Van Life 101: How to Stay Warm While Living in a Car!
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- čas přidán 6. 12. 2022
- Today we are looking at the Portable Diesel Heater . This is a great Solution for Heating a Car! Staying warm in a car, SUV or Van can be challenging! It is more difficult to run a heater in a car or SUV due to clearances that are needed for safety. This 12V Diesel Air Heater is an All in One Unit that is completely self contained. It saves space and is easy to move to another vehicle or into a tiny home.
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QSCVDEA Car Ignition Heating System Diesel Air Heater 8KW Parking Heater,12V All in One
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Thanks for watching!
I watch a few Korean car camping videos. They have fabulous camping gear that we can not get in the USA. A couple of years ago I saw a heater called an air heater that runs on diesel. It was 1/3 the size of this one. It hooks over the inside of your vehicles window much like food trays at the drive in do if you were to face the tray to the inside of your vehicle. A thin hose runs from the top back of the heater to a small tank of gass sitting on the ground outside your window. I do not remember an exhaust hose but there must have been one on the opposite side of the unit from where the fuel line is. No permanent installation needed, small and compact unit with all hoses being thin enough to run out the top of the window you would have to have down for ventilation anyway. I was hoping this was going to be that heater. Sadly it is not.
I've seen that one too and it looks pretty awesome!
Yes I've seen their camping equipment videos too, top quality, heavy duty.
I'm currently sitting in front of one just like that, keeping me toasty warm as it's now 20° and snowing. If you're patient there are some good deals occasionally on eBay. I paid $49 for one just like that and bought a second one that is shorter and wider with the tank beside the heater for $69.
Most of the problems people have with these Chinese heaters is from improper installation. Too long or too many bends in the exhaust, low points where water can collect, restricted intake, voltage drop from insufficient wire size, etc.. Follow the instructions (if you can understand the translation) and they'll work great.
Hard to go back to any other kind of heat once you're spoiled by a diesel heater.
Just remember there are no returns on Amazon for products that use gas or diesel if something goes awry.
True ! Once the fuel is added
It's nice. Another option especially if you've electricity. I've a Mr. Heater Portable Buddy. I use it in my car, a 99 camry. Have it on the passenger side, it only has 17 inches above it, and I put the window down about 1 inch. I also put the drivers side down a crack to allow air in. Been doing it this way over 6 years. I LOVE not paying rent, and NOT having neighbors to deal with. It's not for everyone but I've adapted very well to this lifestyle. Enjoy your day.
Good to know. What is your electric source?
@@worldupsidedown1 Just D cell batteries for the blower (optional)
Ive had my big buddy for 13 years now.
Mr Buddy's require propane. So yer tank is outside and you run a hose through a window?
Interesting design. Quite compact. I hope this is a solution for those who need heat... Now for folk to shrink AC Units with useful outputs that are much more efficient & lower prices
From your lips to some enterprising entrepreneur’s ears!
Right there with ya... AC is a necessity in desert 🏜️ southwest!!!!!!!
They now have some really good 12v AC units that are good for a van
I have a few diesel heaters the majority of them had enough parts to make them work the one you’re showing I use for quick heat in a work tent out in the field. It works decent although the fuel tank on it is very small and does not last long at all so I would suggest getting a larger tank and running a hose from it into the heater if you’re going to be using it for a camper the other diesel heaters you can mount right to the wall and have two very convenient holes below it to excavate and intake air and spent fuel. They are relatively easy to install but one thing I would suggest is having a larger power supply from the battery to the heater they seem to be very finicky when it comes to use an under gauged wires. The one you’re showing I have to have the battery very close or the truck has to be started to supply the proper 10 V and above for the glow plug or it’ll just shut down
Hrmm... what does your crystal ball tell you for how long a 1gal tank would last if I installed a 2KW heater inside a minivan and were camping where temps got down to freezing and we used it at night?
I watch your videos and thank God I am still healthy enough to work. 🙏
Lol...those guys are healthy & working! The lifestyle doesn't choose you, you choose it!
I think these little diesel heaters would also make a good emergency heat source for a home. You could easily heat a small area like a family room with one of these units.
I was thinking the same about emergency heat source until I saw the need for electricity. If the electricity is out, which would be the reason I would need an emergency heat source, then this will not work. Also, it is a 12 volt.
You just need a 12 volt power source like a car battery or small power pack. I use my booster pack for boosting my car with it and then charge up the booster pack when I'm driving. The one in my greenhouse I just use one of my RV batteries and the battery maintainer to charge it when it gets low. They aren't perfect for emergencies but if you already have one they can definitely be used.
We use a Toyotomi Heater to heat our home. It is 120v but only draws 47 w when running. We had a 10 hour outage last week and our little Honda 2000 keeps all except pump running. I put in a sub panel that has a transfer switch for the lights, freezer, fridge TV and the heater. The Honda runs it at least 10 hours on a gallon of gas as it did last week. It is snowing hard now and with about 18” again. Generator is gassed up and ready to go along with some water jugs. There are already 250 homes without power in our area tonight.
You would think the RVs on a diesel chassis would put these in instead of using propane to heat.
Always something to be learned in your videos Bob. We appreciate all you do to get the info to us!
Love it. Just the info I was needing.
When I watch your vids I keep thinking about all the rabbit trails you must go down when filming and it makes me smile. 😺
Thank you, Bob. You do a LOT of work, I think, scouting out practical solutions.
I have a diesel heater. Watched a lot of CZcams videos to learn how to use it. I will be using it this winter. I bought a long dryer hose from Home Depot, works great.
I heard Amazon has a policy of NO RETURNS on products that use gas/diesel even if the product is defective....so take that risk into consideration if buying from websites.
I might be willing to drill two holes and drop this in the space behind my wheel wells of my van. Such a simple solution.
Really good, Bob! Been waiting for this product.
Just got it. Loving it. Worked right out of the box
I had seen this heater online and thought for the inexpensive price point this heater would be a good buy for the nomadic community!
Great video, Bob. I bought one of these all-in-one units a while back expecting to use it outside with my truck / camper shell setup. Never got around to it yet. I had to add some blocks at the bottom to lift the unit enough to allow for the bend of the intake and exhaust pipes. Mine had 4 vents for the heat which I would assume you could place in different areas of your rig. I decided to use it in a toolshed at my stix and brix and find another one with just one vent like you show in this video. I imagine if you use it inside the vehicle you may be able to position it directly over the intake and exhaust holes so you don't have to elevate it to create the bends in the pipes.
Thanks Bob looking onto one now!
I would definitely test it for you Bob! My furnace quit working. Im at Laposa South and and I have followed you for a long time. Im here for the season thanks tonyour videos!! Also, i have referred people to this video from other channels and Q post on FB.
Good recommendation.
I'm not trying to be the negative poster here. But I would like to put forward a word of caution for safety purposes. I've had a Chinese diesel heater in my box truck for 3 years. The week point that I have found in them is the fuel line connection. Notice in this video how there is a hard right-angle kink right where the plastic fuel line connects between the intake and exhaust hoses. I've had a couple of times when the fuel hose has melted from the exhaust heat because of too much slack in the fuel hose. The design could be improved if the metal fuel tube was extended past the exhaust pipe so that the plastic fuel line can be further away from the exhaust. Also when I have fixed this in various ways if there is a kink in the fuel line, I have actually had the fuel line rupture pumping fuel out on the floor. If someone comes up with an easy way to modify this, it would be helpful. Another potential problem with these kinds of heaters is that if the power to the fan fails then the cooldown cycle cannot occur because the fan is supposed to run for a period of time after the fuel shuts off in order to cool down the heater. I have heard people having meltdowns from this which ends up ruining the heater for good and could be a fire hazard as well. Again, these are just cautions that I think folks should know about. They aren't a showstopper for me. My heater has been very useful for me on cold winter days.
I like the idea thanks Bob❤
Another Great Video !
Your videos reminds me of my days as camper
Nice job. Hopefully it will help people.
I`m looking forward to watching your next video on this.
Thanks Bob perfect for me !
Thanks for sharing!!
I like it!❤
Thank you for sharing 💞
I learned a big something. I have not done much cold weather camping (I'm in Florida and had one night drop to 34 then back to 60's in the morning). This seems like a great solution. If you do a follow up video and you are able, please mention the best way to seal the window around the hose. Love this channel and the community!
There is a webpage devoted to these heaters I use one and there is a learning curve
The way I understand the operation of these heaters is, the intake hose is for the burner for combustion. The intake hose air does not enter the heated area. The air is heated from a blower on the back of the burner unit blowing across the outside of the burner case. You MUST run the intake hose outside or you will use up the majority of oxygen in the heated/living area. To make the heater completely safe, run exhaust and intake hoses outside of the living area.
The reason the combustion air intake should be outside the vehicle is because if inside it will be sucking in air and creating a slight vacuum. Air will be sucked into the vehicle through any vent, hole, cracks, etc., and there is a chance of sucking in the exhaust from outside the vehicle.
Good point, if you could, have heater outside and have intake/exhaust separated as much as possible. Seems really cool for even a tent, or emergency heat.
Not planning on being in too many places I need heat but I'm def going to consider this for when I do
hello janet
I have one of the expensive brands and it has the same problems/errors as the Chinese ones. When my expensive unit is due for replacement, I'll be replacing it with a Chinese one and I'll also buy a spare, that way I have all the replacement parts/accessories stowed away for quick replacement/repair. I'll still only be into it for $200 which is a fraction of the more expensive ones.
all of them are repairable
Ty sir
✌️😎Thank you for sharing your videos. God bless have a blessed day.
Awesome 👌
I just ordered mine a few days ago. Can't wait to get it, cause I'm freezing. 🤪
I've been looking at that unit with a couple minor changes a larger fuel tank as such but I thought about putting it on my cargo Carrier when not use a full waterproof cover to protect it and all I would have to do is run a heater hose for the heat intake inside my minivan , but I planned on upgrading the exhaust pipe that flimsy stuff won't last
I need this!
I just ordered one on Ebay for $101.99. It is the short, wide cabinet version not tall and thin. I decided to up grade the exhaust hose clamps, add a 90* exhaust pipe elbow and a insulated exhaust pipe sleeve. My install will be in a E250 van, on the floor. I will use legs to raise the unit and exhaust will go out the side of the van not thur the floor. BTW, I will be running intake (combustion)air from the exterior. If you burn up interior air you will need to ad make up air to the interior by cracking a window and leting cold air in. I had a Espar unit in my Tiger RV and it worked well after de-rating the fuel pump(smaller output) for high alt. for a clean burn and installing outside air intake. Outside intake air is for the cumbustion. Proper understanding of the installation requirements is paramount. I'm not sure Wells understands combustion air vs return air. BTW, an exhaust leak inside can kill you. Get upgraded exhaust hose clamps like Espar uses.
Milan' s air conditioning service in Medley, FL installs it at reasonable prices with warranty on parts and labor.
Wanted to check with you to see if you could do some videos on what people are doing for groceries that sustainable
Probably a review of the mobile RV water generator, also relevant in the summer.
love the videos... I have a diesel heater. what I did was run mine once a month for like 5 mins and never had an issue. I see videos of people saying their units smoke and never fire... the fuel has turned bad and won't burn. if you take the time to run it as stated you should never have an issue. I love mine and so far ive got two winters out of it.
Great solution Bob! Let us know how the testing goes. I would test it for you, but I need to do stealth city parking usually.
This looks like a great solution I wonder how long the gallon heater will last.
Awesome Bob!!! Thats a must have for those minus 10 temperatures in Minnesota!!
I think bobs electric draw estimates are off. If you run the heater non stop all night it actually uses less electricity then having it cycle on and off a few times. There is a big draw heating up the glow plug each cycle. After starting it the power draw drops a lot.
Great video Bob! I'd add a couple of comments though. I have a Propex which is essentially the same but Propane fueled and there it shares a very important safety design, common to the diesel heaters, that I think you have confused in your discussion. The heaters have two distinct "air paths", one for combustion and one for "cabin air". They are separate and not confusing them is super important. The combustion air exhaust AND intake should always be outside. This is so that if there is a failure, combustion exhaust can't work it's way into the vehicle via the combustion air intake. The cabin air intake can be external but great care must be taken to locate it far from the two combustion air pipes so that it can't draw in exhaust. The design of these is such that the only way combustion exhaust can make it into the cabin air side is through a physical failure of the heat exchanger. This is what makes them so safe although one should always run a CO2 detector as that can happen.
In the example of the all in one unit you show the primary concen, if placed outside, would be keeping combustion exhaust away from the cabin air intake (assuming you aren't ducting it from inside the vehicle).
Hopefully this is helpful. I use my Propex 8-10 hours a day in my Jeep and it has been wonderful and safe.
I just saw your reply. Well said, Wells confused cumbustion air(any air works but why burn up heated cabin air)and return (cabin)air. If you burn up cabn air now you need to replace it by cracking a window and introducing cold outside air
I love my propex in my teardrop trailer.........pricey but for me worth it.
@@sourdoughben The silver colored hose on the bottom is exhaust and the black one is fresh inlet. Both are ran outside with the fresh air running away form the exhaust.
Thinking of an outside mount on the back bumper and running the heated air hose in the back, on an SUV
I'm wondering if this could be installed in place of the propane furnace that's in my 88 toyota micro mini
I put my vehicle in park turn my heat on Let It idle for the night never had a problem been doing it here in New England where it gets pretty cold for the last three Winters
This is another simple item for off grid/auto life.
What we really need to know in order to use it effectively....
What type of battery to use. And how much battery capacity.
Sure, you may keep warm all night, plugged into a 12V cigarette outlet. BUT will your car start in the morning???
Will a deep cycle marine battery be adequate?
Will be best paired with a portable lithium battery of what capacity?
Can it be programmed to cycle on/off hourly?
Can it be paired with a on/off thermostat?
I would redesign for auto use.
Have the unit be flat, rather than tall.
Able to slide under a vehicle.
Cut a hole in the floor for the warm air to enter/connect.
Hmmm......
good info, bob, thanks..however, i dont think its a good ideal to leave it expose to the weather..rain, snow..its not weatherproof..i look forward to ur up coming videos on it tho..
When Diesel was $2.49 wasn't bad running, now at nearly $6 bucks in some places. Not worth it.
These things qualify to use with red diesel, or heating oil depending on where you live. they also run great on a 50/50 mix of diesel and kerosene which can further limit costs. I've heard some claims you can run them on straight kerosene but I haven't seen much as far as results.
Unfortunately a lot of rubber tramps spend their winters in the desert so even if they had the space to install a wood burner and the health to feed it, they couldn't get the fuel for it.
Then it boils down to electric (ideally solar if they can afford enough panels and batteries) or fossil fuels.
Even at 6$ a gallon I'm pretty sure diesel is still more cost effective than propane (although I haven't run the numbers and could certainly be mistaken)
What is the alternative?
Not freezing to death… priceless
a 5KW unit uses 0.18 - 0.48 Liters per hour; so roughly $180 per month for having heat at night for 8 hours for 30 days. Doesn't sound too bad.
There's a big warning on these. If you're trying to use them at any elevation. They clog up and then they stop working. So anyone that is in the market for one of these make sure you're not using it above four or five thousand feet. Anything above that it gets to be a mess
lower output pumps are available for higher elevations. I did that to my Espar and no issues. Also kerosene burns cleaner and 75 kerosene /20 diesel mis works well, diesel lubrcates the pump.
Many of these heaters have a "plateau" setting that leans out the air fuel ratio for high altitude, or are manually adjustable. If you already have one of these heaters that doesn't have the plateau setting and is not manually adjustable you can replace the motherboard and controller and gain that function for around $30.
@@sourdoughben Good info
I've looked at diesel heaters like this that mount under a seat. I believe they are like the heaters Semi trucks use when parked. You only hear a clicking sound and the fan running. You get used to hearing.
My only thought is in freezing temps diesel gels up and would stop your heater.
Probably in the comments, but as I've been told before, recirculating the air doesn't help. Air goes out the exhaust and it has to come into the vehicle to make up for that, otherwise it would get to be a vacuum inside. Air has to be drawn in from somewhere. Better to just have that from outside directly than to make the fan force air through whatever air leaks there are.
Have you considered 400 to 1500 watt oil filled units . No exhaust great safety features . I used them in separate rooms in Upstate NY . Much more effective at heating a room than forced air
I really love the idea of a diesel heater. I wouldn't get one for my sedan but a van yes. I just use my Bluetti and a 30w heating pad in my sleeping bag.
I have seen a woman who built out her van and she placed her diesel heater underneath her cabinet space, hooked the electrical to her van's battery and ran the hoses outside the car underneath. Something like this suitcase design looks pretty neat!
I've got two diesel heaters here in Wisconsin motorhome
Cool! I just saw this video is uploaded four hours ago and I said oh, is today Wednesday?🎉
I hope you will show us how to mount and use the heater. How large a space will it heat?
I would like to try one for my van.🌞 Some of the issues I've seen in other reviews: fuel pump is noisy, smell of diesel fuel when stored inside,needs yearly cleaning maintenance. Could it be mounted under the van? I will be watching for a follow up video.👽
These don't draw much while running but draw a lot at start up
Mine used 4 amps at start up and dropped to 1 amp during running
Bob, does it have a way to adapt a small tank if it’s outside, so it has a long run time? Thanks
You did it again, I love it simple, easy and pretty cheap. We are going to be building a van/camper for my niece, and after your testing it out, this looks great 👍
I couldn't find a good location outside to mount my diesel heater fuel tank, so I ended up keeping it inside. In retrospect I might as well have just bought one of these all in one units.
diesel stinks and Kerosene less so even burn cleaner.
How would the thermostat work if the unit is outside???
Good video Bob!
Where to get one of those cool NOMAD hats you're sporting!👆🏿
yours, like mine is missing the fuel filter. My air filter (for the combustion) had a plastic cover but no insect screen, and yours like mine has the crappy green hose, you can see it kinked where it goes into the burn chamber. Mine was the 8KW version. DC Power during startup 10 amps, 4 minutes, then once it warms up current draw very low, high was drawing 37 watts and low less than one amp very impressive. Warning the output heat vent can reach 220F plus I have not found a good 3in. high temp duct. Read reviews very carefully before you buy one looking for reviews that mention diesel heaters. The cheap stuff could melt or off gas. Have fun Roger
Where do you order the extra pipe for this unit? I’d like to run it through the window. Also, which adapter 12 volt plug would I buy for this unit?
Slightly off topic, while looking for other heaters, I stumbled across a golf cart size version of the small Mr Heater. I don't think I've seen that one covered before. I've got the regular "buddy size", but I've ordered this smaller one, because I'm in an SUV, and I'm wanting to test it out in there, the clearance is very good.
To me you cant beat mr buddy 👍
Be very careful if it's the little round one. Mine sprung a leak in the regulator and caught fire. Lots of melted plastic.
Thanks for sharing the heater link. Is the air vent a 3 inch hose?
For this unit, yes. I have a different unit (regular indoor unit) and its hose was 3" too.
Thank you BOB 😊 for all your great ideas 💡. Like my husband always tells me " if Bob said it, it must be true 👍.
I have that exact one in my bus... and haven't finished setting it up because I am only part time.
10:55 Hard to tell, of course not in person but in this camera shot, is the cord already exposing some copper wire underneath (where the it's been folded over a few times)? Could just be discoloration but if I were there I'd want to take a closer look at it.
I am building out a box truck right now and I will retire early in 2 years. These are the things I am thinking about:
How am I going to deal with debt I still have? (Yeah, I still have it. My Grandma used to say, “If you’re gonna dance, you gotta pay the fiddler”). I get it, you wanna start out with no debt and an emergency savings.
How will we deal with health insurance since I will retire early at 62?
All advice that you give will be much appreciated!!!
Are you at Quartzsite Bob?
Yay
waiting patiently for the episode in this series, thank you Bob
The new Instaheat space heater is only $50 and draws 350w. A review of it would be great, especially compared to other types of heaters.
Do you have this heater? I'm intrigued lol.
Are you advertising for them 😅
350 watts is alot.
@@samhyde6395 In terms of space heaters, no, it really isn't. Most of them are double that or more.
@@rotweilerdc I just want those camped in their rigs to be aware of what's available, this one looks promising because space heaters are energy intensive.
I sleep in a Speedo and use -20f mummy sleeping bags with a pokypro balaclava
I bought a similar heater and have had an absolute nightmare trying to get it working. They often seem to arrive broken.
1 you need good 12v to the heater 2 if it came with a green or yellow fuel line replace with hard white one the green and yellow are bad and heater will not run right
Cut 1-4” hole for all the hoses.
I saw a video last year that a guy mounted a diesel heater into a Pelican case. For the winter he mounted it on his roof rack and ducted the heat into his rig. Bright red is pretty blaring...so at least camouflage it.
I think I saw that one. When you cut the exhaust pipe and remove the smooth end, the ridges in the pipe leak unless you use a very good clamp to squeeze the pipe ridges flat
Bob the diesel heater only needs one hole ll three lines go to the one hole
Having a compartment outside vehicle with it inside, having it secured, not wanting someone walking off with it while i sleep
I researched these for a couple years and being a tech I FIRST learned HOW they operate. Not how to install, how it works. Theory, operation, and diagnostics as everything man made fails.
Mck47( I think) does a great job explaining this in his videos.
The number one reason these fail is the installers/operators think its so simple they don't invest in LEARNING and this can kill you.
I have two of these in different configurations. Both are buring so clean I have no CO in exhaust. I also installed a air filter in line for combustion chamber, that black thing Bob was holding is worthless both as filter and silencer and will cause a failure.
Anyways, a few really good you tubers have really great information and I strongly suggest one learns how these ICE operate.
🤙
You could be Santa at Christmas with your long white beard!!!
What about Hybrids?
If you put the heater outside you will need to make it rainproof.
is Bob disguised as a ranger
it would have helped if you had the amount of draw one needs...most in a car are starting extremely small of course and money is an issue...how much power does it need to run? I guess I'm off to do my homework...thanks
It’s not recommended to route the intake to your living space as they can belch fumes.
I have not been watching for a few months. I do have a question; are you now a park ranger? Great video but I have seen many from you. Just wanna know if you are a park ranger now. ?