Best Caravan Heaters in Australia: How to Choose the Right Heater for Your Setup

If you are looking for the best heater for caravan you are in the right place.

Any caravan owner knows a caravan isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a home. And there’s no denying the importance of having a cozy home, especially during those chilly nights and frosty mornings. A good heater makes all the difference in transforming your home on wheels into an inviting haven.

One of the mistakes we made when we built our caravan was not including a heater. At the time, I researched and wrote about caravan gas heaters and diesel caravan heaters. However, as we thought we’d always chase the sun, we wouldn’t need a heater. If we did need a heater, we’d look at portable heaters.

In our next caravan build, we’ll include a caravan heater and most likely choose a gas heater. This decision is mainly based on not having to carry another fuel type. Our Y62 is petrol, and we already have gas bottles to fuel our BBQ, so we’d choose gas.

A good caravan heater isn’t a personal preference for those who don’t like the cold – it often becomes a necessity. For example, in southern areas like Victoria or Tasmania, winters can be pretty chilly, and a heater for the caravan becomes essential. Inland or mountainous regions also get cold, especially at night.

Before we dive into the difference between a gas caravan heater, diesel caravan heater and caravan electric heater, understand that there are 2 main types of caravan heating systems- installable and portable.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for caravanners and campers who want reliable warmth without guesswork, wasted money, or unsafe setups.

It’s especially useful if you:

• Free camp or travel off-grid regularly and need heating that works without constant power.
• Travel through colder regions, alpine areas, or winter shoulder seasons.
• Are upgrading an existing heater or fitting one into a new van build.
• Want clarity on gas vs diesel vs electric instead of brand hype.
• Care about safety, efficiency, and real-world reliability.

If you only camp in powered caravan parks during mild weather, you may not need a dedicated heating system at all.

When A Caravan Heater Actually Makes Sense

Chasing the sun doesn’t always guarantee warm nights. Even in warmer states, temperatures can drop fast once the sun sets — especially inland, at elevation, or in desert regions.

Many full-time travellers still rely on heaters, not because they camp in winter, but because cold nights sneak up during shoulder seasons and unexpected weather changes.

Caravan heaters really come into their own in places like the Victorian High Country, Tasmania, inland NSW, desert camps, and anywhere you’re camping away from coastal moderation.

Compared to portable alternatives, installed caravan heaters are safer, more efficient, and designed to run overnight without moisture, fumes, or constant supervision.

If you travel long-term, camp off-grid, or want to extend your touring season, a proper caravan heater isn’t a luxury — it’s a comfort and safety upgrade.

Looking for a quick answer for the best caravan heater? Read our 3 top picks below.

Installable heaters are like the radiator system in a car. They’re built into the vehicle’s body and usually come preinstalled in the build. However, Some caravans don’t have a heating system installed, depending on the make and model.

You’ll have to hire a professional technician to install your gas heating system. You’ll also need a heater if you’re refurbishing an old caravan and replacing the old heating system. Installable heaters are divided into two types:

• Diesel heating systems
• Gas heating systems

Portable Heaters For Caravans

On the other hand, portable heaters are less expensive and easier to use. They’re also more flexible. Depending on the safety features, you can move them around and place them where needed—even outside your caravan!

However, they are significantly less powerful. Plus, they have many safety concerns that limit their effectiveness. Portable heaters can be gas-powered, diesel-powered, or electricity-powered.

To sum up, installable heaters are like central heating in your caravan, while a portable heater is like a single radiator. You can choose to get both, it comes down to your budget and space.

Caravan Heating System: Best Heater for Caravan

For most people, installed heaters are the best caravan heating option. They’re powerful, safe and efficient, keeping your caravan toasty warm for long periods. You’ll be surprised how efficient these are, even when the temperature is icy outside.

They require little maintenance- once installed, they’ll last 3-5 years. Plus, they’re designed for extended use and have safety features such as temperature control, carbon monoxide detectors, and automatic shutoff, giving you peace of mind while you sleep.

The cons of installed gas or diesel caravan heaters are pretty simple: They’re expensive to buy and install and they use considerable fuel.

When choosing between installable gas and diesel options, there are a few things to consider:

Noise And Impact on Surroundings

Diesel heaters are typically more noisy than gas ones. The noise dies down after 10-15 minutes and becomes tolerable. It’s less of an issue with high-end diesel heaters.

Cost

Diesel heaters are more budget-friendly than gas heaters, both in terms of the price and the installation cost. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, a professional must install gas heaters, which is another cost to bear.

Fuel Tank

A gas heater will run on your caravan’s propane or butane tank, while diesel heaters will need a separate fuel tank: You’re looking at another cost here.

Although a gas heater sounds better, remember that your gas tank will run out quicker and may leave you without other working appliances if you’re not careful.

Electricity

Both types are 12V heaters for caravans, but a diesel heater uses slightly less electricity, which is noticeable in the long run.

Health And Safety

If installed properly, there’s little risk with both gas and diesel heaters. Don’t be tempted to buy a cheap, shady brand when buying either heater. Leakages can be deadly.

Fuel Accessibility

Diesel is more widely available in Australia- there are about 1500 more diesel/petrol stations in the country than gas stations. Hence if you’re traveling to remote areas with a diesel heater, you’ll know you can get a refill. If you have a gas heater, you may need to buy an additional storage tank when travelling remotely. 

Portable heaters, are for you if you take short, less frequent trips and need a quick solution for a few days. They’re affordable, and flexible and can heat the inside of your caravan, or tent or create a modern campfire! It wouldn’t be fair to compare portable heaters with installed diesel and gas heaters, so scroll to the bottom to learn more about them.

Now that we’ve got the features out of the way, let’s help you choose the best caravan heater for your mobile home!

Diesel Heaters For Caravan

Diesel heaters are the best fit for you if,

• You want the best fuel efficiency
• You travel to remote areas often, where LPG may not be available
• You need a powerful, extended heating solution that can run for hours
• You don’t mind a bit of noise
• Having a low upfront cost is vital 

If you’ve said ‘yes’ to three or more of the above, diesel heaters will suit you. However, don’t be tempted to buy a cheap Chinese knockoff heater. Diesel spills are deadly and saving a couple of hundred dollars is not worth risking your life.

Now let’s look at our top picks for the best caravan diesel heaters:

1. Webasto Diesel Heater Twin/Single Outlet
2. Dometic Diesel Heater Eberspacher Diesel Heater AS2 D2L/AM2 D4R
3. AutoTerm Diesel Heater 2D12PU27 Diesel Air Heater Kit with Digital Controller
4. Truma Diesel Heater D 6 Kit, Diesel Heater / Hot Water System

Webasto Diesel Heater Twin Outlet/Single Outlet

The Webasto diesel heaters for caravans are one of the best diesel heaters for caravans. They are very efficient, drawing just 1-2 amps after the initial start phase of 6-7 amps.

Both heaters come under the category of 2kw diesel heaters for caravans, with the capacity ranging from 0.9kw-2.2kw. Go for the double outlet version if you have a larger caravan or motorhome.

Pros:

• High efficiency with low power consumption
• Quick heating and effective dehumidification
• Thermostat control and timer function for nighttime use
• Available in both 12v and 24v options
• Easy DIY installation
• Compact design for space-saving
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Fuel tank sold separately

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price For The Webasto Diesel Heater

Dometic Diesel Heater Eberspacher Diesel Heater AS2 D2L/AM2 D4R

The Dometic Diesel Heaters, also known as the Eberspacher Diesel Heaters for Caravan, are designed for low power and fuel consumption.

The AS2 D2L provides a heat flow of 850-2200W, consumes a mere 0.1-0.28 litres of fuel per hour, and uses just 6-31W of power.

In comparison the AM2 D4R provides a substantial heat flow of 900-4000W, consumes just 0.11-0.51 litres of fuel per hour, and uses 6-65W of power.

Pros:

• Excellent efficiency with minimal power and fuel consumption
• Quiet operation for nighttime comfort
• Improved acoustics and durable metering pump
• Available in both 12v and 24v options
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Extra diesel tank needed
• A clear space is needed below the heater for the exhaust

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price Of The Eberspacher Diesel Heater

AutoTerm Diesel Heater 2D12PU27 Diesel Air Heater Kit with Digital Controller 

The Russian company Auto Term is ISO-certified & the world’s third-largest manufacturer of diesel heaters. 90% of the components are Russian-made with the remaining ducting and vents made in Germany. Auto Term takes their heater-testing very seriously- a computer performs a 1-hour test of every heater.  

The differentiating factor of this AutoTerm Diesel Heater is the stepless speed regulator which chooses the fan speed in response to the room temperature. This heats your room to a constant temperature, saving energy.

Pros:

• Lowest noise output thanks to a noiseless pump and balanced fan
• Stepless fan speed for precise temperature control
• Brushless motor for durability
• 2-year warranty

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price Of The Autoterm Diesel Heater

Truma Diesel Heater D 6 Kit, Diesel Heater / Hot Water System 

This Truma heater is a super powerful variant of the diesel heater. It heats both your water and your space. You can choose to switch off one of the functions and save energy, depending on your needs. The heater will suit you best if you have a motorhome.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 solution for heating and hot water
• Low energy consumption
• Frost control drain valve
• Auto climate control with Truma air conditioning
• Digital control panel with variable temperature settings
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Not specifically mentioned for noise reduction
• Ideal for larger caravans, but may not be suitable for smaller vehicles

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price Of The Truma Diesel Heater And Hot Water

Caravan Gas Heaters

Gas heaters are your best fit if;

• You take short, frequent trips
• You often need to heat your van quickly
• You have a small caravan and no space for a separate diesel tank
• You don’t mind paying a bit upfront for peace of mind
• You can’t stand the constant noise of a fan
• You don’t mind paying a little extra for fuel, as long as the heater works

If you answered yes, to three or more of the above, take a look at our curated list of the best caravan heating systems below.

Remember that if your caravan doesn’t run on LPG, you’ll have to get a radiant gas heater. You can use propane gas heaters or LPG caravan heaters for LPG-powered caravans.

1. Truma Vario Gas Heater with Cowl and E-Kit 1800W Bundle
2. Truma Vario Eco Gas Heating System

1. Truma Vario Gas Heater with Cowl and E-Kit 1800W Bundle

With the Truma gas heater, you can use the individual heating coils separately for an extra 900W each or together for the full 1800W boost.

The E-Kit combines gas and electricity for rapid heating which is ideal in freezing temperatures. To save gas, you can run it on electricity solely.

Pros:

• Powerful 1800W heating capacity
• Dual heating coils for flexibility
• Can use both gas and electricity or electricity alone
• Compact and lightweight design
• Efficient operation with 12-volt power
• 2-year warranty

Cons:

• A little on the pricier end

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price For The Truma Gas Heater

2. Truma Vario Eco Gas Heating System 

As the name implies, this heater is your best bet if you want to save electricity and fuel. Despite the compact design, this caravan gas heater is very powerful and heats your caravan instantly.

Pros:

• High-performance and compact design
• Efficient operation with 12-volt power and LPG gas
• 95% natural gas efficiency
• Minimal battery use
• Quiet operation for peaceful nights
• 2-year warranty

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price Of The Truma Vario Gas Heater

Portable Caravan Heaters

If you have a tiny caravan, take less frequent trips then portable heaters are the way to go if the cost is a big concern. These small gas heaters for caravans are lightweight and typically run on butane gas canisters, meaning you can use them anywhere.

Some run purely on electricity as well. However, they’re not as powerful, meaning you may have to endure a bit of cold. Since portable caravan heaters are very cheap, you’ll be saving $$$. Plus, you can keep the heater in other settings, even if you sell your van.

Let’s help you choose the best portable heaters for caravans.

• Companion Aeroheat Ducted Rechargeable Heater
• Companion Radiant Gas Heater

1. Companion Aeroheat Ducted Rechargeable Heater

The Companion Aeroheat Ducted Tent Heater is one of the best portable gas heater for caravans, tents and camper trailers.

This caravan fan heater can run directly off the gas cartridge, or you can connect it to a gas cylinder. You’ll have to buy the hose separately. In our opinion, this is the best 12v heater for caravans on the market.

Pros:

• Portable and versatile for outdoor use
• Bluetooth control via app
• Rechargeable lithium battery
• Instant warm air and 3-speed fan
• Multiple safety features
• Digital control panel and display
• Can run on gas canisters or cylinders

Cons:

• Noisy fan
• Requires carrying gas cartridges as it can’t be connected to your caravan’s gas system
• Gas bottles can’t be shipped for safety reasons so you’ll have to get them from the store

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price Of The Companion Aeroheat 

2. Companion Radiant Gas Heater

This small cylinder-powered heater is designed exclusively for outdoor use and campsites. The chrome-plated burner easily attaches to refillable 3/8″ LH BSP gas cylinders, while the concave aluminium reflector evens out the heat output.

Pros:

• Portable and easy to use
• Doesn’t require setup/installation
• Even and intense heat output
• Works with common LPG gas cylinders
• Manual ignition for reliability

Cons:

• Limited to outdoor use & not safe for indoor heating
• Lack of temperature control
• Limited to one heating mode
• Manual ignition

Click Here For More Information And To Check The Price For The Companion Radiant Gas Heater

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Common Buyer Mistakes With Caravan Heaters

Buying based on price instead of safety and support

Cheap heaters often lack proper certifications, reliable combustion control, and local warranty support. This becomes a problem when something fails on the road.

Underestimating installation requirements

Diesel and gas heaters must be installed correctly with proper ventilation, exhaust routing, and clearances. Poor installs increase carbon monoxide risk and reliability issues.

Choosing the wrong heater type for your travel style

Gas suits short bursts of warmth and simple setups. Diesel suits long off-grid stays and consistent heating. Electric only makes sense on powered sites.

Oversizing or undersizing the heater

Too small and it struggles to heat the space. Too large and it cycles inefficiently and wastes power or fuel.

Ignoring power draw and battery impact

Fans, igniters, and controllers still draw power even on gas and diesel systems. This matters when free camping for multiple days.

Heater For Caravan FAQs

Are caravan gas heaters safe?

Yes, caravan gas heaters are safe when they are professionally installed, properly ventilated, and regularly maintained. Modern gas heaters are designed with safety shutoffs and sealed combustion systems, but airflow and correct exhaust routing are critical. Never use unvented heaters inside a caravan, and always ensure gas systems are compliant with Australian standards.

What size gas heater do I need?

The right size depends on your caravan’s internal space, insulation quality, and where you travel. Smaller vans or well-insulated setups usually need less heating output, while larger vans or cold-climate touring requires more capacity. Oversizing isn’t better. A heater that matches your space will run more efficiently and maintain consistent comfort.

Are diesel caravan heaters safer than cheap imports?

Premium diesel heaters generally offer better safety systems, consistent fuel delivery, proper combustion control, and stronger after-sales support. Cheaper imports may work initially but often lack long-term reliability, proper certification, and local warranty support. Safety, carbon monoxide management, and installation quality matter far more than upfront price.

Can I run a caravan heater while free camping?

Yes, both gas and diesel heaters are commonly used when free camping. Diesel heaters use very little fuel and modest battery power once running. Gas heaters depend on bottle capacity. Electric heaters generally require mains power or a very large battery system and inverter.

Do caravan heaters cause condensation inside the van?

Some heaters can increase condensation if ventilation is poor, especially unfueled gas heaters. Proper airflow, cracked windows, and roof vents help manage moisture. Diesel heaters with external combustion tend to produce drier internal heat.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best caravan heater isn’t about finding the best brand; it’s about choosing the heater that suits how you travel, where you travel, and how your caravan is set up.

If you travel long distances, camp off-grid, or spend time in colder inland or southern regions, an installed gas or diesel heater offers the safest, most reliable all-night warmth. These systems are designed for extended use and give you consistent comfort without moisture or safety concerns.

If you take shorter trips, mostly chase mild weather, or only need occasional heat, a portable heater can be a practical stopgap, as long as you understand its limitations and safety requirements.

There’s no single “right” heater for every caravanner. The right choice is the one that fits your power setup, fuel access, storage space, and travel rhythm. Get that balance right, and you’ll extend your travel season, sleep better, and enjoy life on the road far more, no matter where Australia takes you.

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