Off grid diesel heated Four Wheel Camper. Do we regret the conversion?

As we enter our second winter running a Chinese diesel heater in our Four Wheel Camper truck camper we share our experience.
This video is not an installation or technical video. It's us sharing our first hand experiences in the move away from propane heating to diesel heating.
A decision we don't think we'll ever regret.
The conversion to diesel heating has us winter camping in absolute cozy comfort.
Join us as we travel the world overland, exploring the cultures and traditions of all the countries we visit.
In our Land Rover Defender camper which is our full time home we will take you rock climbing, hiking and exploring across all the continents on this planet.
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[@BurtonsAttic]

Since your on diesel no doubt the type of unit you have is the way to go. At that cost it's almost disposable. From a safety stand point, I went with Espar since I'm on petrol. It works so well! It was right at freezing a few days ago and warmed the whole van up to comfortable in 15 minutes. At 20 minutes it was time to roll down a window! Thanks for the condensation tip. I haven't seen that issue yet but I can just leave the roof vent and a window cracked if needed.

[@paulkajtna7799]

Possibly make a video showing location in your van.

[@richardwalker8249]

Excellent video, nothing better than a life lesson handed over to keep others on track...

[@kurtlundberg8519]

Thank you for sharing. As usual, clear and distinct.

[@buffalo4127]

Good going you guys!

[@edwardmilsom4760]

I'm just about to go down that route, thank you for the great review.

[@bobjoncas2814]

GOOD ONE, STAY SAFE AND ENJOY...

[@tube11s11s11]

Well done Leigh

[@luisclaro3386]

Thank you super much for the review! It was well done and helps me a lot in my considerations for a future upgrade :) Happy for you guys! Cheers

[@davidgrey4487]

I remember you putting this in, well done and congrats

[@jdenmark1287]

Definitely a wise choice glad to see that the Chinese units are working well. Sailors switched to diesel heaters and cookers decades ago for the reasons mentioned here. Well plus safety, those gas bottles can be a bomb under the right conditions.

[@Simonandisla]

Great job 👏

[@badgerpa9]

Very glad to see it worked out well and is keeping you guys warm. Stay safe and healthy. Thank you for an honest review on the product and how it has worked for you.

[@PabloP169]

I have had a diesel heater in my current and previous campervans, absolutely great.

[@wynandloubser7646]

Great video. That night in the water was more scary than your accident. I am still amazed that you did not get frostbite.

[@daz6937]

Good video and great advice

[@whymarko]

Thanks Leigh. Vid was very informative as usual and like yourself I did a lot of research on the Chinese heaters. They seem to be a win win. Your video has however given me even more confidence in my choice.

[@alanbstard4]

excellent unit

[@andrewrose6536]

Had mine 5 years, love it, and putting one in the new camper 110

[@stevestott3652]

Wow was going to ask you how your set up was working out and here it is . Answered all my questions . Thanks for a very informative video . ....P.S. have been enjoying some of your older videos again always worth watching more the once’s . Thanks for the hrs of enjoyment you two have shared with us your over-landing friends . Thanks from Steve Stott in Sutherlin Oregon U.S.A.

[@tommynikon2283]

Another excellent, INFORMATIVE video- dudes....thx.

[@philjachowski6580]

Great video. I've been considering ditching my propane heater for a diesel one for years. You may have pushed me closer to actually doing it.

[@bobw9297]

We put one in our 2019 travel lite trailer , we did leave the furnace in place for now .

[@seanslattery2535]

Great Video Leigh

[@leighdearle5965]

Thank you brother ♥️

[@uwekammer5724]

This is exactly my experience, we went for a diesel heating in our 130 Defender. And it is one of the best decisions we made. Stay safe regards Uwe

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Nice, Tnx for sharing.

[@RobertVinet]

I'll be putting one in my camper, so it's wonderful to see this review. Here in North America, many semi-trucks and farm equipment that works in winter have these type of diesel heaters installed in their cabs and their bunks. Also, the spendy makes (Webasto, Espar) also have models that run on gasoline.

[@orenkipnis7058]

I also enjoy the diesel heater in my camper and recommend it

[@mentalneil]

Thanks Leigh, I've been considering removing the heater from my caravan, but wasn't sure what to replace it with, you've now given an option

[@sukottora]

Aren't they fantastic! I've had mine for 2 years now - cheap as chips and dead easy to service. Mine also connects directly into the fuel tank - in fact there is already a place in the TD5 tank where you can insert the line. Best modification for those who live in a cold climate ever! Hope you guys are well.

[@Andy0Gumn]

Had a Chinese Diesel heater in my SWB sprinter for 2 years now and no issues. To me it's paid for itself several times over and is still going strong. Great as a dryer for clothing. Totally agree with everything Lee says. Game changer! 👌

[@rjl110919581]

thank you for great detail video thank you for share this other here

[@holgermuller2987]

Gday Leigh, nice Short vid. As said already : for me, Eberspächer or Webasto all the way! Installed airheater first time in 1982 in my Bulli ! The last Webasto’s waterheater units we installed 2 and 3 years ago in machines in high altitude applications (4500+mtr.) to pre heat big Diesel engines pre start. Work flawless since, no complain... Good luck with the ccs. Cheers and safe travel

[@andywt8460]

Many comment about the difference between the Chinese heater and the Eberspächer, well here’s my take on that. Quality and support is the difference, all the Chinese heaters are a copy of the Eberspächer with a few corners cut, they can’t be mounted under a vehical as the electrics are not sealed, soft ware is not capable of controlling the heater over all temp settings ie choked up if run on low heat too long. Some of the many Eberspächer I fitted over the last 35 years are still working, even some parts are still available, the heater on my VW camper is mounted underneath 21 years old, serviced it last year for the first time Eber says 10 yrs, in perfect condition, replaced the glow plug & burner gauze as a precaution, yes they are expansive and parts also, I know which I trust when out in deep winter.

[@mogxplorer8788]

Hi Leigh, we are running (an expensive German) diesel air heating system in our Unimog now since 14 years. The system is indeed great, eventhough warm water diesel heating systems might be even more comfortable. But they are much more complicated and heavier. The Chinese air heaters look veeeeery similar to the one we have installed. Heaving lived and worked for 13 years in China, I anticipate, that the quality might not be the best - but they will work for a decent time anyway. Best regards from Germany, Jürgen

[@leighdearle5965]

Yes I will agree with you there. I worked in China for some time also. For the price difference I actually considered carrying a second as a spare 😜

[@mogxplorer8788]

@@leighdearle5965 good idea - I also have actually 2 pcs 2kW diesel heaters in the mog. One in the camper cabin, one in the drivers cabin. Both are same models and the one in the drivers cabin is considered as backup (with a long hose through the crawl through) or as spare system. Never really needed it....

[@tremor_n_hawk]

Great information. We are expecting our 4 wheel camper late June. I am enjoying all your videos and tips for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[@leighdearle5965]

Welcome to the family 😉

[@paulkajtna7799]

Please consider making a video about your 4 wheel TC.

Ótimo canal de vcs...

[@tonydownunder5703]

🤗🤗🤗🤗 Great stuff mate 👍 As I'm in the middle of a camper build on my Iveco dally 4x4 truck, I've been looking at these Chinese heaters myself. And the air intake from outside 👍👍👍👍👍👍 thanks for that one 👍👍👍👍 great video from 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺 Say hi to the little lady for me 🤗

[@DennisPush]

it is much better than gas heaters, - more safety for life. Good choice. Have a great journeys!

[@ViDiaz]

Apart from Land Rovers I also own a VW T3 Westfalia Syncro and its Webasto Diesel heater is not working properly. Maybe is cheaper and its time to go for a Chinese heater... The remote control is a good feature mine doesn't have... Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Leigh! Very thankful!!

[@Lmao-land]

Waiting for new adventures & new countries

[@leighdearle5965]

We're working on it 😉

[@lutomson3496]

Those small diesel heaters work well but in below zero f weather they do not have the BTU capacity, especially in a tent camper..some 4 wheel folks ended up finding an outlet and buy a small ceramic heater to get them through the cold..ive been all over the world and never had a problem finding propane or butane especially in asia you can also get an espar unit for your hot water and supplement heat I have one on my sprinter...good videos

[@OldGlaseye-gf7si]

Bravo..a lot of us(ME!), are living vicariously through you and Steph...envy you! But ya gotta get rid of the mullet😂

[@leighdearle5965]

I'll leave it for the winter then it's gone I promise... Maybe... 😜

[@marcosavio1749]

🤣🤣🤣 nothing like an improvised yak collar!

[@rosssyster]

Funny that I was recently researching these kinds of heaters for an upcoming build and then you post this video. I would like to add that at least one of the ‘well-known brands’ does offer a model that runs on unleaded. I could be wrong, but I do believe some of the Chinese copies have this option as well. With some research and planning, there wouldn’t be any need to continually buy two different fuels. As always, love the videos and look forward to the next one.

[@leighdearle5965]

Thank you for the information, I didn't know that. Always learning 😉

[@whiteeulogianraven7995]

I've come to realize about another reason why I like your channel, Leigh, you look like Parker Lewis Can't Lose. One of my childhood tv series 😂😂 sorry man.

[@leighdearle5965]

😂😂😂

[@AlexanderBeck]

I totally agree. I am running a Diesel heating system now for 10 years in the 130. And for those running their cars on unleaded fuel there is also hope. In the UAZ I just recently installed the Webasto Air Top 2000 STC which runs on unleaded fuel. Works like a charm.

[@leighdearle5965]

That's great info thanks mate. I didn't know they did them for petrol. Great news for the mighty UAZ 😍

[@yorkchris10]

Bonne explication.

[@peterpeters9875]

Leigh l agree about heating with fresh air and not with air from inside to reduce condensation and the risk of less oxygen When the air outside is dry and low temperature you can also take a mix from in and outside You can make double inlet with valves I like to here how you use your electric cooking with battery and inverter capacity and your experience We using now Wallas diesel heater and oven it is good but not fast

[@36659836]

Good information bro(Leigh),desile heater works nice , how cooking stuff works make a video on that ,,,take care be safe , from India

[@anettasimpson2224]

Thanks so much for this information! We're building our second overland vehicle right now and trying to make fuel-source decisions, so this is very timely. Have you had any trouble using the unit in high altitudes? Which model did you go with?

[@roguegunfighter9194]

My only suggestion (and it's pretty minor) would be to tie the heater exhaust into your truck exhaust. That way there's only one place for exhaust to exit the vehicle and should help ensure carbon monoxide exits away from your living space. Just a thought

[@kamikazekunze]

Tech tip: weld a bung onto your vehicle exhaust and clamp the diesel heater to it. This will route its exhaust out just like the Landy.

[@Jottingsfrom]

With winter fast approaching, I am sure you will find it very useful!

[@laurentcaraland1404]

L'essentiel est qu'il vous tienne chaud ! :)

[@victorbart]

I bought an used eberspacher diesel heater for 99 euro in the marine shop! Together with a fully isolated box it will be great 😃

[@leighdearle5965]

That's a bargain for sure, nice find.

[@victorbart]

Also my Unimog came with a diesel heater that also heats the engine and with a radiator for the shelter. But that is way more complicated to install. I might do that someday so I can also put heat in my box while driving and keep my engine warm in the winter.

[@michelx3524]

Ben comme d’habitude je comprend rien quand Frenchie sous-titre pas. En gros il me semble avoir compris que vous avez un « Vebasto » chinois (à moindre coût) et que vous en êtes content Je rêve d’un Vebasto dans mon DEF mais le prix me calme !! Auriez-vous un lien pour la version chinoise ? Est-ce difficile à installer ? Combien de temps A part l’arrivée GO et le départ « échappement est-ce que cela nécessite d’autres perçages ? Peux-t-on ce prendre directement dans le réservoir du DEF ? La combustion engendre t’elle une odeur de Gas Oil à l’intérieur Quelle est la consommation approximative à l’heure ? Merci d’avance

[@e_valley2707]

... those heaters also burn regular gas ... been doing that for 3 yrs in Canada ...

[@strofimios]

Great info.Thank you very much for that video.I thought that the propex doesn't have the condensation issue.Did you encounter any problems with the mixture adjusting at alltidude?I'm not going in/nal but in my country,when i need heat,it is mostly over 1000m to 2000m+.

[@leighdearle5965]

Since the installation the highest end camped is 1500m. The heater ran just fine at this altitude. Maybe if we went any higher we'd need to adjust the ratio. It can be done manually in the settings of these heaters. I've got a cheat sheet for the pump dosage requirements for varying altitudes.

[@briangudger3466]

Thank you for this review. Really valuable to hear from someone who has used both systems and can comment from that perspective. Can't wait to hear about the induction cooktop. Did you look into diesel-fueled stoves at any point? If so, what lead you to decide against them? Love your content!

[@MyFileVlog]

Their msr dragon fly out door stove burns diesel

[@leighdearle5965]

@@MyFileVlog correct nice pick up 😉

[@leighdearle5965]

We did briefly consider a diesel induction cooktop for inside. The prices and slow heating / coming times turned us away. For the same price as a good quality diesel cooktop we completely upgraded our electrical system. Solar panels, lithium batteries, chargers, inverter and induction cooktop 😊

[@paulkajtna7799]

@@leighdearle5965 please consider making a video showing installation.

[@leighdearle5965]

@@paulkajtna7799 kzbin.info/www/bejne/noXGZntqbJqSm6M

[@marcosavio1749]

Brilliant review Leigh! I am guilty of bashing Chinese’s brands so will be the first to admit that this was a good endorsement. I recall watching that heater install video, did you ever mention the brand name? Not that I need to get but would be good that they got the recognition given your potential life threatening experience in Mongolia.

[@leighdearle5965]

They don't even have a brand 😜 You can find them on Alibaba, Aliexpress and Amazon. I think they're all pretty much the same. Probably all made in the same factory in China 😉

[@paulkajtna7799]

Model number possibly? The 5L fuel tank is larger than others. We are all hoping to get the identical heater, since yours was problem free. Possibly show in a video the inside mounting of it. Thank you for this video.

[@jeffreyharris1528]

Thank you! Could you leave a link or description of your heater.

[@leighdearle5965]

Not the exact one but something similar to this.

[@MrFillefloe]

If you're looking to buy a Diesel heater, install it like this. Circulating bad/used air is not a good idea, and I dont understand why people do it. Imagine having the air intake to your house in your kitchen, and the exhaust everywhere else, it'd smell bad. Only difference here is that the bad/used air doesnt smell, it's just not healthy. Two people need about 14l/s (Liters per second) for healthy ventilation in a bedroom, a bit more in a camper. A dieselheater blows at about 45-55CFM(dont quote me on this) which is roughly 20-25l/s. The way Leigh and Stephanie installed it, ensures that they always gets the correct air circulation to stay healthy. A fan would be great to have in summer times to ensure enought fresh air exchange since the natural heat/cold draft doesn't work very good in summer time.

[@hors.santiers]

Hi Leigh - what are price and installation duration for this Chinese Diesel heating ?? Txs for the interesting video 👍

[@leighdearle5965]

We installed our ourselves. There's a link to the install video at the end of this video 😉

[@buffalo4127]

Has your diesel heater required disassembly for cleaning of the combustion chamber?

[@leighdearle5965]

Not yet. The units have a self cleaning shut down system. When you turn it off the unit runs on high for several minutes to burn off any build up. So far it seems to be working just fine but it's only our second winter.

[@nunoqueirosalves3103]

Leigh, great video...Can you share the link where you bought the Chinese diesel heater ?

[@leighdearle5965]

I'm sorry my friend ordered it through a Korean website last year. I'm not actually sure where it came from. Pretty sure they're all the same. You can find them on Alibaba, Aliexpress and Amazon.

[@leighdearle5965]

Something like this.

[@nunoqueirosalves3103]

@@leighdearle5965 awesome!!...Thks!!

[@globallandrovers]

Where did you get your fuel tank, I run a 130 for commercial purposes and would appreciate the extra range

[@leighdearle5965]

Very good quality tanks. They also do auxiliary side sill tanks for the 130s. We have the left side. Please tell them we recommend them if you do contact thanks 😉

[@djoeclimber1]

I am going down the same path with my fwc fleet. Using a 2 kw heater. What size is yours? Do you run it all night?

[@leighdearle5965]

Ours is 5kw and it's far too powerful. 2kw is definitely more than adequate for a FWC. We run ours all night long on the lowest setting. Minimal fuel and power consumption.

[@johnlichtenstein6158]

If the propane heater had a fresh air intake rather than recirculating, do you still think you would have had the condensation issues?

[@leighdearle5965]

You've got a good point there. I never tried this method but I can't see why it wouldn't work the same.

[@thomasjohns13]

Could you not utilise a HVAC mixer valve like a car uses? Then you could have some air changes whilst having a bit better efficiency because you will reuse some of the heated air? If you had a vent in the floor or somewhere else then the pressurised air will exit the cabin passively. Obviously hot humid air will be at the top but the heater can be used to to mix it all together and ensure the humidity/moisture exits wherever you place your grille.

[@leighdearle5965]

That's a pretty good idea and definitely could work I think. Always learning that's for sure. Thanks heaps for the comment.

[@thomasjohns13]

@@leighdearle5965 thanks heaps for the videos 😊👍✌️

[@christiaanviaene1987]

Have you considered cooking on diesel? Love your video ‘s . Gros bisou

[@leighdearle5965]

Yes we did consider and did lots of research. Again the price was an issue. Also the long times to start up and boil water. Our new induction cooking system is working out very well so far 😉

[@christiaanviaene1987]

@@leighdearle5965 yes 1429 € is over the top

[@tgmorrissey]

Can you link to the exact one you purchased?

[@calitaco]

They're pretty much all the same, probably manufacture in the same factory. You just have to decide if you want the all-in-one unit or the separate components kit. Leigh got the all-in-one and took it apart and use the components. He could have just bought the kit and not have to deal with the enclosure. They're all over Amazon so check them out. I got an all-in-one from seller HappyBuy on Amazon about a year ago. I'm only using it to tinker with and so far it's working great!

[@steinar.offroad]

So what do you reckon justifies the price difference between the chinese 150 buck one, and the branded 1000 bucks+?

[@leighdearle5965]

To be honest the only difference I've come across is that the expensive known brands have altitude sensors that adjust the fuel air ratio to suit. These cheaper Chinese versions can be adjusted manually 😉

[@steinar.offroad]

@@leighdearle5965 fair enough, thanks for the info!

[@t6uav]

@@leighdearle5965 Not entirely true. The chinese ones do have a barometer... it just doesn't do anything with the information. Even manually setting the altitude it makes no difference to the heater running! Not sure if the known brands one does.

[@leighdearle5965]

@@t6uav our unit doesn't even have the barometer 😜 I just watched a heap of KZbin videos last week regarding the set ups for varying altitudes and found some really cool cheat sheets for pump dosage settings for different altitudes. Super easy and simple to do. I saw that some of the newer Chinese heater LCD controllers have the barometer on the screen. You're right they don't adjust anything. The Webastos and other known brands do automatically adjust the ratio for altitude change apparently.

[@masseyfergusonS]

👍👏👋

[@OldGriz708]

I'm not familiar with diesel heaters whatsoever and was wondering about any diesel smell when the unit is running??

[@thejackofalltravels8267]

You can get the equivalent heater for petrol/gasoline maybe not the Chinese model.

[@leighdearle5965]

I didn't know this thank you for the information 😊👍

[@ebrahimhamidi181]

پ👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤

[@chrtsi6912]

Most probably Greta didn't like the video! 😄😄

[@whiteeulogianraven7995]

At this rate you will end up making a stove.

[@ilhankaygsz996]

ulan o kadar konuştun bari iki keşimede türkce konuşaydın ne olurdu