumption rate. You’ll have to refill diesel much less frequently, then.
4. Noise Level
Most diesel heaters are noisy. This happens due to the fuel pump movement. But there are newer, less noisy models – they come with a rubberized mounting bracket to help diminish noise.
So, if noise is an issue for you, check whether the unit claims low noise and go through reviews.
5. Installation Process
If you want something you can install alone, buy one that promises easy installation.
6. LCD Monitor
Some models come with an LCD monitor and mounting plate. You can mount it on your RV wall. It helps you track the heater’s operation. So, if you want such features, look out for those while buying.
7. Remote Control
With a remote control heater, you won’t change your heater settings from any area of your RV. Especially if your RV is big, look for this feature.
Conclusion
With these key considerations, you’ll find the perfect diesel heater for your RV. So, make your next winter camp warm, safe, and economical!
