My search radar has picked up portable self contained diesel heaters with 5kw heating outputs and on-board 5ltr diesel tanks for around £150 or so. They consume a claimed 0.3ltr per hour so a tank full would last around 15 hours of heating or more assuming thermostatic control. This appears to be considerably more cost effective than using lpg for heating with a Truma or Alde heat exchanger and of course offers a portable option so can be used for heating purposes other than in a motorhome or camper van.
For example the Hcalory 12v 5kw portable diesel air heater. I would assume it requires a 12v power socket supply for the fan and control side of things.
Has anybody any experience with these and what are your thoughts?
I have spent a large chunk of my work life working on and servicing various diesel heaters ...
Eberspacher/webasto and latterly Chinese clones ...
Some of The latest versions are actually pretty decent ...
Some aren't .
I've recently been using some Hcalory versions ....and to be fair they are about the best of the cheap heaters I've come across ...
5KW power adjustable fast heating, can be used for cab heating of various 12V vehicles and eliminate window frost, Portable with Remote Control.
hcalory.com
Beware though not ALL have thermostatic control (an absolute must IMHO )
This unit when fitted with THIS controller does have a thermostat (so heater shuts off fully when it reaches temp and restarts when temp drops )
It's ran faultlessly in the greenhouse since last autumn ....
Fuel consumption figures are a little optimistic IMHO ...
BUT in a enclosed space probably not bad ....
The all in one types aren't suitable for use in enclosed spaces as,it's nigh on impossible to install them in a manner that means all exhaust connections are outside (as you would with a component type mounted with the correct turret kit ) the same heater is available in component form though for correct installation .
Beware if you buy one to replace a 2kw eberspacher though as the 5~8kw Hcalory is nigh on double the size ...
Fortunately the 2kw genuine eberspacher I fitted in out motorhome in place of the truma gas fire (sits behind the gas fire front panel )
Still works like a dream keeping us cosy and warm .