Choosing the right 12V heater for a caravan depends on vehicle size, fuel options, noise tolerance, and installation limits. Below is a concise summary table of five relevant heaters selected for caravans, motorhomes, and camper vans.
| Product | Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Diesel Air Heater All In One 8KW | Diesel Air Heater | High altitude operation, fast heating |
| VEVOR Diesel Air Heater 5KW | Diesel Air Heater | Efficient 5KW heating, 10L tank, remote/LCD |
| VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater Bluetooth | Diesel Air Heater | CO alarm, Bluetooth app control |
| Triclicks Diesel Air Heater 5KW-8KW | Diesel Air Heater | Low emissions, LCD and remote |
| Bestol 12V 120W PTC Electric Heater | Electric PTC Fan Heater | Compact, low-power 12V electric heating |
VEVOR Diesel Air Heater All In One 8KW
This 8KW diesel air heater is designed for vehicles and caravans where rapid heating and reliable operation at altitude are priorities. The unit is rated for 12V operation and claims functionality in extreme ambient temperatures from -104°F to +122°F.
- Heater Power: 8 KW; fuel type: diesel; rated voltage: 12V.
- Working temperature range supports high-altitude use and cold climates; specified maximum working height up to 5500 meters.
- Fast heating via an aluminum combustion chamber; manufacturer notes warming of cabin air and frost clearing within minutes.
- Fuel consumption listed at 0.1–0.24 L/h, with an oil pump designed for precise fuel inlet and reduced vibration/noise.
Key considerations: this all-in-one diesel unit is targeted at caravan setups needing strong heat output. Installation requires fuel plumbing, exhaust routing, and safe mounting to meet ventilation and CO safety practices.
VEVOR Diesel Air Heater 5KW With Remote And LCD
The 5KW VEVOR diesel air heater offers a lower-output alternative suitable for medium-size caravans and insulated campervans. It supports both 12V and 24V systems and includes a 10L fuel tank and remote/LCD controls.
- Heater Power: 5 KW; applicable area ~161–215 ft² (15–20 m²).
- Fuel consumption range provided: 0.16–0.52 L/h with a 10L tank for extended runtime.
- Sandblasted aluminum heat exchanger for faster heat transfer; temperature adjustable from ~46°F–96.8°F.
- Remote control with ~32 ft range and an LCD for operational feedback and preheat functions.
Key considerations: useful for caravans with a limited internal volume where lower output reduces fuel use and noise. Installation requires space for the tank and venting; electrical draw should match the vehicle battery/alternator capacity.
VEVOR 8KW Diesel Heater With Bluetooth And CO Alarm
This 8KW diesel heater features several safety and convenience upgrades aimed at mobile and stationary use. It supports DC 12–24V input and offers app/Bluetooth control and a built-in CO alarm.
- Power: 8 KW; fuel consumption ~0.18–0.35 L/h; combustion efficiency ≥90%.
- Safety features include a CO alarm, overheat protection, and a leak-proof fuel cap with level indicator.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth app control plus remote and display screen for monitoring and control.
- Construction: cast aluminum body and ceramic igniter for improved durability and heating speed.
Key considerations: the integrated CO alarm and app control are useful for caravan owners who prioritize monitoring and safety. As with all combustion heaters, proper exhaust routing and CO detection strategy for the living area are essential.
Triclicks Diesel Air Heater 5KW–8KW With Silencer
The Triclicks diesel air heater is offered in multiple power variants (5KW–8KW) and includes a silencer, LCD switch, remote control, and an optional fuel tank. It is described for broad use including trucks, boats, and caravans.
- Wide application: suitable for caravans, trailers, and indoor use in small enclosed spaces.
- Low emissions and low fuel consumption; manufacturer highlights low vibration for quieter operation.
- Equipped with an LCD monitor and remote control; settings for fuel, electricity, and temperature are adjustable.
- Recommendation: smaller spaces heat faster; large spaces may require multiple units or higher KW rating.
Key considerations: choose power variant based on caravan volume, insulation level, and desired warm-up times. The included silencer can be beneficial for overnight noise-sensitive use.
Bestol 12V 120W PTC Electric Room Heater
The Bestol 12V PTC electric heater provides a compact, low-power 12V option for caravans with available electrical capacity. It is a fan-driven PTC heater rated at 120W for 12V systems and intended for supplemental heating or defrosting.
- Model highlighted: 12V 120W with surface insulator and mounting holes for installation.
- PTC technology provides self-regulating heat output and long service life; suitable as a supplement to main heating.
- Low electrical draw relative to mains electric heaters but still requires sufficient 12V supply from battery/alternator.
- Typical uses: dash/window defrosting, spot heating, or auxiliary cabin warmth in mild cold.
Key considerations: electric 12V heaters are quieter and simpler to install than combustion heaters but offer much lower heat output. They suit small caravans, short warm-up needs, or where diesel combustion cannot be used.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right 12V Heater For Your Caravan
Selecting a caravan heater requires balancing heat output, fuel/electric availability, safety, installation complexity, and noise. Below are key factors and comparison perspectives to guide selection.
1. Heating Capacity And Caravan Volume
Estimate internal cubic volume and insulation quality. Diesel air heaters are rated in kilowatts (e.g., 5KW, 8KW) and suitable for larger or poorly insulated caravans. Electric 12V PTC units deliver modest heat (tens to a few hundred watts) and are best as supplements or for small/very well-insulated conversions.
2. Power Source: Diesel Vs Electric 12V
Diesel Air Heaters: High output, long runtime, use vehicle diesel tank or dedicated tank. Require fuel plumbing, exhaust venting, and combustion safety measures. Better for extended off-grid cold-weather use.
12V Electric Heaters (PTC/fan): Simpler install, quiet, no combustion or exhaust. Limited heat output and higher battery draw for sustained use. Ideal for short-term warming or when combustion is not allowed.
3. Fuel Consumption And Runtime
Compare manufacturer fuel consumption figures (L/h). Diesel heaters with low consumption can run multiple hours on a small tank; 10L tanks often extend runtime to many hours. Consider how often you’ll run a heater overnight and whether you’ll be charging the battery/alternator.
4. Electrical Load And Vehicle Charging Capacity
Confirm alternator and battery system can support the heater’s start and running draw. Diesel heaters draw for pump/controls and typically produce heat without heavy continuous electrical load, while high-wattage electric 12V heaters can draw significant amps and may require upgraded batteries or inverter/shore power.
5. Installation Complexity And Space
Diesel units need a secure mount, fuel line, exhaust outlet, air intake, and often a dedicated fuel tank location. Consider available underfloor or locker space and access for maintenance. Electric units mount easily but require safe wiring and ventilation for the fan output.
6. Safety: CO Detection, Exhaust Routing, And Overheat Protection
For combustion heaters, ensure proper exhaust routing and fresh air intake to prevent CO accumulation. Choose models with built-in safety features (CO alarm, overheat protection) and install independent CO detectors in the caravan living space.
7. Noise And Vibration
Noise tolerance matters for overnight use. Diesel pumps and blowers produce sound; look for units advertised with low vibration, silencers, or reduced-noise pumps. Electric fans are typically quieter but still produce airflow noise.
8. Control Options And Convenience
Remote controls, LCD displays, timers, and app/Bluetooth connectivity increase convenience for preheating and monitoring. Decide whether remote switching or thermostat control is important for your use case.
9. Reliability And Maintenance
Combustion heaters require periodic checks of fuel lines, glow plugs/igniters, and exhaust seals. Electrical heaters require minimal maintenance but ensure dust does not clog fans. Consider availability of service parts and local support.
10. Multiple Perspectives: Insulation, Climate, And Use Pattern
Cold Climate, Extended Stays: Diesel air heaters are typically the better choice due to high output, efficiency, and runtime.
Mild Climate, Short Trips, Or No Combustion Allowed: 12V electric PTC heaters can be practical as supplemental heat and defrost devices.
Noise-Sensitive Overnight Use: Prioritize models with low-vibration pumps, mufflers, and variable fan speeds to minimize disturbance.
11. Sizing Examples
- Small, Well-Insulated Caravan (under 10 m²): A 2–3 kW equivalent or a low-power diesel or 120–300W electric supplement may suffice.
- Medium Caravan (10–20 m²): A 5 kW diesel heater or higher-capacity electric solution with strong battery support.
- Large Campervan/Caravan (over 20 m² or poor insulation): 5–8 kW diesel heaters, possibly multiple outlets or multiple units for even distribution.
12. Installation Checklist
- Plan exhaust and fresh air inlet locations with minimum clearances to prevent fumes entering living space.
- Mount fuel tank securely and route fuel lines with proper connectors and filters.
- Install CO and smoke detectors and test systems after installation.
- Verify battery/alternator capacity and fuse/protection sizing for electrical feeds.
- Provide accessible maintenance space for filters, igniter, and pump.
13. Final Selection Tips
- Match heater KW rating to caravan volume and expected lowest temperatures.
- Factor in runtime needs and whether shore power or alternator charging will be available.
- Prioritize safety features like CO alarm and overheat protection for combustion heaters.
- Consider professional installation for combustion units to ensure ventilation and fuel safety compliance.