Are budget diesel heaters worthwhile or do they pose a fire hazard? This article explores whether low-cost diesel heaters are a good deal or a potential headache.
As winter approaches or when hunting for off-season deals, many RV owners find themselves considering heating options. If free camping is in your plans, a diesel-powered ducted heating system stands out as a practical choice. But what should you buy? Is it wiser to invest in a premium brand or settle for a less expensive, no-name version?
When it comes to diesel heaters, well-known companies like Eberspächer and Webasto stand out among many cheap alternatives that are readily available online. The price differences are significant: for instance, the Eberspächer Airtronic AS3 D2L, which has a heat output of 2200 watts, retails for about $2460. In contrast, a 4000-watt heater from the lesser-known brand Belief costs roughly $1310. Such a vast disparity explains the attraction of budget diesel heaters.
Criticism of Cheap Diesel Heaters: Is it Justified?
Nonetheless, lower-cost diesel heaters often earn a poor reputation regarding their reliability, availability of parts, and crucially, safety. Chris Emmerson from CJE Caravan Repairs has witnessed numerous subpar products come through his shop, with a growing number of issues linked to inexpensive diesel ducted heaters.
Chris noted, “Caravan and motorhome owners are drawn to these units due to the significant price gap between them and high-end brands. Unfortunately, the cheaper heaters frequently fall short in various aspects.”
He explained that most of the problems he encounters involve replacing faulty components, which can be hard, if not impossible, to obtain. “The companies selling these budget heaters are often based overseas and can be unresponsive to warranty claims or requests for spare parts, complicating repairs.”
There’s Some Good News
However, not all is bleak for purchasers of cheap diesel heaters. A robust online community exists with a wealth of resources, including countless YouTube videos on installation and troubleshooting issues.
Additionally, multiple Facebook groups cater to users of these budget heaters. One of the most popular, the Chinese Diesel Air Heater – Troubleshooting and Parts Sales, boasts over 65,000 members globally. They provide an extensive collection of helpful documents for anyone looking to buy or install these inexpensive diesel heaters.
According to posts within the group, common problems include inadequate wiring, malfunctioning glow plugs, excessive exhaust smoke, and various error codes from the advanced controllers. Fortunately, these challenges are typically manageable, with many members sharing solutions.
Frequent Complaints
Noise from fuel pumps and exhaust systems is a widespread complaint associated with some budget diesel heaters. Certain models seem to lack adequate silencers, making them disruptive for users and their neighbors. For instance, during a recent camping trip, we were beside a van that appeared to have a cheap diesel heater due to the unpleasant noise emanating from its exhaust, which was noticeably louder than other units we’ve encountered.
Fuel quality also poses issues, as some users report that using straight diesel leads to heavy carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. Some suggest mixing diesel with kerosene to mitigate this problem. However, it’s essential to consult the supplier before making any adjustments.
Assessing the Safety of Cheap Diesel Heaters
This brings us to a critical question regarding the installation of heating in your RV: How safe are cheap diesel heaters?
Chris expressed concerns that many of these budget heaters are made from low-quality materials, like thin metal for the heat exchanger, which can deteriorate and allow exhaust fumes into the living space. This not only poses a fire hazard but also risks carbon monoxide entering the area.
The threat of carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly serious in caravans and motorhomes. Due to their enclosed design, adequate ventilation is necessary to prevent gas buildup. Unfortunately, vents may become blocked by stored items in the RV. If diesel heaters, cheap or expensive, are left running overnight and carbon monoxide accumulates, occupants may be unaware of the threat, leading to severe health consequences or worse.
Essential Safety Features
Reputable brand heaters often highlight their safety features. For example, Webasto promotes various safety measures, including:
Chris advises consumers to review the specifications of any diesel heater to confirm it includes these safety features before purchase.
Installing inexpensive diesel heaters personally can also introduce several problems. Chris recounted a case where a customer reported a strong diesel smell inside their caravan upon first use. An inspection revealed that the owner had improperly installed the unit, having zip-tied the fuel line to the exhaust outlet, which was clearly unsafe.
While Chris acknowledged that installation mistakes can occur with any brand, he noted that installation guides provided with premium heaters are typically much clearer than those for cheaper models.
Further Recommendations
Chris suggests that if you choose to install a budget diesel heater in your RV, it would be prudent to have a specialist inspect it for proper installation and functionality. For added safety, installing a carbon monoxide alarm near your sleeping area is highly advisable. Most hardware stores and caravan accessory retailers stock suitable models for RVs.
Are Cheap Diesel Heaters Reliable?
Lastly, we must address the reliability of budget diesel heaters. Experiences vary, with some users facing numerous issues while others report a trouble-free experience. One acquaintance, Jan, had a cheap heater installed that failed in just a few weeks. Frustrated by the lack of response from the seller, she eventually bought a new unit, which has performed flawlessly.
In contrast, a user from the aforementioned Facebook group shared that after installing their heater, they were overwhelmed by noxious white smoke just 45 minutes later. Unable to reach the supplier for assistance, they received a full refund instead.
Conversely, a couple of members from the Roadstar Caravan Owners Group recently installed a budget Chinese heater in their caravans without encountering any problems so far.
Safety First: Stick to Brand Names for Peace of Mind
Ultimately, as long as there are high-priced reputable options available, budget alternatives will exist. While some may perform well, others can be unreliable. With thorough research and a bit of luck, you might find a decent unit, potentially saving money after replacing a faulty one.
Nevertheless, inexpensive does not guarantee safety. If you plan to buy a diesel ducted heater, we recommend opting for reputable brands for peace of mind. However, if budget constraints are a concern, consider purchasing a cheaper diesel heater but only from a well-reviewed Australian seller. Ensure it has comparable safety features to the higher-end models and comes with local warranty support. Availability of spare parts is also a major plus. For further assurance, consider professional installation from an experienced caravan repairer.
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