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Caravan Diesel Heater Vs Gas Heaters

Article by Steve Smith - Caravans Plus
Read Time: 3 mins

As the temperature drops, a caravan or motorhome can become uncomfortable very quickly. Gas and diesel heaters can both work well, but the best choice depends on where you travel, what fuel you already carry, how much free space you have, and who will install it.

Caravan in snow
Keep warm this winter with a caravan heater

1. Start with how you travel

Before comparing brands, answer a few practical questions:

Both heater types need correct installation, clearances and ventilation. Do not treat a heater as a quick accessory fit-up if the exhaust, fuel, gas, wiring or combustion air path is not right.


2. Caravan gas heaters

Gas heating is efficient and suits many caravans because LPG is already used for cooktops, hot water systems and some 3-way fridges. You do not need to carry a separate diesel tank, and gas heaters are generally quiet, with most of the running sound coming from the fan.

Truma VarioHeat installed
Truma VarioHeat operation and installation

Truma has been a long-running name in caravan gas heaters in Australia and overseas. The older Trumatic E2400 was very popular and was followed by the Truma VarioHeat Eco.

The VarioHeat offers two heating output levels, Boost and Night modes, and simple operation through the CP Plus control panel.

Truma VarioHeat Eco Gas Air Heater Kit - 2.8kW - Single Outlet - Cream Cowl

Truma VarioHeat Eco Gas Air Heater Kit - 2.8kW - Single Outlet - Cream Cowl

3 In Stock Now.5/5 from 7 reviews$2,699.10$1,920
$2,699.10
$1,920
View

A gas heater must be installed by a licensed gas fitter and in accordance with gas regulations. That can rule out some locations in a van, especially where flue position, clearances or appliance spacing are not suitable.

Gas use is also worth thinking through if you camp remotely. A heater can increase demand on your LPG supply, so check bottle size and refill availability before relying on it for long cold trips.


3. Caravan diesel heaters

Diesel heating is popular for off-grid travel because diesel is widely available and fuel use is low. Diesel heaters also give more flexibility in some installations because the exhaust normally exits through the floor rather than a wall flue.

Eberspacher diesel heater installed
Eberspacher diesel heater operation and installation

Eberspacher has been a premium brand of caravan diesel heaters for many years, with D2 and D4 models available depending on the heating output needed. Autoterm heaters are also EU made and have become popular in Australian RV installations.

The Eberspacher D2 or Autoterm 2D is enough for many caravan installations, with lower power settings for milder nights and higher settings for faster warm-up.

Autoterm Air 2D Diesel Air Heater Kit - 2kW - 12V - Single Outlet - Comfort Controller

Autoterm Air 2D Diesel Air Heater Kit - 2kW - 12V - Single Outlet - Comfort Controller

1 In Stock Now.5/5 from 8 reviews$1,749$1,530
$1,749
$1,530
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Eberspacher Airtronic S3 D2L Diesel Air Heater Kit - 2.2kW - 12V - Single OutletSpecial Price

Eberspacher Airtronic S3 D2L Diesel Air Heater Kit - 2.2kW - 12V - Single Outlet

14 In Stock Now.5/5 from 1 review$2,583$2,049
$2,583
$2,049
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Eberspacher D2 and D4 specifications
Eberspacher D2 vs D4 specifications

Diesel heaters can be slightly louder than gas heaters, mainly because of the fuel pump and exhaust. Quality mounts, mufflers and careful placement make a noticeable difference.

If you have a diesel motorhome, some installations can draw from the vehicle fuel tank. For caravans, a separate diesel tank is usually needed, so allow space for the tank, fuel line and filling access.


4. Compare heater options

For a quick specification comparison, use our heater comparison chart:

Compare Caravan & RV Heaters

Compare Caravan & RV Heaters

Read

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