Chinese Diesel Heater | Are they worth the money? Are they safe?

With most of the US in old man winters grasp, those that like to camp outdoors could use some heat. There is a growing popularity of what is known as the Chinese Diesel Heater. These inexpensive knock off's can be a game changer for those looking for an economical way to heat a roof top tent or any remote living space.

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[ursa_margo]

Got a Chinese diesel heater in my car for several years now. Not single-unit like this, but the internal workings should be the same. The machine proved to be extremely reliable and works without hiccups even after some tough offroading.

[ebinder]

This is the first video I watched when researching diesel heaters and you’ve answered so many questions I had. Excellent video, thank you!

[_jk]

Great way to store that duct is to use a bungee cord, then just hang it inside the rig. Another good idea is to start the rig during the initial start up process so that it doesn’t consume so much power from your house or starter battery. Great video! I love my diesel heater! Such a game changer!

[son-of-a-gun]

I got one of those. 5-8 kilowatts of heat production.
I use it in the basement and / or in the conservatory and I'm very happy with it.
Since I live in subtropical Spain, my house has no central heating system. In winter I heat the house mainly with the airconditioning units and a wood oven. When very cold I used to temporarily heat additionally with a movable propane heater, but this device has no chimney and I don't like to breathe the exhausts. Besides it produces water vapors, which could cause problems when it condensates on the walls.
The diesel heater replaces the propane heater, works flawlessly and is heat & cost efficient. It is self modulating, automatic on/of time. programming is a piece of cake.
I operate the dieselheater with a 12volt DC, 20 Amp on the 230 volt ac net in the house.
The 12v DC 20 Amp feed i bought cheap on amazon. Delivery only a few days later.
I can recommend the heater and the 12 volt feed.

[Hojiii]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[andrewjackson]

My buddy converted an ambulance, f-450 4wd, into an off-road camper and used a China diesel heater. It's been going strong for four years. He loves it....

[nowheretoofar]

What’s the amp draw on these things? How much battery drain will I have if I use my cars 12v battery?

[wolfmaan]

Thank you for making this! My mom lives in a tiny home and this may be a great solution for her.

[cscheatum]

Just thinking of laws of thermodynamics here. You have the vent high up in the tent, heat rises which is why the floor was still cooler. Had you put that vent right at the floor level it would have more evenly heated your tent space.

[Expeditionxoffroad]

For pipeing - RV sewer hose. Made to hold up to abuse, flexible, and collapses pretty well.

[MitchOfCanada]

definitely do a return air
from your tent into the back of the unit. (cut the metal housing) that way you are not heating up insane cold air. and you can run it on a much lower speed and fuel setting. and also less chance of sucking in your exhaust into the tent (still run carbon monoxide detector)

[tonyshipman]

I like your creativity on how you mounted the unit. I know this is 2 years ago. But you might want to do the following - IF you are still using this setup and you haven't found a long term storage solution for the pipe. If you have the space on either the front or rear bumper - you can buy or even make your own RV style sewer pipe storage. I've even seen the housing made out of a white square plastic type cover for 4*4 fence post and for the slide out to keep the pipe in, they use plastic gutter for your house. The pipe can lay in the gutter and the gutter can be slid inside the square housing to store it all away. That way you can switch to solid pipe to match and attach to your 90deg elbow and get it closer to the opening on your tent and then use a much shorter flex pipe from the end of the solid pipe into your tent. That would make it much easier to store away when you are done camping. If you did try this I would also look into getting some of the insolation that is used for round duct work in a house and slide it over the solid pipe to protect your vehicle for it laying up against it. All the Best, Tony

[PNH-sfjz]

I would be inclined to form a plenum, under the floor of the "roof nest", into which the hot air feed pipe can be connected each night. A couple of vents, that can be opened or closed, from the plenum into the base of the nest will allow for flow of air keeping the space more evenly heated. I believe such an arrangement would be more effective and far more comfortable than "a hot top and cold bottom" situation.

It would also be necessary to ensure that the exhaust gas is directed well downwind of the air intake on the opposite side of the unit to where you have the moveable 90 deg air tube for the living space {not refering to the small snorkel on the side that feeds the combustion chamber}.

Appreciate the overview, discussion and suggestions. Thank you.
Cheers, PNH

[kellstat]

Is dryer vent healthy to use for intake air(voc"s, etc...) try storing in PVC or such pipe, throw fishing rods/awning poles inside. Nice looking trucks!

[michaeldunn]

I have seen these before but I do definitely liked your tire shelf idea.... That makes the most sense and great way to get the heater off the ground....

[johnnygoins]

Great video didn't recieve any instructions with mine other than how to turn it on.thanks for sharing .

[theplinkerslodge]

Yeah, keeping the burner outside your living area is key. I am switching over to my Chindiesel this weekend from using the Mr. Heater Lil Buddy.
I bought an expensive Sensorcon Inspector Pro CO alarm/monitor that shows CO ppm's real time, and it would work up to 15ppm at the ceiling of my small squaredrop.
Although that is within reason for not getting poisoned, you are still getting poisoned(!).
Excellent setup you have with the wheel step - I am going to borrow that from you, and add a cover of sorts because I expect some snow thru the winter.

[this_tj_krawls]

I'm surprised how loud it is but this would be perfect for tent camping when we off-road later in the season.

[thetoyfarm]

Did you consider putting the unit on the spare tire? There would be less heat loss due to the shorter intake pipe and in fact I think that would lend the setup to the use of a short solid piece of aluminum pipe putting the output low in the tent and providing better low heat distribution. Also if you had to shift your vehicle in an emergency the unit would not have to be taken off unlike your arrangement. Yes exhaust noise would be nearer to the tent but you could use a longer pipe that puts the outlet close to the ground. Nice setup and great choice of vehicle for overlanding.

[superdavedfw]

I have this same unit in the 5KW size and quite happy with it. I heat a 5X8 insulated cargo trailer and in freezing temperatures, it heats to about 65-70F inside on the LOWEST hertz setting. I would not mount or run this inside, because while in transit, diesel can splash and leak out of the cap through a small vent hole. I store mine in a plastic tote until I get ready for set up. Even while using outside cold air, it is quite efficient on diesel and battery consumption. It does appear quite flimsy, but it's always performed every time so far.