Finally…….. I have a heater in the van that works 🔥. This Autoterm heater is no joke and has been amazing so far, absolutely loving the fact it can be turned on from my phone and the diesel pump is completely silent which means such a better nights sleep. I’ve put some key facts about the heater in the description of the video so make sure to give that a read if you’re thinking about getting one. Don’t forget the discount code ‘whereabouts5’ for 5% off 🤙🏼
Are you going to use a bobil water heater chap ? I have one on my ambulance running off my diesel heater ( Not a Chinese one) 🤣 goid bit of kit but if you use the newer version with the storage unit it's easier to plumb in, the older version needs 2 water pumps, 1 to fill and 1 to empty 👍 i have the older non pressurised tank, it's cheaper and I'm tight 🤣
Good news Will ...you get what you pay for ..So I guess it turns off when at temp or just runs low till req... So tempted to try you old one and see what it was that stopped it for working ....lol
Finally!! We also have the autoterm (2kw) haven’t got that fancy pants display you’ve got but we’ve hammered ours so far on some long cold trips and it’s been great! Also love it’s so quiet! Glad you’ve finally got some heat sorted 😀👍
I’ve always just had a wood burner in all the vehicles I’ve lived in . Of course these diesel heater were not even about way back (I’m old ) . But what I loved was the type of heat . No condensation and pretty much free fuel except for your time spent collecting. I spent a lot of winters in wales and usually had a window open so I didn’t melt. Still I’m really pleased you have it all sorted now Will 👍
Will, I am a qualified Fitter, Turner and Electrician over here in South Africa. Hitting something with a sledge hammer can be very satisfying, even though I didn't do it often.
Good choice Will. I've had an autoterm 2Kw in my van for the 3 years and I love it! Fitted it myself, under the van in a stainless box and it's been faultless. As you said it's a game changer. Went to Elan valley the other week with my Cousin and he froze in his van, while I was sat in socks and Jammies!!
@@wildforesthome6563 yes, the heat Duct and the air circulation Duct exit into the sliding door side step, but I have a smaller van than Will so don't know if you could do it on his type.
Iv had my 2kw £100 Chinese heater in for 2 years and It’s been perfect. I sorted out the E10 by Installing a 6mm cable to it. Decent batteries help too! Good luck with ya new one… although it’s warm now!
Your Vlogs have been a Godsend to us. At first we thought about fitting a Chinese heater ourselves. We realised it was a bit beyond our capability and so we had a heater fitted by professionals. It turned out to be an Autoterm 4kwh heater identical to yours. You can rest assured now mate. It is BRILLIANT. Only fitted 2 months ago and has kept us cosy warm since. Happy Traveling mate. Dave and Soph.
Had my Autoterm 4kw installed for 3 years. It’s brilliant. I never understand why people spend so much money on Victron and lithium and then scrimp on a heater. Like the new controller, may tap my mate up and get one to trial.
I have a feeling that a big part of it was the professional fitting & tuning. The Chinese heaters are generally fantastic - even in terms of reliability.
I disagree. I have had 3 Chinese heaters. Two of them worked well but the one I have now in my latest Van is giving me hell. I have like the creator of this video tried it all. Had it dismantled and cleaned about 6 times as well. I think that some of the units are just faulty
I had one of these fitted a few months ago. It's amazing, well worth the extra cost. Its changed everything about being in the van in the coldest months of the year. So good to know it's so reliable 😊
Watching your video made me feel a whole lot better. Don't think for a minute that it's just Chinese heaters that give grief. I've got an expensive Eberspacher and it's frankly a piece of crap. Not only is i crap but i took it to the Eberspacher Dealer service centre in Manchester (You know who you are) They were paid to give it a full strip down service and although i paid £300 for their services, they just ripped my off and i was left with a heater in exactly the same state.
Never had one problem with two different Chinese diesel heaters, in two campers mate. If fitted correctly they are spot on. Heard good things about the aututerm ones👍🏼. A good friend always has problems with his erberspacher so cost isn’t always a factor. 🤷🏻♂️😉
Glad you got sorted. I’ve had Chinese all in one heaters in my vans and never had any trouble. Last 4 months I’ve depended on it heavily and happily. Whatever works, right?
Same here. I've had mine for 2 years now and no issues. That said, if I actually lived out of my van full time I would probably go with a more expensive model since you are going to get a warranty probably and higher quality parts in it.
Wish I had that kind of luck with mine. My experience has been the opposite. My Russian heater only worked once ( I mean It's only lasted through the night without errors once). I get random errors and am sick of fixing it and quit using it. In my new project I decided to go with a cheapie since it can't be any worse. I'll be buying two -- one to install and one for parts -- and it will still cost only a fraction.
Getting an Autoterm fitted in a few weeks time through a registered installer in Plymouth. Thanks for sharing your experience, helps me to know I’m doing the right thing 👍 thanks Will 🙏😇
Yesss at last, a good decision made. We put an Autoterm 2kw in our T6 & now we have a 4kw in our Crafter. They're brilliant aren't they, good choice having the 4kw in your van as you won't overwork it either 👊😎👍
_Caveat Emptor._ Something that doesn't just apply to van heaters, of course. Anything that seems to be a, 'bargain', compared to more expensive counterparts, can prove to be far less efficient, or doesn't work anywhere near as intended and you end up having to pay more for another one that actually does what it's supposed to do. I've been there a few times. The best rule of thumb to look at reviews and/or go for something mid-range, especially if it's something you're going to have to rely on working all of the time.
Had the portable Chinese diesel heater since start of September. Never had one issue, It runs 10 to 12 hours a day everyday, from -10Celsius to -45Celsius no issues. Over 1500 running time hours on it. Thousands of people use them to heat ice fishing huts on the lake. I bought the exact same exhaust as the German one for 15 bucks. Haven't changed the green fuel line still no issues with it. People run into issues with green fuel line if they burn gasoline. If I did want to upgrade my fuel line. I need 12 inch piece that will cost me 50 cents. Heard lots of people say german ones aren't worth the price compared to Chinese diesel heater price. Then I hear the exact opposite, don't buy Chinese ones. I think you have good units and faulty units just like everything else nowadays. If that German one is keeping you warm that's all that matters. Keep up with ur vids, German/chinese diesel heaters, I love seeing videos on them. The amount of heat they product are insane. I have the 8kw chinese aka 5kw. At the end of my 4 foot duct depending on what I have it set at. 120celsius to 184Celsius the air coming out.
Very good choice. I’ve had one in my van for 5 years, not touched it, serviced it, nothing and it still works absolutely perfectly. (Kind of tempting fate by typing that). Also one in my small boat that sits in the river and is permanently damp. That one also has worked perfectly for the last 3-4 years.
I had to buy a 5KW and then a 2KW so I feel your pain.... I also went to Autoterm but £895 was a bit pricey even for the fancy controller and the other functions.Also my last CDH lasted 3 years and I only changed it as I changed van - its buy cheap but by 11 times when you do cost for cost.
That thumbnail actually made me snort tea up my nose! Thanks for the laughs, the inspiration and the entertainment your vids bring me. Cheers from a hospital bed in Oz!
Been in the same situation so many times. Going cheap route and trying to get it working myself then end up pulling out all of my hair. Followed by chucking it all in the bin and having someone do it with something of quality and just having it work because of the trauma caused the first time around.
The happiness you express Will is like you had a new baby. Congratulations... cant wait for you to go to stone cold minus 10 countries for testing and fun.
There has been quite a few you tube videos on failing chinese diesel heaters, you were not alone, glad you got sorted, a lot more expensive but in the long run a wise investment.
I have a all-in one chinese deisel heater. The red one with fuel tank above the heater. Not had a problem with it. I live full time in my van so it gets regular use. Also it totally ran out of fuel twice and cut out. Once refuled it worked no problem
I also have an all in one 8K Chinese diesel heater accidentally ran the thing out of diesel other than that not a problem I guess Will could’ve had a problem with bad motherboard or wiring maybe he got unlucky and got two crap units I like his Russian one though looks pretty neat wonder how much that would cost me in Canada if I ever had to replace my Chinese diesel heater I believe I’m on my third year of using it i’m actually thinking of replacing the fuel pump because I know they wear out overtime
Glad you finally got it done Will, and are happy with the new heater. And if I could offer a bit advice for those wanting to install their own heater, a steel pick up pipe fitted in the sender unit is the way to go.
I sympathise. A lot of gadgets for vans are not well made, furniture, sinks, hobs and so on. I have a t5 and I have only got a r and r bed and a sink and hob unit. a cool box as well. I decided to keep it very simple since it does seem to make more sense. no insulation yet or heating. its been ok at zero to minus this winter about the coldest its been I think. lots of blankets did the job. we must be prepared to allow the elements to make us tough. I think you may be a register and certified southern softie. seriously though, it is quite frustrating when things like this go awry. Its all experience though. iain w glasgow
Loved the video and glad you are sorted. It is only fair, I think, to say that the setup probably cost well over £1,000, which could be out of the range for some of us.
Have;nt watched all the video BUT did you KNOW the Diesel Pump has to be Fitted at an 15 degree angle. There;s a guy on youtube saying he WAS having same issues THEN READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN and once he fitted the Pump the right way NO MORE ERROR CODES AND HEATER BN WORKING GREAT SINCE.
Great vids as always. Personally id always go wood fire. What if it breaks down when in a cold climate?? People will only care about that once it happens. Good luck :)
Will just a heads up to you and all who doing campervans...I discovered water coming in and thought it was from floor turns out the clip the holds the black panel on outside had come slightly away and thankfully it only damaged the insulation I put on floor for my shower area..I have siliconed all the clips on in side and around edges on outside.
Buzzing for you mate to finally have some heat in there.. fingers crossed everything stays good.. one worry out the way now.. get out there and enjoy it
Will I love the fact you are learning all the time , we pay for our education ,but the van is great and you should be proud of yourself and it takes courage to do all this on ytube , I'm still a little sad you got rid of the calander anyway enjoy the heater
If anyone gives you flack for the Chinese heater just ignore them they clearly don't understand how much effort and just how many chances you gave it before switching it out. They either didn't bother watching the other vids before commenting (typical of youtube smh) or they just think they know more than you/everyone and aren't worth listening to anyway lol. Love the vids and the entire van conversion journey, it's gonna suck when it's over because we won't get any more new ones but it will be great to see the final product and all the awesome vids you'll get to make using it!
I have a 2000W Webasto diesel heater ans it works from day 1 very good, I know and I understand that the made in China is cheaper en so on, but it gives a lot of problem's . A Van builder here in Belgium used to install them also till the day he got a lot of complains of his customers and now he install the webasto's, yes they are more expensive but they are better
Unsure if you’ve looked in to this but some 2kw Heaters will not self prime mate. So when you don’t use them you have to prime them your self. Might have issue with the other heaters. Keep videos coming mate 👍🏻👍🏻
Poor quality control means buying Chinese heaters is a gamble, and Will being Will means he lost 😭 Of the ten odd Chinese heaters I've fitted in boats 3 were faulty out the box but the replacements worked fine at least 👍
Could have taken that hole saw core and wood glued or used a nice sealer to put in the other hole and you could have supported the core with a piece of 3/8th aluminum screwed in on the underside of the van. But I'm sure you will find a better way than that
It’s the thumbnail for me! 😈 Been watching for about a week now… great content. Happy I stumbled across your channel and I’m looking forward to seeing you finish the build out. Glad you have reliable heat now. Cheers mate! 🍺
Finally! you sorted one out lol, but seeing your face been happy about it means you can sort out the rest of the van without worrying about the heat lol
I wonder if its possible to build a sound dampening box around the heater, that has holes on each end. Some hide them under the passenger seats, maybe it dampens sound.
Hi Will, how are you buddy? I’ve been watching your channel for ages now and I particularly took lots of value from your diesel heater installs. Anyway, I’m from the Wirral and I would love it if you knew a place near Lpool/Wirral/Cheshire where I could get my Amazon Diesel Heater installed into my caravan? I’ll try and do it myself but it looks like a nightmare ngl… I have a heating already in my caravan but I want to rig it up to my newly installed 300w solar rig and to extend the heating to the caravan toilet and shower room as that’s where it’s coldest in the winter as the only heating is the Trauma gas heater in the main living area. No worries if you don’t get back to me, but I’m sure some of your lovely subscribers might help me out if not!? Thanks so much!! Robbie
I think, knowing your luck, we are in for a heatwave now you actually have a working heater ! Joking aside, glad you have crosed another job off of the list.! 😉👍🏻
Glad to see you got a decent heater, that one looks like a lot of thought went into the product. The no clicking from the pump should be a deciding factor for anyone buying, don't think people appreciate how annoying a clicky pump is. Another great video Will, keep up the good work mate
@@JazzFunkNobby1964 if you follow Wills videos you will see why the Chinese heaters are not worth buying, even if you manage to find one with a quiet pump or buy a different pump.
@@wildforesthome6563 I've watched all Will's videos. There are many people that are happy with the Chinese heaters. When you consider they cost @ £100 compared to @£500 for the Russian version, I think it's worth a try. Swapping out the pumps would be an obvious improvement worth spending a little extra on.
@@JazzFunkNobby1964 He had two complete duds and with the risk of fire from these inexpensive chinese heaters I think the extra few hundred is well worth the money. The reason they are cheap is because they are badly built and not properly safety tested like most cheap Chinese products. Not saying all chinese stuff is junk but with something that is involved with fuel and heat its a risk. You can uses your savings to buy marshmallows for when you van goes up in flames.
Your definitely right will … buy cheap buy twice!!!!! Glad you ditched of that cheap Chinese death trap 🧐 and got something decent to keep you warm and more importantly SAFE!!!!!
I'm sooooooooooooo happy for you that you got a great nice heather. That will make your stealth camps go fantastic. Looking forward to see more of your stealth camps soon !!!
