Finally a NEW Camper Heater! What Did I Get?

After years of trying different options, I have finally took the plunge and bought a better source of warmth for my trailer that should meet almost all of my strict requirements. But which one did I decide on? Along with a review of my past efforts and the feedback of my viewers, I conclude with the new heater unboxing.
Note: All products featured in this video were purchased at my own cost with no sponsorship. My views are expressly my own.
More details? Part 2 is here: • RV Heater Install! A D...
Products mentioned in this video:
1500 Watt Space Heater (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3WGWXxl
Probreeze Dehumidifier (Amazon Affiliate Link): amzn.to/3VnaN7g
Dickinson P9000 Heater (Non-Affiliate Link): dickinsonmarine...
Dometic Small RV Furnace (Non-Affiliate Link): www.dometic.co...
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[@BeardofHoneySoul]

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2019. All is good now, but during that time I discovered your channel and it helped take my mind off of my reality at the time. It took me away from my worries and put my imagination exploring new destinations and adventures. Thank you for helping me escape the reality I was facing. And I was learning at the same time. Win, win.

[@SlimPotatohead]

So happy to hear my videos helped you in your time of need. You've made my day! SP

[@Allan-uk9qb]

Brain anyrisms are rare . my very good friend was just diagnosed with and she has the chiari malformation God bless you

[@juneduffy4502]

@@Allan-uk9qb I have 4 brain aneurisms so not that rare in my life - aneurisms are not the same as a brain tumour 🙏

[@markmcla]

Congratulations on your recovery! I'm glad you were able to dream and imagine adventures even during the bad times.

[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: It seems quite a few people were confused regarding my concern to avoid heaters that produce moisture. They erroneously equated the moisture problem only with propane. In fact, ALL carbon-based fuels (Wood, propane, diesel, gasoline, kerosene) produce water as a byproduct of combustion. The difference is that the heaters which have combustion in direct contact with the cabin air (Buddy and Wave were my two examples) add moisture to the inside of the trailer cabin. Heaters or furnaces that use a heat exchanger (like Diesel parking heaters, RV furnaces, and the Dickenson of course) do not, as the combustion process is NOT in contact with the cabin air. My pellet wood stove also used the heat exchange principle, as both the intake and exhaust were vented to the outside. It's wet heat vs dry heat. Sorry for the confusion, I hope this explains it better. Thanks! SP

[@Erin-Thor]

Great video, and I feel your pain on the battery and moisture issues. I had an old used Airstream 23FB and the 2 batteries would be dead by morning on cold nights. I LIKED my lil buddy heater, but I was an idiot and didn’t realize the moisture issue. In an Airstream the moisture on the windows flows down to the wood floor (composite as of 2021) and rots it out. Airstreams are NOT meant for boon-docking. Took me a cold night to realize the Airstream heater was ducted to the underbelly, which helps in mildly cold temperatures, but the valves are outside exposed, so when it dropped to 15° F I couldn’t dump for a week. So it took planning, if near freezing or slightly under was expected, I turned down or off the buddy and used the Airstream’s heater without the buddy. One saving Grace though… my heater was not as noisy as yours, LOL!

[@proudchristian77]

Baby , blankets & sleeping bags 🎒, long John's, fuzzy socks!,it's cheaper!,& more quiet too !, ☕️🍯🍶

[@jodyprivee2774]

Hello from Phoenix Arizona! Just watched this video as our intro to you and we learned a lot! Thanks and we'll watch regularly. You are fun to watch, very instrumental and informative. We like your humor and your style. Happy New Year!

[@rudymartinez4195]

I got the propex hs2000 for my trailer and best part is no issues with moisture. Has low power consumption and was able to use my trailers propane system.

[@jonthebru]

When you learn about he common propane heaters with the noise or moisture issues, it becomes a quest to find this heater. You have succeeded in that quest!

[@bertpineapple3738]

I will probably never own my own camper van. But I can never resist watching your video's Slim. Your presentation style is so perfect. You're always so entertaining to watch. You have a very calming effect on me. Long may you run on KZbin.

[@benjaminrasmusen3802]

Kimberly Wood Stove, Diesel heater, Diesel heater style on propane, however thanks for the introduction on this model featured in your video here.

[@_GntlStone_]

"Buy once, cry once" as HDR on the old CheapRVLiving forum used to say. Glad you'll be warm for the winter trips.

[@01maxxer]

Slim I am not a camper, however I am a boater and yet I listened to your complementary in this video and found it to be worth the time to listen to it, even as a boaster, because you captured my attention and for what it's worth...you taught me something. I wish you continual success and enjoyment with your camping passion and wish you great health in 2023 and beyond!

[@Squarekn0t]

Slim, I had been taking care of a Vietnam Veteran who helped me with work on my 36ft Gibson Houseboat. I found him an old HOBO mini- houseboat and moved it to a boatyard near me. When winter came, I bought him an older model of the Dikerson and installed it for him. He stayed pretty warm all winter, I got him a job at the boatyard but told the owner not to pay him all at once, as he was prone to disappear on binges. Dickerson's are expensive but have been used and trusted by many of my fishermen friends in Newfoundland. Make sure you have a good C0 2 alarm,

[@Rita-i5v]

@@Squarekn0t I have a 30ft house giving to me I want to turn it in to a tiny house 🏠 on my land I have been looking for a design for the interior and ideas 💡

[@BBare.]

If you get tired of the moisture in your camper I'd suggest trying the diesel heater again. Vevor is the best rated Chinese knockoff ($129) and I've never had a single problem. Just don't buy the all in one like you did before. The small 5kw Vevor is pretty much perfect in every way. Small, super easy to install inside. Completely vented outside through the floor, exhaust out and intake from outside, doesn't take the oxygen from your living space. Separate tank easy to fill, no spilling. Uses very little diesel and 0.5 amps. The 2kw size on the lowest setting is more than enough for your camper. Super dry heat and the one and only time that I had any diesel smell was when I was hooking up lights and disconnected the power to the heater which didn't give it the chance to burn off the fuel inside the chamber. It's completely Don't waste your money on the Wabasso, in my experience Vevor is every bit as reliable. Happy Camping! 💙🐰💙

[@dobie2times]

Thank you for your review

[@jamesmiller2662]

Nice thing about the diesel is you can add fuel while it`s running carefully with propane you cannot

[@drwoo7346]

Slim paid $1600 for that P9000. Wow and that’s not including tax.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I did not pay $1600. That's what Americans pay to import a Canadian product. We get them cheaper here! SP

[@_GntlStone_]

@@SlimPotatohead So I should just come up to Canada (from NY) and buy one next summer? Sweet! A great reason for a road trip.

[@tubularap]

Thanks Slim, for taking us on your journey to perfect your camper. Happy New Year.

[@bendoucette5921]

Hello Slim, I think you will be very happy with your choice in heaters. We have been using that very same model in our sailboat for many many years. It warms the cabin very well, adds ambiance, and takes the dampness out of the boat on a cold foggy night. Thanks for another great video, Ben from Nova Scotia

[@stex1985]

People , nomads moved with the seasons. You have what they could never dream of. You can lock the door and head south with your teepee, where most of the winter no heat is need. But I loved the review and reasoning which I would definitely put to use.

[@williamparker8318]

I believe you made the best decision based on winter camping without hookups. And I'm impressed with the wattage used. Thanks for taking us down this road. A fellow Canadian KZbinr Lonewolf 902 used a marine SS deck plate on his through the roof exhaust for his heater that looks very promising for temporary heater usage. Looking forward to the install. Cheers.

[@richardnwilson]

I burst out laughing out loud when you turned your furnace on! That's the funniest thing I've heard in a long time. It sounds like a vacuum cleaner and it's in the middle of the night oh my God!

[@claramullen]

I am so excited to see the installation of the new heater. Safety first is the rule and a well thought out placement. Take care Slim

[@M.Campbell]

After a lot of research I'd come to the same answer, for heating, when I outfit my trailer, next year. I'll be closely watching your install. Thanks Slim!

[@janine7418]

Have you looked at the Cubic Mini? It's a Marine Grade wood stove out of Quebec. It would fit your little rig size perfectly. It is built for boats so all the safety issues have been addressed...

[@SlimPotatohead]

Why would I get another wood stove when I had a wood stove? Safety issues are still the same, it's just a metal box with fire in it! SP

[@jacquesbeaudoin9706]

As I watch this episode all I could think about was telling you to get the P9000 Dickinson and then in the last few minutes I see you opening the box. I am converting a cargo trailer and have the P9000 installed. Not only is the heat excellent, the flame window provides a beautiful ambiance. I am doing the conversion also in the Canadian winter.

[@francoisdupont3387]

Bonjour, je vais installer le mien au printemps dans mon 6X10.

[@jefflunt9615]

That was a lot of work Slim. Going through all the footage of past videos takes time and I wanted you to know I appreciate it. Thank You and Happy Holidays.

[@jamesmason7124]

Congratulations Slim on getting the Dickerson heater, I myself live in my 1967 GM TDH-4519 city transit bus full-time and I prefer the diesel heaters, but not the all in one design. I have been installing and repairing diesel air heaters for over 20 years now. I don't want any propane in my bus. Keep up the good work and stay warm

[@smallworld3216]

Can’t wait to hear how that’s going to do. Although we have a class A with central heat, I still love your small camper content. We started with a small RV (Toyota Dolphin) when we got started and just love seeing small camper adventures. Keep it coming and thank you for the years of videos.

[@iwshamrock4908]

Olympian 3100. 42 years old. Never had a problem. Came from Toyota motorhome. I use it for many vehicles. Sips propane. Replaced filter once.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

Scout campers used to use that heater and people loved it. Seems like a great choice. If it’s good enough for boats then it’ll prolly work fine for your camper. Nice work. Looking forward to seeing it post install.

[@rps714]

The furnace high Amp draw drives me crazy. It only last one night before killing the batterry !

[@fundymud]

Had a propane furnace in our '78 van, about noiseless, no power, no fan, no condensation. Heat distribution by convection. Came with the usual air intake and exhaust snorkel you see with fan enabled propane units. Fits under the sink. Find one in a scrap 70's era camper for about $50. Have a level river side place in the 'Rocks' direction.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

When you film from your bed, it seems cozy! I’m wheelchair bound and camp in a Promaster with a lift. It’s more or less a motel room with a warm weather outside shower and a diy composting toilet. I may need a furnace like this If I ever want to boondock in the colder months. I to am on a tight budget so if I wait there may be another product come out that is les expensive. A portable power supply that can handle charging my power chair and run my cpap machine, a least 1200-2000 watts. For a long time now the Marine and the RV equipment users combine products that work well in both markets! That furnace was designed for boats, who have the same requirements as an off-grid camper! Lightning and appliances and just about everything a boat needs a camper also needs! Yes these items are expensive, but you see them in RVs and in tiny homes and other such buildings. On demand water heaters are in this same group. You will have the same fire glow you got with the pellet stove you made! It will be interesting to see your installation of this upgrade! Can’t wait to see how you do with it! Thanxz

[@richardloiselle6628]

Very happy to see you elected for the P9000 which is exactly what we chose for our 17ft 1977 Boler when we are ready to remove the original furnace and 3-way fridge and repurpose that space for a new 12V fridge (aven’t chose one yet) below and P9000 above !!!

[@SharonMcCamy61]

Thank you! Have been watching your videos for several years and always learn a great deal! Surprised you didn't check out the Dickinson word burning marine heater, but then again, you mentioned concern about fuel. Doesn't this propane heater put out moisture also? Wood heat and electric heat are the only two dry options I'm aware of for small spaces. Unfortunately, my trailer doesn't have a good place for a small wood stove, but if it did, that would be my personal choice. Would rather have the option for fuel that I can get by going out into nature (appropriately--no taking of live trees) than propane where I need to go fill a tank. But that's my personal preference. You provided a thorough overview of the various options and made a good case for the Dickinson propane heater.

[@SlimPotatohead]

It appears you misunderstood. All combustion produces water, especially wood. The Dickinson heats the cabin through a heat exchanger. The flame is not in contact with the direct air. SP

[@SharonMcCamy61]

@@SlimPotatohead Thank you so much for explaining! That part I missed. That is a plus! But I'm confused about the wood stove and moisture. Have one at home and it is very drying. (*Check out Buck stoves--really good wood stoves if you ever want to change out your cabin stove. ) I'm really interested in this as I just got my small rv and am learning the ropes on managing such a small space. Plan on using my furnace and a small radiant electric heater when hooked up but for boondocking am not sure. Wood stoves are something I'm familiar with and they bring a certain level of comfort to me that is probably as much psychological as is functional, to be truthful about it.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Wood stoves vent out the exhaust through the stove pipe. That's where the water goes. Thanks! SP

[@onrycodger]

Yes, I'm looking forward in not only seeing the install, but the overall performance as well. Very cool 😎 gift!👍

[@elisabethe8055]

Recent weather events really show how important heat is. Hope you are warm and cozy Slim! Happy Hollidays and thank you for sharing. I think you made a good choice.

[@bafergs]

Looking forward to seeing this in action. I’m frustrated by the noise of the onboard propane furnace also. I have been considering something more efficient and I’m happy to let you do the research and share your findings. Looking forward to your review of this heater. Thanks Slim, I always enjoy your videos.

[@Hickhollow]

I have a tiny camper 4x8 bed on wheels and have used propane for heat the last few years. I purchased a diesel heater and love it. It works for me. I mostly disperse camp. I have solar, dc to dc charging and a small generator when needed. My diesel heater is a 5kw all in one. It stays outside and I can hardly hear it. 14watts on the lowest setting.

[@jimdunlap2769]

I live in the Philippines now so...no worries being cold ...no winter here.

[@markparr7224]

I have an 8X16 cargo trailer conversion, with 2" of polyiso insulation, and my small ceramic heater is an Andilly 500W (actually 420) (Amazon $19) and it keeps it warm if over 45F. With yours it would easily heat up fairly well. Especially if you don't like it that warm. No thermostat tho, you have to plug it into one. I use a 2K Diesel if it is below 40F

[@CanadianPenguin_]

a good low budget and power less option would be a gravity furnace from an older (70's early 80's) RV. The air intake and exhaust vent out side, since they were made for RV's they'll go into the old furnace slot with little to no modification to the slot. They pop up often on kijiji & facebook market.

[@traveleats6833]

We are in a Promaster 2500, we love our Webasto dry-air gas heater.

[@binder098]

I have a 17' Casita, I am looking forward to your testing and results. As always Slim, great content, meaningful presentation, and a good sense of humor.

[@azclaimjumper]

I'm thinking the Dickinson P9000 would be an excellent upgrade over the noisy & inefficient propane heater that Casita has been installing in their heaters for decades.

[@tennesseeterri]

I also have a 17 ft casita, and we did not opt to purchase the furnace as we live in florida. We will hopefully be taking our camper cross-country and into colder weather, so I was very excited to read your comment. I hope you will share the results of your heater install, I would love to know how it goes.

[@kathykeehan6440]

The Dickinson heaters are used in a lot of tiny home builds.

[@billdonnelly1134]

No moisture problem, efficient on fuel and low wattage all make an excellent choice 👌. Smart move, well done.

[@SaintTrinianz]

Good choice! May propane always be abundant and affordable

[@ShawnHedges]

Great video @Slim Potatohead and great choice on buying the P9000. I bought the Dickinson P12000 last year and installed it in my truckhouse (#tinytruckhouse) and its surpassed my expectations in every way, especially once I wired my Bluetti battery up to power and blower fan. The P12000 is exactly the same as the P9000 but cranks out a few more BTUs. While I chose to vent the double walled chimney straight up through my roof, its designed to be able to install and function perfectly well on a side wall - I spoke directly with the Dickinson service folks to confirm this before deciding on the final installation location.

[@Sandpipercom]

Good choice. 👍This is also a Marine application, hence 'it will' cost more, but be far more reliable. Many boaters use them as Dickerson has 3 models; propane, wood, and diesel. The basic models are good for 25'-27' foot boats. If you use a slightly longer chimney, by mounting the unit lower, can gain slighly more heat.

[@bcbliss5147]

That Dickinson is what I am going to be putting in my camper as well. Great thing about it is it will still actually work and give off heat if you have no power. Super efficient AND you get a nice flame to look at. What more could you want? I have seen them mounted so the exhaust curves and goes out the side wall instead of straight up and through the roof. So that is an option for you too.

[@markattardo]

Sometimes you just have to increase the budget. Nice looking unit.

[@yooperdog]

You took my advice. It's an easy install. Wish I could share pics. It's a power sipper. Go Dickinson. I got mine from a marine supplier for less then 1k US. Happy New Year Slim Stay safe and warm. Try and keep the pipe length at 27". Scout truck campers shortened length and had problems with it blowing out. Another suggestion Slim, come visit the U.P. when you start traveling again. You can cross at the Sault. See you this summer.

[@WEBrown6596]

Hi I've been watching a lot of overland camper videos and I like the idea of the Dickinson Newport Propane Fireplaces P9000 Cabin Heater people have been putting them in the Alu-cab campers

[@rveurope]

Great Choice, off protocol, here ( EU) the goto is Truma model S 3002 or 3004 ( small to med small camper) , no el power needed, 30 g/ h ( or +) external 2 way exhaust ( in/ out) , cost 200 - 499 bucks, historical: millions units sold, on our campground 20-40 years of use, little to no maintenance, change bottle hose after 10 y, gas pressure test 1 b 15 min yearly, no prob ..Happy new year

[@SlimPotatohead]

None available in North America I'm afraid. No UL or CSA certification perhaps?

[@rveurope]

@@SlimPotatohead its no as bad If one might think and you may be right, Truma has a Webpage in US sits as Truma Corp in Elkhard Indiana and is supplier to some RV Makers in and around USA with Main products like Truma combi furnace (s) ( water and Air heaters for mid size RV) and Aquahot and aircon or coolboxes etc. . For electrical appliances they must hold all US /EU and Far East required specs to be able to trade and utilize them which they do (agreed) Anyway for Pop ups and small Trailers, I did refer to the S 3002 and 4 " they do not need to be connected to electrical devices it piezo igniter or a Batterie Cabinet ( 2 AA s with all safety Logos on it ) the only Case where one needs 12 V would be the Addition of "Truma vent" a blower and diverter which can organize punctual air flow If needed ( but that is an extra system ) no worries, and you may be right S 3000 series ( or older 2k etc) may be not available in Canada! The only company i knew from RV travels in CD was Triple E or Leisure and another one uses to use Truma components though? Sorry for my Input, Hope you forgive me🙋

[@SlimPotatohead]

Truma sells these to manufacturers here, not the general public. Not a choice for me, sorry! SP

[@rveurope]

Sorry to hear that you can't get them , i called Truma and they stated " we have a great network of dealers and service centers" and he said to my surprise even in Canada? So worth nothing if only OEM to Rv maker, as you Said 🥴😭

[@ChasB2010]

You'll love it! Had one on my 25' sailboat and it worked beautifully.

[@azclaimjumper]

I watched a video showing/telling about their Dickinson inside their sailboat.

[@cachapma99]

We have the P12000 in our cargo trailer conversion. We love it! I’m sure you will be happy with yours too.

[@miketomas8564]

Good Gosh Slim! I hope this one finally satisfies you. I can't wait to see Where you find a place to put it.. and once it's installed, I don't want to hear any complaints about it! Finding yourself that perfect heater has been a life long endeavor. I hope you are finally happy with this one.. And Merry Christmas!

[@mc-sp8zr]

3:00 Geez Slim, with that kind of sound you'd think it'd be making you a smoothie while it's heating up the camper!

[@r.c.7762]

Slim, you give the most honest, and best advice. Thank you, and Happy New Year!

[@Nerd3927]

Excellent choice. It will fit your demands perfectly. Good compromise to allow for a rooftop vent. I have the Dickinson Newport diesel heater on my boat and love the build quality and quite running. Only a tiny bit if fan power needed at start up.

[@davidcorscadden4450]

To reduce the noise in the old Dometic nt-12se and nt-16se furnaces, you can replace the fan blades with the ones from the NT-16seq. Even though the blades on the parts diagram for the heaters look the same, they are a totally different beast and run much quieter and move more air. I also put a pwm module with softstart between the board and the motor to turn down the speed a bit. This is a cheap upgrade on those old furnaces and may save your sanity at night! Blades are less that $10 US and pwm is about the same.

[@Tryagain205]

I have one of those Dickinson heaters and it works very well. A small usb fan to circulate the air is all that I’ve added. It’s really neat to have that fireplace feel and they are beautifully crafted. They make a great centrepiece and are very lightweight and use little propane. Easy to install as well. I had to adjust the thermocouple closer to the flame as mine would not stay lit if I let go of the primer button. Minor thing and easy to adjust. Great choice Slim!! You’re going to love it and the quality is worth the price!

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

Slim. Good choice. I have two of these heaters which I have installed in my 35-foot motorhome. If you would like some advice on installing your Dickinson/Newport let me know. I've installed a total of 3 in my RVs and I've learned a few things on the way. Merry Christmas!!

[@azclaimjumper]

I'm certain you have some good experience worth passing on to Slim.

[@francoisdupont3387]

@L And to others!

[@carriemainquist757]

Thrilled to see you get the Dickenson. My Kimbo camper has one and you'll love that blue flame heat. When I plug in, I also have a little ceramic heater too. Great choice Slim.

[@wwz1011]

I'd love to see someone come out with a low power consumption/low noise fan for the traditional propane furnace. The old gravity propane furnaces in vintage trailers was once an option, not very safe, and no one makes them anymore. They vented the combustion to the outside, so no moisture problem. No fan, so little to no power consumption.

[@patshankle3281]

Glad to see a new video. That is really noisy I don't think I could sleep with it on. Keeping warm is the main thing. I live in a house with no furnace so we have space heaters to keep us warm. God Bless you 💜

[@stewtube1240]

For the amount you use it you should have gotten a small Honda generator which could provide you with enough quiet heat but also a backup if your battery dies , if you needed power but not all the time so you wouldn't have a monthly delivery bill for hydro . If your off grid and need power to build a building or work on a project etc.. and when not in use you could just store it easily around your camper / in the back of the jeep or in your cottage . Season's Greetings

[@SlimPotatohead]

@stew tube, you must be new to my videos. I absolutely detest generators (yes, even the Honda) for the racket and fumes they make. The forests and campsites are so much better without them! SP

[@m8e]

@@SlimPotatohead Everyone just buys the cheapest and most noisy generators. Those are the generators you have heard. There's small low noise generators... At low loads it's something like 40db. Confirmation bais, you hear the stuff that make noise. 🙂

[@azclaimjumper]

My Honda EU2200i would be my choice, same as you, but Slim is not you or MEeee.

[@SlimPotatohead]

@m8e the 40db claim is bull. It is NOT calculated at the generator, it is calculated 23 feet away. Salesman tripe (see Honda's own dBA chard and read the fine print: cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/misc/Honda-Generators-dBA-Chart-2018.pdf ).

[@m8e]

@@SlimPotatohead db is always measured at some distance away. It's how noise measurements work. There's also other brands... Not just Honda

[@tnxjesus]

Looked a t a few videos about the heater slim and from what ive seen its an awesome heater everyone seems to love it. So i cant wait to youre finished hooking it up and i know you dont want to put a hole in the roof so incant wait to see what kind of creative way youre going to avoid the hole in the roof. Looking forward to the next vid.

[@user-vw6ej7ib5c]

Hi ol'bud. Looking back and reviewing your heater clips, I thought I would tell you what I did. As you said, the big problem with propane was moisture. Right, so to elevate that I built a heat transfer. Venting the fumes out after harvesting the heat produced. The source of my heat was an adjustable bunsenburner bought on line. For a small trailer it works very well. It is well housed, and I consider it very safe. You really do not need any electricity ether, and quiet. Oh, a small car radiator was the heat transfer unit. F.Y.I.

[@davidpowell6258]

I put one on my boat and I love it. Fan is a little bit noisy on high. I keep turned down and I added another low consumption silent fan to blow on the flew pipe down from ceiling. It captured more heat and flows it toward our bunk. I installed battery fire, propane and CO sensors. The double wall pipe bring in air that unit uses for combustion and exhausts of course means you get breath and no extra moisture. I also have a fuel shut solinoid system. Did I need all the extra stuff, maybe not but I just sleep better when all the bases are covered.

[@ladikmk]

Interesting choice - looking forward to seeing how this test installed and if it works well for your needs. Thanks for sharing Slim.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

The Dickinson heater is supposed to be fabulous. Many people use them in their tiny houses. From what I have heard, it is a great company. You made a great investment that will pay off. Smart choice. 👍😁

[@maobfh]

I have been eyeing that stove for so many years and the ONLY reason I hesitate is because I want to use a wood burner. I love the look of the Cubic Mini, but I have heard several campers mention that it (the Cubic Mini wood burner) is great until the temperature drops below a certain point. Also, the accessories that I would want to be able to heat water, cook, use the stove for more than simply heating my vehicle does not come standard with the stove. So my mind starts to drift back towards the Dickinson. It is incredibly common to see that heater in working boats near you and further north of where you live. And in boats that COULD HAVE been put to use in colder climes. It is a fantastic heater that you see in boats, yachts, cabins and who knows where else! Although I would still prefer to burn wood, the Dickinson is compact, it has clean lines and appears to be the gold standard for subzero marine applications. I have been wondering why we don’t see it that often in campers or tiny houses. Also, and please forgive me for saying this, it is really cute when you see pictures of it mounted on a sitting room or dining room wall. Because it is small and so clean. Because I have tremendous faith in your research and your judgment, I feel a sense of validation since you said what you had chosen. I can’t WAIT to see you install and use it. Will you put it on the same wall that the factory heater was installed in your camper? This really is exciting that you chose that heater!!! (I know that sounds silly but knowing that has not dampened my enthusiasm in the slightest!). Thanks Mr. Potato Head! Er…Slim…er…sorry!!!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Hi Rebecca. You may be pleased to know that Dickinson also makes a wood stove! Unfortunately most wood stoves (even the Cubic Mini) get their air from inside the cabin, which robs oxygen, meaning you have to leave a vent or window open to avoid suffocation. I don't understand why these manufactures do not include an intake hose, as I did on my pellet stove. Seems a lot safer! SP

[@justinnkim]

I use electric blankets. My Delta Pro will run two of them for 13 hrs. We once pulled over at a rest area plugged two electric blankets and took a nap for over 2 hrs. We woke up and the truck was covered in snow. Best idea ever. I would use the propane to get the inside above freezing and use the blanket to keep you toasty warm.

[@Onewithsausage]

Looking forward to how you install it. Great video! Thanks!

[@OKFrax-ys2op]

Now, you’re speaking for years of experience and that’s priceless! Thanks

[@dirtgirl9074]

This is the one I am considering also. I am not a year around camper, but often wake up in below or near freezing temperatures in the north. I have the 13 foot scamp with the annoying noisy propane heater fan. I have the buddy and yes, moisture is a downside. I have small 250 and 1100 watt ceramic heaters when using on shore power. I even bought a cubic mini but couldn't commit to cutting a hole and was worried about the hazard of a fire. I currently camp with multiple 4 season sleeping bags, good gear and endless hot tea!. I look forward to seeing your installation process. Happy Solstice and New Year!

[@docwatson1134]

Hi Slim, It's a joy to revisit your channel, you are so authentic, and helpful. The Dickenson is a beautiful piece of equipment, I'm sure you will enjoy using it.

[@joewarren1465]

Since you're not afraid of the consideration of modifying just about anything, have you given thought to insulating the mounting points on the campers factory blower motor? When I used to build PC's and wanted to go the quiet route, the cheapest thing to do was to buy the standard hardware. BUT have rubber insulation in between all mounting surfaces. It's surprising how much sound is actually vibration and NOT the rushing air. I know you've made your selection, but just a thought in case you still need to use the factory heater. The trick would be finding out how much heat the mounting points have and then finding the right material to handle the heat.

[@echomoon3381]

Good job on the research. I'm really looking forward to see how you make out with this as it's something I might consider for my trailer. Right now I'm using electric heaters and that's it.

[@albertsauve2474]

Excellent choice. Suggestion; get an infrared thermometer gun so you can see where is you heat loss around your camper (especially around door, windows and roof), from the outside (and for your cabin as well). Then you can try to increase insulation accordingly by adding vapor barrier, insulation, bubble foil (inside cupboards and closets), double pane plexiglass windows (?), etc. Insulation is as important as you heat source and much less costly improve. Rgds from Montreal.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I have one.

[@marktinkler6897]

The P-9000 has been around for many years. It is a very good heater. Efficient and clean. An excellent choice!!

[@susanstrickland6774]

That heater in your camper is definitely loud. I wouldn't like that either. Merry Christmas to you, nice gift!! I hope the one you chose works for you. Can't wait to see it in action. Happy New Year!! 🙂👍

[@jamesfairview]

Good call, Slim. Well-deserved! Enjoy.

[@rboydsmith1]

Good choice Slim. I installed a P9000 in my van back in 2018. I love everything about it especially watching the flame.

[@UncleBuckle50]

Great choice! I'm very interested in the install. Happy New Year!

[@jennifermagee9131]

This is exactly our problem. We have a Scamp with a heater, but want to boon dock and want to find a way to have enough battery power to run heater each night for 2 or 3 days.

[@chadspry2505]

Glad you pushed the budget a little for yourself. Great gift!!!

[@jfj794]

Loving the diesel heater in my cargo trailer build. Mounted tank in tool chest on front of trailer frame. It’s very convenient and easy to use, no smell, no moisture, working great and just sips fuel. Will see how it holds up. We do use the propane furnace in our pull behind camper, works great, but doesn’t just sip fuel.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Sounds like a great setup, but bear in mind you are comparing a gas to a liquid. You may only " just sip fuel", however when you compare weight of fuel instead of volume, the results are pretty much the same. Only difference is that diesel has far more toxic emissions.

[@craftsman123456]

Some of my favorite videos of yours were building of that pellet stove I still think it's a great idea

[@johnnylightning1491]

Glad you found heater you think will work. Personally I just get to a warmer climate but even then you need heat sometimes, just look at the last week or so. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@andemess3095]

6:03 I also have two small dehumidifiers for my apartment. Work great!

[@andreaandiwilliams9232]

What a nice gift to yourself, hope this is exactly what you need and want for a heater!! Looking forward to seeing the finished project. Always look forward to your videos!!

[@Roarmeister2]

Back in Saskatchewan, we just had our 5th major road closure due to Winter. This time was freezing rain. Before it was blizzards. I can do without all this winter. But next week I'm going winter hot tent camping with my wood stove and tent. The teardrop camper will wait until warmer weather.

[@eviemoody]

Great choice! I have the P12000 on my sailboat and absolutely love it. It’s such a well designed heater. It ended up being the centerpiece on my boat.

[@dw3897]

I have the ProBeeze dehumidifier and use it during the summer to keep the humidity down in my trailer. Living in Houston TX this is always a challenge. Since my trailer is in off site storage & I don't visit it for days at a time so I installed a drain line which drains into my sink. Drilled a hole in the lower part of the water reservoir & screwed in a brass 1/4" barded fitting which I than attached a length of 1/4" clear plastic tubing. Never have to empty the water reservoir again.

[@PawelTylinski]

tip: I know that you don't want to put hole in your roof, but consider, that. The longer exhaust pipe will be inside the trailer, the more heat will stay inside and more efficient furnace will be . tip2: you can use Peltier cells to generate electricity from heat (like in this fan you was using with wood stove).

[@spidermoore]

I wonder why the manufacturers do not include a Peltier junction (or several) on these stoves to generate electricity for the fans and possibly surplus.

[@Tassie-Devil]

For what it's worth mate, I have been more than satisfied with my diesel heaters. First I purchased a discrete heater/ tank/ vent combo so I could install it in my container home to my own space demands. The 10 litre tank not hard to fill without spillage, and once it's up to temperature it only consumes a little current off my 12V system. Thermostat controlled option gets a cold dwelling toasty in a few minutes, then it ramps back to level #1 (lowest) and stays there. Alternatively I can leave it on #1 - or up to #6 indefinitely if I wish. I also have a portableself-container unit for other purposes. It's more of a pain to set up (exhaust, 12V power etc), but it serves my purposes too. And while I also have a propane radiator for getting dressed next to, I like the fact that I can obtain diesel cheaply anywhere, and it's easy to store in any compatible container, whereas refilling my propane tanks is always a cumbersome operation. Your Dickinson seems to work on the same heat-exchanger principle, but the BTU content of propane isn't as high as diesel... then there's the cost. Yeah-nah, as we say in Australia!

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Best of luck with it Slim. I hope the installis straightforward and it is exactly the heating you want and need and is truly easy on power. Lucky you are in Canada. Here in Australia, they retail at A$3,100.00,which is US $2,109.56 or Canadian $282.57! Worth a trip to Canada for us to buy one too and yes there are parts of Australia cold enough to require decent, safe heating that uses minimal power draw!

[@MountainParameters]

We must have lived near the same field, because over the years I have been down the same Rabbit Holes as you. One small departure, after giving up in frustration on the Chinese diesel heaters, I ordered a real Webasto from Russia (before the war of course) for my small Delica Van I winter camp in for AT skiing near the Columbia Icefields. It cost about $650 USD. It is for this reason I also had to give up on propane because when the temps drop below -20C, a 20lb propane tank will not have enough pressure to feed the lines when it gets to half full. Although still a diesel heater, because my van is diesel, there is no inconvenience for me with the Webasto and fuel. My van is on solar. The Webasto heater draws less than an amp when powering up, and 300 maH when running, and no water in the air. I am a light sleeper and, unlike the unbalanced fan blades on the Chinese models, the Webasto does not wake me up. Fighting with Chinese diesel heaters is not worth it, a lesson it took me two years to learn the hard way after I fought with two of them. However, now because of this war in the Ukraine, I'm not sure if Webasto has relocated their European factory to somewhere like Poland where once again they might be purchased for around $700.00 USD. One last thought. One gallon of diesel, contains 138,690 BTUs. Therefore, in comparison to the 91,333 BTUs in 1 gallon of propane, diesel fuel contains 34 percent more BTUs per gallon. As in both cases we are also using solar power to ignite the fuel, as well as circulate the heat. So we need to consider not only the cost of fuel, but what we have for available power from our solar powered battery banks. If we only need to use 64% of the power to heat the same space with diesel as with propane, then this information can be useful to compare costs for heating a trailer with diesel, versus propane.

[@paulbaker3144]

This heater is what I needed like 30 years ago lol. I’ve tried making my own heaters and they are not safe. If a gust of wind hits the vent just right and puts up out the flame then propane would build up while I’m asleep. Kaboom! I imagine the Dickinson has a thermocouple that shuts off the propane supply if the flame goes out? I think this safety feature is required on all propane heaters.

[@johnnymoran1177]

Yep, bought my pre-retirement home in Florida last year, and love it!

[@ncc74656m]

I think this was the inevitable conclusion here, and to be honest, I'm a little surprised you made the call. I know how hard you fought to make sure you keep everything to the minimal investment of budget and your other concerns. I'm very pleased you did, however, because the flexibility when the situation demands it is just as important as meeting all your goals. I also think that the Dickinson sounds like an amazing option, so given all the other options and possibilities, you couldn't have done better, and it's important to share that information with others, too. The one thing I would say, assuming you don't already, is to keep the old pellet stove aboard, even if you're keeping no fuel with you. That way, if you ever find yourself in a truly desperate unplanned situation, stuck, snowed in, and without help, you can keep warm without any traditional fuel or power by harvesting some dead wood to get you through the worst of it.

[@seameology]

There are times in life when it pays to be frugal and cheap. This is not one of them. I tink he made a good call.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

​@@seameology I tink so too. :-)

[@LordFalconsword]

I'm kinda surprised because he quaffed at $1,000 and then spent $1,500!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I think you missed the part about compromise Mark. The $1000 comment I made a year ago. Since then I found I could not get what I wanted for under $1000, and the prices just keep going up. SP

[@francoisdupont3387]

I had the same experience; the price keeps going up. And options like the Nu Way propane stove-heater are quite expensive in Canada with the exchange rate and the custom fees. And it takes more space since it can't be installed directly on the wall, and it requires a 6-foot-long pipe vs 28 inches with the Dickinson's.

[@magician2020]

I got a chuckle about your video today, as I am in Arizona at the start of the summer and it is already triple digits. But I am planning on heat for this coming winter. I have a 38' Class A and am looking at setting up my rig for boondocking too. I'm a big fan of the Dickenson brand. I have a Mr. Buddy and Big Buddy heater and have never had an issue with moisture, however, I have a Max Air fan that constantly brings in fresh air and Arizona doesn't have a moisture issue. Love your channel.

[@makaylaforbes6719]

Yep im pretty much set on being in one of these tin cans year round. Gonna be within a few weeks. Being forced to make a change, so im gonna need as many tips to help preserve function as much as possible. Preserving integrity of the body is actually not much of a huge issue for me. I have plans for a way to keep rhe anow and ice load from destroying the body and seeping theough the roof, but simple, cost effective ways to preserve the water system is something i anticipate to be a bit of a challenge for me.

[@psyamok3735]

Ah Slim, while I can understand you need to buy a commercially produced heater for code regulation purposes, I still think your DIY wood stove is the best! Especially when using pellets, it can produce heat all night without refill. Derust and spray a couple layers of wood stove paint on it and it will look better than any commercially produce wood stove.

[@jimbeaver27]

My camper has an original Webasto diesel heater, my rig is diesel so never have to fill it. I just rebuilt it and it is easy to do so you can keep it running well forever, and cheaply. It is fairly quiet and uses little power. There is very little smoke or smell from it outside, so never smell it inside as long as the window on that side is closed. For a trailer one could get the all in one or install a fuel tank.

[@tony-kj5mc]

I think you made the wright call , the Dickinson has been used in boat's for years . And worked well for small boats . It will be fun to see what you think about one in the camper.