Choosing a Van Life Heater

If you’re thinking about buying a van life heater, there are several options to choose from. These include wood burning stoves, diesel heaters, and even electric blankets. Choosing a vehicle heater that fits your needs and budget will help you make the most of your trip. The right choice for your van can mean the difference between a comfortable trip and a cold one.

Diesel heaters

There are a few factors to consider when choosing a diesel heater for your van. First, you need to make sure the heater is positioned correctly. The heater should be situated far enough from the bed so that it doesn’t disturb the rest of the passengers. It should also be positioned at a slight angle to prevent condensation, which can cause rust. Lastly, you should choose a model with a 15-liter fuel tank, and you should also look for aftermarket silencers.

Diesel heaters are relatively fuel-efficient, consuming only 0.1 to 0.5 liters of fuel per hour. They will not drain your fuel tank, and shut down when the tank is about 3/4 full. Diesel heaters are also more environmentally friendly, as they use much less fuel than gasoline.

If you’re concerned about cost, you can look for one made by reputable companies such as Webasto and Espar. These companies offer warranties for their diesel heaters. They also provide automatic altitude adjustment and silencers, among other features. If you’re on a tight budget, however, there are many cheap diesel heaters on the market. These heaters are made by Chinese manufacturers and come with an extensive support community on YouTube and Facebook.

Butane heaters

Diesel butane heaters are a practical and inexpensive heating option for your van. The heaters emit little heat but provide enough heat when required. While their running costs are higher than electric heaters, they do not use as much fuel. They come with a basic installation kit and a disc containing a soft copy of the manuals.

The downside to portable propane heaters is that they can generate a considerable amount of condensation inside your van. This is because of the combustion process, which releases water vapor into the van. Portable propane heaters need adequate air flow to dissipate the moisture. In contrast, integrated propane heaters will blow away moisture.

These heaters are a popular choice for van lifers who live in very cold climates. Although they may not fit perfectly into the zen-like surroundings of van life, they do heat the van quickly. If you drive your van in temperatures below 10F often, the heater is a great idea. Moreover, you can get the heater for a low price.

Wood burning stoves

Wood burning stoves for vans are not just for camping trips, they are also a great option for long-term travel. You can buy a large cord of wood in bulk, which can be extremely inexpensive. If you’re full-time camper, you won’t have room for a cord, but you can use pressed logs, which are made from recycled cardboard and wax. These wood stoves are not only more efficient than other types of fuel, but they smell funny. They also don’t use gas, so you’ll be saving money and space.

Since wood burning stoves use fire, they can be extremely hot to the touch. This can result in burns or other injuries, so you should be careful not to leave the heater running while you’re away from your van. Also, don’t leave wet items near the heater, and keep a fire extinguisher handy. Also, make sure there’s a fresh air intake and an upper heat escape. Crack windows are great places to vent excess heat. Carbon monoxide is also a danger, and you should install a carbon monoxide detector. You can’t smell or taste carbon monoxide, but it is a deadly gas that is often ignored.

Most wood burning stoves are too large for a van. However, there are many smaller models that are designed specifically for smaller spaces. The Cubic Mini, for example, uses smaller pieces of wood and reduces smoke by using a secondary combustion chamber. The Mini Woodsman is another great option. Both of these models will warm a small van and will cost you around $400.

Electric blankets

If you travel often and need a way to warm your van, electric blankets are an excellent option. The downside of these devices is that you need a grounded three-pronged outlet to plug them in. You can find inexpensive electric blankets that come with nine temperature settings and auto-off functions. They also work well with the RV’s electrical system, and they draw little power.

The market for electric blankets is projected to reach $211.2 million by 2020. China is expected to lead the way, with sales rising at a CAGR of 9.3%. The rest of the world is projected to grow at a slower pace. Germany is expected to grow at a rate of 3.7%.

One option is a 12-volt travel blanket, which plugs into a 12V cigarette lighter socket. This model draws only 4.6 amps and 55 watts, which is extremely low for a heated blanket. But don’t forget to consider your RV’s battery capacity before buying an electric blanket. A car battery cannot handle as many electrical demands as an RV, so you have to be careful.