Using a DIESEL HEATER For Cold Weather Truck Camping

[@shoothuntride9456]

Nice job on the heater setup and video. Heating a vehicle for camping doesn’t have a real “that’s the one” solution. They all have their pros and cons. The diesel heaters are possibly the best and also still relatively affordable. I have a Ford Powerboost with the 7.2kW onboard generator. There are two 20amp and one 30amp plugs in the bed. I run an electric heater all night. The truck turns on automatically when the battery needs charging and turns off when done. I even bought an electric cooktop. Having pretty much unlimited power anywhere you are is very nice. However the con is the truck will turn on a few times throughout the night and run for 10-15 mins. Which might be annoying to some.

[@someguy4476]

I like that wheel step mount idea! 👍

[@ppainterco]

I have an all-in-one diesel heater like this for my teardrop camper. My solar controller tracks load usage and the diesel parking heater pulls about 10 amps when starting and once the glow plug stops about a minute later the usage drops to .85 amps. It uses about a quart of diesel for a night of sleep. The dry heat is a blessing and a curse. It does dry out the interior, but it also dries out sinuses and you’ll be drinking more water. We camp at about 9000’ and the air is dry to begin with, so we end up drinking more water and using a netipot to “water board” ourselves in the morning. We also route the duct through the window, but just stuff a blanket around it. I like the plexiglass idea better, as well as the tire step.

[@sailingspark9748]

the tire shelf is brilliant! It not only gets the heater off of the ground, where the exhaust could potentially ignite a fire, but by being on the tire, keeps the noise inside the truck to a minimum too. Well done! I never considered that until now.

[@OneOutlander]

Exceptional video. Covers the pros and cons very well. You explain it all, then you illustrate what you just explained. The list of all the items you used to create the setup makes it a complete usable and useful video. Thank you for your effort.

[@dropshot1967]

I would find a place inside to put the battery and feed the wires outside to the heater. Some batteries (depending on chemistry and luxury features like self heating) agree with being used in freezing temperatures. It can shorten their lifespan and reduce the energy available for the heater. For the rest, I enjoyed this video. Cool setup and cool solutions. thanks.

[@JaceMcfetridge]

I typically put it inside the cab of my truck and the wires are thin enough to just close the door over them.

[@Robertrls01]

I built something similar with an hcalory diesel heater, I built my own portable power station with an mppt controller to run the diesel heater and run a 2000 watt inverter. I still use a carbon monoxide detector just to be safe. Happy Hunting!!!

[@jasongilman7270]

That’s an awesome way to have heat. We had a diesel heater in our 40’ dog nose bus and it heated the whole thing no problems. In the winter time in NY. They are the best heat we could find. But great way to install. I’m going to replicate it for my truck camper. Thank you sir

[@Gary-ee3kq]

Trick is to set your hvac to circulate indoor air that way you aren't losing heat to the outside air .

[@ChronicalsofAl]

Very cool, I've always been scared of running a heater in an enclosed space. Diesel is always the answer to an economic power source!

[@jaydunbar7538]

It’s no issue, most semis on the road today have a small diesel heater in them. Same thing that’s stuffed inside that giant red case, referred to as a bunk heater.

[@mfluder7095]

This is a fantastic idea... I wonder if I could retrofit some jumpers to the second battery on a diesel truck. I suffered so many nights... Wont forget this one.

[@rwchidester]

This is genius. Thanks for sharing.

[@sw5334]

I have the same heater. Converted mine to run off Milwaukee 18v tool batteries. Amazing heater. 3 years old and zero issues.

[@Joe_Dallas]

How long it last on the 18 volt? vary cool

[@sw5334]

@@Joe_Dallas if I use a fully charged 12.0 battery I get between 6-8 hours on full chooch. If I turn it down it gets longer. For a tent or something small a low setting is fine but I have heated 14’ x 16’ gable all glass sunrooms with it but that needed full speed. FYI, it’s not an easy conversion as you can’t just plunk a lipo battery on without installing a low voltage cutout or you can kill your batteries.

[@jasonschell6036]

I'd love a breakdown of this conversion 😁

[@dbargz6642]

​@sw5334 u got a link or something on how to do this with milwaukee batteries? I have a kings ransom of red batteries and would love to be able to use them instead of a big heavy deep cycle to power my diesel heater. Thanks in advance

[@ctclimberguy34]

​@@sw5334Im not sure if the all in one units are the same as the other type with seperate tank, pump etc. I found out the hard way that if power gets cut without it doing its shutdown procedure, the electronic board that controls it will fry. Maybe the all in one is different?

[@Gunnut10mm]

This is a cool option, having worked with most fuels, (propane, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, and natural gas) unit is effectively a miniature fuel oil furnace like some people have in their homes. There are some serious advantages. I have one concern about which type of diesel is speced for the heater i assume it can use #1, #2, or a 50/50 blend or #2 treated with an anti gelling. If for some reason it's only supposed to use #2 you can and will get fuel gelling around 20 degrees and it will plug up the heater. This is probably simple to work around because fuel sellers usually blend the diesel to not gel however beware using diesel that was bought at the beginning of the season in the late season most places switch to winter blend in October so if you are trying to use fuel you bought in September in the first real cold snap in November. Secondly I worry a bit about venting the fumes away from your setup. In this case it looks fine but a portable CO detector might still be a good idea you don't want a strange wind current in the night swirling the exhaust into the air intake and giving you CO poisoning.

[@trevorakerman]

Great video. Just ordered the whole setup for my Colorado Trailer. Thanks for the detailed instructions!

[@liangxiao2909]

I purchased the same heater for the same reason. After trying it a couple of times, I didn't like how much gear I needed to bring and maintain. Ultimately, I just improved my sleeping system and it worked out fine.

[@wt9653]

I placed my Diesel heater in the Ridgid toolbox. I also placed a 50ah LFP battery inside. I also added a solar charger, cooling fan, and a 5 quart fuel tank. It's a true all in one diesel heater.

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Sounds like you built a nice set up!

[@OmegaRed048]

I use this same heater. Scrapped all of the sheet metal cover. Welded up a angle iron frame to mount a weather hood, swapped to a GX Honda fuel tank, replaced all the fuel lines with non-chinese garbage, put a fuel petcock. I also welded up exhaust routing so it can't fall out and the angle can't be changed, because they are VERY sensitive to exhaust buildup.

[@johnwells9739]

9l2o​@@OutdoorLiving88

[@robbiek5oh]

Wise to mount it outside. The price is so low, buying a 2nd unit as a spare would add peace of mind on a remote trip.

[@adambernard1672]

Great setup! I used propane heaters in the past and definitely don’t like all the moisture you get from using them. I’m going to try this route. Thanks for sharing 🤜🏻

[@suddenlysolo2170]

I have the same heater to heat my 20x20 garage. Works great!

[@thebearsden1701]

Have the same unit ...3rd yr..in my e250 extended van..the biggest drawback is the pump noise..which I solved by removing pump and installed under my van ..exhaust runs down through my floor ,under my van..installed extra exhaust pipe to insure CO2 doesn't pool under my van ..rerun fuel lines .nooo .once diesel ignites....they use very little battery power (deep cycle a must)..!!! I use a soi2 battery .can run 3-4 days .works awsome ..so just bought a new one for my ice fishing popup !..($130)..cheers

[@codywitt2718]

I’ve got one in my insulated 6x12 enclosed trailer for elk camp. It’s awesome

[@markkimball1569]

Nice to know. Used to have a set up like that in my mid 20s 1987. Nice set up to know ! I can get a hunt set up. It does get cold here in NEast.

[@aaronstinson9479]

I've been brainstorming on how to mount mine outside. I kept thinking about some sort of perm mount on a molle board on the side of my popup camper but I think the temp tire step idea is BRILLIANT! I'm doing it! Thanks for sharing

[@davidwills8803]

This is fantastic information. I want to thank you for taking the time to put this together. I will definitely be using it on a small enclosed trailer

[@shawnbahr4508]

Great setup! I'm going to get one of these.

[@thefix2573]

I used an aluminum street sign cut to fit the openable side window on my camper shell, then mounted the heater on it's side so the combustion intake and exhaust exit through the aluminum sign. It looks janky since you can see the fuel line and exhaust pipe but I ran them down and strapped them with electrical conduit mounts. I used copper fuel line except for a rubber end piece to connect to the fuel nipple. That way the unit is inside and recirculates the air so it get's nice and toasty. I got the heater with 4 outlet ports about 1 1/2 inches each, so I ran 2 of the pipes low on each side of the bed and the other two blow straight down using black ABS 90 elbow fittings for drain pipes. My truck is a Cummins (2 batteries also) so after about a year I put a tee in my return fuel line so no more filling up the little tank. I have one in my work van too but it's a gasser so have to fill the little tank but in winter 2 gallons lasts all week running it 8-10 hours, in my van it runs off 1 Lithium 100 Amphr battery I have to run the Max air fan, diesel heater and I have a 2000 watt inverter to run a tool or compressor if need be. This summer I'm adding solar to the work van to keep the Lithium battery topped off. I have a 40 amp DC to DC charger that runs off the alternator, and a grid charger I plug in when I get home. I'm also building a 12 volt swamp cooler using the Max Air fan.

[@Perkykurt]

Thanks. I’ve been considering one of these heaters for some time now. Love how you set things up. Thanks for the links too.

[@4Primalbreed]

Great Video Jaces , will for sure be doing this. Thanks Team Fresh Tracks !!!

[@HuntingPoker]

I like the vid, I went with A PLANAR Diesel heater!! Use for walltent and iceshack camping. Its so nice not to have to stock the fire all night, can sleep well. Much less work.!!! I too live in Montana, Missoula.

[@briansteele1378]

Appreciate this video, totally got me thinking now.

[@willdrivesu7914]

Considering a buddy heater is abput 90 bucks and only runs about 4 hours per 1 pound of propane this is a lot better...and the condensation it creates inside a vehicle is insane. Definitely going to try this this winter.

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Very well done video. Just installed a diesel heater in/on my overland camper and I cannot wait until it is -30 degrees for a real world test of sub zero temps. Should be a good "part two" video when it gets cold. My camper inside volume is about 140 cubic feet, very close to your truck topper so I should have no problem staying warm. (Will have a Buddy heater for emergency back up so I don't freeze to death in case it fails LOL) . Subscribed

[@michaelmyers3892]

I'm getting the same setup for my pickup topper I've got a 7 ft by 6 ft with a raised top fiberglass shell, time to see how well it does in Kansas winners and it's been known to hit 20 to 30 below with wind chills also

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Well done! I'm going to see about adapting this system something other than a truck, like a small enclosed cargo trailer that we've been converting into a poor mans toy hauler, or maybe a canvas tent. Running heat all night is something that will make the wife super happy, and subsequently my life happy! (happy wife, happy life) When I'm by myself, If I'm day hunting out of a vehicle (2nd gen 4 runner, and now jeep Cherokee), I'll just sleep on a foam mat in a warm bag and call it good. In the morning, I'll start the vehicle and idle it for the heater.

[@MichaelBrookfield-m8n]

That’s a great idea we plexi glass and tyre table , I’m going to do same with mine 👍

[@craigbut-itsa-dry-heatcoop7022]

As stated below, this is excellent. Down hyah in AZ (cue 'Deliverance' banjo), ya gotta think about whats outside yer truck too: theft prevention. Years ago had a Van camper with a propane heater. It was permanently mounted inside with an outside fresh air & exhaust vent plus underfloor tank. Worked flawlessly in WI winters & AZ mtns. I know many truckers don't want to cut their body to mount a vent, but it seems like outside venting gives U more safe options (IMO), like still having yer heater when U wake up. Winter camping is great!

[@gregbuckley7596]

I would be concerned about theft and forgetting to remove it in the morning before driving off. I think I would mount it on top or something. Cool though.

[@scottmarshall2297]

Jace, thanks. I pulled the trigger on all the items but the window as I have a IKammper rooftop tent. I appreciate the insight and the links.

[@thomasplummer2673]

I'm definitely going to check this out. Thanks for the video and information.

[@jaydunbar7538]

For doing your research it’s the same style heater used in trucking commonly referred to as a bunk heater. Wabasto and Esbar are the big names, the. Cheap Chinese one he showed is a knockoff of the wabasto if I’m not mistaken.

[@daledavis5593]

Great job describing everything , im stoked !!! I have a 1988 4Runner I'm going to need heat on PYRAMID LAKE next season, THANKS

[@CK-dt6nx]

You'll have to watch where the end of your exhaust is so wind doesn't direct the fumes into your cold air return.

[@billquantrill4960]

Just came back to watch this video again. I got my diesel heater in today and intend to rig it up much like you've shown. Now I just need power, I have an Ecoflow on order but don't have it yet. Anyway, great video as always. 👍

[@jonEmontana]

Would have liked for you to stand outside with the heater running to try to get a sense of how loud it is. Didn’t sound very loud from inside

[@jaydunbar7538]

They aren’t, it’s a bunk heater out of a semi put into a larger case.

[@jonEmontana]

@@jaydunbar7538 appreciate the piece on it. Been wondering about them for awhile. Run a buddy and although it’s enough , I’m always searching for something better

[@JaceMcfetridge]

The fuel pump seems to be the loudest component once the heater gets warmed up. But keeping it outside of the truck really helps with any noise.

[@KDlGG]

What you can hear between him talking at the end is how loud the exhaust is, a regular fan is louder.

[@davidschlarp1606]

They agent loud at all. The fuel pump has a tick to it and the exhaust is very quiet. You wouldn't be able to hear it in the camper shell at all

[@daveholte7658]

This is outstanding! I have same truck topper set up. My truck is diesel with a aux tank in box assuming I can use same grade of fuel. 1 or 2. I don’t have a sliding window. I think I could do tire step at rear wheel and then cut a 3” hole in wheel well, have lots of room and duct heat into that area? I also have a 30 amp lithium battery box that I use to power electronics on my boat, which I think would power this diesel heater. Thanks for your video. Well done

[@EricKoch-s5b]

Excellent video! Many good ideas and like including all the parts used to make this set up.

[@JavierPadron]

Great video buddy, loving mine so far. Did the same tire mount like you what a great tip. See you on the trails one day 😎👊, im in San Antonio Tx.

[@frankpereira3056]

I essentially do the same thing and keep a battery operated co2 detector in my cab while I sleep. I have my heater sitting on a shelf in the bed of my truck with the exhaust plumbed through a hole I drilled in the bed floor and run a duct into the cab through my rear slider. I have a topper on the back so nobody can see the heater and I always have an extinguisher near by.

[@stevemartin9200]

Awesome video. I had one these in Alaska as an emergency heater if the power in the village I lived in went out. Thank you for the links for the accessories that I can use to have it heat my truck this winter in Arizona while exploring BLM land.

[@FNSICK]

I did the little buddy, i had the same concern as you in terms of CO2. I purchased a separate portable CO2 detector for piece of mind.

[@TN-ez6lz]

"CO".

[@ItsMeGiga]

Good build, there's a couple suitcase builds that you may want to consider. You could use the suitcase and mount it close to if not on the window area to reduce your duct length and increase efficiency. Just a thought

[@ChippyOutdoors]

Just watched your video, not sure how cold it gets where you are but having the battery inside the box to keep it warmer. But biggest thing run your intake for heater on one side and and hot side on other so it circulates it helps tremendously to be more efficient on heating and area

[@aryamoshrefi417]

nice! I had no idea you could do that. thanks for sharing

[@michaelmyers3892]

At the unit that I'm thinking about getting from my pickup truck camper she might only be a 7 ft by 6 ft bed but I like the ideal of an all-in-one unit and staying warm during Kansas Winters is a priority, now I'll find out if they can handle 20 plus below zero with wind chills LOL

[@riverruninn]

Ive never been in sub-zero temps but a 12v heated mattress pad with a deep cycle battery works very well.

[@anonydm]

Don't they suck up a whole lot of power?

[@riverruninn]

@@anonydm if you leave them on all night they will. Most times the pad is too warm to sleep on all night. My Sunbeam 110v shuts on and off all night and goes through much less battery and keeps me plenty warm on the lowest setting.

[@jeffjohnson3302]

Thats awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@Flash1857]

Nice way you found to mount the heater

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

Been using one of these for years now, use it for hunting and random winter camping trips.buddy heaters are a waste of money.i made a video on how I use a boat fuel tank with mine and how i made it removable for transport,now my heater has 3 gallons of capacity vs. 3/4 gallon.

[@trevorselch5574]

Good setup, but that's a lot to set up. I think I'll stick to my buddy heater. Only need to kick it on to get into your sleeping bag and then kick it on in the morning before you get out. Once you're in a good bag it doesn't matter how cold it gets

[@gone4days956]

this ☝🏼 no way could I sleep good being 75 deg in that truck bed. too hot

[@joshwokojance3790]

Very nice idea, but two things come to mind. One, theft. Maybe something like a locking cable laced through the rim? And second, make sure that there’s no way for the diesel exhaust to get sucked in the cold air intake and blown right into your sleeping area.

[@Lexidezi225]

Nice. I’ve been hearing a lot of guys using these lately. Won’t take up space in a wall tent either. My stove takes up the whole corner of the 12x12 and can barely fit 3 cots. I just like my wood stove tho 😂

[@MLSPlatforms]

There’s a newer model I have for my tent ! Compact , and quiet . Works great for a tent, I leave it outside and actually sewed a roof vent in the side of the tent where the wood stove would go . I run the ductwork in that vent works great

[@bradleyeis7319]

Awesome setup

[@TruckinBeagle]

I bought that same heater on Temu for $8 and I use it to heat my 26’ travel trailer. It works great! I love it.

[@Piratedaveslife]

I used a coleman stove at 4am and a coleman heater as well in my truck camper shell for 20 years hunting the western mountains. You just need to crack the windows to allow some fresh air in and out. A negative 20-degree sleeping bag is key. I never used them all night. Just to wake up and dress before I crashed. Called roughing it!!!!

[@BrettMcNary]

alot of people haven't woke up........

[@michaelkearns7481]

Very good video , I’m gonna get mine for Moab this November

[@klausschlobluvsmesometwood4679]

ok set up till you wake up one night and find out why you are freezing inside your bed, because someone walked off with the heater and your power source

[@39700101]

Chain it and lock, and maybe air tag it?

[@slmjake]

Excellent video

[@MrEroupe]

Cool idea, thanks for the video

[@betterwithrum]

Please toss a CO2 monitor in there with you sir. There shouldn't ever be a situation where exhaust gets mixed into the air feed, but you can't ever be too safe.

[@jackbquick123]

Great video, great information and Lord willing I just might do this. New subscriber

[@eldonrizzi3860]

So is it ok not covered if it snows or rains?

[@dionwatters992]

Great video!

[@nofear4xjs785]

Upgrade to ridged tin ducting you will avoid alzheimer's from breathing in aluminum fumes... Insulate the outside of the ducting for sure a good idea. Keep battery in the back were its warm cold kills the battery faster. Amazon bubble envelopes would work greaat for covering windows keeping more heat in and out in summer. Thanks for sharing the great find and setup, I`ve heard others talk highly about that style heater !

[@Desertphile]

Thank you.

[@bradecky]

Thank you for this …. But, What about altitude compensation ? We all understand the % change of oxygen as you go up in elevation…. Can you grange the injections / Jets. To accommodate the fuel difference, due to altitude & oxygen change ? Thanks. Be safe. Rad , western slope Colorado

[@joexhall]

This seems like a great setup. It looks like vent into the canopy goes right against the window screen. Have you seen any negative consequences from this? Curious if you can share how hot that screen gets. Thanks!

[@perryknetter8577]

Thank you for sharing this I would like the info on the heater

[@garycampbell-or8tr]

Really like that set-up

[@AndrewMcConnell-yl6cn]

Hey. Good setup. I suggest two ducts and recirculate the air, makes for more economic use of fuel and no chance of drawing in exhaust fumes if wind changes..

[@coryhoward1252]

How do you go about doing this?

[@AndrewMcConnell-yl6cn]

​@coryhoward1252 Hey.. drill 2 holes in the perspex window. One duct from heater to cab, other from low in cab to heater cold side. Generally both ends of heater are the same, some steel cased versions have holes stamped and may need cut away to allow duct access. Hope this helps.

[@joshwokojance3790]

Drawing the exhaust in was the first thing I thought about watching this. Your idea makes it much safer.

[@scottmorton5379]

I’m assuming heat won’t affect your screen?I like this set up,

[@joexhall]

Curious about the screen as well.

[@portnuefflyer]

If it's anything like the Espar diesel heater in my crane cab, I'd have no qualms about using it in a camper. Outside air intake, incredibly efficient, pretty quiet, beats the heck out of a propane heater.

[@anonydm]

I plan to implement a diesel heater in my roof tent camper. I was wondering the best way to mount the unit outside and the tire step is genius. Thank you

[@ItsMeGiga]

If you're doing a rtt check out a couple videos out there. There's one I saw that they put the whole heater and assembly in a metal toolbox, Insulated it and put it right near the tent. You want as short of runs for the vents as possible to limit wasted heat. If you can maintain a good insulation and lessen the loss of heat you can conserve fuel and power running the pump lower. One thing he does in this video is doesn't have an intake setup so it has to heat the 9 degree air which isn't very efficient. Still a good buidt

[@BackYardLabs-wv5yi]

good cheap heater. Im working on my camper cap that will have this heater in it. Plus a 12 v air conditioning with 500 watts of solar.

[@jamescrews3516]

Thats awsome need me one of these!! Great job

[@KeywordManagement]

Nice job. This is on my short list.

[@theexileband]

Learning. Thank you for sharing!

[@Alaskahuntr]

Awesome information Jace! Is there an application for Wall Tents? To replace the wood stove? Would rather burn a couple gallons of diesel than two cords of wood! Also, save time and sleep on stoking the fire and cutting all the wood.

[@JaceMcfetridge]

I did use it in one of the small WRTL tents before and it helped a bit. Not sure how it would work in a large wall tent, but it could be worth trying!

[@Nunya_Binness]

Cool setup!

[@martinbee772]

Great job on the video👍

[@paulbugden7708]

Nice 👍 I like these types of videos

[@RubberDuckTime]

My friend you would do better having another 80mm pipe to the heater and circulate the air in the cab in a loop ..as is you are drawing in air mixed with exhaust fumes especially if windy outside.

[@Utah_Mike]

Thanks lots of great information provided

[@Fresh_Tracks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nikolaychinikaylo8013]

Can you hear the noise of the fuel pump knocking inside the truck?

[@LarryBlue55]

Please explain your canopy window set-up for the heater intake hose for the heat?

[@dustyroads5811]

I would insulate that flex pipe.

[@danmoreno425]

Insulate those windows and it’ll be warmer. Other than that thanks for sharing

[@edevans1323]

Your cooling down the heat coming in if u could mount unit inside it would b more efficient

[@JánosMáté-z6w]

Great job, man. How do you set up the temperature? Where is the thermostate? Will it start by itself if the temperature drops?

[@MichaelMaroon-oz9bp]

I really like your setup. Thanks for sharing. Would you happen to have a link for the window insert? Have you had any issues with the heater being outside in the snow or rain?

[@mrmichaeltscott]

100. I use mine to heat my cargo conversion trailer.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Awesome setup.👍👍👍🇺🇸🙏🏽✌🏻😎

[@desertheat4659]

The description on this heater says “indoor” use. Have you had any issues with it getting wet with your setup?

[@JaceMcfetridge]

Haven’t had any issues. The cover seems to protect the unit decently. The only exposed portion is the small lcd screen but it’s help up to snow so far.