Choosing a 12 volt heater for your side by side (UTV) requires balancing space, power, airflow, and installation ease. Below is a quick comparison of the five selected products suited for UTVs, ATVs, compact cabs, and similar off-road vehicles.
| Product | Brand | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater | Saihisday | 4-port underdash blower for defrosting and heating |
| Upgraded 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater | Sallurmose | Under dash mount with speed control switch and brackets |
| JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12 Volt | JEGS | High output: 28,000 BTU equivalent with 260 CFM airflow |
| Bestol 12V 120W PTC Car Fan Air Heater | Bestol | Small PTC element heater with multiple power options |
| Maradyne H-400012 Santa Fe 12V Floor Mount Heater | Maradyne | Floor-mount automotive heater: 13,200 BTU/hr, 200 CFM |
JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater 12V
The JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater is described with 28,000 BTU equivalent output and 260 CFM airflow, intended for rapid cabin warm-up in small enclosed spaces. Its compact design suits tight cabs common in side by side vehicles.
Features list a three-speed fan and a mountable switch. The unit claims a durable motor for consistent airflow and a design that supports installation in UTVs, trucks, vans, and similar vehicles.
Considerations for side by sides include assessing mounting location, ducting to vents, and available 12V circuit capacity. The higher airflow and heat output make this model suitable when aggressive cabin heating is needed, provided the vehicle’s electrical system can support the draw.
Maradyne H-400012 Santa Fe Heater
The Maradyne H-400012 Santa Fe is a floor-mount heater designed for automotive use. Listed features include 13,200 BTU per hour, 200 CFM, and a two-speed fan drawing approximately 6.0 amps at 12 volts.
This heater uses 5/8″ fittings for coolant connections and targets applications where engine coolant or a dedicated loop supplies heat. The heavy-duty motor and long-life construction aim to support frequent use in vehicles with limited space.
For side by side installations, confirm available mounting space and routing for coolant lines. This model can integrate with existing cooling systems and is often chosen for its balance of airflow and moderate electrical draw compared with higher-output options.
Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater
The Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater is a compact underdash blower featuring 4 vent holes and a powerful blower motor aimed at windscreen defrosting, demisting, and heating.
Key features indicate a 12V supply and 8A power input, and the unit requires a 5/8″ inner diameter water hose (not included) for coolant-fed installations. Switch wiring notes include connecting the red wire of the speed control switch to the power supply positive pole and motor.
This heater suits side by sides where space is constrained and focused defrosting or localized heating is desired. Installation requires coolant hose fitting compatibility and attention to electrical connections on a vehicle’s 12V system.
Upgraded 12V Universal Auxiliary Heater
The Sallurmose Upgraded Under Dash Heater is positioned as an energy-saving underdash heater with included mounting brackets and a speed control switch. The product supports installation in trucks, minivans, excavators, harvesters, and similar vehicles.
Features emphasize a compact footprint for underdash mounting and a user-accessible speed control for airflow adjustment. The unit is described as suitable for applications where supplemental heat and defogging are needed without heavy modification.
In side by side use, this heater can provide targeted warm air to the driver and passenger area. Evaluate bracket placement and wiring access beforehand, and ensure the vehicle’s 12V circuit can safely deliver the required current at the chosen speed setting.
Bestol 12V 120W PTC Car Fan Heater
The Bestol 12V 120W PTC heater is an electric PTC element style unit offered in multiple power options. The listed model is 12V 120W, includes mounting holes for installation, and uses an insulated surface for safety.
Features note long service life, durable high-temperature wiring, and a small form factor appropriate for tight mounting locations. As a direct electric heater, it does not require coolant plumbing, making it simpler to install in many side by side cabins.
Consider the vehicle’s electrical capacity, as a 120W draw is modest but continuous. This heater is generally best for occupants seeking supplemental heat or fast defogging without integrating into the engine cooling system.
Buying Guide: Choosing A 12V Heater For Your Side By Side
The right heater depends on vehicle layout, desired heat level, installation complexity, and electrical limitations. Below are key considerations to compare models objectively.
Heat Source Type
- Coolant-Fed Heaters: These use engine coolant and provide steady heat with effective integration into vehicle systems. Expect fittings and hoses required for installation.
- Electric PTC Heaters: Use direct 12V electrical heating elements. Easier to install (no coolant plumbing) but rely on battery/alternator capacity for sustained heat.
- Propane Heaters: Provide strong radiant heat independent of the electrical system. Require fuel handling and ventilation; not 12V electrical in the same sense.
Airflow And Heat Output
- CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute): Higher CFM moves more warm air quickly across the cabin. Useful in windy UTV cabs or when quick defrost is required.
- BTU Equivalent: Some products list BTU ratings or equivalent heat output. Compare BTU/CFM relative to vehicle cabin volume to estimate effectiveness.
Electrical Demand And Compatibility
- Check the amp draw at 12V to confirm alternator and wiring can support the heater plus other accessories.
- PTC and small fan heaters often draw lower amps; high-output blowers require heavier wiring and fuses.
Installation Complexity
- Under Dash / Dash Mount: Compact units often include brackets and are designed for simple mounting and ducting.
- Floor Mount / Coolant Integration: Requires coolant hose routing, fittings, and sometimes tapping into engine coolant circuits.
- Electrical Wiring: Confirm switch wiring instructions and any relay or fuse requirements for safe installation.
Space And Mounting Options
- Measure mounting area for depth, width, and clearance. Side by side cabs often have restricted spaces that favor compact underdash units.
- Consider air outlet placement to direct warm air to occupants and to defog windshields efficiently.
Durability And Noise
- Look for heavy-duty motors and sealed housings if you operate in wet or dusty environments.
- Fan noise varies; higher CFM often equals higher audible output. Balance noise tolerance with heating needs.
Control Options And Usability
- Speed switches and multiple fan speeds allow more control over heat delivery and power consumption.
- Remote or LCD controls (more common on larger parking heaters) increase convenience but add system complexity.
Comparison Perspectives
- Best For Simplicity: Small PTC models or compact underdash blowers that plug into existing 12V circuits and avoid coolant plumbing.
- Best For High Heat: Units with higher airflow and BTU-equivalent claims, or coolant-fed heaters that leverage engine heat.
- Best For Integration: Floor-mount or coolant heaters that connect to vehicle systems for sustained heating during extended use.
- Best For Tight Spaces: Low-profile underdash or PTC units with mounting brackets designed for compact cabs.
Before purchasing, verify vehicle-specific fit, confirm electrical and plumbing compatibility, and plan for professional installation if necessary to ensure safety and reliable performance.