Gas v electric v diesel heaters

[Vinci]

Whats the general view on heaters please. Do diesel heaters create a lot of noise/fumes (where do they exhaust?) presumably electric ones can run of second battery or mains hook up, does anyone run two systems? Any significant advantage of gas with under slung tank? Thanks everyone.

 

[Walski]

I've got a diesel eberspacher. No issues re fumes as it exhausts under the van (although have heard that of you have an awning and the wind is blowing in certain direction then can stink out the awning).
It can be quite loud when it kicks in and is trying to warm the van but if it's just keeping temp (i.e. Kicking in and out over night) then it's ok.

 

[BiTurbo]

I've got a Propex gas heater. Works really well also have underslung gas tank too. So versatile and gas is so cheap and clean burning.

 

[travelvolts]

Diesel is deffinately the best option, cheapest to run and by far the quietest. Electric is not possible.

 

[Chopman]

Diesel is deffinately the best option, cheapest to run and by far the quietest. Electric is not possible.

Hi Travelvolts, I've been looking for some comparison running costs for gas v diesel. In order to make your statement, I'm assuming that you have a few of these comparisons - are you able to share them?
Thanks.

 

[travelvolts]

Yes, in my LT (not for direct comparison to a T4/5/6 as it is a much larger space) I first fitted a Propex HS2000. The vehicle is fitted with a Gaslow refillable 11 kg cylinder and this would be gone in two days at a cost of around
£11.50 at forecourt prices. Now fitted with a Webasto Airtop 2000 the same usage burns less than 3 litres of diesel. It is also a thousand times quieter!!!!

 

[Chopman]

Thanks.
I am favouring an HS2000 to use with an underslung LPG tank. This also allows me to run my cooking and external Barbecue off the same tank.

 

[Davenjo]

I like the idea of an underslung LPG tank for the same reasons you mention but this will limit your options if you want to have water and/or waste tanks underslung as well. You would of course free up the need for an onboard gas cylinder which would give you a bit more space in the van for water.

Loving the Eberspacher fitted to our van - you can hear it when it starts up but it soon settles down to being very silent and we have had no noise problems with it running all night (had a couple of nights where it was below zero outside, had the heater set to 14c for comfort and not once did it need to kick in above its minimum setting to maintain). Very economical to run as well - 0.1 litre per hour on lowest setting to 0.28lire per hour on max.

 

[Chopman]

I can still have an underslung fresh water tank, and for waste water I can use something compact.
We hired a van with a diesel heater (not sure which one) and it was very good, but we're mostly planning to be fair weather capers - I was tempted not to put any kind of heater in at all.

Cost wise the HS2000 and tank is about the same price as a diesel heater...

 

[Mojo]

I'm looking at getting a heater when my van goes for a line-out etc. in the new year but my local place swear by Webasto, is the general consensus that Eberspacher are the better unit?

 

[Davenjo]

I'm looking at getting a heater when my van goes for a line-out etc. in the new year but my local place swear by Webasto, is the general consensus that Eberspacher are the better unit?

Mine came with the Eberspacher as part of the package - as I say, I love it and it works well for us, but can't compare it to anything else to say which is better.

 

[travelvolts]

I'm looking at getting a heater when my van goes for a line-out etc. in the new year but my local place swear by Webasto, is the general consensus that Eberspacher are the better unit?

I have had both and can't really tell much difference. I think the new Webasto pump is a bit quieter than the Eber. I also prefer the simplicity of the Webasto heat controller.

 

[travelvolts]

Thanks.
I am favouring an HS2000 to use with an underslung LPG tank. This also allows me to run my cooking and external Barbecue off the same tank.

It's very convenient but I suggest that you listen to one in operation before deciding. If you can sleep next to a Jet engine you would be OK.

 

[former member]

Our last Cali had a Webasto AND an Espercbacher sticker on it - not checked the current one but it's probably the same.
Whatever it has, it works very well.

 

[Mojo]

Cheers @travelvolts @Polzeylad @Davenjo sounds like there's not much between them, as long as it's reliable and does the job I'll be happy, I like the idea with the app for switching it on remotely or by timer, that could be useful.

 

[BiTurbo]

Yes, in my LT (not for direct comparison to a T4/5/6 as it is a much larger space) I first fitted a Propex HS2000. The vehicle is fitted with a Gaslow refillable 11 kg cylinder and this would be gone in two days at a cost of around
£11.50 at forecourt prices. Now fitted with a Webasto Airtop 2000 the same usage burns less than 3 litres of diesel. It is also a thousand times quieter!!!!

That's expensive gas, I have a 12 ltr tank and have to run out to spend nearly £5.

 

[BiTurbo]

I can still have an underslung fresh water tank, and for waste water I can use something compact.
We hired a van with a diesel heater (not sure which one) and it was very good, but we're mostly planning to be fair weather capers - I was tempted not to put any kind of heater in at all.

Cost wise the HS2000 and tank is about the same price as a diesel heater...

If you're not running around all year then why bother. If you want to camp when its colder. Just stop in sites with hookup and run a small fan heater. Job done. Worked a treat in our trailer tent, and as you pay for electric..... Use it!

 

[rod_vw]

I've got a Propex gas heater. Works really well also have underslung gas tank too. So versatile and gas is so cheap and clean burning.

BiTurbo, where abouts is your under slung gas tank fitted?

Rod

 

[rod_vw]

I've had six campers with diesel Eberspachers and one with a petrol one. My son has a 1982 Westfalia Joker with a petrol Eberspacher all have been excellent.

Rod

 

[Absolut5]

We fit Erbers with 7 day timers, slung underneath with a Wesbasto bracket.. and use both inlet and exhaust silencers..

Start up can be a little noisy at first, but after that it is very quiet inside