A diesel caravan heater is one of the most reliable ways to stay warm when travelling off-grid in Australia. They are especially useful for early mornings, cold nights, and unexpected weather changes while touring. The best diesel heater depends on your caravan size, how cold the conditions are, and whether you want a simple heater or a combined hot water system.
Fitting a diesel
I wrote this guide when I researched to find which diesel heater was for our
As most Big Lappers chase the sun, heading north in winter and south in summer, are diesel heaters for caravans Australia necessary? Travelling full-time, we can tell you that plans can and often change. If your plans change and you find yourself experiencing chilly mornings and nights, finding the best diesel heater for caravans in Australia is a must, especially if you feel the cold.
You’ll find diesel heaters for sale all over the internet, from online camping stores, eBay and retail camping stores. The prices for diesel heating for caravans will vary from cheap to 10x dearer, so which one do you buy?
To take the confusion out of choosing your
If you are looking for a quick answer to the Best Diesel Heater Click Here
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is for:
- Caravanners and campervan owners travelling Australia year-round
- Big Lap travellers who experience cold nights outside peak winter routes
- People deciding between cheap diesel heaters and premium brands
- Anyone confused about heater sizes, outlets, safety, and real-world use
When A Diesel Heater Actually Makes Sense
Chasing the sun doesn’t always mean warm nights. Even when you plan to follow the weather, overnight temperatures can drop quickly, especially inland, at elevation, or when a cold front rolls through unexpectedly.
Staying warm and powered is part of planning a Big Lap around Australia.
Many full-time travellers still choose diesel heaters because plans change. A stop you thought would be a one-night stay can turn into several days, or a coastal run can become an inland detour where nights are far colder than expected.
Diesel heaters really shine in shoulder seasons, high-country areas, and desert regions, where days can be warm but nights regularly fall close to freezing. They’re also popular with travellers who like early starts, as they take the chill out of mornings without relying on campground power.
Compared to many alternatives, diesel heaters are efficient, reliable, and designed for enclosed spaces. They provide consistent dry heat, reduce condensation, and don’t rely on gas bottles or high electrical loads, making them a practical option for off-grid caravanning and long-term travel.
Comparing the Best Diesel Caravan Heater
When researching the best
We also uncovered (but not surprisingly) that cheap Chinese knockoffs are available in various online stores at inexpensive prices. It makes you think long and hard about after-sales service and warranties, and that is without the number one factor: your and your family’s safety.
Other considerations when comparing the best diesel heater for caravan Australia are heating capacity, how many outlets the heater has, dimensions and, as with all
The comparison below includes a mix of premium, mid-range and budget diesel caravan heaters commonly used by Australian travellers.
| Brand | Weight | Dimensions | Heating Capacity | Check Price | Outlet | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Webasto Double Outlet | 2.6 kg | 121 x 120 x 317 | 0.9 – 2.0kw | CHECK PRICE | Twin | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Webasto Single Outlet | 2.6 kg | 121 x 120 x 317 | 0.9 - 2.2kw | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Eberspacher Diesel Heater AS3 | 2.7 kg | 122 x 115 x 310 | 2.2kw | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Eberspacher Diesel Heater HS3 | 2 kg | 385 x 285 x 330 | 1.3 - 5kw | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
AutoTerm Diesel Heater | 6.5 kg | 145 x 119 x 310 | Air flow 34-75 m3/h | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Truma Diesel Heater | 16.2 kg | 525 x 450 x 300 | Air flow max 287m³/h | CHECK PRICE | 4 hot air outlets | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Aussie Traveller Diesel Heater | 2.6 kg | 323 x 120 x 121 | 2kW | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Belief Diesel Air Heater | 4.5 kg | 310 x 115 x 122 | 2.2kW | CHECK PRICE | Twin | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Born to Roam Bluetooth Diesel Heater | 12 kg | 340 x 115 x 115 | 2kW | CHECK PRICE | Single | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Top 6 Diesel Caravan Heaters Australia [2026]
- Webasto Diesel Heater Twin Outlet
- Webasto Diesel Heater Single Outlet
- Dometic Diesel Heater Eberspacher Diesel Heater AS3 D2L
- Dometic Diesel Heater Eberspacher Diesel Heater HS3 D5E
- AutoTerm Diesel Heater 2D12PU27 Diesel Air Heater Kit with Digital Controller
- Truma Diesel Heater D 6 Kit, Diesel Heater / Hot Water System
- Aussie Traveller Diesel Heater
- Belief Diesel Air Heater
- Born to Roam Bluetooth Diesel Heater
Choosing The Best Diesel Caravan Heater Reviews [2025]
Apart from the price and where the
- Weight
- Dimensions
- Heating Capacity
- Outlets
Weight
Like every other caravan accessory, weight is a crucial factor when choosing a diesel air heater for your
There are a couple of the best
Dimensions
The dimensions of diesel air heaters are around the size of a shoebox. Most are installed under the main bed of the
The recommended distance for the diesel heater tank location is about a metre from the heater.
A diesel heater installation is best done in the initial build of your
Heating Capacity
Another consideration is the unit’s heating capacity and heat output. Capacity also relates to how long it takes to heat the area. After all, you want to feel warm and toasty as quickly as possible!
Outlets
Simply put, a 12v diesel heater with a single outlet is designed to heat a smaller area. In contrast, a twin outlet diesel 12v heater is designed to heat a larger area and van, motorhome or bus.
Caravan Diesel Heater Reviews Australia [2025]
Following, we review six diesel heaters for
Webasto Diesel Heater Review Twin Outlet | Webasto Diesel Heater Single Outlet Review
Webasto diesel heaters for caravans for sale are made in Germany. During normal operation, they draw as little as 1-2 amps after the initial start phase of 6-7 amps. The Webasto 12v diesel heater can also be used when travelling, so when you park up, your
This 12v
Both of these Webasto
- Available in both 12v and 24v
- Operates powerfully and quickly
- Highly economical in power and fuel consumption
- Uses 1L of diesel fuel every 5-6 hours
- Warms the area and dehumidifiers too
- Easy DIY installation
- Compact design
- 2-year warranty
Click here for more information and prices for Webasto Diesel Heaters
The
Dometic Diesel Heater Review Eberspacher Diesel Heater Review Airtronic Diesel Heater Review
Dometic diesel heaters, Eberspacher diesel heaters and Airtronic diesel heaters are identical heaters known by different names. The German Eberspacher company makes the heaters and Dometic Australia distributes the diesel heaters Australia. Airtronic is the branding given to the two models.
While they might look the same in images there are differences between the Eberspacher diesel heaters for caravans two models. The differences are heat flow (wattage), fuel and power consumption. The differences for each model are outlined and highlighted below.
AS3 D2L
- Available in 12v
- Low power and fuel consumption
- Quiet for night-time operation
- Improved acoustics for metering pump
- Brushless motor long service life over 5,000 hrs
- Heat flow (W) 850 2200W
- Fuel consumption (l/h) 0.1 0.28
- Power consumption (W) 6 31
- 2-year warranty
HS3 D5E
- Available in 12v
- Low power and fuel consumption
- Quiet for night-time operation
- Improved acoustics for metering pump
- Brushless motor long service life over 5,000 hrs
- Heat flow (W) 1300-4300W
- Fuel consumption (l/h) 0.15-0.59
- Power consumption (W) 6-37
- 2-year warranty
Click here for more information and the price for the Dometic Diesel Heater
AutoTerm Diesel Heater Review
Auto Term is an ISO-certified factory in Russia and the 3rd largest manufacturer of diesel heaters in the world. They supply both the marine and automotive markets worldwide. Over 90% of the componentry is Russian, with the remaining ducting and vents made in Germany.
Taking their heater testing seriously, a computer performs a 1-hour test on every heater. Plus, a heater is selected at random and tested for 3000 hours so the company can ensure both safety and quality.
The following are the specs and features of the Autoterm diesel heater.
- A noiseless pump reduces output noise by 95%
- Stepless fan speed the computer chooses the fan speed in response to the temperature, maintaining room temperature more accurately and efficiently
- Balanced fan preventing vibration and noise
- Air intake silencer
- Brushless motor
- 2-year warranty
Click here for more information and the price for the AutoTerm Diesel Heater
Truma Diesel Heater Review D6 Kit, Diesel Heater / Hot Water System
This Truma
A motorhome can act as a heater while driving and, in summer, can be used purely to heat water.
Here are the features and specs of the Truma diesel water heater;
- Low energy consumption
- Powerful, yet quiet
- Frost control drain valve
- Space-saving and compact
- Auto climate control with Truma air con
- Digital control panel with variable temps
- 2-year warranty
Click here for more information and the price for the Truma Diesel Heater
Aussie Traveller Diesel Heater Review
Keep your camper warm and cozy through chilly nights with the Aussie Traveller 12V 2kW Diesel Heater – a reliable, no-fuss heater built tough for Aussie adventures. With 2kW of heating power, it’s ideal for small to medium spaces like campervans or compact caravans. It runs on standard diesel, uses minimal fuel (just 0.1–0.2L/hr), and operates on a 12V system, making it perfect for off-grid travel.
Heat-up time is around 5–7 minutes, and while the controls are manual, they’re simple and effective. It’s not silent, but the gentle hum fades into the background, and the built-in safety features – like overheat shut-off and combustion monitoring – give you peace of mind.
Installation is flexible (great for van conversions), with included mounting brackets, corrosion-resistant exhaust pipes, and a plug-and-play wiring harness. Regular cleaning of air intakes and exhausts keeps it running strong, and replacement parts are easy to find.
The Aussie Traveller Diesel Heater includes:
- 2kW diesel-powered heating – ideal for small vans or campers
- Uses just 0.1–0.2L/hr of fuel – extremely efficient
- 12V system with low electrical draw
- Quick 5–7 min warm-up time
- Manual controls – simple fan and heat knobs
- Overheat and combustion safety shutdown
- Flexible mounting options and corrosion-resistant fittings
- Great for DIY installs with clear instructions
- 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Perfect for Aussie travellers who want reliable, off-grid warmth without the fuss. It’s practical, durable, and a solid value for anyone chasing comfort and simplicity on the road.
Click here for more information and the price for the Aussie Traveller Diesel Heater
Belief Diesel Air Heater Review
The Belief 12V 2.2kW Diesel Air Heater is a solid choice for campers, vanlifers, and off-grid adventurers wanting reliable warmth in small to medium spaces. With a heating output of 2.2kW, it provides fast, consistent heat that performs well in vans, boats, or compact cabins. It sips diesel efficiently (as little as 0.1L/hr) and runs on a 12V system, making it ideal for long trips and remote locations.
This kit comes complete with everything you need for installation—fuel pump, lines, wiring, exhaust and intake pipes, mounting hardware, and a digital controller. While the interface is basic, it’s easy to use and includes fan speed, temperature, and timer controls. Noise is minimal, with a gentle hum that blends into the background. Safety is well covered with overheat protection, secure fuel management, and electrical safeguards.
The Belief Diesel Heater Kit includes:
- 2.2kW diesel-powered heating
- Low fuel consumption: 0.1–0.4L/hour
- Full installation kit with wiring harness, pump, pipes, and brackets
- Runs on 12V DC – perfect for off-grid setups
- Digital controller with temperature and fan speed settings
- Corrosion-resistant exhaust and intake pipes
- Low operating noise with vibration-dampening mounts
- Overheat and combustion protection sensors
- Designed for DIY installation or professional fit-out
- Spare parts readily available
Perfect for travellers who want a dependable diesel heating system with efficient fuel use, straightforward installation, and minimal maintenance. It’s a smart pick for cold-season comfort without high-tech complexity.
Click here for more information and the price for the Belief Diesel Air Heater
Born to Roam Bluetooth Diesel Heater Review
The Born to Roam 2kW Bluetooth Diesel Heater is built for campers, vanlifers, and off-grid adventurers wanting reliable warmth in small to mid-sized spaces. With 2kW of output, it efficiently heats up to 200 square feet and maintains consistent warmth without overheating or wasting fuel. The included 5L tank provides up to 20 hours of continuous use, making it ideal for remote trips.
Its Bluetooth connectivity allows you to control heat, fan speed, and timers from your phone, while the physical control panel provides simple, tactile operation. Installation is straightforward for those with DIY experience and offers flexible mounting options to suit different vehicle layouts. Build quality is solid, using durable metal housing and weather-resistant components. Noise levels are low enough not to disrupt sleep, and built-in safety features offer peace of mind in confined spaces.
The Born to Roam Diesel Heater Kit includes:
- 2kW diesel-powered heater
- 5L fuel tank with up to 20-hour run time
- Full installation kit: fuel lines, brackets, exhaust and intake components
- Bluetooth connectivity for app-based remote control
- Physical control panel for manual operation
- Safe for enclosed use with overheat and flameout protection
- Low fuel consumption and quiet fan operation
- Designed for compact campervans and off-grid travel
- One-year manufacturer warranty
Perfect for travellers seeking a dependable, fuel-efficient heater with modern conveniences and a compact design that fits the mobile lifestyle.
Click here for more information and the price for the Born to Roam Bluetooth Diesel Heater
Safety Matters More Than Price With Diesel Caravan Heaters
The biggest difference between cheap and premium diesel caravan heaters isn’t heat output; it’s safety, reliability, and support.
Why safety is the biggest difference
Cheaper diesel heaters often cut corners on sensors, wiring quality, and manufacturing consistency. Premium units are built to stricter standards, tested more thoroughly, and designed to shut down safely if something isn’t right. When you’re heating a small, enclosed space, that matters.
Carbon monoxide risk
Any combustion heater produces exhaust gases. If a heater isn’t installed correctly, or if components fail, carbon monoxide can build up inside the van. This is why proper exhaust routing, sealed combustion chambers, and functioning safety sensors are critical — and why CO alarms should always be fitted.
Why proper installation is critical
Most diesel heater issues are due to poor installation, not the heater itself. Incorrect exhaust placement, poor sealing, fuel line problems, or shortcuts during installation can turn a good heater into a dangerous one. Whether it’s a budget unit or a premium brand, correct installation is non-negotiable.
Why warranty and after-sales support matters
When something goes wrong on the road, support matters more than saving a few dollars upfront. Premium brands usually offer clear warranties, local support, and access to parts. With cheaper units, you may be on your own if something fails, which can be frustrating when you’re travelling remotely or relying on the heater nightly.
Caravan Diesel Heaters Ebay
One reason we wouldn’t buy a diesel
When we investigated the
So, what are you buying if you don’t purchase the Canadian-made Planar diesel heater? A cheap Chinese diesel
It’s the old saying, “You get what you pay for,” and when it comes to a diesel heater for sale in the Aussie marketplace, it certainly applies!
Other Caravan Heaters Diesel
Portable Diesel Heater For Caravan
If you don’t want to install a 12v diesel heater, then a portable diesel heater might suit your needs, especially if you are looking for the best diesel heater for camper trailer.
You will, however, be limited to a cheap eBay diesel heater from China. Consider the warranty, after-sales service and, most importantly, safety if you consider this type of mini diesel heater.
There is another alternative to a portable camping diesel heater. However, the price is similar to the diesel fuel tank heater mentioned in the comparison chart above. Click here to check out the diesel heater eBay.
Based on our research and where possible, installing a
Portable Diesel Heater
A portable diesel heater is more energy-efficient than other types of space heaters. Some also consider them a safer option, as the heating coils don’t get too hot.
With little circulation of the produced heat, one of the downfalls of this type of heating is it can produce condensation on the walls and on the roof of your
Another downfall is the limited choice of brands and prices, which are not cheap!
Click here for more information and pricing for diesel infrared heaters
Questions About Diesel Caravan Heaters
Are Diesel Heaters Noisy?
Cheap diesel heaters and older diesel heaters are noisier than modern diesel heaters, such as the Webasto diesel heater caravan and Dometic Diesel Heaters for caravans. This is due to the upgraded brushless motors and sound suppression fuel pumps that dampen the cheap heaters’ annoying ticking noise.
This is where the extra dollars are worth spending on a quality diesel heater. Apart from the safety aspect of a cheaper heater, you don’t want to be “that” person in the caravan park who keeps neighbours (and yourselves) awake due to a cheap, noisy caravan heater.
Are Diesel Caravan Heaters Safe?
Cheaper Chinese heaters are made from inferior parts and materials, whereas brand-name diesel heaters are far superior in parts, materials and safety features.
Cheap heaters that use inferior parts and materials could leak the poisonous gas carbon monoxide into the living area of your caravan. There are several reports from caravan repairers where they have witnessed metal parts burning into air outlets. This is also a fire risk.
However, brand names (e.g., Webasto) are very safety conscious and have the following features in their heaters.
– Over and under-voltage cut-offs
– After three failed starter attempts, trigger heater lockout
– Temperature sensor for overheating
– The fuel pump shuts off completely in the event of an error or fault code stopping the burner chamber from filling with fuel
What Size Diesel Caravan Heater Do I Need?
Anywhere from 2kw to 5kw is the ideal size for a diesel caravan heater.
The diesel heaters in the comparison chart above cover heating all sizes of heaters for caravans, RV diesel heater, and diesel heater for campervan.
Where Should A Diesel Heater Be Installed?
– Under the caravan bed is the most popular space to install a caravan diesel heater
– Make sure the heater is installed close to an external wall away from draughts, as draughts impact on its efficiency.
– Select a spot in the caravan that allows for easy access, particularly one that doesn’t interfere with the furniture layout or other furnishings in your caravan.
– Installing the heater near an existing power source will save time and energy in connecting it up
Ensure there is sufficient air circulation around the unit so that it functions properly and you don’t block any crucial vents.
Wrap Up
We hope you have gained the answers to your questions about buying the best diesel heater for your
Still on the fence and not sure about having diesel heating in
With years of experience travelling Australia in a caravan, I’m passionate about helping others embark on their own unforgettable adventures. From off-grid camping tips to expert advice on planning the ultimate big lap of Australia, I share stories, practical hacks, and inspiration to make your journey stress-free and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, join me as I explore the beauty of Australia, one road at a time!
