The BEST Heat Source For Truck Camper Living

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In this video I discuss different heating options for a truck camper, van or rv during a Canadian winter! Im an avid snowboarder and that brings me to dealing with some of the coldest climates Canada has to offer. in this video I will discuss what heat sources actually work in those climates so you can survive chasing pow too!
Hello, my names Kevin and I live full time in my truck camper! I enjoy recording my adventures of me traveling through beautiful scenery and snowboarding and mountain biking! Come along on my journey in this world as I chase my interests and try to live my happiest life I can!
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[@777Slots]

I use a 8k Diesel Heater in my 36 foot class A, I use 12v fans to help move the air through the ducking. I have been toasty warm all winter last year in Ontario. I did however; keep the slide in as that made a huge difference in heat retention

[@bulldogblvd]

FYI, if you use rigid metal duct where you can, you will improve your air flow and efficiency. Where you need flexibility, they also have semi rigid duct that will be better. All those pleats in that cheap flexible duct murder air flow.

[@user-qt8so8zj4m]

I find joy in your personality, I wish we were friends😊

[@serafimpereira9483]

I know !!!! Kevin is so personable.

[@inktownfishing4505]

Hey Kevin, I've been using chinese diesel heaters for about 6 years now and will say they are great! I also have them in a small garden shed and a small greenhouse. But I also suggest that anyone who owns 1 to really do your research on how they work. Tons of YT videos on troubleshooting and common error codes. I have 1 installed in my truck camper years ago and it's more efficient than the old propane furnace. I liked it so much that I ended up totally removing the propane furnace altogether and carry a complete spare diesel heater/kit for parts. But knock on wood haven't had any major issues yet after 3000 + hours. I use automotive grade fuel line because the fuel line they come with won't last long + add a fuel filter. Also at 2000 hrs the blower motor bearings started to squeak, so I replaced 2 of those as well. 10 bearing on amazon for less than 15.00 For the price of 1 webasto diesel heater, I could but 10 chinese one's...lol!

[@adub59]

Not sure if I missed you talking about the power draw differences between the different units. I have a newer Arctic Fox truck camper. When the temp gets below 40F the furnace runs a lot and is NOISY. I just upgraded to lithium batteries (self heating) and 300w solar. I have yet to see how they hold up in the freezing temps, but after a night of running the heater before the switch the lead acid batteries were really low. I have a generator, but the dropping the below 50% charge eventually damaged them. The lithiums can be discharged further without damage, but in my mind a supposedly lower draw diesel heater might be a good cold weather back up.

[@nomansland4811]

Had an Espar in a diesel powered boat. Nice setup, no worries about diesel or power. Plenty of both. Nice dry heat.

[@richardspeedy5898]

Hey Kev. You are almost at 10,000 subs!!!! Keep up the great work on your videos and editing 🎉

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you!! 😊

[@philipgagne1852]

After running a propane setup and a diesel heater setup in my slide in camper. Hands down the diesel heater is the dryest heat 100%! There also so cheap its easy to keep a spare unit on hand if a failure happens.

[@LaurieNCooper]

Totally… I keep a backup CDH as well. Had only one weird problem with mine. Had the filter installed horizontal and water collected at the low point of the filter and froze solid on a -22 nite. I now don’t run a filter at all. I haven’t had a issue all last winter other than fan bearings. They don’t last in the cdh.

[@Liimpy]

There's absolutely no difference, the flame on a propane heater is completely sealed from the interior space..

[@LaurieNCooper]

@@LiimpyYes exactly we know the burn process is exhausted to outside but the heat is different. 95c at the out put on the diesel heater. Not sure what the temp was on the propane but it didn’t get that hot even when I had it eating propane. Diesel heater will be much dryer heat just because of output temperature.

[@KDlGG]

Also, arguably the best benefit. You can find diesel super easy, as for propane? Usually have to be in town, not just any gas station

[@Slickheadhunter]

Diesel fumes stink…..bad! For me at least, and also gives me a headache.

[@irenesilva744]

We absolutely love our little space heater. Works better snd quieter than the rv heater. That being said, we only stay in rv resorts so electricity use is not an issue. Love your videos.

[@LaurieNCooper]

Winter time black tank gets a jug of window wash fluid and only #2’s. Works great for me here in NS. I was running both atwood furnace and diesel heater but I ended up removing the propane for the simple reason my tank was underbelly and I was worried about sliding into the ditch or something that would cause a leak which my diesel heater would have no problem making it go bang. I find the diesel heater so much better just because I set mine to flow as much air as I need, it’s just more of a steady temperature. I burned 550L total last fall winter spring. I get home heating fuel here at the pumps. Just got some at 1.30pl. Hopefully it stays low this winter. Was paying 1.80pl there at one point. Great video and your right about everything you said. Good info for sure. 👍👍

[@mattp7653]

Great video like always Kevin! And congrats on 8k subs!!! 100k is just around the corner ;)

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you!!!

[@mikeranfurly1135]

Looks like you are in small town Sask. I live in BC but part of my heart is in the prairies. Half of the family comes from homesteaders in Alberta and Saskatchewan. There is a feel that you get out there, with the wide open spaces. Prairies in the fall during the bird migration is amazing. Thousands of ducks, geese swans descending to feed on combined grain fields on their way south. Magical!

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

It is very beautiful!

[@joniportwood1974]

Great summary of heating options. I just installed a chinese diesel heater in my truck camper.

[@susanhill9166]

Hi Kevin, great information mate for those that are interested in this. Take care ❤ X X X

[@cheylou1]

Good day this is a good idea as I need to know this Kevin it’s darn cold up here as you know.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Awesome video good info. As you know I am not a Chinese guys but they are cheap and keep me employed fixing them. Propane heater in camper is best source it just uses a ton of power. Wood stove is great if you can put it in safely. Only thing with Chinese heater is have spare glow plug and fuel pump I do don’t even have a heater and got spares lol. Awesome video buddy 🛠️🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@AlbertaBetsyVanLife]

Having an Espar installed end of October. Survived 2 Alberta winters with just a Mr. Buddy. Brrrrr

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Glad your getting a espar! You are a tough cookie in my books!

[@user-zo6xg8bx4l]

Look into installing a Newport Dickinson p9000 propane fireplace/heater. It works perfectly in my RV. BTW, IMO no matter what the manufacturer calls for clearances, you only need, at most, 1" clearance away from any nearby object/surface.

[@derrickvittitow9930]

10k by the end of the year?? It seems like it’s gonna happen… keep up the great work!!

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you 😊

[@Bumblingdesertdweller]

I am fortunate enough to have the room for three heat sources. I have a propane heater, a small, homemade wood stove that will take a 10 inch piece of wood, and a diesel heater, which has been working perfectly. But if the fire goes out in the middle of the night, I really love being able to push the remote for the diesel heater.

[@LeVoyageurConscientise]

a back up and a back up for the back up

[@Bumblingdesertdweller]

@@LeVoyageurConscientise Damn right. Love the snow, hate being cold.

[@Metoo1111]

General Componants from Polar Mobility. They have a store in Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton. I don’t know where else. It’s Canadian. I’ve had mine for two years. It’s gas and comes right out of the gas tank. It also has a thermostat. It will also blow cool air. Barely uses any power and barely uses any gas. It’s phenomenal and it’s the lower end of Esper and Wabasto

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Just went on there website and I like the wolf w6 it looks like a version of a truma combi diesel/water heater just needs a bigger water tank

[@Freeontheland2030]

That's a good rundown and lots of good info, cheers.

[@Mizz.Person]

2nd video of yours and a new sub here. I like the laid-back style of yours. Thanks for sharing!

[@genespell4340]

You can put an infrared propane heater that is made for houses in an RV. The company makes a 30,000 BTU model. I have seen them in motorhomes. They don't require any electricity except for a couple of batteries for the push button igniter for the pilot light. I have used a couple in the past and wouldn't hesitate to use one again.

[@kcgunesq]

Propane is propane. A great heat option, but will produce moisture that needs to be vented or absorbed.

[@Liimpy]

I have both the same heaters, i prefer the propane at night, having a thermostat to cycle the heater on/off is better than waking up sweating, only to wake up 2 hours later freezing and turning the diesal heater on again

[@vinceess4181]

You can splice in little 12v fans into the ductwork of your diesel heater. Uses no power at all and keeps heater at good temp. Go diesel if you have a diesel truck and plan on travelling long distances to new places. Also, why carry the extra weight? Also if you are like I was and had two 10lb bottles of propane then you can’t just swap and go and need to find someone to fill. Which is getting rare. Get the Planar. It’s more than Chinese ones but is excellent quality. Or do what I’m building now and go hydronic. Can make hot water and heat camper while driving and also route coolant hose around tank areas to stop freezing. Plus diesel just so much easier on batts. Cheers and thanks for the video

[@1JypsyJan]

I had an Atwood heater in my trailer and while it always worked great, I hated the temp swings. It goes from cold to hot to cold to hot, and always cold feet. But yes, it was very reliable. When I was able to plug in I used it only at night and used a small ceramic heater during the day.

[@HighmageDerin]

I saw a video a year or 2 back of a Canadian outdoorsman who created a camper that he towed around with his snowmobile and he built a candle heater that he's got attached to the wall of the unit that heats the whole thing up to 60° when it's like −2 outside. I've also seen similar concept builds using rubbing alcohol as the fuel source. Not saying having an open flame inside a sealed container inside your camper is a good idea but it's pretty cheap heaped depending on whether or not it can fuel that space

[@lawrencecordoni9460]

I have the 8kw all in one in my truck camper and works so good way cheaper than propane and better heat like you said even at half - 10 was to hot last 14 hours no problem on low like 20 hours for 1 gallon so around 6 dollars a night. If I use the propane it takes the 20lb like two days with fridge and cooking way to fast so I like to switch it up with the diesel heater. Mines a pop up camper just nice to have a back up second or third heat source don't want to wake up in winter with no heat

[@MattAK]

I think when folks think of propane and moisture they think of the little Buddy heaters or other open flame propane heaters. I use mine in my Springbar tent sometimes when I'm winter camping but never for too long (usually just to take the edge off the cold when getting dressed) otherwise the inside of my tent gets frozen water on all the surfaces. The Buddy is a good backup though in case of emergencies even with the moisture issues. I also do plan on putting a diesel heater in my trailer as well when I eventually get one. edit: 20:10 I know a guy that did several Alaska winters in an old 5th wheel just using a Buddy heater. So it's possible, but it looked miserable.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

lol for sure possible! I agree, I seen a guy tenting in jasper ab in January, -20 and he was going skiing the next morning 😂 some people are just built different I guess 😂🍻

[@MattAK]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures haha yeah. A friend of a friend lives full time in a wall tent in Alaska, I have no idea how they do it lol. I'm too lazy for that kind of life.

[@StevenJeffrey-h2g]

those propane heaters create an enormous amount of moisture, need to keep windows open & will make the walls wet, mold...they are good going ice fishing when you're half outside anyways

[@cowboy6591]

They have in-line booster fans for ducting.

[@MsLori-BassGirl4Life]

Only thing u gotta run them on high alot due to the build up in the fuel filter pump etc of you dont.

[@georgemurphy9910]

Same one I got, and it works really well 👍👍

[@macsj009]

Thanks Kev, appreciate you bro. Ottawa

[@bobk18]

82 GMC 19 ft. motorhome and the propane furnace works great still. Thought about switching to diesel but to much trouble for the gain.

[@Metoo1111]

I have the same little fan. Really amazing. Only 700w setting I use. Don’t need the 1500 w.

[@iana36s]

Great content. Keep them coming .

[@BrendaBlystone-ur6fy]

Hey beautiful eyes 👀 I don't have a van camper but I really enjoy learning a lot about it so maybe know day I may get truck 🚒 van amazing video have a wonderful weekend

[@PrezesWRC]

Great as a backup heat source, just like when your propane bottle froze during the cold snap last winter. I wouldn’t plumb it into truck fuel tank as this would potentially cause fuel gelling in that tinny fuel line. I keep space heater as a backup source to my furnace but that requires shore power or generator but thinking about installing diesel just in case.

[@StevenJeffrey-h2g]

liked the Dickensen marine stove as it used no electricity & barely any propane BUT it only heated up the room at its level or higher, so my floor was always cold...makes your feet then whole body feel cold. Always install low to the ground, heat rises! Those diesel heaters are cool but I didn't want a diesel tank inside or worry about the line leaking. Webasto ones are best but very pricy

[@rickwaggoner8479]

Awesome video Kevin and how about coming south to the states and try some of our beautiful camping places (Arkansas) at that😊

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

One day for sure!

[@rickwaggoner8479]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures would definitely like to see you and lots of conversations too!!!

[@marianfrances4959]

Awesome video! I/we use propane because that's what was in the all-season camper when we bought it. It's 20+ years old and working like a charm. And I mean all season! 👍😎🇨🇦☀️❄️🌧

[@alt7288]

Great video, thanks

[@michaelhazen8658]

I'd like to see how you did the ducting. I have a new to me 8-5. and while I have zero plans to go camping very far below freezing, I would like some kind of example how its done. No our campers arent the same but there is transferrable knowledge to be had!

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

I’ll be going into more depth on the subject in another video

[@tamo9520]

OMG! lol You're a "Shits n' Giggles" kind'a guy ?1 I haven't heard that saying for years! Just subscribed!

[@KyleWalker-sm3ez]

I recommend you check out the vesta heater it works really good and I would highly recommend you get one because it could save you in that one video you did where your propane froze I would of had a vesta on hand or like a buddy heater but highly recommend both

[@KyleWalker-sm3ez]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJerkKyYi89rrrM

[@1JypsyJan]

An 80-100 W lightbulb should keep your compartment warm enough. Not an LED of course, the incandescent ones. They throw a lot of heat.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

northern lite does this in there newer ones, im going to be doing this as well next time I stop by a rv store

[@1JypsyJan]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures I’ve watched their videos. Learned a lot from him. Going to be using some of his tips on my short Skoolie.

[@MsLori-BassGirl4Life]

Do u have a vid where you do a full install?

[@daafy6390]

One drawback for me with my propane heater in my truck camper is that the blower is quite loud. Not sure if that's a thing with all of them.

[@Ryan-u5f]

I use a kerosene heater. It was free and 23k btu. Heats up so nice.

[@Tom-ic7hw]

Got a Diesel heater in my garage workshop of the dry heat showed up my tools it never warms up enough to shut off though but if you've got a slide in truck camper that's not very big I bet it heats up pretty quick how do you regulate the heat other than doing it manually on and off

[@LeVoyageurConscientise]

I see a guys on other channel using an femelle electric car plug mounted on the side of is rig, hooked on a 220 v AC converter to 12 v DC and voila you can use electric charging station to plug in when neeeded, you have to pay but its less expensive than a camping

[@GaryBoyd02]

I agree and would be in no hurry to replace my primary furnace with a diesel heater. People talk about more BTUs in a quantity of diesel vs propane. What they don't mention is the cost of that same quantity as propane is cheaper to purchase. I did the math about a month ago and it is a slight advantage to the diesel but so slight not worth mentioning. And if you have to clean it out then what are you saving really? If my furnace were to go I would try out the Propex propane heater and see if that would be cheaper than the furnace. Many fewer parts and only the fan and glow plug to maintian. No sail switches etc. That would be worth trying as the Propex is virtually maintenance free.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Propex hs2800 would be worth trying out! I’d love to get one to try out and see how it compares!

[@benitadominguez2077]

Hola again Kevin 🤟 whats the name brand of the electric heater ?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Just a home hardware brand on it I believe

[@franwatkins5934]

The best i found is a recirculating oil heater

[@1FAST91SONOMA]

I have over 9KWH of battery capacity in my suburban with room to add another 5KWH inside. Thats plenty to run an electric heater. If I can fit that in a suburban fitting it in a camper should be easy

[@dangeroustoman]

I have both, diesel and lp just incase one isn't working.

[@sutherlandbrook3205]

Crappy thermostats though. Diesel heaters. I have a well insulated van and even on low i have to cycle it off and on so it doesn’t cook me.

[@BionicLesbian]

Propane boils at -40 ° anything colder than that and it will remain in a liquid state.

[@MojoP33]

I’m not so sure the current system is more “Fair” than the original Chase. Certainly not compared to the Latford.

[@joanswafford8696]

You are so adorable!.

[@kristenpersinos5140]

what about a little buddy?

[@TheAngryChimp]

Addressed right here: 19:55 to 20:03

[@cowboy6591]

I think you meant "Hi_Cal".

[@SpykersB]

👍🏼🍻

[@susanturner1262]

ok so I used to be a rv install do your self a favour and lose chinses heat and spend he bucks on the wabaso youll thank me. The cheap ones are ust that, Oh I found propane too damp over that long run bu work well untill it get real cold and the tank freezes out side, Ian

[@cheylou1]

Explain wabaso is it what fuel etc.

[@Liimpy]

​@@cheylou1It can use gasoline or diesel fuel...

[@Liimpy]

You're the cause of the moisture, just from breathing, not the propane heater, you could just Crack a window, which you should do with a diesel heater aswell..

[@j.k.cascade2057]

Something your not mentioning is that propane is a moist heat (it produces H2O), diesel is a dry heat. If you have damp clothing, boots ecetera, that your trying to dry out, then diesel is definitely the way to go.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Common misconception, a propane heater like a buddy heater is wet, because it exhausts into your living space. The propane furnace used in RVs is a forced air system (air being blown over a heat exchanger exactly like a diesel heater) it exhausts outside, no open flame in your living space, the reason a diesel heater seems dryer is cause they stay on constantly, turn down to low but still heating. Where a propane furnace cycles on and off so trying to dry equipment a diesel heater will do a better job for that but I could also just set my furnace to max and get the same results.