7 Best Chinese Diesel Heaters for Campervans & RVs [Buyers’ Guide]

A diesel heater is a great way to regulate the temperature of your campervan. This versatile machine is not limited to RVs only. It is a great way to introduce heat to your tent during camping and other outdoor activities. Best of all, they require zero installation to bring it to life.

If you love camping and the winter menace is threatening your camping plans, a diesel heater will come in handy. This is not to say there are no other heating options, far from it. But a diesel heater is the most affordable and safe for use without professional installation. You don’t even need a manual to use this heating equipment. All you need to do is pluck it into a socket, and voila… there is heat.

In this article, we explore a lot more about the seven best diesel heaters. You will also discover their differences and other available options for diesel heaters. Let’s delve right into it.

In this article:

Our Best Picks for Diesel Heaters for Campervans and RVs

What to Look for When Buying a Diesel Heater

Can You Run a Diesel Heater All Night?

Where Do You Install a Diesel Heater in Your Van?

Are Diesel Heaters Safe in Vans?

In Conclusion

Our Best Picks for Diesel Heaters for Campervans and RVs

When setting out for camping, it is best to arm yourself with the right gear. It gets colder at night, so the must-pack equipment is a diesel heater. There are varieties and varieties available in the market. Here are our best well-researched picks.

· Best Overall: Webasto AT 2000 Diesel 12V with Electronic Timer

· Best Powerful: Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V

· Best Safest: Air Diesel Heater LCD Switch and Remote Control

· Best Low Energy Consumption: Happybuy 2KW Diesel Heater 12 V

· Best Versatile: MaXpeedingrods 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater

· Best Flexible: Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater 10L Tank Diesel Heater 12V

· Best Automatic: maXspeedingrods 5KW 12V Diesel Heater with Bluetooth

1. Best Overall: Webasto AT 2000 Diesel Heater 12V with Electronic Timer | All in One Chinese Diesel Heater for Home

Brand: Webasto

Item Model Number: AT 2000 STC

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 0.9-2Kw

Weight: 5.73lbs

This is one of the best diesel heaters for campervans and RVs. We loved it best because no other diesel air heater responds to temperature variations the way this one does. It is so fast and sensitive to temperature change, so you can hardly notice anything, especially if you are engrossed with other activities.

Its compact design makes it the smallest but most efficient diesel heater available on the market. This is a huge plus for this little bad boy because it will not demand too much space. It is also easy to carry. But even with its teeny tiny size, this diesel heater offers optimized fuel efficiency. That’s not all. With this Webasto masterpiece, you will also get to enjoy a range of operation modes without having to worry about your safety around it.

It is even more fascinating how this equipment works. It is brisk and can hardly make any audible sounds when heating the air in the cargo. Unlike many other diesel heaters, this AT 2000 has a low fuel consumption, so you don’t have to pack a million gallons of diesel in your RV or campervan.

2. Best Powerful: Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L Chinese Diesel Heater Kit | 12 Volt Camper Van Heater | Best Diesel Heater for Garage

Brand: Eberspacher

Item Model Number:

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 0.85kW-2.2kW

Weight: 17.16 pounds

This diesel heater is the real heating beast of all time! It features the latest heat output modulation technology. This means this diesel space heater can monitor your campervan or RVs temperature in real-time. We all know this is a rare sophistication to be found in any heating equipment; thus, we must give credit where it’s due.

With such sophistication, you will not need any additional altitude kit. Yes, you heard that right. Its attractive design enables an automatic altitude adjustment. You can do this to a maximum of 3000m above sea level. What this means for you is that you can sleep through the varying temperatures at night without even feeling it.

Your nights will get even better with its stepless motor. The fuel pump too is silent. Forget those diesel heaters that hum the nights away like some old-school generators. Once you set it up, you will barely even notice its presence, especially with the timer!

3. Best Safest: Small Air Diesel Heater Kit LCD Switch & Remote Control Diesel Propane Heater Diesel Space Heater

Brand: maXpeedingrods

Item Model Number: MXR-2Y

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 1kW-5kW

Weight: 21.9 pounds

Much like the two previous diesel heaters, you will love the exquisite design of this too. It has a magnificent interior that heats up rapidly. This product is ideal for long heating periods, especially through the cold nights of the winter seasons. It is more than capable of meeting the standard heating requirements. Therefore, you can absolutely rely on it.

For lovers of peaceful nights, you will love the quiet operations of this powerful beast. But that’s not all. This diesel fuel heater has all the safety features to guarantee a safe sleep. The shutdown mechanism fitted on its sturdy construction prevents overheating and hazards. It is also thermostatically controlled with an external vent for the exhaust fumes.

The best part of it is its sophisticated technology features. The remote control and LCD screen make it easy to control even from the comfort of your campervan or RV bed. With these features, you can also adjust the temperatures and shut down the machine without having to walk all the way to the heater itself.

4. Best Low Energy Consumption: Happybuy 2KW Diesel Heater Kit | 12 Volt Diesel Furnace for Home

Brand: HappyBuy

Item Model Number: WF 5001

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 2kW

Weight: 13.27 pounds

This diesel heater is fast with low noise. It is one of the most efficient and reliable in the market. With this, you will no longer have to worry about window frost during the winter season. This aluminum heater will run smoothly in harsh weather conditions to eliminate cold and frost around your campervan or RV.

This air diesel heater is low energy consumption. You don’t have to worry about running out of fuel while camping in the bush. Well, for as long as you stock enough, you should do just fine. Its oil pump saves energy through the fuel inlet. On top of that, this diesel heater is low emission and long term running.

The best part is the intelligent LCD control that features the timer and thermostat. This ensures digital temperature control and timing heat functions. Both features can be preset to the desired switching time so that the machine can automatically turn off without inconveniencing you.

5. Best Versatile: MaXpeeding Small Diesel Heater Kit 5KW Diesel Air Heater | 12 Volt Camper Van Heater

Brand: MaXpeeding

Item Model Number: X

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 5kW

Weight: 22.3 pounds

This diesel night heater is what you need for your camping adventures to ward off the unforgiving frost of the winter. It has a two-in-one switch remote for controlling the heater. Besides, you can use this versatile machine in a car, campervan, caravan, or RV, among many others.

Its design effectively reduces noise through speed control. Both the fan and the oil pump operate silently. The metering oil pump also adopts an improved low-frequency pulse with low vibrations. The ECU, on the other hand, accurately controls the energy-saving abilities of this diesel parking heater.

This maXpeedingrods craftmanship is easy to install and operate. This is all thanks to the pre-installed parts that would have otherwise made the process tedious.

6. Best Flexible: Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater 10L Tank Diesel Heater Kit | Best Portable Diesel Heater

Brand: Happybuy

Item Model Number: 5KW 12V 10L

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 5kW

Weight: 15.12 pounds

This diesel parking heater is efficient with fast heating and low noise emission. This is all thanks to its aluminum construction that enables it to run smoothly in harsh weather conditions. Besides that, its low energy consumption saves energy while working smoothly.

We particularly loved the intelligent LCD monitor and remote control for adjusting the diesel heater. With the remote control and panel, you can adjust the temperature of your interiors to warm or melt any stray frost both on the windows and inside.

You can use this diesel heater to warm your RVs, caravan, campervan, trucks, or even the bunk of your ship or boat. It is totally reliable and up to the task. This diesel cab heater blows out warm air without causing carbon deposits on its magnificent engine.

7. Best Automatic: maXspeedingrods 5KW 12V Diesel Heater with Bluetooth Gasoline Camper Heater

Brand: maXpeedingrods

Item Model Number: MXR-1F

Power Source: Diesel

Heating Power Output: 1-5kW

Weight: 17.61 pounds

Our last but definitely not the least is this automatic diesel night heater. This sophisticated beast by maXspeedingrods has a flexible fitting and is suitable for all camping tracks, among many more. It tilts to 90 degrees, and you can place it anywhere on the wall and inside your camping vehicle.

This diesel tent heater has a lot to offer in terms of technology. Let’s call it a smart diesel heater. If you want to remotely control this bad boy, download the “Parking Electric” electric app. It is available for iOS and Android devices on the Google play store.

We love that it has automatic altitude compensation of up to 16000 feet. This enables it to maintain a constant temperature without intervention. The best part of the equipment is that it has low energy consumption and a high-performance level. It also ensures quick heating and an exceptional ventilation mode.

What to Look for When Buying a Diesel Heater

A diesel heater is a long-term investment for camping and other heating purposes, so you must be keen on what you put your money into. Here are some key factors for you to consider when buying one.

· Heat Output

Ensure that you invest in a diesel heater that provides enough power for your surroundings. Most campervans or RVs emit comfortable temperatures. The best ones that provide sustainable energy range between 7000-17000 BTU/hr.

· Power Consumption

Most diesel heaters will rely on your campervans or RVs’ battery to start. The fuel pump and the fan also need to be powered by an external source which is your vehicle. With this in mind, you can pick something that does not demand a lot of power to function.

· Fuel

If you are cutting down on cost, you will have to consider a heater with low fuel efficiency. Many diesel heaters are fuel efficient anyway. However, there are those on the higher end that you must look out for.

· Noise

Do you love peace and quiet in your sleep? Choose a quiet diesel heater for that restful sleep. However, if a low hum is not big of a bother to you, then go get the cheaper ones. The quiet ones are mostly high-end and might cost you a foot and an arm!

· Cost

They say cheap is expensive, but that is not always true. You don’t have to dent your wallet to get a good quality diesel heater. You can still get good quality and affordable machines. All you have to do is look out for reliable brands that have the customer’s best interest at heart.

· Warranty

Most diesel heaters cost a lot of money. Therefore, you must be sure you have a warranty and money-back guarantee. However, not all of them have a warranty—especially those from China which break down after a few uses. Be on the lookout on where you put your money.

Can You Run a Diesel Heater All Night?

You can run a diesel heater all night because they are safe even when sleeping. It is thermostatically controlled and does not expose direct flames that can be harmful. Besides that, most diesel heaters have safety mechanisms and timers. They can all be set to last the period of your sleep.

Where Do You Install a Diesel Heater in Your Van?

Diesel heaters vary. They are also flexible in nature. For most, you can place them under the dining table or even under your bed to avoid consumption of the limited space. For others, they are wall mountable and can tilt up to 90 degrees. Always ensure that the exhaust aims outside your vehicle as you do not want to inhale the fumes.

Are Diesel Heaters Safe in Vans?

Diesel heaters are safe for van life. Unlike other heaters, they produce less carbon monoxide, a gas that is harmful when exposed to enclosed spaces. Besides that, these diesel air forced heaters to have safety control features that can digitally operate. They also have other safety mechanisms, such as timers.

In Conclusion

Whether you permanently live in your van or just use it for camping purposes, having a diesel heater is an excellent choice, especially for ultra-cold winter nights. They provide consistent heat that heats the freezing air inside your van. When this happens, ice will not form inside the van and around the windows.