3 Campervan Heating Options to Consider

Choosing the right campervan heating system can make all the difference when travelling year round, especially during autumn and winter months. There are many different ways to heat your space, each with its own perks. From diesel heaters that crank out the warmth efficiently, to wood-burning stoves that make everything feel extra cosy, there are plenty of campervan heating options to consider. 

At camper_versions, we have a huge range of campervans for sale, ready for you to drive away and hit the road. Most of our campervans have a diesel Eberspacher heater fitted as part of our conversion packages, guaranteeing to keep you warm and cosy on your trip. We also offer campervan hire which includes an Eberspacher heater too, allowing you to test it out before committing.

Before choosing your campervan heating, it is worth thinking about fuel efficiency, heat output, space, safety and how often you plan to travel in colder weather. In this guide, we take a closer look at three popular campervan heating options to help you understand which system could be right for your needs.

What’s the best way to heat a campervan?

The best way to heat a campervan depends on a number of factors. For example, how big your living space is and how much heat you need to make it comfy for you is something you need to think about. 

For those who like their campervan filled with warm air, a diesel or gas heater might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re into the snug feel of a wood burner, a wood-burning stove could be just right for you. It’s also important to note that whatever campervan heating option you choose has enough power – known as heat output – to keep your campervan nice and warm, especially when it gets really cold.

Another key factor is energy efficiency and sustainability. Electric campervan heating systems are a popular choice as they don’t produce any CO2 emissions, making them environmentally friendly. 

However, electric heaters may not be suitable for all campervans, as they require a mains power supply and could potentially drain the vehicle’s battery quickly. If you’re considering electric heating, installing solar panels can help offset the energy consumption. This allows you to harness renewable energy and reduce your reliance on external power sources.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right campervan heating system for you is to factor in your needs and preferences. Once you know this, you’ll get a better idea of how much heat output you’ll need, the heat source you’d like, and the fuel that’s right for you.

3 campervan heating options to consider

As mentioned, there are plenty of campervan heating systems to consider to keep you warm on your trips.

These campervan heater options each have their own pros and cons, and below we explore the advantages of these popular choices in more detail. 

Diesel heating systems

A diesel heater is a firm favourite in terms of heating for campervans. They work by using the fuel from the vehicle’s diesel tank and utilising power either from a leisure battery or another electric source. These heaters are pretty good at saving fuel and give off a dry heat that’s comfortable inside your van. They mostly use something called a heat exchanger to make the air warm, which then gets blown around inside with help from a 12V fan. 

At camper_versions, we install our diesel heaters externally, meaning the heating ducts are the only part of the heater that is in the interior.

Advantages of diesel heaters:

• They’re fuel efficient and use minimal amounts of diesel fuel every hour they’re on.
• They’re cost-effective due to the fact they don’t have many moving parts, meaning minimal maintenance and upkeep are required, unlike other campervan heating options.
• They are straightforward to use. You can manage them with a thermostat or set them up with a timer for convenience.
• With the ability to connect directly to your vehicle’s main diesel tank, you don’t need to carry extra fuel.

If you’re thinking about opting for a diesel heater, ensuring a safe setup is extremely important and having a fire extinguisher in your van is an absolute must. Be sure to stick to the manufacturer’s safety tips to help keep both you and your van out of harm’s way. It’s also wise to check and clean your campervan heating system regularly to keep it running smoothly without causing any trouble.

Wood-burning stoves

A wood-burning stove is another popular campervan heating option. It gives off a cosy, welcoming kind of warmth that makes your van feel nice. You need dry wood to be able to use one and it produces dry heat, which is perfect for drying your clothes and boots faster. 

But remember, since there’s an open fire involved, you must ensure your campervan is well-ventilated and follow all fire safety instructions accordingly. If you’re thinking about installing a wood-burning stove, speak to a specialist who knows what they’re doing so they can help make sure everything’s set up safely.

Advantages of wood burners:

• You get dry heat that’s great for drying things inside your campervan.
• They create a nice ambient temperature throughout the whole of your campervan, making it warm and cosy.
• In addition to heating your van, you can also use wood burners to cook your meals.

As we’ve mentioned, when it comes to installing a wood-burning stove in your campervan, it’s really important to take safety seriously and make sure everything is set up right. You must ensure good airflow, the stove will need its own space to avoid fires, and you should also install a flue system for the smoke. That’s why it’s important to talk to a professional so everything is installed safely and to a high standard.

If you choose a wood-burning stove in your campervan, thinking about where to keep your dry wood is key. You’ll need to figure out how much room you’ll need for storing it, but it’s important to make sure the storage space you choose keeps the wood dry and away from any dampness.

Gas heating system

Gas heaters are another common campervan heating system for many. They work with gas canisters or tanks that you can attach inside or outside your van. These heaters make for great campervan heating solutions because they’re easy to use and efficient. 

With gas heaters, finding places to refill your canister isn’t hard at all when you’re on the move as many local shops offer this service. When using these types of campervan heating systems, it’s crucial to ensure there’s enough fresh air around the gas canister or tank and to always follow safety instructions.

Advantages of gas heaters:

• They warm up your campervan fast.
• Refilling your canister is easy, especially for those who are on-the-go often.
• You can easily adjust the temperature settings in your van with a thermostat.

When it comes to installing and using a gas heating system in your campervan, making sure you’re safe is key. Ensure you have both a carbon monoxide alarm and a fire extinguisher on hand. To avoid any issues like gas leaks or bad fumes, make sure all the appliances that use gas are set up correctly following safety rules.

How to enhance heating efficiency in your campervan

Whichever campervan heating system you choose, there are ways in which you can enhance the heating efficiency so you can make the most out of the warmth. Some of our top tips include:

• Installing insulation foam or boards on the walls, floor, and ceiling of your van to help retain heat.
• Consider using thermal curtains or blinds over the windows to help keep any draughts at bay.
• Use draught stoppers or weatherstripping around your doors to seal up any cracks and avoid any cold air seeping in.

If you buy a campervan from us, all of our vehicles are already well insulated as we install insulation behind panels, on the ceiling, and on the floor. As well as this, we include a thermal front cab wrap as part of our welcome pack, which maximises your chosen campervan heating solution and gives you complete comfort from the moment you drive away with your new campervan.

When you install a campervan heating system, you might notice a lot more condensation build-up within your vehicle. You can minimise this by installing roof vents, opening a window when cooking, and utilising dehumidifiers. These simple tips can ensure good airflow throughout your campervan and help keep the moist air out. For more practical advice on how to stay warm in a campervan, including clothing, bedding and preparing for colder trips, take a look at our winter camping guide.

Key considerations to keep in mind with your campervan heating

Before you decide which campervan heater option is right for you, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First off, think about how much fuel the heating system will use and how much this could potentially cost as some systems might eat up more fuel than others. This usually depends on their power and the type of heating system. 

The price of running your campervan heating will change based on the type of fuel it uses and where you are, so it’s important to think about these costs when planning your trips. You’ll also need to consider how easy it is to access the right type of fuel for your heater if you’re heading abroad too.

Another consideration is the space and weight of your chosen campervan heating system. Think about the size and weight of the heating system and whether your campervan can accommodate it. You may need to tweak your inside layout so you need to consider if that will be worth it for you. Be careful of adding too much weight to your campervan as you may make your vehicle heavier than what’s legally allowed.

Want to learn more about your campervan heating options?

With so many different campervan heating options available, choosing the right system for your needs is crucial for a comfortable and efficient experience. Whether you opt for diesel heaters, wood-burning stoves, or gas-heating solutions, each has its advantages and considerations to keep in mind. 

If you’d like to learn more about the different campervan heating solutions available to you, speak to one of our experts today. Alternatively, why not take a look at one of our campervans for sale? Most of our campervans have a diesel Eberspacher heater professionally installed, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. If you’d prefer to try before you buy, take a look at our campervan hire options and book your trip today.

Campervan Heating FAQs

Find answers to common questions about campervan heating systems, including how to choose, operate, and maintain them to ensure a warm and comfortable experience on the road.

Which campervan heating system is most fuel-efficient?

When it comes to finding the heating system that uses fuel most wisely, it’s down to which system and model you pick and how you use it. With diesel heaters, they’re often praised for not using up a lot of fuel. On the other hand, gas heaters can be pretty good with fuel too if you choose wisely. As for electric heaters, they need a power source to work and might not always be the best choice if you camp off the grid often.

Can I install a campervan heating system myself?

You can install a heating system on your own, but it’s wise and recommended to speak to a specialist and have heating for campervans professionally installed to ensure everyone’s safety. As there are many different types of heaters out there, how they’re installed can vary and may require professional installation to be compliant.

How do I maintain my campervan heater?

To keep your campervan heater running smoothly, be sure to conduct regular checks and keep it clean. Any Eberspacher-approved service centre can carry out an annual service for you. Each type of heater will require different types of upkeep, but making sure your heater is in top shape is key for its optimal performance. 

What are the safety precautions for campervan heaters?

Depending on the type of heater you opt for, installing a carbon monoxide alarm and keeping a fire extinguisher handy is vital. You should follow the guidelines provided by the heater manufacturer to ensure optimal safety.

Are there eco-friendly campervan heating options?

Electric heaters offer eco-friendly heating for campervans when powered by solar panels. Choosing this option means you’re helping to cut down on carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

Can I use multiple campervan heating options together?

You can mix and match different heating options, however it comes down to how well they work together. For instance, having both a diesel heater and a wood burner gives owners more choices for staying warm and cosy. When thinking about putting in more than one heating system, it’s crucial to think about the amount of space available and what power needs each system will have.