portable Diesel vs propane heater 3rd generation Tacoma

Hey all,

I'm currently building my Lone Peak camper/topper. I'm trying to decide which portable heater set-up I should go with, Diesel vs propane. I'm currently researching this but as you know it gets a little confusing. I'm in the Pacific Northwest Montana region. I don't plan on camping in sub zero temps to often. I draw the line when it dips in the minus's. I do ice fish and currently use a "buddy heater". But I don't camp over night. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful. Many thanks.

Matt

 

What are you planning to power the heater with? I know Diesel heaters can sometimes pull over 10 amps on startup to get the glowplug going and the fuel pump, and many power stations don't have the oomph to do it.

 

Im in Alaska & probably gonna go Diesel, convenience, availability, price & less finicky in cold WX. In fact might pull trigger on Vevor reel soon. Here an example.

 

I'll have two power sources, 100amh lithium Battery that can be charged by solar or DC to DC connected to truck battery. Thank for reply, I'm waiting on my Lonepeak build.

 

I'll have two power sources, 100amh lithium Battery that can be charged by solar or DC to DC connected to truck battery. Thank for reply, I'm waiting on my Lonepeak build.

 

I would not use the littlebuddy or any other unvented heater in a camper, burning propane gives off water vapor, carbon dioxide and other chemicals including carbon monoxide, so you will have to deal with a lot of condensation in there, along with potentially dangerous exhaust fumes. You’re also betting your life on the carbon monoxide detector in the heater not malfunctioning. I’d get a diesel heater (they are all vented) or a vented propane heater to have them keep the exhaust fumes outside. That’l save gas to warm up the place more efficiently as you won’t have to leave a window or door open so wide when burning propane in the camper.

 

Looks like Diesel Heater will be the way to go. It looks like there’s a big selection of diesel heaters out there. Thank you

 

Hcalory has some really nice units. Looking to pick one up pretty soon I think. My biggest concern is the initial amp draw when it starts up. I use a EcoFlow unit so need to figure out how I’m going to give it the power needs.

 

Just finished putting together a diesel heater for my tent.

 

How'd you mount the box to the rack? and aren't you worried about the heat from the exhaust and how close it is to the truck?

 

I got one of the all in one metal box units and keep it on the ground, and have a long slinky foil clothes drier hose that works perfectly for running the heat into the tent from there. The sound of the heater is a little quieter being away from the tent.

 

I added the little muffler to the exhaust and it stays out plenty far away

the case has 2” J hooks on it so i just hang it off the rack. They allow the case to sit straight up and down.

 

I changed all the fuel line out for the hard white style. The green line that comes with the vevor kit sucks

 

2nd Vote for diesel heater. I dove into the weeds on diesel heaters before I bought one. I highly recommend the Lavaner Pro 5KW Alpine. It more expensive than a standard Amazon special or even the Hcalory but the quality is worth the extra money. They use all the same pars as the high-end heaters. As far as I know it is one of the only heaters that can actually self adjust the fuel ratios based on the attitude. I have had one installed in my camper for almost two years and it starts up every time with zero issues. I camp a lot and most of the time in the 10,000 to 12,000 ft range. Even up to 13,000ft last summer it ran flawless with no adjustments. I just finished installing one in my brothers camper and I'm about to install another on in my buddies Topo Badlander soon.

 

Thats really clever! I usually just put mine on the ground and route the vent line all the way up to the tent.

Where did you get that vent panel for the case? Etsy?

 

Grab a bunch of wool blankets

 

Etsy for the win man
https://www.etsy.com/listing/961303941/

 

Figures, ha. That is the only part I need.

 

The guy may be willing to sell just pieces. Keegan is incredibly helpful and it may be worth the ask