Camping and overlanding are all about having fun and getting bitten by the curiosity bug. But whether you’re planning on doing it in the winter months, or just going to a place that’s naturally cold, having a sufficient heat protection is a must.
In this article, we tell you what makes a portable diesel heater important and how to get the right one.
- 1 WHAT IS A PORTABLE DIESEL HEATER?
- 2 WHO INVENTED THE DIESEL HEATER?
- 3 HOW DO PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS WORK?
- 4 ARE PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS SAFE?
- 5 WHY SHOULD I USE A PORTABLE DIESEL HEATER?
- 6 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PORTABLE AND MOUNTED DIESEL HEATER?
- 7 HOW BIG OF A DIESEL HEATER DO I NEED FOR MY CAMPER?
- 8 HOW MUCH DO PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS COST?
- 9 CONCLUSION
WHAT IS A PORTABLE DIESEL HEATER?
A portable diesel heater is a small device that’s usually found in camper trailers or mobile homes, to provide users with warmth, in places where temperature usually drops below the freezing point.
WHO INVENTED THE DIESEL HEATER?
The portable diesel heater that we know today would never have been possible if it wasn’t for Jakob Eberspacher. He was a German businessman, who came up with the first diesel heater in 1933.
HOW DO PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS WORK?
Portable diesel heaters operate by absorbing the surrounding room temperature and combining it with its diesel fuel inside, then it releases it back outside in the form of warm air. But to give you a clearer view, here’s what’s happening inside portable diesel heaters.
- Cold air inlet – sucks the raw, cool air from outside.
- Fresh air wheel – pushes the cool air further inside.
- Controller – transforms cool air into warm air.
- Combustion air fan – regulates warm air.
- Ignition plug – gives additional heat to warm air.
- Combustion chamber – combines warm air with fuel and burns it, to amplify the heat.
- Heat exchanger – transfers warm air to the hot air outlet.
- Hot air outlet – releases warm air to the surroundings.
ARE PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS SAFE?
The answer is a resounding yes. Portable heaters are safe because they come with an automatic shutdown feature if they exceed their normal operating level. On the other hand, the normal operating level is subject to the room temperature, where the portable diesel heaters are stored.
They can usually sustain an operating temperature of around -40-20 degree Celsius, depending on the brand and model. If the room temperature goes beyond the range and affects the portable diesel heater, the shutdown is immediately activated to avoid danger.
WHY SHOULD I USE A PORTABLE DIESEL HEATER?
It’s time to use a portable diesel heater when you need to last long enough in an unknown territory. Specifically:
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PORTABLE AND MOUNTED DIESEL HEATER?
This article primarily talks about portable diesel heaters. However, for those who are wondering what makes them unique from their traditionally mounted counterparts, here’s something to help you distinguish one from the other.
HOW BIG OF A DIESEL HEATER DO I NEED FOR MY CAMPER?
The size of portable diesel heater for camper trailer is based on how long your camper trailer will be. Since camping trailers are normally more than 10ft, you need to ensure there’s an even heat distribution in your vehicle’s interior. Below is a table showing different portable diesel heater sizes and the estimated vehicle length that’s right for them.
HOW MUCH DO PORTABLE DIESEL HEATERS COST?
Portable diesel heaters generally cost around $100-$300 depending on the brand and model. They usually include features like manual or remote controls. And some even have a higher heat output that translates to faster heating capacity. If you’re after the high-end ones, they cost around $900-$1,000 because of extra perks like an altitude adjustment and timer with diagnostic stats.
CONCLUSION
Portable diesel heaters can be a vital part of your life, especially when you spend most of your time outdoors. This means getting one not only gives you the needed warmth in chilly situations, but also the convenience of easily doing important tasks. Comment below and tell us what you love most about buying a new portable diesel heater.
About Author
