Best Budget Diesel Heater for Vans & RVs

I spent my first year traveling full-time without a diesel heater for my van. There’s an extremely big difference in price between the top quality brands, like Webasto and Espar, compared to the cheap Chinese diesel heaters and I wasn’t sure which way to go.

For a year, I asked every vanlifer I came across about their experience and opinion on the best diesel heaters for van life. I found many campervan owners who were very satisfied with their budget Chinese diesel heaters. I also found a few who had spent a pretty penny on the brand name diesel heaters and still had some problems with them.

If your budget is unlimited, there’s no denying that the Webasto 12v diesel heater options are top quality and a great option.

However, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable 12v diesel heater for van life I personally recommend a Chinese diesel heater (CHD) – they’re a fraction of the cost and still perform really well compared to the expensive alternatives.

In this article:

• Comparison chart of the best budget diesel heaters
• Best Chinese diesel heater for van life (my pick)
• Tips for 12v diesel heater installation & maintenance

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Best Diesel Heaters for Van Life

There’s a massive price range for 12v diesel heaters. But does spending an extra $1,000 (or more) really get you a better heater? Potentially – they’re built with better quality products… but that doesn’t mean that a budget diesel heater is bad quality.

I installed the Vevor XMZ-F-D3 and it’s worked flawlessly for multiple winters.

However, if I were to buy another 12v diesel heater I would size down to the Vevor XMZ-F-D1 for my Ford Transit. The D3 is a 5kW heater and it’s too powerful for a campervan. The D1 is 2kW which is a better option for a smaller rig.

The list below outlines the overall differences for the best 12v heaters for campervans and RVs.

NOTE: Get 5% off Webasto, Planar Autoterm & Espar 12v diesel heaters with code EVERYWHEREWITHCLAIRE through the links above.

Best Budget Diesel Heater Options for Van Life

1. Best Chinese Diesel Heater For Van Life: Vevor

Chinese diesel heaters have become extremely popular in recent years due to their low cost. You could buy 10 Chinese diesel heaters for less than the cost of one Webasto or Espar diesel heater.

While the quality and reliability of these van heaters can vary, many van lifers have had success with models like Vevor (myself included). I spent a year asking everyone I met which brand of Chinese diesel heater they recommended and Vevor was the clear winner.

I bought one on Amazon and installed it myself (it’s easier than you think) and it’s worked flawlessly for multiple winters!

➝ 2kW Chinese diesel heater: Vevor XMZ-F-D1
➝ 5kW Chinese diesel heater: Vevor XMZ-F-D3

The one mistake I made was buying the 5kW heater, thinking more is more. However, in the case of 12v diesel heaters you do not want to oversize. The best diesel heater is one that can run on full heat without roasting you.

On full heat, diesel heaters burn more efficiently and will require less maintenance because soot won’t accumulate inside the burner.

It’s better to get a smaller diesel heater and run it on its hottest setting than it is to get a bigger diesel heater and run it on low.

If I had to redo it, I would install a 2kW diesel heater in my extended Ford Transit. The only reason I would buy a 5kW diesel heater again is if I planned to be in extremely cold temperatures (like below 15℉) or if I had a 30+ foot RV.

TIP: Join this Facebook group for help installing or troubleshooting error codes on your Chinese diesel heater.

2. BougeRV Portable 12v Diesel Heater

BougeRV is a fantastic RV brand. They make all sorts of reliable appliances, like 12v refrigerators, as well as replacement bits and bobbles for just about anything in your camper.

One of the nice things about their portable 12v diesel heater is that it has a built-in fuel container. The portability of this unit compared to every other diesel heater on this list is what makes it stand out – skip installation and save the space on your warm-weather trips.

Best Brand Name 12v Diesel Heaters for Campervans

3. Autoterm Planar 2D 12v Diesel Heater For Van

The Autoterm 2D heater (previously called Planar 2D) is compact and efficient, making it one of the best 12v diesel heaters for campervans. Its 2kW capacity is designed for small spaces like a van or smaller RV.

It has a low fuel consumption and can heat a smaller space very quickly, making it a great choice for colder climates. Because it can operate at elevations of up to nearly 14,000 feet it’s great for alpine use as well.

Features of the Autoterm 2D 12v diesel heater include automatic adjustments for operation at high altitude, a digital control panel for easy temperature control and safety features, such as a high-temperature safety switch.

Additionally, Autoterm 2D is one of the best 2kW diesel heaters available as it comes with a 24-month manufacturer’s warranty and 122R & 10R certificates.

NOTE: Get 5% off of your Heatso purchase with discount code EVERYWHEREWITHCLAIRE.

4. Webasto Air Top 2000 STC 12v Diesel Heater For Vans

This compact 2kW 12v diesel heater from Webasto is easy to install and has a low fuel consumption. It can heat up a campervan quickly and comes with a built-in thermostat for temperature control and safety features, such as overheat protection.

Webasto is a well known name in the overlanding community and have a reputation for producing high quality 12v diesel heaters.

In addition to the diesel heater, Webasto also makes a gasoline powered Air Top 2000 heater with similar technical specs. If you have a gasoline vehicle engine this version has the ability to tap directly into your fuel tank.

5. Webasto Air Top Evo 40 12v Diesel Heater

Webasto’s Air Top Evo 40 12v diesel heater is able to run at high altitudes up to 18,000 feet with an automatic altitude adjustment. On its highest temperature setting it can run for up to 14 hours on a single gallon of diesel fuel.

However, for most vans and smaller RV’s (<30 feet in length) a full power 4kW diesel heater is far more heat than you’ll need in most climates.

If you plan to be in extremely cold temperatures, have poor insulation in your van, or you routinely camp at elevations over 5,000 feet this is one of the best 12v diesel heaters for campervans.

Additionally, Webasto offers a gasoline fueled version of the Air Top Evo 40. For even larger spaces, Evo 55 is a good 5kW 12v heater option available in gasoline or diesel models.

6. Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S3

Espar Airtronic S3 diesel heater has a quiet operation and comes with a built-in thermostat for temperature control. This means it offers a true temperature adjustment feature to maintain a specific set temperature. It also comes with a programmable thermostat so you can assign different settings to a weekly program, similar to in-home thermostats.

If you plan to spend time at higher elevations, this is one of the best 2 kW diesel heater options because of it’s built-in altitude sensor which automatically adjusts the settings for elevation changes (vs manual adjustments as most diesel heaters require).

Additionally, it includes safety features, such as automatic shut-off in case of overheating.

All Eberspacher 12v diesel heaters are manufactured in Germany, which makes getting parts and maintaining them easy.

The Espar Airtronic S3 line comes with two fuel power options:

➝ 12v Diesel Heater: Airtronic S3 D2L
➝ 12v Gasoline Heater: Airtronic S3 B2L

7. Eberspacher Espar Airtronic M3

The Espar Airtronic M3 line is very similar to the S3 models, just larger. They can heat a bigger space, and operate in higher elevation. This also means they’ll consume a bit more energy than their S3 counterparts.

Similarly, they also come in multiple fuel power options:

➝ 12v Diesel Heater: Airtronic M3 D4L
➝ 12v Gasoline Heater: Airtronic M3 B4L

NOTE: Get 5% off of your Heatso purchase with discount code EVERYWHEREWITHCLAIRE.

Diesel Vs Gasoline 12v Heater

My van runs on gasoline, so I was really tempted to install a 12v gasoline heater that could tap directly into my vans fuel tank. This set up would have meant I wouldn’t need an additional small fuel tank to hold diesel for the heater.

However, once I did some research I determined that a gasoline heater wasn’t the best option.

First, gasoline heaters are more expensive than a 12v diesel heater. Usually at least $100-$200 more.

Second, gasoline isn’t as efficient as diesel. That means you’d need more gasoline to produce the same amount of heat as a diesel heater.

Third, a gasoline heater tends to require more maintenance than a 12v diesel heater does. Diesel heaters have more robust design and features, like fuel filters to prevent carbon buildup.

This means that 12v diesel heaters require less frequent cleaning, while gasoline heaters require more regular filter replacements and ongoing maintenance.

Ultimately, I decided that the cost savings and increased efficiency of a 12v diesel heater was a better option, even if it meant I had to install a small additional fuel tank to carry a few gallons of diesel in my van.

Maintenance Requirements For A 12v Diesel Heater

For the most part, maintaining a 12v diesel heater requires very little. The best way to prevent needed maintenance or cleaning is to ensure you’re running your heater at its highest setting. This is why you don’t want to oversize your heater, then have to run it on lower settings.

For at least every 12 hours of run-time, it’s recommended you run the heater at the highest temperature for an hour to burn off any soot build up. Soot build up is more likely to occur at lower temperature settings.

If you don’t burn off the soot build up you’ll notice a thick, white exhaust smoke. If you notice this, it’s time to run the heater on high until it clears.

How Does a Diesel Heater Work?

A 12v diesel heater works by using a small amount of diesel fuel to heat up something called a heat exchanger. Then the heat exchanger warms the air that is blown into the van’s interior through a series of ducts or vents. 

Some 12v diesel heaters come with a thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature inside your van. Others simply have up/down controls to change the heat output with less specificity.

The fuel for diesel heaters is typically stored in a small tank installed inside your van. This tank can be refilled as needed. The diesel heater’s fuel consumption is usually quite low, making it an efficient choice for heating a van.

If your van has a diesel engine you can tap directly into the fuel tank instead of carrying an additional interior tank. Most newer vans come equipped with an ancillary hookup which makes this installation simple.

Benefits of a 12v Diesel Heater for Van Life

There are several benefits to using a diesel heater for your van, including:

Cost-Effective

Typically, diesel heaters are more cost-effective than other types of heating systems. They use less fuel and are efficient at heating up small spaces, like a van.

Easy to Install

Diesel heaters are relatively easy to install in a van. Most models come with all the necessary components and instructions, and can be installed with basic tools.

The exception to this is the Chinese diesel heater, which typically comes with incredibly confusing printed instructions. The beauty of YouTube is that there are many great instructional videos which greatly help with this install (speaking from experience!).

My Chinese diesel heater did not come with any instructions. However, all diesel heaters are fairly similar – they need to have a hole for fresh air intake and a hole for the exhaust to be piped outside (typically these are drilled into the van floor). Then, you just need to run 12v wires to the unit.

The trickiest part of installing a diesel heater in a van is figuring out the controller. While the more expensive 12v diesel heater options come with user-friendly controllers, the Chinese diesel heaters tend to be more rudimentary.

There are many resources online for these controllers, so don’t let that dissuade you from a CDH.

Compact Size

12v diesel heaters are small and compact, making them ideal for use in a van. They take up very little space and can be installed in a variety of locations.

I installed my chinese diesel heater under the passenger seat of my Ford Transit.

Low Maintenance

Diesel heaters require very little maintenance. They don’t have any moving parts, so there’s no need for regular lubrication or repairs.

Tip: Let your diesel heater complete its shut-down cycle and occasionally run your heater on the highest setting for 30-minutes to an hour. This helps burn off carbon build up which will cause you problems down the line.

Safe to Use

Diesel heaters are designed to be safe to use in a van. They have built-in safety features that prevent them from overheating or causing a fire.

However, I don’t trust anything with a heating element. Things happen! For that reason I never run my heater if I’m not in the vehicle to monitor it.

You will also need a smoke detector and a carbon-monoxide detector in your van (you should have this regardless of whether you have a 12v diesel heater or not!)

I chose to install a RV pet temperature monitor and a van security system (I use simplisafe – you can get a discount on your system with this link) which has smart smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

If these alarms trip I get an alert on my phone, so I will know if there’s a problem even if I’m not near my van – this is crucial for me because I do van life with a dog, who sometimes spends a few minutes alone in the van if I need to run in and get groceries.

Disadvantages of A 12v Diesel Heater For Van Life

While diesel heaters offer many advantages for van conversions, there are also some potential disadvantages that you should considered.

Fuel availability

Diesel fuel is not as widely available as gasoline, so finding fuel for your heater may be more difficult in some areas. However, this is really rare and probably not a huge concern.

Initial cost

12v diesel heaters can be more expensive to purchase and install than other heating options. Most brand name options, like Webasto or Espar, cost over $1,000.

However, Chinese diesel heaters typically cost less than $150.

Noise level

While many 12v diesel heaters are designed to operate quietly, some models can be noisy, which can be a problem if you’re trying to sleep or work in your van.

In particular, the fuel pump can create a ticking noise when it’s on which can be extremely annoying, especially at night.

I don’t find the noise from my Chinese diesel heater to be a problem. It’s a low blower sound that’s constant and isn’t an issue to sleep through.

However, I’d been warned about the ticking sound that comes from the fuel pump, so I chose to install mine below my van to help muffle the sound.

Even so, it’s still audible inside the van – especially at night while sleeping. It’s not obnoxious enough to bother me, but I could see where some people would have a difficult time with it.

Maintenance

Like any heating system, 12v diesel heaters require occasional maintenance and upkeep. This can include cleaning, replacing filters, and servicing the fuel system.

The easiest way to decrease the amount of maintenance required is to allow the diesel heater to shut down on its own, without forcing it to power off immediately. During the shutdown phase (3-5 minutes) the burner cleans itself so less soot builds up.

I absolutely hate maintaining things. Part of the reason I installed a Chinese diesel heater was because of the low cost – when the time comes that it needs to be pulled apart and cleaned I’m probably just going to spend another $100 and put a brand new one in instead.

Altitude Issues

12v diesel heaters are known for having issues at altitude where oxygen levels drop and throw off the oxygen to fuel ratio.

Some of the higher end models (Espar and Webasto) are able to accommodate for altitude, or offer ancillary kits you can add onto your system.

In general, most 12v diesel heaters work well up to 8,000 feet in elevation – which covers a vast majority of the US.

Unless you’re going to be spending significant time at the top of mountains in Colorado, Montana, Washington or California a beefy high-altitude heater is probably not necessary.

Safety concerns

12v diesel heaters can produce exhaust fumes that can be harmful if not properly ventilated. Make sure to install your heater in a safe location and follow all safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning or other safety hazards.

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your van. Carbon monoxide is undetectable to humans and can kill you quickly.

When installing a diesel heater in your van, run the exhaust pipe away from any windows or doors where fumes could come back into your van.

It’s also important to run the exhaust line to the outer sides of the van (vs letting it vent under your van floor) because fumes that build up under the van body can find their way back into the vehicle and make you sick.

I installed my exhaust pipe to vent out the drivers side of my van. Since I often have my sliding door open, or the windows on the passenger side cracked for ventilation in my van, I wanted to be sure the exhaust fumes were being directed as far away from those openings as possible.

Things to Consider When Choosing a 12v Diesel Heater for Your Van

If you’re considering a diesel heater for your van, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best 12v diesel heater model for your camper.

Size

12v diesel heaters come in a range of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your van.

A heater that is too small may not be able to keep your van warm enough, while a heater that is too large may be wasteful and inefficient.

Most van conversions use a 2kW or 5kW 12v diesel heater. Additionally, 12v diesel heaters are available in 8kW. However, 8kW is way too much heat for the small size of a van, so don’t overpay for more than you need. You’ll be walking around in a swimsuit if you install an 8kW heater.

If you have a smaller van (like the short wheelbase Ram Promaster) you can get away with a 2kW diesel heater, especially if it’s installed near your bed or living space.

An additional note on size: Running your 12v diesel heater on it’s highest heat setting means less carbon build-up. If you oversize and run your heater on a lower setting you’ll have more frequent maintenance.

If you think you’re in between sizes, consider sizing up. You can always open your vent fan to cool off. If you’ll be in super cold climates the 5kW will do a better job of heating your van than the 2kW can.

I have a 170” extended wheelbase Ford Transit. It’s about 21 feet long. My bed is in the back and my 12v diesel heater is installed under the front passenger seat.

The amount of heat it produces is perfect for sleeping at night and working during the day. If I were to build another van, I’d buy a 2kW 12v diesel heater and install it mid-ship, instead.

The goal is to get a heater you can run on full blast (to prevent carbon build up) without roasting yourself.

Noise Level

Some 12v diesel heaters can be quite noisy, which can be a concern if you’re trying to sleep in your van. Look for a model that is designed to be quiet.

I like my Vevor chinese diesel heater, and it doesn’t produce much noise. The Planar models are also said to be quiet.

Installation

Consider the installation process for the 12v diesel heater you’re purchasing. If you’re more comfortable with clear and specific instructions, look for a model that is well reviewed for installation instructions (ie, don’t get a chinese diesel heater) and all the necessary components for an easy installation.

If you’re up for a challenge and can confidently navigate “YouTube University” then you’ll be just fine with a Chinese diesel heater. There are also some great 12v Diesel Heater Facebook Groups you can join for troubleshooting and installation questions.

Safety Features

Look for a 12v diesel heater that has built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off if the heater overheats. For the most part, all diesel heaters come with this, but it’s especially important to pay attention to if you’re considering a CDH.

Installation of a Diesel Heater in Your Van

Installing a diesel heater can be time consuming, but it’s not super complicated. The biggest variables in installation time depend on where you install the diesel heater in your van. Try to avoid installing in a location that has a lot of vehicle components to work around.

Here are some general steps to follow for 12v diesel heater installation:

1. Choose a location for the diesel heater in your van. It should be a well-ventilated area, away from any flammable materials. Make sure there is nothing under the van floor that would interfere with the ventilation hoses (they can get really hot when the heater is running).
2. Mount the diesel heater securely using the provided brackets and screws. This will involve drilling a hole through your floor so the heater’s combustion process can happen outside of your van to prevent toxic fumes from entering.
3. Connect the fuel tank to the heater using the provided fuel line. If you have a diesel van you can connect to the vehicle fuel tank, otherwise use a secondary tank you can easily access to refill.
4. Install the ducting and vents to distribute the warm air throughout your van. Be sure that vents are positioned towards the living space and they’re not blocked by anything with low heat tolerance. The air exiting the heater can be ~100℉ and may melt soft plastic. If you don’t want to install ducting in your van, you could opt for a 12v fan to help circulate air instead.
5. Connect the power supply to the heater, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to fuse appropriately. My heater is on a shared electrical circuit with other appliances, so I added an in-line fuse to isolate the 12v diesel heater from the other electrical components on the same circuit.
6. Test the heater to make sure it’s working properly and adjust any settings as needed. This will also burn off any weird plastic smells common with new equipment.

Final Thoughts – The Best 12v Diesel Heater for Campervans

If you plan to be a winter van lifer you’ll definitely need a 12v diesel heater. I spent my first season without a heater and quickly realized it was a requirement for me.

A 12v diesel heater for van life is an efficient and cost-effective way to keep your van warm and comfortable, even in the coldest weather conditions. When choosing the best 12v diesel heater, consider factors such as size, noise level, installation, and safety features. With the right 12v diesel heater and proper installation, you can enjoy a warm and cozy van life no matter where the road takes you.