Diesel Heaters vs Gas Heaters: The Age-Old Debate

When it comes to heating your caravan in the colder months, people generally fall into one of two camps: diesel heaters or gas heaters. Although we haven't been shy about our love for diesel heaters, we decided it was time to explore the two options and the various advantages they offer so that you can make the right choice for your setup this winter.

The Main Difference

The main difference between diesel and gas heaters is obviously in the types of fuel they use. Caravan diesel heaters rely on the combustion of diesel to produce heat, whereas gas heaters burn LPG in the same way as your BBQ. Both diesel and gas heaters use a fan to draw in cold air and circulate warm air around your vehicle.

Cost

A quality gas or diesel heater will not be cheap, with either option costing in the region of around $2000. However, it is important to consider the cost of fuel when deciding which option to go with. If you are using gas for both cooking and heating, then you will be having to replace your gas bottles regularly, which can quickly add up.

On the other hand, diesel is often the cheapest fuel around, and as you will only be using it for heating, one tank can last you a very long time. Another aspect to consider is the availability of your fuel: while you can find diesel in every service station in Australia, LPG is not always available in remote areas, and you may be forced to choose between heating and cooking if you cannot refill your gas bottles.

Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines are famously fuel-efficient, and diesel heaters even more so. A modern diesel heater from Eberspacher, such as the Eberspacher D2L AS3, is incredibly fuel-efficient, offering weeks of heating before refilling the tank.

Although modern gas heaters such as the ones made by Truma have made great strides in improving their fuel-efficiency, gas is much less energy-dense than diesel and you will need to replace your gas bottles more often, especially if you are also using them for cooking with, as we mentioned above.

Size

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Both caravan diesel heaters and gas heaters are designed for the limited spaces of caravans and motorhomes and take up very little space. They are often installed in tight, out-of-the-way spots under benches, seats or beds.

Of the two types of heaters that we stock here at Shop RV Parts, the Eberspacher D2L AS3 measures 310mm (L) x 115mm(W) x 122mm(H) and weighs 2.5kg, making it both smaller and lighter than the Truma VarioHeat, which measures 440mm (L) x 284mm (W) x 123mm (H) and weighs 5.5kg.

Safety

In terms of safety, there is no comparison between diesel heaters and gas heaters. Firstly, diesel is far less volatile than gas and much harder to ignite, reducing the risk of an explosion or accidental fire. Additionally, the fact that diesel is a liquid means that if your fuel tank leaks, the diesel will pool in the lowest point rather than expand to fill the space as gas does.

Although both heater styles produce carbon monoxide, the concentrations are generally lower in a diesel heater. In any case, it is worth investing in carbon monoxide alarms to ensure your safety in the event of a malfunction.

Another aspect to consider is that gas heaters need to be installed and certified by a licensed and qualified gas-fitter to avoid any potential safety issues, while diesel heaters can be installed yourself with little fuss.

Energy Usage

All heaters need a power supply, and both diesel and gas heaters require a 12V connection to operate. In diesel heaters, most of the electricity drawn is used to get the heater up to temperature, with the average power draw being 8-10 amps on startup and 1-2 amps thereafter, with gas heaters having a similar level of power consumption.

So What's The Verdict?

When you consider their safety, fuel efficiency and availability, and ease of installation, diesel heaters remain the winner for us. As the sole Australian stockist of Eberspacher diesel heaters, we offer caravan and motorhome owners the ability to stay warm with the best name in the business.

Browse our selection of Eberspacher diesel heaters here, and don't forget to check out our other Buyers Guides for more tips and advice on everything from caravan solar panels and batteries to awnings and anti-flap kits. Happy travels!