Campervans may be as opulent as you desire, but they seldom have central heating. What are my campervan heating options, and how can I know which one is best for me are some of the most asked questions.
When it comes to campervan warming choices, there are three primary kinds to consider: diesel, wood, and gas. While additional methods of heating (such as portable heaters or space heaters) are available, these three are the most often used when putting in a campervan.
The following are the important factors to consider while choosing the best campervan heating solution for you:
- Your van’s dimensions
- Ease of sourcing alternative fuel sources
- Installation expenses
- Maintenance costs
- Fuel prices
What Are the Different Types of Campervan Gas Systems?
Diesel a Campervan’s Heating System
Diesel heaters are powered by the gasoline from the vehicle’s primary diesel tank as well as the leisure batteries or an electric source. Since both hot air and hot water systems may be incorporated, they find widespread application in larger vehicles. This is quite beneficial if you camp all year and want to take a hot shower!
A typical diesel heater uses 0.1 litres of fuel per hour as a rough suggestion. It should be noted that the heater only burns fuel while combustion is taking place.
The 12v is required for the thermostat and fan. The consumption varies on the campervan heating power needed and the kind of heater; as a rough approximation, it ranges from 10 to 50w. The user handbook will tell you what the minimum wattage of electrical input is required for the heating to function.
Most diesel (and gas) heaters warm the air, which is then circulated throughout the car by a 12v fan. All the air needed for combustion and exhaust is sucked in through the car’s exterior and directed into a sealed combustion chamber.
A Campervan With a Wood-Burning Stove
There’s something lovely and romantic about the idea of a wood stove in any home. You may still participate in the activity even when you’re staying in a campervan rather than a Scandinavian log cabin.
Any kind of campervan heating equipment requires strict adherence to safety standards. Before attempting an installation on your own, we suggest that you consult with a HETAS-licensed installer. This is especially important since the needed ventilation is determined using HETAS rules.
It is a legal necessity that you keep combustible things away from your stove. That means wood and hardboard must be kept to a minimum, which may be accomplished successfully and tastefully in the van’s main body. Please do your research before cutting a hole in the roof if there is any wood in the ceiling, since a twin-walled flue may be necessary.
Campervan Heating Using Gas
Campervan diesel heaters circulate hot air throughout the vehicle through specific vents. This method of heating a campervan uses gas canisters or a tank that may be placed either inside or outside the vehicle.
Thermostatic controls are common on heaters of this kind, allowing them to keep an area at a constant temperature and restart themselves if the temperature drops too low. This is especially helpful at night to prevent waking up with an ice box and a frozen nose!
The price of this campervan heating option may fluctuate widely depending on whether an under-the-hood LPG Auto tank or an internal Butane bottle is used. An underslung tank with a filling station, regulator, and level monitor may cost between £500 and £1000. Internal cylinders are far less expensive to install, but you may need to alter the connection while travelling.
The cost of the heaters themselves might also vary. One of the most common options is propane gas heaters. These tend to be more expensive than generic alternatives; an HS2000, for instance, will set you back about £480.
Costs to run the business are manageable. It usually costs roughly £15-£25 to replenish a 20-litre underslung tank, which should be replaced once a month depending on use.
A licensed gas safety engineer must inspect any gas-related work, and a landlord’s certificate is required if the space is to be rented out.
How to Select the Best Campervan Heating Option for Your Requirements
Diesel Campervan Heating
Advantages of Diesel Heating in Campervans
- Extremely dependable
- Work well at low temperatures
- Because of the excellent internal fuel gauge, it is unlikely to run out of gasoline.
- It is simple to get substitute gasoline overseas.
- The electric and gasoline expenditures are minimal.
- It is possible to attach it outside of the car, conserving room inside.
- It just takes a few minutes to warm up the carpool van (provided you fitted the right KW output in relation to vehicle size)
- The temperature may be adjusted using a thermostat if desired.
The Disadvantages of Diesel Heating in Campervans
- The operation of the campervan heating system might be rather loud (for your outside neighbours)
- Fumes might be emitted by an outdated or poorly maintained heater.
- As a rule, they use more power than a gas heater would. This might be nullified if solar panels are installed.
- Webasto heaters may range in price from £800 to £2000, depending on the KW output.
- This kind of alternative model is gaining popularity, but if you can’t try it at first, it’s not a good idea to buy it online from another country.
- Prices for refurbished models begin at £450 and include annual servicing.
A Campervan With a Wood Burning Stove
The Benefits of Wood Burner Heating in Campervan
- Purchase prices range from £100 to £300 for a 2kw unit.
- Fuel is inexpensive. A whole crate of logs (1.26 m x 1.14 m x 1.04 m) may be acquired from online merchants for £150 – £250 (you will need to find a place to store this many logs!) or wood can be scavenged.
- Running quietly and comfortably
- Simple to maintain – no electrical issues!
- Dry heat output is ideal for drying garments and footwear.
The Disadvantages of Using a Wood Burner to Heat a Campervan
- It might be unpleasant for inexperienced fire-makers!
- Because an underslung wood shop is not likely to be the next Dragon’s Den endeavour, you will need to find a place to keep your kindling and wood.
- Some insurers may not cover fires caused by solid fuel heaters, so check with them before making a commitment.
- In a small number of campsites (at least in our experience), wood stoves are not permitted.
- A smaller unit will need more frequent refuelling and may burn out throughout the night.
- A bigger unit may create much too much heat for the size of the vehicle, forcing you to strip naked in the dead of winter!
- Meeting stringent safety regulations (Okay, it’s more of a need than a drawback, but there are a lot of them!)
Campervan Heating Using Gas
The Benefits of Gas Heating in Campervans
Running efficiently
- It is simple to find and replenish fuel (if using auto-gas)
- Generally inexpensive fuel source
- You may leave it on all night without any risk.
- Bring the temperature of the air up to where it needs to be rapid.
- This runs at very frigid temperatures while utilising propane gas!
The disadvantages of gas heating in campervans
- An incorrect calculation of ventilation for the cubic metre area of your EMPTY van (i.e. without equipment or appliances) might result in the requirement for after-the-fact ventilation installation.
- Buying an underslung unit may be quite costly, and the cheaper internal tanks have significantly lower capacities.
How to Choose the Right Camper Van for Your Needs
There are a few characteristics that, whether or not you want to offer your campervan for rent via Van Conversion, we think you should include in your build.
- If you have a naked flame in a tiny room with a lot of wood, for instance, you should get a fire extinguisher.
- Make certain that it is readily accessible.
- A Carbon Monoxide alarm is required if gas is to be used at any time!
- C0 alarms are essential safety equipment in every campervan.
What Kind of Campervan Heating System Should You Install?
Just as some people may confidently assert that the milk should be added first while brewing tea (they’re incorrect), so too can one confidently assert that there is no correct solution to this question. It is a matter of personal taste based on research and circumstances!
We can almost all agree that sleeping in a warm van is better than a damp and cold night under canvas. The majority of our vans are heated, so taking a rest in one is appealing regardless of the temperature outside. Why not take a couple out for a weekend spin and pick the brains of our educated owners on which campervan heating system is best for you?