Diesel Night Heater Install- VW T5 Camper Project

Another piece of the puzzle fitted to the camper. Massive thank you to Autoterm for sponsoring the episode and supplying me with a night heater. These heaters work down to -45º! I have installed the D2 version along with the bracket to mount under the van.
Fancy one? Visit www.autoterm.com/ and use the code 'Chambers5' to get 5% off your order!
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[@keswickadventure]

Exhaust issue is mentioned, so no need to add to that. However, the standpipe is far too long - you can pick crap up from the bottom of the tank, but more importantly, you can empty the tank on ‘heat’ and not be able to drive the van away! You should aim to leave about a quarter of fuel left when heater runs out

[@stephenmanning2748]

You always look like you’re enjoying yourself! Good on you Dan.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud. I was annoyed in this one, getting up and down constantly 😂

[@yolllzzerstunes5605]

Hi Dan.. you might end up choking up your heater sooner than normal, you might over heat the heater to if you were to run the heater accidentally when the engine is running and I don’t think the heater exhaust will last long at all when open to engine exhaust all the time, would be perfect if the port was switchable and only open when the heater is on.. 😬👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Seen a few people do it over the years so figured we would give it a try 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@yolllzzerstunes5605]

@@DanChambersDAC I’m sure it will be fine 😜😬

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

That Cali step is a brilliant idea, the amount of times that I have knocked the round grill off my intake. Definitely worth the money.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud. Definitely worth it. They look so much neater

[@00pturnerj]

Where can you buy them PLEASE!!!

[@RetroRewind77]

Telling myself I don’t need a heater…. Watched this video…. Now I want one 😂😂 you did an amazing job of fitting it dude 👊🏻

[@paultaylor9652]

Well done matey, you seem to be able to meet any challenges that come along on this build, really looking forward to seeing it completed.

[@fluffstar_]

New tailgate and it’s in colour already!! Nice 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

So lucky! Will need some paint at some point but that will inevitably come 😂

[@JohnWD40TC02]

Hi Dan a very neat and well planned install but just one word of caution mate, the exhaust mod you did by tapping into the vans exhaust just be aware that the exhaust fumes from the vans engine may come out of the heaters air intake for the combustion chamber, I may be wrong here but those heaters will allow air to come out of the intake when it's not in use. I have one of these heaters in my little workshop and it heats my working area and my paint booth that's fitted in the corner, mine is one of those all in one models so the heater and fuel tank is all contained in a metal case, they are also cheap to run👌👌👍

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Great video Dan. Might stick one of those heaters in me LT35. Almost a complete tutorial despite losing the go pro footage..

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks dude. Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah it didn’t turn out too bad in the end!

[@martinsherred8302]

Nice finish to your work again Dan,good idea with exhaust I reckon.👌

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks dude. Hopefully it works

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Another neat install while all done lying on the floor, amazing Dan. Love the idea of using the OEM step cover for the final finish. Always thinking ahead

[@liamglover4794]

The vans looking trick, great work as always

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud

[@kingsnipe100]

Hi Dan, I have recently installed mine with same exhaust setup I made a stand pipe that sits 30mm inside the exhaust pipe this has a slot cut in one side and the end welded up this is then welded so the slot in the stand pipe is pointing downstream towards the tailpipe, I agree with your logic, along as the engine is not running at the same time it shouldn't affect operation of the heater however I though by adding this slight modification to the pipe would: 1) direct the diesel heater exhaust down stream towards the tail pipe. 2) exhaust gasses from engine should flow seamlessly around the pipe and would be pretty difficult to end up going backwards and into the slot on the stand pipe It's still early days for my setup but seem to have amazing flow out of the exhaust when the heater is ticking over and hasn't affected the performance of the van atall would be interested to see if you have had any issues in the past few months, many thanks Paul

[@Workshop-of-Allsorts]

Super neat job Dan, wouldn't expect anything different to be fair... ☺ loving the build so far, your putting bad thoughts in my head of doing another build myself now 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Thanks bud. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jirivogeltanz3276]

Hi Dan. Super👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌Greetings from the Czech Republic.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud

[@preneshpakkiri5565]

Well done awesome work and the t5 is awesome 👌

[@jaregwo]

Had a heater fitted in my t4 for 5 years now. I fitted mine under the drivers seat. Luckily I could access the tank without dropping it out..

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers dude. Well worth fitting one if you want to use the van year round!

[@jaregwo]

Definitely. Managed 2 years without one but we were parked up on the north Norfolk coast in winter on a bloody miserable day freezing our t##ts off and seriously contemplating selling it as it was no longer fun.

[@downnoutmotors]

It amazes me how kitted the transporter can be.. enjoying the build loads mate.. looking forward to the mk2 getting going again too 👍

[@bikersparky]

Nice one Dan, superb job

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud.

[@trimportersvanconversions6973]

Nice one mate! Diesel heaters are a game changer! Never had a customer say otherwise 😎 Cali Step is a neat trick also, might recommend it going forward to my customers 🤙

[@DanChambersDAC]

Newt way of finishing the inlet off isn’t it!

[@KC6930]

Does the Autoterm plastic inlet fit ok behind the cali step?

[@alexjones8296]

Really neat and tidy installation, Dan. 👏👏

[@danielrickell7590]

Great video Dan 🤙

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud.

[@ian_morg]

Nice one Dan, always on my to-do list but not got around to it.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud. Not actually too bad a job

[@00pturnerj]

can you provide a link to the step please mate great video, was going to pay someone to do it but going to have a go myself now. Might be easier with an empty tank I am thinking

[@Kai77884]

Hello a perfect job 👍👍👍greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 👋👋👋 Kai 🙏🛠🔊

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud

[@mike040591]

Watching this build series is giving me the bug to get a new van and start from scratch again! When I fitted my diesel heater I’m sure I ran the fuel line the opposite way and there was spare fittings for it to slot into where the factory fitted one would have been? 🤔

[@e.colemantlpss6406]

Should take the air from outside or you're just recirculating moist air which make condensation worse. These heaters have no problem heating the cold air from outside and will pump dry air into the van. Crack the front windows and all the stale, moist are will be pushed back out keeping condensation down.

[@adiehull]

Really neat installation, looked hard work on the floor though. 👌🏼

[@cazanddomboating9106]

Won't the pressures be different for the two exhausts meaning that if you run the heater when the van is running the van exhaust pressure will overcome the heater exhaust pressure and feed it back?

[@DanChambersDAC]

Not sure why you would run the two at the same time?

[@cazanddomboating9106]

@@DanChambersDAC if you never will then I guess it's ok. I run one in my Caddy to get it warm before I get in it in the morning (normally early hours to leave for work) works like a defrost then for me. Nice install though and they are great bits of kit.

[@weasleyp1]

Nice job 👌

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers dude

[@K9sStormSky-ig6rv]

How long has this lasted being mounted like this? Apparently they have to be mounted with exhaust facing down and apparently you can’t breathe in the hot air if you recirculate the air 🤷‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hottap5346]

When will there be a new workshop update mate?

[@DanChambersDAC]

As soon as something else happens with it. Fabricator should have finished raising the roof a month ago but I am still waiting.

[@hottap5346]

@@DanChambersDACoh I was looking forward to you doing the work ☹, didnt realise👍 thanks for replying.

[@filipwennergren2712]

Love this!!! ❤

[@avocado71]

Not sure that exhaust system will work? Surely the van's exhaust fumes are going to the forced into the heater? Also the heater's fumes will get into a cold engine...

[@blueford1974]

Fitted mine last week to my vito, what a f about doing the fuel tank but boy was it worth it, best upgrade done so far. Great edit as always dude 👍

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers bud, definitely a pain but also worth it!

[@griffogriff9532]

Won’t you soot up the heater with the van exhaust? Maybe some kind of valve to stop it coming back, my understanding of these heaters is soot is a problem on the glow plug. Great video though, love the way the bracket fits, it’s neat, does the under cover plastic fit back on?

[@DanChambersDAC]

🤷🏼‍♂️ seen a few people do it over the years and never heard anything bad about it. Yes the plastic undertrays go straight back on

[@stevehalverson4315]

Not only do I worry about the back pressure on the heater. I wouldn’t want the exhaust from heater gunking the engine and exhaust with spend oil/diesel. I dont know before I’m ruined just wondering ?

[@NwGoedl]

Loving the van mate but I think the exhaust silencer is installed upside down 👍.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheer. Fitted the way that the manufacturer tells you to fit it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@NwGoedl]

@@DanChambersDAC I didn't doubt you for a second 🤦 ha. They just usually have a drain hole that goes on the bottom for condensation build up 🤷

[@Paul_VanGo]

When the van engine is running, part of the exhaust gasses will run backwards through the heater, making the inlet of the heater part of the van exhaust. I understand what you were trying to do, but this is not a very good idea. If it was, surely this was done OEM. Just let the heater exhaust end somewhere in the wheel well if you worry about the gasses escaping properly.

[@DanChambersDAC]

🤷🏼‍♂️ seen a few people do it over the years. Time will tell.

[@twoupplayer5198]

The exhaust situation is a really bad idea. The gases will run in both directions and they will have trouble getting past the back box. You will have most of the gases making their way back up towards the manifold and into the engine bay.

[@KC6930]

Great video Dan! - does the supplied Autoterm plastic duct fit ok behind the cali step?

[@mjelkin89]

Hi just a question regarding the heater into the exhaust pipe when the heat is off in the vans running, we will get great back pressure and pushing back into the night heater possibly Mark

[@richardturner2173]

Hi dan brilliant install, do you have the part number for the side step from TPS please? Van is looking excelent

[@DanChambersDAC]

Hi, Thank you. yes it is 7HO 863 736G 9B9

[@richardturner2173]

@@DanChambersDAC thanks mate

[@rc3drc]

Hi You can't connect heater exhaust to van exhaust When the van is running it will push fumes back through the heater into the van ☠️☠️☠️

[@FrankInAShed]

The combustion inlet is the pipe at 7:40, while that CAN end up pumping engine exhaust out (backflowing), luckily that isn't the one that he's piping into the cabin.👍

[@rc3drc]

It will still find it way through the heater back into the van Because a small amount of the heaters fan blows into the combustion chamber of the heater and if the heater isn't running and the van is the back pressure will find it's way pasted and into the van

[@FrankInAShed]

@@rc3drc Cheers for the heads-up. 👍

[@Steven_Newcombe]

Great work as always. I’ve installed mine and on start up it makes my Dometic LED’s which are on a CBE dimmer flicker until it’s up and running. Any ideas what this might be and how to combat it? They don’t flicker and dim fine when the heater isn’t starting up so confident it’s not the lights or the dimmer.

[@LifeOfTommie]

Sweet install, might do this on my own t5. Got a question about the inlet of the warm air. Why didnt you out it in at the sidodoor? 🤔 is it hard to fit it or impossible? Haha

[@whatliesbeneathurbanexplor1631]

Hi where abouts under the seat does the outlet pipe go. I have a leisure battery under the driver's seat. Will it avoid it thanks

[@byrnecra1]

Does the under tray go back on without issue when fitted??

[@paulcushnie]

Nice install. Is there a filter before the fuel pump to save it getting all the crap from the tank? If you are going to change the exhaust in the future I would be tempted to do the same as you have done with the heater exhaust but at a 45° so the exhaust from the heater is being forced towards the back also it might help the system to not clog up with the engine fumes as it will act as a scavenger rather than a dead leg. Failing that put it direct to the centre box rather than the pipe.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Cheers, no filter before as there isn’t one supplied in the kit. Yeah probably should have done it at 45 degrees 🤦🏼‍♂️ we will see if it works or not 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@patrikolsson8491]

There are often a filter inside the pump on the inlet side😃

[@aleksandarkuduz9462]

Hi. Stupid question. Do you put back underbody plastic trim or leave it without it? Thanks

[@timeintheuk]

Re stand pipe in exhaust .... Back flow of sooty ex hasses when engine os running ?

[@nilsjohnsen7336]

Looking good👍 U have the part number for the step cover?

[@lindseyscott3011]

How strong is the fan blowing the hot air out? I have a garden kitchen / pergola. You think it would blow strong/ hot enough to heat an outdoor area when sitting near the outlet?

[@ChrisCorkPhotography]

great build. One Q, doesn't welding an exhaust usually fail pretty quick?

[@paulkeppelphotography]

without the stop/starts for filming, how long would you say it took to fit?

[@Cha053ngine]

Can you not run the heater on red with a separate tank?

[@c1tlr340]

Yes you can. A lot of people do this to save tapping into the fuel lines or the main tank. A separate 5l tank will run for ages with one of these. It needs to be vented thought as the pump will create a vacuum and want to crush the tank

[@plumpii7177]

You could sharpen the hole saw again.. buying new just doesn't seem green..

[@ozsarpkaya6843]

Not sure about connecting it to the exhaust pipe. You don’t want to find out it’s not the right thing to do the wrong way and end up hurt or dead.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Seen a few people do it over the years so figured we would give it a go. Time will tell. That is the combustion exhaust not the cabin air feed so fumes can’t get into the cabin

[@geraldselvey7687]

How cold does it get in the UK ? As an Australian I can’t imagine needing a heater in a camper.

[@arturkurys3401]

Temperatures in the winter are between -2c to 10c

[@scottglicklich5467]

Do you have the part number for the caravelle step please.

[@pauldickinson7108]

The discount code doesn't work 😢

[@davidramplin5291]

Where did you put that jack on the front end

[@smrobertson72]

Hi Dan, what’s the VW part no of step please.

[@DanChambersDAC]

7H0 863 736G 9B9

[@timeintheuk]

Why not provide the heater with its own tank for fuel

[@caddy_mk1]

Dla zasięgu😀

[@fluffstar_]

Woo hoo

[@DanChambersDAC]

👊

[@MultirotorView]

Surely fitting the exhaust on the heater to the vans exhaust is a bad idea.

[@DanChambersDAC]

Makes sense in my head 🤷🏼‍♂️ only time will tell.

[@tonyf19780]

Also once it’s connected to the exhaust of the van it technically needs to pass an emissions test

[@FrankInAShed]

The combustion inlet is actually the domestic-vaccum-cleaner-diameter pipe at 7:40. That is the pipe that would back-flow through when the engine is running, rather than the bigger air inlet that is being piped from the cabin. I made the same assumption that you did however it's fine from a fumes standpoint (apart from the diesel engine clagging up the heaters insides quicker and possibly melting the combustion inlet piping/filter/diesel line as it flows backwards during engine running).

[@vwtransportersandmotorcycl3729]

Won’t the exhaust gas build up in the back box and all the way to the engine?

[@kerry1063]

Why would anyone put exhaust so would fill all voids wi fumes under van ,surley ya get exhaust to sides or rear of van !!

[@cdevlin574]

Mate , you have a great site and provide good information on how to. But you need better camera work mate. Your cameras are good mate, but why does it appear you are doing it all yourself?

[@ShalomBrother]

Looks a top job but I’m not so sure about the exhaust solution 🤔

[@DanChambersDAC]

Seen a few people do it over the years 🤷🏼‍♂️ time will tell

[@ShalomBrother]

@@DanChambersDAC fair enough, they kick out a fair bit of soot and there’s nothing to stop it heading the wrong way towards the turbo and engine. Do you plan on ever running the heater while the van engine is running?

[@matthewmachin5614]

Dan it’s not a good idea mate you essentially creating a death chamber your directing exhaust gases straight into the van when it’s running

[@smokinrider]

Bad idea tapping into the vans exhaust. You are not allowed to modify a vehicle’s exhaust, so that’s a mot failure. Not to mention you won’t be able to run the van and heater at the same time. You’ll also find that the gas pressure may not be enough to force through the exhaust system. Not exactly sure why you think your idea is better than the manufacturers guidance?? £60 on a new step for no reason?? Doesn’t make any sense. If you’re that arsed about quality of look and workmanship, you’d have got the proper T5 fuel pick up pipe.

[@BigLoLo6969]

NO WAY A HOLE 5% 🤣🤣🤣

[@DanChambersDAC]

Better than a kick in the bollocks