The Best Diesel Heaters for Caravans and Campervans in Australia

Updated on: December 2024

If you’re looking for the best caravan diesel heaters Australia, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will review some of the top diesel heaters for caravans for sale on the market and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each diesel heater so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing one. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Our top pick is the Webasto Twin Outlet diesel heater, keep reading to find out why. The Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater with Hot Water System is the most expensive but it is the only one on the list that comes with a hot water system built in, which justifies the price.

Webasto 12v Diesel Heater Twin Outlet with Ducting & Digital Controller

If you’re looking for a powerful and efficient heating solution for your vehicle, boat, or RV, the Webasto 12V Diesel Heater is a great choice. This heater has a strong diesel engine that can heat up any space quickly and efficiently. Plus, it uses only 1 litre of diesel fuel for 5-6 hours, so you don’t have to worry about constantly refilling the tank.

The Webasto 12V Diesel Heater also dehumidifies the air to keep things cool and dry. This helps prevent mould from growing inside your vehicle or boat. And with its digital controller, you can easily set and monitor the temperature to get just the right amount of heat.

The installation kit comes with this heater and includes everything you need to get started, like a controller and 60 mm ducting hose with an air outlet and heater brackets. You can even connect it to your vehicle’s existing diesel tank if it runs on diesel fuel.

Overall, if you want a reliable and efficient diesel heater that will keep you comfortable all year round, the Webasto 12V Diesel Heater is definitely worth considering. It’s easy to install and has plenty of advanced features that make it a great choice for anyone who needs extra warmth in their vehicle or boat.

Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit

The Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit is a powerful and efficient heating system perfect for larger motor homes. It has a fan-supported combustion chamber and can be used to heat air as well as water. The heater is easy to install and requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable heating system.

The Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit has a power output of 6 kW and runs on diesel fuel. It comes with a black cowl, 65 mm ducting, 15 m roll, and other accessories required for installation. The heater has an integrated control panel with LED display that allows you to adjust the temperature settings according to your needs.

It is designed to provide maximum comfort while being energy-efficient at the same time. It is equipped with advanced safety features such as flame monitoring, overheat protection, and automatic shut-off in case of low fuel levels or insufficient ventilation. The heater has low noise levels during operation, making it suitable for use in quiet environments.

The main advantage of using the Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit is its high efficiency and low fuel consumption rate, which helps save money on energy in the long run. Its compact size makes it easy to install even in tight spaces, while its advanced safety features give you peace of mind when using it indoors or outdoors.

On the downside, some users have reported that the fan can be quite noisy when running at full speed, which can be annoying if you are trying to sleep or relax inside your vehicle or home.

Installing the Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit is relatively straightforward and can be done by following the instructions provided in the manual. The heater requires minimal maintenance apart from regular cleaning of its components, such as filters and burners. It should be serviced once every two years by a qualified technician to ensure optimal performance over time.

Overall, the Truma Combi D6 Diesel Heater / Hot Water System Kit is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable heating solution with great value for money. Its powerful performance combined with fuel pump for low consumption makes it ideal for larger motor homes, while its easy installation process makes it suitable even for novice users unfamiliar with DIY projects related to heating systems. We highly recommend this product if you are looking for an efficient way of keeping your motorhome warm during cold winter nights!

Webasto 12V Diesel Heater Single Outlet with Ducting & Digital Controller

The Webasto diesel heater is another great option for anyone looking to stay warm and cozy on chilly days. Featuring a powerful diesel engine, this heater can quickly and efficiently heat any space, no matter how large or small. 

The heater has a few unique features that make it stand out from the other options available.

First, it not only warms up your caravan but also dehumidifies the air to keep things cool and dry, which helps prevent mould from growing inside your van. Second, the digital controller makes it easy to set and monitor the temperature.

The parts used by this heater to keep you warm are a little more efficient than other heaters. It will only take around 1 litre of diesel for 5-6 hours of use.

The diesel heater installation kit is an excellent way to ensure you’re never without heating in your camper van. The installation kit includes everything from the controller to a 60 mm ducting hose with an air outlet and heater brackets. All this comes in one convenient package!

Same as the twin outlet heater, this Webasto diesel heater does not come with a fuel tank so you will need to add a fuel tank to your order. However, if the vehicle runs on diesel, you will be able to plumb into the vehicle’s fuel tank.

Overall, if you are looking for a reliable diesel heater that will keep you comfortable all year round, then the Webasto 12V diesel heater is definitely worth considering.

Autoterm 12V 2kW Diesel Air Heater Kit with Digital Controller

The Autoterm Diesel Air Heater 12volt 2kw with Digital Controller is a reliable and efficient air heater designed to provide warmth to small spaces. It works on diesel fuel and has a maximum heating power of 2 kW for the 12V model. This heater can heat up to 75 m3 with hot air in one hour, making it an ideal choice for campers, vans, and trucks. The digital controller allows you to operate the heater in four different modes – low, medium, high and turbo – so you can customize your heating needs.

One of the most impressive features of this diesel air heater is its balanced fan assembly which is run on a balancing machine. This ensures that the fan runs quietly and efficiently without any vibrations or noise. The air intake silencer in the kit helps make this one of the quietest heaters on the market. Additionally, it comes with a high altitude sensor that automatically adjusts the performance according to changes in altitude.

In terms of performance and durability, this heater does not disappoint. It heats up quickly and evenly distributes warm air throughout your space. The digital controller also allows you to adjust temperature settings as needed so you can stay comfortable no matter what weather conditions you’re facing. Furthermore, it is built with quality materials that are designed to last for years without any issues or breakdowns.

Overall, this Autoterm Diesel Air Heater 12volt 2kw with Digital Controller is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable way to heat their space while on the go. It offers powerful heating capabilities along with adjustable temperature settings so you can stay comfortable no matter where your travels take you. While it may be slightly more expensive than other diesel heaters on the market, its quality construction and impressive features make it well worth the investment.

How does a caravan diesel heater work?

A caravan diesel heater is an essential accessory for anyone who likes to spend time travelling and camping in their caravan during cold weather. These heaters work by using the power of diesel fuel to generate heat inside the caravan, providing a warm and cozy environment that helps you to stay comfortable and relaxed during your travels.

The basic design of a caravan diesel heater involves a heating unit that converts the diesel fuel into heat, which is then pushed into the space through the vents or other openings. Some caravan diesel heaters also feature additional features such as fans or blowers to help direct the heat more effectively throughout the space.

Additionally, many modern diesel heaters are equipped with clog-free filters that prevent dust and dirt from accumulating in the system, helping to keep it functioning smoothly over time. Overall, a caravan diesel heater can be an essential tool for ensuring that your travels are always enjoyable and relaxing.

A caravan diesel heater operates over four steps.

1. Combustion

The heater brings in outside air through an intake duct and introduces it to the combustion chamber, where diesel fuel is also added. Combustion occurs, producing hot gases that pass through a metal heat exchanger before being expelled out of your caravan door or window.

2. Air Inlet for Cold Air

Next, the diesel heater uses an intake duct which allows cool air to be pulled into one side of it.

3. Conversion of Cold Air Into Hot Air

The cold air is heated as it passes through the exchanger, which is being heated by the hot gases on the other side.

4. Hot Air Moves To The Outlet

The heater’s warm, clean air warms up the inside of your caravan until it reaches a comfortable temperature.

How diesel heaters convert fuel to heat

Diesel heaters work by using a diesel-powered combustion process to generate heat. This process begins when the diesel fuel is injected into the heater’s combustion chamber. The diesel then ignites and starts to burn, producing heat in the process.

This heat is then transferred from the combustion chamber to the surrounding air via a series of metal fins or other heat-conducting materials. The heated air then circulates throughout the caravan, providing a consistent and comfortable temperature that helps you to enjoy your travels even during colder temperatures.

The types of diesel heaters available

There are a few different types of diesel caravan heaters available on the market, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of diesel heater is the vented diesel heater, which releases the heated air into the space through a series of vents.

These heaters are typically very effective at heating up your space quickly and evenly, but they can be noisy and may require additional ventilation in order to function properly. Another type of diesel heater is the unvented diesel heater, which does not release the heated air into the space.

Instead, these heaters rely on convection to circulate the air, making them much quieter than vented diesel heaters. However, unvented diesel heaters can take longer to heat up your space and may not be as effective at evenly distributing the heat.

Safety tips when using a diesel heater

As with any type of heater, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions when using a diesel heater in your caravan. First, always make sure that the area around the heater is clear of any flammable materials such as paper or cloth.

Additionally, it’s important to keep the doors and windows of the caravan open slightly when using the heater, as this will help to ventilate the space and prevent the build-up of dangerous fumes. Finally, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using the heater, and never leave it unattended while it’s in operation.

By following these simple safety tips, you can help to ensure that your diesel heater is always used safely and effectively.

Why would you install a diesel heater in a caravan?

There are many reasons why you might want to install a diesel heater in a caravan. Diesel heaters are very efficient, and they can help to reduce your overall energy costs. They are also very safe, and they will not pose a fire risk like some other types of heaters.

Diesel heaters emit very little smoke and fumes, making them ideal for use in enclosed spaces like caravans.

Diesel heaters are relatively low maintenance, and they will not require much in the way of repairs or upkeep. All of these factors make diesel heaters an attractive option for anyone who is looking for an alternative to an electric or gas heaters.

Fuel Tanks

The addition of another diesel device to your caravan’s cooking and heating system makes sense. In the case where you have a camper van that already has a diesel tank for fuel consumption, no additional tank is necessary because it can be plumbed directly into the existing tank.

Cost

Generally priced between $250 and $350, electric heaters are much less expensive than diesel heaters. However, in the long run, diesel heaters will work out to be cheaper and generate cleaner and more efficient heat.

Heat

Diesel heaters produce dry, clean heat, whereas LPG heaters produce wet heat, which creates humidity and condensation. The propane that is a part of LPG is not easily burned, and the burner burns only propane.

Installation

Most diesel heaters are sold as kits that contain everything that will be required for installation, including wiring, ducting and mounting. However, the diesel fuel tank and other optional components (such as the silencer) are usually extra.

Where can I put a diesel heater in a caravan?

Diesel heaters can be placed in a number of different locations in a caravan, depending on the size and layout of the vehicle. The most common location is under the seats or in the storage area, as this allows for easy access and ventilation.

Another option is to install the heater in the ceiling, which can help to save space. However, it is important to ensure that there is enough clearance around the heater to prevent any fires. Wherever you decide to place your diesel heater, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Are caravan diesel heaters noisy?

While diesel heaters are a popular choice for many caravanners, some people have raised concerns about their noise levels. There is certainly some truth to this concern, as diesel heaters can emit a certain amount of noise when operated at full capacity.

However, most diesel heaters come with a number of different settings and features that allow users to choose the level of noise that best suits their needs. For example, many diesel heaters offer an economy mode that reduces the amount of noise generated by the device and also helps to save energy.

Additionally, modern diesel caravans are usually insulated to minimize ambient sound, making it easier to enjoy your diesel heater without being disturbed by excessive background noise. In short, while diesel heaters do tend to be somewhat noisy when used at full capacity, careful consideration and the right set-up can help mitigate this issue and allow you to fully enjoy your caravan diesel heater without disturbance.

How much does it cost to install a diesel heater in a caravan?

The main price for the installation of diesel heaters on the caravan is on the diesel heater itself. These range in cost between $1,500 and $3,500. The installation itself may need a handyman’s help, and it takes roughly one day to complete, so it will depend on where you get this done and how much they will charge you.

Are diesel heaters safe in caravans?

Diesel heating units are increasingly used in caravans for their heating and are considered safe. All exhaust gases are directly out of the combustion unit through an exhaust tube to the outside.