Camper van heating: which system suits you?

Heating in your camper van isn't just about comfort. It also prevents condensation, which leads to mould and moisture damage to your interior. When warm, humid air meets cold walls, moisture condenses on the surface. A good heater keeps the air dry and your camper healthy. Heating also protects your water system from freezing. If you travel in winter and temperatures drop below zero at night, water lines and the pump can freeze and break. A heater running overnight prevents this. Finally, heating is the difference between a summer-only camper and a true four-season van. With the right heating system you extend your travel season by months.

There are four common heating systems for camper vans: **Diesel heater (Webasto, Eberspächer, or Chinese variant)** The most popular choice. Burns diesel from your own fuel tank and blows hot air into the camper. Pros: very efficient, low power consumption (1-3A at 12V), works independently of external power, and diesel is available everywhere. Cons: installation is complex (fuel line, exhaust, air intake), produces noise, and cheap variants can be less reliable. **Gas heater (Truma, Propex)** Burns propane or butane. Pros: heats up quickly, relatively quiet, proven technology. Cons: gas bottles take up space, butane doesn't work below 0°C, you need to refill regularly, and gas requires certified installation for vehicle inspection. **Electric heater** Runs on 230V (shore power) or 12V. Pros: no emissions, no fuel line installation, simple. Cons: enormous power consumption — a 1000W electric heater draws 83A at 12V, which is impossible off-grid. Only practical on shore power. **Wood stove** Atmospheric option, popular in larger vans. Pros: cosy, dries the air well, no electricity needed. Cons: takes up a lot of space, fire risk, difficult to install, not approved for vehicle inspection in many countries, and you need to carry wood.

The power consumption of your heater determines how much battery capacity you need and how long you can stay off-grid. **Diesel heater:** uses 0.1-0.5 litres of diesel per hour, depending on the setting. Electrical consumption is low: 1-3A at 12V (12-36W) for the fan and glow plug. With a 200Ah lithium battery you can easily run a diesel heater for 48-72 hours without recharging. Peak current during startup is higher (around 8-10A), but only lasts 1-2 minutes. **Gas heater:** uses 100-300 grams of gas per hour. A standard 11 kg gas bottle lasts 35-110 hours. Power consumption is minimal: only the fan draws 0.5-1.5A at 12V. Butane doesn't work below 0°C, so use propane in winter. **Electric heater:** a 1000W heater draws 83A at 12V — this drains a 200Ah battery in less than 2.5 hours. On 230V shore power it draws 4-5A, which is fine. Electric heating is therefore only realistic when connected to shore power. **Wood stove:** no electricity needed, but you need to carry wood or collect it along the way. Expect to use 1-2 kg of wood per hour on cold evenings.

Heating in a small space comes with risks. Here are the key safety rules: **CO detector:** a carbon monoxide detector is absolutely essential with any combustion heater (diesel, gas, wood). CO is odourless and can be lethal. Mount the detector at breathing height, not near the ceiling. Replace the detector according to the manufacturer's instructions. **Ventilation:** always ensure adequate ventilation. A combustion heater consumes oxygen and produces exhaust gases. Most diesel heaters are "room-sealed" (they draw combustion air from outside), but ventilation is still needed to prevent condensation. Ventilation openings are mandatory for vehicle inspection in many countries. **ECE-R122 certification:** heating appliances in a camper van must be ECE-R122 certified for vehicle inspection in the EU. This applies to both diesel and gas heaters. Chinese diesel heaters often lack this certification, which causes problems during inspection. Webasto and Eberspächer are certified. **Gas installation:** a gas installation must comply with EN 1949 and is checked during vehicle inspection. Have the installation done by a certified installer or ensure you can demonstrate compliance with the standard. **Fire safety:** keep combustible materials at least 50 cm away from the heater and exhaust. Use heat-resistant pass-throughs and insulate the exhaust pipe. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.