r/overlanding • u/EpicYEM • 21d ago
Gear Question Diesel Heater advice. 🔥🥵
Well. We just wrapped our most ambitious endeavor, with 3 nights in Bridger-Teton and then 2 nights at a campground just outside of Yellowstone (first time and probably the last time on that)
The good...I got the heater to work, and it works.
Sweet mercy, does it work.....so, what now...that it works so outstandingly well?
Had my Bluetooth connected and I brought the console unit into the tent...it still ran hot enough to burn us out of the tent.What strategies do you have for managing the temp on yours?
Hcalory TB2+ unit, if that matters.
UPDATE:
Appreciate the good suggestions. We were already doing a lot of this. We had a window open, and we ALWAYS have our top roof vents open.
I guess I was not clear enough. We have gear, we have sleeping bags, we have hot nalgene babies, we even have an electric blanket. We can survive and we have, multiple times, just fine...
I was and remain open to suggestions, on maintaining a moderate ambient temperature in the tent, and doing so by managing my diesel heater. That's it.
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u/vpm112 21d ago
8kw is way oversized for a RTT. 2kw is ideal.
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u/theogpdxsteve 21d ago
This. I use a 2kw in my Tacoma with a gofast camper and it can get still get a little toasty in the spring and fall.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
This is a 5, and they dont make a 2kw unit that is self contained. Believe me, I tried to stick w a 2kw.
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u/DistanceMotor9785 20d ago
I own a self contained 2kw. It’s a planar diesel heater
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago edited 20d ago
My apologies. I stand corrected....Planar Diesel Heater, $2,000.
I have not found one im willing to pay for. That heater costs 66% of the cost of my trailer.
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u/Adorable-Reward8523 19d ago
You seem like a twat. People are trying to help and any of your replies you have an attitude.
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u/EpicYEM 19d ago
You think paying 2k for a diesel heater is what I should do?
I indicated that I was wrong, and that Im not paying that much/why. 🤷🏻 What do you want I should do with this info?
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u/Adorable-Reward8523 19d ago
Nope never said that.
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u/EpicYEM 19d ago
Then unsure about your reaction to this particular section of the thread. Id encourage you to read through my responses.
Folks that were helpful received thanks. Folks that reacted with sarcasm received responses commensurate with their comments.
I asked for advice on how to manage the unit, not to be told im weak for cranking up the heater when its in the 30s. 🙂
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u/shadow247 21d ago
Use a diverter to bleed off some of the excess heat.
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u/evo666-666 20d ago
I also use this to bleed off any excess heat I don't want. I'm using a 7kw heater.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Well, well, well....look at this.
An actual viable recommendation and solution. Holy shit!
You sure you don't want to just tell me Im just weak or unprepared?
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u/nofr0mMEdawg 20d ago
You have a shitty attitude. It’s a shame anyone assisted you.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Explain my shitty attitude?
Some people read the post and offered actual suggestions instead of telling me Im weak. 🤷🏻
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u/Jonesy792 21d ago
This is the way. If you are set on using this diesel heater and it is oversized for the ambient temperatures you are camping in then the only possible solution is to dump some of the heat outside your tent. The only other way I could think of would be if the manufacturer of your tent offers a zip on vestibule you could always pipe the heat into the vestibule.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
We have the ability to set up an awning room, will probably look to do that.
If not, could just dump it into the ether, yes?
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u/Jonesy792 20d ago
Sure, dump the heat into the night air. It's wasteful but given how economical the diesel heater is it's not the end of the world.
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u/vision2083 21d ago
Use a blanket like the days of old
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u/EpicYEM 21d ago
We did chief. Blanket isn't enough in that weather.
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u/wearyincubus 21d ago
I highly suggest you get properly rated sleeping gear for camping. Relying on a diesel heater (especially in the fall at elevation) is asking to get in trouble.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Explain more. It has an altitude setting that I engaged. Thanks
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u/hammerofspammer 20d ago
If your heater fails? What are you going to do?
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Use our sleeping bags, extra blankets and our heated blanket. We do have options.
Im not out here with just the DH.
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u/hammerofspammer 20d ago
If your gear is rated for the temperatures, then you’re fine anyway.
Depending on an electric blanket is a mistake. You need to have enough gear to keep you alive without fuel or electricity. Things happen.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
What gear aside from our tent insulation will help keep the ambient temperature in the tent comfortable?
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u/hammerofspammer 20d ago
Are you lying in your tent naked on top of your sleeping bags/blankets?
That could be part of your problem
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
We have an anticondensaton mat, a blanket for bottom insulation. Then an Exped Megamat Queen, with sheet. Sleeping bags or blanket, we sleep under those.
If no heater, then we also have heated blanket (we lay on top of that), with sleeping bags/blankets over us.
We tend to wear long underwear in the cold weather and less in the summer.
The tent has insulation. It has open top vents, we have 2 fans. 🤷🏻
The real issue....if its 30 outside, its 40s in my tent....no one is just chilling comfortably in 40s. Hands are cold, face is cold. Its cold. Prefer to be comfortable and camp, seems like heat diversion will offer that.
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u/420_flyinhigh 20d ago
Ive had a diesel heater fail when it was sub zero outside (and 2am to boot). Its not fun, go prepared and dont rely on a $100 piece of cheap gear to keep you alive/comfy.
Ill admit I relied on a heater too at one point, and then it failed at the worst time. I wont use one again.
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u/mikem327 21d ago
open windows to regulate temp. 30s? that's pretty warm. in that temp we use any warm blanket from home and a wool blanket on top of it.
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u/MilitantPotato 21d ago edited 21d ago
We ran into the same problem with a little boondocking trailer.
Ended up getting a vevor 2k that can be set to a temperature.
Specifically this one. https://www.vevor.com/diesel-heater-c_10321/vevor-diesel-air-heater-12v-2kw-bluetooth-app-lcd-display-for-car-bus-rv-indoors-p_010806799987
I found it to reacted to temperature too slowly, so I drilled several holes in the controller cover to allow more airflow into it.
It uses more battery power starting and stopping vs just running on level 1, but keeps a pretty consistent temperature at least. Varies maybe 5F.
We've used it from around 40f down to -10f outdoor temp and haven't needed to route inside air back into it. Drawing outside air into the heater basically eliminated moisture build up too, which is nice. Before getting it the walls would be soaked and covered with ice, even with a window open to vent co2.
The auto altitude adjustment feature has been nice too, no issues running it over 10k feet.
We all have 0 degree bags or better, we've all slept in 20f or colder temps with just bags, the kids a few times on snow in a tent, my wife and I many times. While roughing it is doable, it loses its novelty pretty quick and ends up just sucking unless ya have something to prove or that's fpart of what's fun for you personally.
Don't let these clowns talking shit on you wanting to be comfortable bother ya, lol.
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u/GhostNode 21d ago
What were the outside temps overnight?
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u/EpicYEM 21d ago
30s. I think the lowest temperature was about 35. It was definitely like 80 in the tent. 😂
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u/KaleScared4667 21d ago
Why would you run a heater at that temp. Get a better sleeping bag and tent insolation.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
We have tent insulation, it still gets colder in the tent than we would like.
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u/KaleScared4667 20d ago
Try an electric blanket or a smaller capacity diesel heater
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u/GhostNode 20d ago
Electric blankets are fire for that “it’s just a touch cooler than I’m comfortable with and I want to be warm and snuggly” time of year. I got a soft fuzzy one and absolutely love it.
EDIT: Errr. I could have used better word choice there..
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
We have a heated blanket. It does not address the ambient temperature in the tent
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u/KaleScared4667 20d ago
Only solution is diesel heater with a thermostat or open the windows
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Has a thermostat, IMO doesn't actually read temperature well, even though it was in the tent.
Will consider a diverter, then evaluate
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u/KaleScared4667 20d ago
I agree with your opinion. A thermostat should shut the heater down the moment the temp reaches the setting. Lime another guy said - maybe your heater is oversized for your tent
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u/2ManyMonitors 21d ago
Bruh... Have your nana knit you a quilt and maybe a purse?
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u/leonme21 21d ago
You use a sleeping bag and don’t run the diesel heater at night. Pretty simple really, everyone’s doing that
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u/TakingSorryUsername 21d ago
If it has heat settings/remote, use them. If you have the ability, you can rig a thermostat to a power disconnect to shut it off. You can 3d print vents too. And adjusting the roof vents is the simplest solution, heat rises. Admittedly the coldest I’ve used it in is 20F cause I live in Texas, but I love mine.
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u/desertSkateRatt 21d ago
8kW is enough for a 10 person tent.
Too much heater, too small space. That said. Open the windows, use only a sheet and youre in nature already, go naked.
Other option is longer hose with more bends.
Or just use an electric blanket...?
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u/Shmokesshweed 21d ago edited 21d ago
still ran hot enough to burn us out of the tent.What strategies do you have for managing the temp on yours?
I don't run it unless it's cold as shit.
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u/Flat-Carpenter-170 20d ago
What happened with the campground near Yellowstone ?
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
It was a campground. 😂😂
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u/Flat-Carpenter-170 20d ago
No I get it. I wondered if maybe you had annoying humans in the adjacent spot or something of that nature. I take the wife to campgrounds. I prefer the middle of nowhere. Am still acquiring the things I need to be more overland in my camping trips and get away from electric/water sites. Got the water part handled now and just need to decide on a power setup that’s expandable. Leaning towards an expandable jackery setup, but not sold on it completely. Won’t ever be more than me and the wife really and more often than not just me.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Nah. The humans were fine, but i prefer not to see people. In a campground, you exit the tent and...we'll, there you are.
Not my scene.
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u/Flat-Carpenter-170 20d ago
Were you walking out with ur pants again ? I thought we got past that 😂. Jk. Who needs pants.
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u/Dualsporterer 20d ago
I used a splitter to bleed off the excess heat to the under side of my trailer, added the benefit of a heated floor.
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u/Die_Mond_Dubarre 19d ago
PATIKIL 3 Inch Round Air Vent,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD6Q1FST?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Get these and put it on the end of your pipe that way you can throttle the amount of air coming in. I have the same tent and it works well.
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u/clean-links 19d ago
Cleaned link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD6Q1FST
Tracking parameters were removed from the original URL(s).
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u/EpicYEM 19d ago edited 19d ago
Thanks. Ill need a 4 inch variant since the pipe is 4 inches....or since the Intrepif port is 3 inches...id just stick this directly into the port?
Concerns about air backflow tripping the heater?
Appreciate the link.
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u/Die_Mond_Dubarre 19d ago
They make different sizes but that’s just the one that I used for my build. I haven’t had an issue with it overheating before. I typically run it all night about 3/4 open but I have had it down to about 1/2 a few times. I also have an Hcalory heater that I built and it has been fine. I have the older intrepid tent before they added the port so I zip it in the flap pass through for the window flap.
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u/Casval214 21d ago
It is not cold enough for heaters yet.
I was just there in the exact same time as you were it is no where near cold enough to run a heater. You need better sleeping gear
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u/MarkActive1700 21d ago
I cannot believe this is what we’ve come to as a human race
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u/Fancy_Can1563 19d ago
Cry baby mark
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u/MarkActive1700 19d ago
Stop crying about your back bud 😭🤡 everyone has back pain
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u/Fancy_Can1563 19d ago
Cry baby Simp troll Mark. 😭🍼🍼
I can’t believe we have people like you in this human race.
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u/802flyfish 19d ago
Don’t mind the Trolls. There always idiots like him trolling. I don’t understand the need for people to comment if they don’t have any helpful information to provide. Simple minded people.
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u/Main-Rice2319 21d ago
I lower my temperature settings on the controller but if it is still too hot I just open a window. I also have a fan I use that helps circulate the air.
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u/ChronicConfused 21d ago
No advice but just wanted to compliment you on your set-up and pics - looks awesome
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u/P1umbersCrack 21d ago
Get a smaller heater. I run one in the mid 20s and low 30s because I always take my dog and she hasn’t figured out yet that blankets keep her warm.
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u/StorageOk7705 21d ago
I manage my tent temp by opening the opposite side of the tent from the heater inlet.
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u/MercenariesforGod 20d ago
I ran mine with windows opened a bit. Waste of fuel I know but my wife runs much colder then I do.
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u/DrakeGuy82 '03 Avalanche '17 Rockwood ESP 20d ago
First time I've seen another Space trailer out in the wild. I really want to put a RTT on mine. Do you find it stable enough?
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u/palisadedv 20d ago
I have an LFbros 5kw that was too hot for our huge truck camper. Still slept with the windows open down into the single digits. I swapped to a smaller camper and found the 2k HLN and just installed it. I did a test run in the garage and it’s nice to have an actual thermostat and adjustable fan speed. On low fan speed it was barely pushing air. It’s a diy kit though.
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u/Electrical-Case-978 20d ago
Place a bottle of hot water at the bottom of your sleeping bag to keep you warm for a long time, and always have an extra sleeping bag in case there are no more warm bodies around, let them suffer they will want to get your heat in no time.
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u/PlzTyroneDontHurtEm 20d ago
Wait. I got it. Go rent a cabin. You would be able to maintain a nice 72 degrees. Sounds like you just dont like camping
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u/dsoleman 20d ago
Im sure im gonna get a lot of flak for this and its certainly not an elegant solution but I never claimed to be a smart man...I make sure there's a lower "trough" section in the duct and actually pour a slight amount of water to cool and add a bit of humidity (desert life)
Woke up a couple mornings as human jerky after sitting in a full size dehumidifier all night. Lol.
Been meaning to design a more refined humidifier "exchanger" but im ADD and keep forgetting.
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u/EpicYEM 20d ago
Interesting. Ever have leftover water in your depression? Concerns about mold/mildew?
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u/dsoleman 20d ago
Sir...this is Arizona, aint no such thing as "leftover water" haha.
Honestly, the thoughts never occurred to me given the climate and my tried and true 'throw it all on the garage floor and procrastinate a week to repack' ritual. If thats a concern i suppose you could just dump and run the heater for a few min to cook it off before packing up.
I will add that, if you so choose to try this method, there's a bit of a balancing act. you obviously dont want water getting back into the heater but you also dont want too aggressive of a hose kink and/or too much water which will create excessive backpressure and throw a shutdown code.
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u/John_fish-camp-hunt 20d ago
I know the hcalory heaters are larger units. I use a 2kw unit for the smaller area and it works much better. Have used just in truck bed cap and now in my Lone Peak camper. I know it’s not what you want to hear but it’s an option.
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u/TheMrNeffels 19d ago
The answer is your heater is oversized for the area of the tent and also it's just not really cold enough to need it. I understand it's cold enough you can't just be super comfortable sitting in the tent in a sweatshirt and pants like you could a house but it also doesn't really call for that heater.
Your only option is to vent more if you're wanting to run the heater. Or have it off most of the time then turn it on in the morning or something to warm up as you guys get up. You can either vent by opening more of tent(which if you have condensation issues you should probably do) or divert some of the heat.
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u/EpicYEM 19d ago
This seems to be a summary of all the various responses, but with no snark.
Settled on heat diversion as our primary solution next time out. May also consider adding some small holes to the console w the thermostat to improve its ability to accurately read temperature.
The ideal is to manage the heat output, and that's what I intend to do. 🙂
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u/dense_entrepreneurs 15d ago
A 5 kw heater could hear a 800+ sq ft shop... Most heaters are over kill. I'd look into the Vevor 3kw heater.
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u/Regular-Bear9558 21d ago
That’s one heck of a setup and view. You’re living the dream bro
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u/EpicYEM 21d ago
Hey thanks! We got the trailer and tent last Fall and we have done 7 trips for a total of 20 nights so far.
I think my favorite has been picking up new skills every time we go out.
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u/Regular-Bear9558 20d ago
I built a bad ass rig back in 2024, thing hasn’t left the state and has 3k miles on it because I’m a slave to work currently. It crushes my soul on a daily basis. But I’m less than a year away from retirement so I can’t wait
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u/Accurate-Panic7606 21d ago
Honestly might not be cold enough to use it yet. More of a waste. Tent insulation and good sleeping bags and blankets go a long way along with more bodies more heat.