Safely Warm Up Your Tent: Top Tips For Using A Diesel Heater

[@Berserkeroffroad]

Outstanding insights. Thank you for walking us through your diesel heater safety process.

[@epfd217]

I love the way you explained how you plan for cold weather trips. More people need to know they should plan for cold weather and NO heat. Heat is for comfort in camping situations and not for relying on to stay warm while living and sleeping. Great video!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I've always found it pretty strange how people camp depending on a diesel heater for warmth. The basics should be the foundation for everything. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@kieranstone1136]

I see a lot of people talk about the concerns of their diesel heaters catching on fire, diesel is extremely hard to ignite, you can hold a open flame to it and it will not burn, gasoline vapors on the other hand are extremely flammable. I could be mistaken by a variable I'm not familiar with on these devices but I'd imagine the likely hood of it spontaneously "catching fire" is extremely low if not almost zero. That being said I would love to hear anybody else's opinion on it as I don't have one yet. Great video nonetheless 👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Its not the diesel itself that's the issue. Its the surrounding material that melts and creates a lot of smoke. I know of a few that have burnt down camper vans, but I think this is very rare and its because of the exhaust burning surrounding materials. The one that failed in my garage was because of the motor brushes. It stopped blowing and the plastic and pcb, wires etc melted and it produced a lot of smoke. I suppose if your sleeping with this, in a van, with no detector it could be a problem.

[@russjowett2137]

Thanks for making this video Mike! I learnt a-lot of important things to consider. I’ve been looking at these for a few years now. Thanks for sharing your real world experience. Much appreciated 👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching!

[@shaunmccaw2911]

The fart in the air take 😂just used my diesel heater for the first time properly -6 had it on for 12 hours what a game changer and no condensation in my van in the morning yes great advice mate 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Haha a good old delivery of sleepy gas through the intake. Nice, glad it worked out well! They are fantastic devices when they work, brilliant for condensation. Thanks for watching

[@mattdixon5299]

Some really important safety points covered in this video Mike, nice work! As you say, common sense is essential. I’m sure this video will have helped many, including me!

[@Free_Range_4x4]

I’ve literally never seen drone footage like yours. It adds such a great perspective to your b roll Edit: 9:43 bruh

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks, the drone is a clever little thing! I remember when I didn't have one and I use to run ahead of the jeep and set up shots. I don't think I could go back. Thanks for watching

[@granitesand78]

I’ve thought about getting one for my ground tent. I’ve got catalytic heaters but the condensation is a pain. Seems like a lot of failure points to consider but if you’re aware and take safety precautions it can be a good deal. Thanks for the video! I hope more people find your channel it’s great. Fart joke had me rolling it got me from behind.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

There pretty reliable and useful if you buy a decent one or build it properly. They can go wrong though if some things are overlooked. Cheap though so not much of an investment. Haha the fart Idea is a good one! Thanks for watching

[@andrewkeeton3627]

Man I started watchin your bushcraft channel years ago when got into that hobby. I’ve since moved to Colorado and have gotten into the 4x4 hobby. Nice to see your transition as well

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thats a very similar transition there. Appreciate you watching!

[@tommcbeain7789]

Great video! Content is great. Sound quality is excellent

[@forlornfool221]

I was caught off guard with the 'FART' trick! Laughed my ass off! Definitely getting a sub just for that .. Also ty for info regarding the heater. I just picked up a Hcalory TB2 for my garage works great but, ya always be careful with carbon monoxide.

[@phillims1]

I’ve been thinking about one. I just got my rtt and condensation is a huge problem. Although the temperature isn’t a concern for me so much in Washington state, it may be months before I get a string of dry days. Thus far, I’ve just been using a small space heater in the driveway.

[@farstrider79]

Was just thinking that. I haven't pulled the trigger on a rtt yet.b

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

They are very useful for condensation and if it does get cold you can stay very warm and dry. Maybe dry gear too.

[@simon-mouse8739]

Mike, happy new year to you and I hope 24 is a good one for you. I was sent this video link by a friend having got a diesel heater for Christmas and mentioned that I wanted to get another one either a boxed one or even build a boxed one myself. This video has been excellent and extremely useful. Caught me off guard with the fart though 🤣👍cheers and you've got yourself anoher subscriber 😁

[@campoutwestus]

Lot's of great information, thank you!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching

[@andreadigrazia]

I use a diesel hater in my land cruiser with roof tent and also at home. But mine il all in one. I think the best solution is your portable case on the back tyre

[@ironwayneify]

Thanks 👍 for the info mate

[@ianferrier235]

Very informative thanks for sharing

[@AlanKRiley]

Great video, thanks for the info 👍

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching

[@MrOldclunker]

Thanks for the information.

[@Grus2K]

What are your thoughts about the jeep grand Cherokee ZJ? I’ve seen you use the xj for years and now get the parts/extra xj. How come you didn’t buy the bigger of the two? I love the videos, I watched every one and really enjoy your wisdom on everything you’ve used for the adventures.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

The ZJ is a great machine. The transfer cases are not fantastic. I think it's the 249 case in those. I cant remember. Also the Dana 44 rear is the one with the aliminium housing and its known for being weak. I think a solid diff case helps stop the diff pressing apart under load. They are good jeeps though for building up, I use to have a v8 zj. If you get one then its like an XJ, you have to do some work to make them bullet proof. Appreciate you watching and thanks for the comment

[@grantswheelstohills]

Always interesting to watch your content. Somehow i get the impression, Mrs Wilderness does not watch your films...with the rather Risqué jokes (though rather funny). I do love the cold environments ! The coldest I've bivied in is -30c a long time ago. Happy Adventures 🙃

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

She genuinely watches and laughs at my stupid jokes so she's a good match. Mind you she gives as good as she gets also. -30 is no joke, I tend to shy away from such temps these days. Thanks for watching!

[@bearlycamping]

Awesome video, just wanted to know your power station can operate at really cold temperatures in your vehicle or do you lug it up in the tent. I have a ecoflow River 2 Pro and can't get an answer on what people do. Thanks

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I use to use a All powers Unit for this heater but I switched over to AGM Gel, x2 90AH batteries. They charge and discharge below -30c which works much better for this climate. The River pro will discharge up to -5c, sometimes -10c. It will not charge below 0c. The All powers lithium unit seemed to have no charge protection so it will try and charge in any temperature but ultimately it was killing itself. To use lithium in these conditions the batteries must be heated by blankets or have built in tech to keep them warm. Thanks for watching.

[@halewilson]

Excellent, thanks!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching

[@Dieiamgi]

Thanks for this video. Im gonna be getting one for my roof top tent. How do you deal with condensation?😊

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Thanks for watching. They are really useful for condensation, providing you pump in fresh air and don't recirculate it.

[@hondaman4423]

I figured your next vid would have been sorting out your water in the diesel problem

[@Tacoexplorer]

For ultimate efficiency wouldn't putting the cold side air ducting inside the tent be better than taking the very cold outside air and heating it??

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

You would do that for ultimate condensation, dripping wet hell

[@christerjohansson9184]

Coming by someday to build my box man, but first I need one of my downcars back 😅

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

What's up with the vehicles? Is the arctic truck still going?

[@christerjohansson9184]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness on the transporter the flywheel still blowed, the arctic truck may be the gearbox fail, its slips and some times not changing gears in heavy slopes and kills the engine 😅🤦🏼‍♂️

[@WalkRoluz]

where did you buy Hood Louvers/Vents for Jeep Cherokee XJ i like

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

From here - www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185930409082?hash=item2b4a50e47a:g:cHgAAOSwwehhXddK&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAA8Coqep4OHqDePYHvXdmtpjNu%2F9M2aPoEH%2Bujv7AKiRywEFRPP%2BQY4ObkCaVKCH8mmjbmqkeLsr1hAcGv7kLTfXlqW62KNDUMuCXhV2te6F5bdOui5mEzJoTni8x78d5IQw2CtyZJ5lbSIi%2Bar2E23S7i%2B5zQIYSXPERhZMRYMPWctFn1nnbduzsA32baFIwXkAePF%2FwqMRbrWRQiGXXNLclOKRPYysxdNjzCLjxzj9KmKf4U5CUTXATQlSTgtQDN1oqoLpnr1a0QDVUADBRTSL1GYhRoQwuRNdUK%2FROwcYxZp4yhY3255mWNYBKmhAiDvg%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8ixqOiHYw

[@Luke_explores]

i know a family that lost there double decker coach they were living in after there diesel heater caught fire scary stuff

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Wow thats terrible!

[@akakamyk]

Maybe you should invest in "Tube Engine Automatic Fire Extinguishers" and put it inside of the box for another safty level?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I've never heard of them bit will check them out! Thank you for the information.

[@r0tekz]

Are there ready-made leads that will extend that LCD cable? If so, do they have a name? Or is necessary to make up one yourself with in-line crimps?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I made mine up myself and i'm not sure if they are commercially sold. One tip I should have mentioned in this video is that as long as the LCD is left on it will not freeze unless it drops below -25c. Meaning you could have it in the diesel heater box and leave it plugged in so it wont freeze.

[@r0tekz]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Thanks for the reply. I'm going to look at moving the temp sensor to the LCD unit and then extending the lead for both. I want the thermostat to regulate the tent/vehicle temperature whilst the heater unit is outside. Hopefully there are no safety issues with moving the sensor, if it is even possible. If it looks to involved I'll just stick with manual control.

[@tekpic04]

I know electronics systems do go out in very cold conditions, have you thought about installing a circuit type breaker system in case the diesel heater goes funny? And for the controller device, would be better to have small gauges instead of electrical one because I'm looking at it from a engineering perspective.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I'm pretty bad with electronics as you can probably see. Most of my stuff thinks for me lol. I guess that would make sense with both points you mentioned. I will have a look online and see if there is a tutorial or something to set something up. Thanks for the tips and for watching

[@offbeatwarble]

What drone do you have and how does it cope with the cold weather and moisture? Any tips on using one in such conditions?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I use a DJI Mini 3 Pro. It's an impressive drone with good tracking and image quality. Also it films in raw so it can be adjusted in post. It functions well in cold temperatures, and light snowfall. I've operated it as low as -28c so far and provided the batteries are kept warm before use it will be fine as they batteries warm up when it's flying. I just wouldn't use it in the rain or very damp weather. It's cold here so there is no moisture at the moment. In the autumn when it rains I would be more carful. Thanks for watching

[@thescousecyclist917]

Iv been considering a diesel heater for my garage do you think a Chinese one would do the trick was just looking to get a cheap one from eBay also what snorkel do you have hard to find one for a diesel.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I use to use mine for the garage. I drilled a hole through the wall for the exhaust to run through. It worked well for years. My only issue was that I did dusty work in my garage with a grinder etc. The heater needed blasting out with a compressor from time to time. I wouldn't leave it running when your not there though, I just don't trust them. I remember the battery failed on mine once and the heater just stopped dead and all I could smell was melting plastic. It started to smoke and I had to open it quickly and blast compressed air into it to cool it down. It was fine but that could be bad if unattended. Maybe get a mains to 12v thing so it can never run out of power. Thanks for watching

[@brettferguson6954]

Do you foresee any problems with water/moisture entering through the intake if you’re not recirculating the air ? IE: rain/snow?

[@rogergriss4742]

When it is that cold, do you also warm up your allpowers?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

No surprisingly. Its absolutely solid in cold temps. It charges, discharges and everything works in the sub 20s. I contacted allpowers and they have asked me to keep testing it while they conduct thier own tests because its function in cold temperatures isn't advertised. I'm genuinely very impressed with it as its doing what both ecoflows can't. Whether or not it's detrimental to the units health I don't know but I will keep using it and find out.

[@camocarper24871]

Could the diesel heater be used as an emergency block heater by pumping heat into the engine bay.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Perhaps there is a way to use it for that. Ideally I should get a diesel heater that has a heat exchanger built into it and run the coolant hoses through it with a pump. I think the hot air would just disperse under the bonnet and not be very efficient. I will have to do some digging! Thanks for watching

[@chriskate7]

Does it need constant 12v to run

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

On start up, it needs 12v. After that, it will shut off below 10.5v.

[@ChristopherAdrien-zt7tb]

baffle to stop melting... got that, thanks

[@rjw6487]

👏👏👏

[@DremaShavers]

Love your content!! I am from a brand Suparee producing Jeep's products.I really want to cooperate with you. Would you like to shoot a video for our brand?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I checked out your website and you sell some nice products for Jeeps. I haven't had time to have a proper look just yet but I will sit down later and look further. My emails [e-mail] if you want to communicate directly. Thanks for reaching out to me!

[@davidrayner2831]

👍

[@peterwarner280]

Nice one Mic 😮 fart away 😊.

[@BASSANGLER7MH]

What size and where did you get the intake filter and size?

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

It was a small diff breather filter I picked up off of Ebay. I had to change the back of it to fit the intake pipe diameter. I wouldn't recommend it personally as it's not great.

[@peterwarner280]

Erm moist 😂

[@jamesa7506]

😂 whats a little flatulence fumigation between friends!? Especially when it reeks of burnt rubber and Vaseline...

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

🤣🤣🤣 that was her soul leaving my system... finally she's somone else's (deep sigh of relief)

[@jamesa7506]

​@@WorkshoptoWilderness😂 made with love.

[@reminaya]

I disagree with the sleeping bag idea. Always have, ESPECIALLY when dealing with temps nearing zero F (let alone MINUS 13 F!!). My opinion is that you don't get out of your arctic gear, period. I've only slept on the snow without cover (Tent) once, and yes, the bag was plenty warm, but to get up to go pee was verging on disasterous. Access to relieving oneself is crucial, and losing ANY body heat in those conditions can be life altering, or at least messy. Down pants, Down jacket, throw the bag (or down comforter) over yourself. Great videos as always Mike, and Cali awaits your visit!

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Well it's not that I'm stating not to get out of arctic clothing if the scenario presents itself, or rely solely on a sleeping bag which again is a very silly idea because it would indicate that your not properly equipped and again dependant on one thing. A bag thought is a much wiser investment for winter camping than a diesel heater which is what I'm trying to indicate. It goes without saying that people should be properly dressed with redundancy if they have a vehicle like mine. I just think its very silly to rely on a diesel heater, which surprisingly lots of winter overlanders do. They reduce thier winter kit because of it and its not a wise move. I think a vehicle adds complacency because you can travel much further and carry much more ending up in a worse scenario than if on foot. Anyway thanks for the input and for the comment, also for watching.

[@reminaya]

@@WorkshoptoWilderness Agree, agree, and agree! At 64, my camping and traveling kit has evolved, but I always found the cold weather camping was always an exercise in logistics. Vehicle camping, versus hiking in with showshoes, 60 pound backpacks and small tents at 9000' was an entirely different idea (in California no less), though I will admit that we did cheat, by taking the Palm Springs Tramway from the desert to 8500'. But yes, I always had a -10 bag as a starting point. My back relegates me to vehicle camping now. Enjoy your youth, as when you age, those SUPER low temps do require a man of your grit. For us now, about 15F before the wife starts to protest (then it becomes the other kind of "frosty").

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

Well I'm 40 next April and although I'm a bit away from your experience and age I do feel some aches and paints that weren't there in my late 20s early 30s. Sounds like you've had some fantastic adventures and also great to hear your both still doing it. I hope I will be if I get to 64. I start going crazy if I don't get out in nature, be it in a more comfortable setup these days.

[@mightymikee]

I thought it was crystal clear that it is not a great idea to rely on the diesel as primary source of heat and heat retention. The message is to "be ready". I did not hear Mike giving a sermon, my way or highway, or someone trying to be right or wrong. We can all share what we know without being dogmatic and there is absolutely no need to call someone wrong or actively disagree or criticize unless the message is blatantly wrong. The world is full of hate and negative energy already, it is exhausting. It would be truly disappointing to see group of overlanders picking on each other because they feel they are right about their opinion. Keep up making great videos and constantly sharing what you have learned. One day, I hope I will get to wheel with you!

[@reminaya]

@@mightymikee Nah, I was only throwing in my perception on sleeping bags. Like I said, I've done plenty of cold weather activities, and my focus is on sleeping bags, not Mike at all. I'm advocating for staying in your clothes, and simply draping a bag over yourself. Zero hate. Zero criticism. Simple disagreement with sleeping bags as a concept for extra low temps. I've followed Mike from the beginning of his original channel, many years ago.

[@nonsequitur807]

You should get a dog. Life is better with a dog.

[@WorkshoptoWilderness]

I used to have one. He was a good companion, but I'm not ready for another just yet.

[@robertclarke7274]

🤣🤣🤣