Change My Mind About Chinese Diesel Heaters! 

Diesel Heater 'hCalory SS2' - bit.ly/46TTqRX Merch: DirtyandDangerous.com Save 10% if you're a Patreon Member! Join Here: www.patreon.com/Casey250 All My Links: bit.ly/m/casey250

Wow, I’ve never heard someone whine so much about setting up a diesel heater. You talk about the smell but you drive a diesel jeep doesn’t make a whole Lotta sense to me.

In February of 2021 I installed a $100 diesel heater and an auxiliary deep cycle battery in our Honda Odyssey van. The battery is charged through a Renogy DC to DC charger when the van is running. The battery also powers fans, lights and charges our devices. I also installed a smoke alarm and CO2 detector. We've traveled all over the US and Canada, including trips to Canada in the dead of winter. The system runs quietly and reliably. On a typical winter's night the system will run nonstop for as much as 15 hours. Even on the coldest nights it has no trouble keeping the van warm. I can't overstate the value of a comfortable night's sleep, and a happy spouse. The heater makes it possible for us to travel anywhere at any time of year. Other than an annual inspection, the system has been maintenance free and requires no set up. I usually turn the heater on using a remote control a few miles before reaching our destination. By the time we park, the heater is up and running for the night.

whatever your cases are, it's so warm in my workshop with my crappy chinese diesle heater during harsh winter times . And it's been working 4 years now at that cheap price. I really got nothing to complain about the product.

I've been running a chinese diesel heater (all in one) for 4+ years now. When I first received it, I must admit it had few problems, mainly the cheap green fuel line it came with and the settings were off. By checking everything I could find about these heaters on youtube and going into the settings and raising the RPM's on lowest setting, which fixed the overheat issues which caused it to shut down. 3000+ hours later and not a single problem. Most problems I've seen on youtube about these heaters were caused by installer errors or the factory settings were not set properly to begin with. 5 of my buddys who overland have these diesel heaters and were all glad we didn't get suckered into paying 1500.00 for a webasto. These chinese diesel heaters are not the quality of a webasto, but I could buy 6 of these..lol.

They have an heat exchanger. So if you have the exhaust close to the intake it will NOT mix into the warm air from the fan.

I’ve had em’ all and I’m totally impressed with the Chinese heater, one part on a webasto or espar cost more than 2 Chinese heaters

Truly unbelievable. Like watching my ex wife struggle with everything . Could only get half way thru the clip.

Just did an all in one diesel heater build on my channel. I shared a lot of the same frustrations with these cheaper style units until I properly built one. They are a game changer when you have em set up! Like yourself, I ALWAYS bring back ups just in case like warmer clothes, heated throw, etc.

You should check out Espar heaters. It's a very similar diesel heating system to what you have, but without all the frilly packaging. You can run a small line to your fuel tank and mount the pump on top of the fuel tank, which solves your ticking problem as well as your diesel smell issue, as it draws fuel directly from your Wranglers fuel tank. You can wire it directly into the vehicle battery as well. The heater is just the heater unit in it's plastic housing, probably 8"x4" x4"which can be mounted almost anywhere, along with it's tiny little Post-It note size control panel. The only other thing you'd need to do is have the exhaust routed out and under the vehicle and the hose to run into your tent, which can be stowed quickly during camp tear down. We use these systems in semi-trucks all the time. The only maintenance you would have to worry about is soot removal cleaning inside the heater itself every 1000ish hours. They build these systems for semi's, so you'll have plenty of power cable length, fuel line length, hose length and they don't require a massive amount of storage space. Oh, also, it only uses about .1 gallons per hour, and they have high altitude fuel pumps and insulated fuel lines that are less prone to gel up at altitude or extreme cold. I highly recommend getting one over the standard fuel pump. They're the size of a golf ball and very easy to mount. As an added plus, these systems can be serviced by either yourself or almost any mechanic. Replacement parts are easily obtainable, usually including a new gasket and glow plug, and a few other things. The heater unit itself is only 4 pieces, so very simple to work on.

I get that you hate diesel heaters. But, I think that you should say that you hate cheap Chinese diesel heaters. Like most Chinese products, they are low quality rip-offs of items originating in other countries. Your diesel JL is the perfect platform for a quality diesel heater (i.e. Espar/Eberspacher). It would plumb directly into your Wrangler's diesel tank (no leaks). We had one of these units in our Sprinter with a high altitude sensor. It performed flawlessly into sub-freezing temperatures. The Chinese rip-offs have long been know as low quality units. You get what you pay for.

Well done! I'm a little bit surprised so few people review propane heaters. By that I mean internal combustion heaters like these diesel heaters, not the Mr. Buddy catalytic types. Propex makes makes an all-weather model that can fitted to a roof rack and in the bed of a truck. It uses propane which many overlanders carry anyway, so no need to bring diesel along. For now, I'm using a sleeping bag and heated blanket, but a 110 volt version. It heats up hotter than USB or 12 volt. I'm fortunate to have a 200 Ah LiFePO battery in my truck so I'm not overly concerned about running out of electricity for a couple of nights.

Most of the problems people have with these are self inflicted. How you set them up and use them. Especially the Chinese ones. Which work fine. They're just a bit finicky sometimes.

I'ce had three diesel heaters and this is the best one ive ever owned by far. Good instructions, decent app, and it comes pretty much assembled. Hcalory knocked it out the park with this one

I have that same checkered red heat blanket, and love it! It will run on less than 10w!!

Nice review. I'm a very low budget minimalist camper and several years ago I discoved that if i put a Zippo hand warmer in my sleeping bag it would keep my feet (and the rest of me) warm all night long. I think I paid about $20 for it several years ago. It's not going to perform like a diesel heater, but you will be amazed at how much heat it puts out for literaly pennies per hour.

My takeaway is that a diesel heater isn't right for you and your setup, at the end of the day I would rather take 5 minutes to set something up that heats a whole space while only drawing about 2 amps. The argument that running out of resources (fuel/electricity) is a moot point because you can say that about your battery while running your heated blanket/space heater or you're jeep running out of fuel. Bringing extra resources is the name of the game, especially in the winter. I've been a full time nomad for 5 years now, I own a Webasto hydronic heater and a Chinese diesel heater, I prefer the Chinese heater for daily use. Once paired with an aftermarket controller like the Afterburner from Australia, the functionality far exceeds the more expressive name brands and is a fraction of the cost to maintain.

I think you should label this video as I'm lazy and I like to complain. If you don't like don't use.

Good info, thanks for the review and discussion of the pros and cons of the system :)

Great reviews, and insights to cold night fixes. 👍

You get what you pay for in the Chinese diesel heater market. I just bought a toolbox style All-In-One Diesel Heater by Hcalory and it's fully enclosed and fairly weather resistant. The Hcalory diesel dose pump is rather quiet after the unit warms up. So far I love it. I'm not self promoting but I have made and posted my experience with the Hcalory diesel heater. Cheers!

According to your Banggood product page for that heater, the same power plug will work with 12VDC AND 110 to 240VAC. So, that explains the plug style.

I love my planar heater, but I agree that diesel can be a bit of a hassle. I only bring mine for sub-zero trips, and I absolutely always bring an emergency backup (even if it's simply enough extra fuel to idle the truck all night).

I’m definitely going to check out that usb heating pad!! Thanks.

Enjoyed your video. Would like to see you do a side by side comparison with a top end diesel heater.

I agree with you for the Wrangler. When I had a Wrangler, carrying one of those was not an option for me. Now that I've got a Gladiator, I ordered that exact heater, but FedEx "lost" mine... maybe that extra one you got was mine?!? :) Also agree on the failure/redundancy issue. I sleep in a 0 degree comfort rated sleeping bag but I hate sleeping in a confining sleeping bag. I prefer blankets, etc. I also have a 12v heated blanket that I use underneath me and I generally just use my sleeping bag as a big comforter, and if it gets too cold out, I can zip myself in. Mornings are still miserably cold though which is why I'm really hoping this heater works well.

Nice can't wait for you to try it properly waiting for next video

As a Wrangler pilot I cannot argue with your analysis!

A lot of quirks in the Chinese diesel heaters you pay for what you get. The real German made ones do not have these issues but come with a 1000-1500-2000 price tag. A small amount of research would help you get around these issues with the cheaper CDH. Pretty silly advice to use a power bank AC then a AC to DC brick or power a CDH definitely defeats the efficiency. The dry heat output is stand alone amazingly compared to anything else. I use it in a gazelle and it’s a game changer. The dry air makes a huge difference as camping multiple days things become damp.

I have the Hcalory diesel heater I put 2 mufflers on mine and it’s a lot quieter too

Thanks for the review.

I just got my new diesel heater today and the thin see through green fuel hose is kinked under the unit..easy fix I'll replace it with black diesel fuel line

I plan on getting one soon for camping/garage so mine will be outside. You can get quieter fuel ⛽️ pumps. I will top off my large battery with my generator

Is this heater discontinued? Amazon says it doesn't know when or if it will be in stock. There's a different model but the fuel tank is external.

your little honeywell heater is the same one i use in my teardrop trailer 5 minutes on time to uncomfortably hot lol

Going on my fourth winter having one in the van. It runs all winter and I hardly ever have to scrap a window. Really don't like them all in one units. And I just use a 5 gallon gas can for the fuel tank.

Good video, you should pull the case apart as this brand is notorious for sloppy wiring, also your exhaust shoud be on a slight downward angle., also wrap the exhaust pipe in header wrap to prevent burnsWhen mine is running at a mid power level you cant hear it from 20 ft away. Good luck with it

how much power does your portable power station have left to run the hcalory

If the pump is too noisy get the quiet pump and I have the normal Chinese heater in my trailer put the quieter pump on it don't hear it I have also just purchased the hcolry s22 and it's quiet and always leave the exhaust flat as it will build up with condention and run back in to the intake it's ok for leaving it standing up for storage must have been paid or got it free to change his mind

I Service Espar heaters in Trucks, so my first question is are we going to be able to get service kits for these units? They will need to be serviced occasionally to clean them out of carbon & replace the animalization screen and or replace the igniter.

Personally if I was to rely on a heater to survive I would have a minimum of two different types for redundancy. The OP listed all the things that can go wrong with a Diesel heater, any object can go wrong including whatever you replace it with.

both Espar and webasto heaters have a regular fuel option. both have high altitude kits and you can connect both to your jeeps fuel tank . they are expensive $1100-$1500 USD but both have great warranty etc . two of my friends have wranglers and they have both ( one each ) under their passenger seat ( which you have the air pump system, maybe under driver set if they fit ?!!!! )

Just kind of wondering..... Did it not come with a manual?

Where did you get that little USB electric heater, what's it called? Looks like a great idea. I have the Alu-Cab rooftop tent as well. I've just used it this summer so far but I think it's a good one. Thanks

Good review sir!

I can understand calling them cheap but when you go camping unless you have a maid you yourself will always have to set-up your camp and pack it up!!! Don't understand why complain about set-up and tear down of camping site.

I think to get the most out of the system they need to be semi permanently mounted or with a custom pelican case. The fuel should be a gas can and not anything used from the kit. Ive had one in my garage for four years and one in my trailer for two years. My trailer is nice and warm on low and the fuel lasts at least a week in the fall.

I'll do cheap diesel heaters all day everyday. You get used to the noise. It's not all that obnoxious. Like some people have to have a fan on to sleep, the diesel heater isn't any louder than a running fan IMO. I use 2 and turned 2 family members onto them cheap ones. I've used mine for 2 years about 4 months of the year, no problems. Family members about 3 months so far no problems. We use cheaper red dye off road diesel. There's no other cheaper heating source for indoor RV/Tiny Home heating. Propane heat sucks !!! Wet moist heat and have to ventilate due to Carbon Monoxide so that negates the heat. No wet sweaty windows with the diesel heaters but the propane heaters, damn, water just runs down the windows into the walls.

I like my propex propane heater because a 30# tank last 30+ days, low power consumption and low maintenance.

Wow, just don't go camping I suppose

They make a quieter pump. The heater and fuel tank can be mounted outside. One can use any fuel tank. I use a 3 gallon tank for an outboard motor. There is room under the rig and often in the engine compartment. As far as something may fail, better sell your rig because there are hundreds of things that can go wrong with it. What if the engine fails? What if the transmission or axles fail? The sky is falling!. Having a heater does not keep you from taking cold weather gear. I don't use mine when I sleep. Before bed, I don't need to dress up like the Michelin Mn.

Hahaha. This is hilarious! This is literally the EXACT setup I built out last winter! MondoKing 3D sleeping pad, MANTUOLE USB sleeping bag pad, and a TETON Sports Celsius -32C bag. Only difference is that I use a tiny 400W heater (instead of the lower rated HeatBud) powered off my Delta 2 to warm up in the mornings. Takes about 30 minutes or so to make it comfortable enough to roll out of the bag. Diesel heaters are overrated in my opinion also. They're bulky and cumbersome. Plus, I'd rather sleep cold than sleep hot. Great video, my guy. 👍

Pipe the clean air inlet and clean air outlet both to your tent and you won't have the issue of accidentally pulling in exhaust and die-ing. (But, more complexity with two tubes. Where are you going to store them, etc. 😆) It will also be somewhat more efficient.

While in transit, insert a gasket you cut and fit to completely seal the tank from the cap.

Had to bail on the video right out of the gate. If you're struggling with the intricacies of fuel management, maybe car ownership isn't your strong suit as well. It's a tough world out here in the modern hustle. Just wrapped up a stint in Glacier Park, & let me tell you, my diesel heater was the real MVP, bringing some cozy vibes to the journey.

So many easy fixes to your cries

How do you deal with condensation in the winter? I have an All-Cab and in the cold (down to below 0F), I get a decent amount of condensation on the walls even with the side doors almost open fully. Then if it thaws, it will wet the mattress, bedding etc. I have been looking at diesel heaters to remedy that point. I can deal with the cold but the condensation is a pain... Any insights welcome.

Buy a Blue Ridge Overland Gear XL trash bag. That will solve your problem of carrying it outside of the Jeep. The BROG trash bag is PVC lined inside and out, so if any diesel fuel spills ,hose it out. Hope this helps 🤔

If I was you I would watch a few RU-vid video's. They have some great info on how simple they work if you purchase the correct one and install it correctly.

So wood or propane?

i heard mention of these diesel heaters last year and everyone alked so good about them but no one mentioned the downsides at all now that you said your peace i think ill just stick with my original plan of using a kerosene heater when i build my camper

Casey, while I love my Diesel heater in my EcoDiesel JL, I am interested in your Heated blanket ( lumberjack print..lol) can you provide a link to that?

Stunned

I use my diesel heater only in the morning when I wake up in my camper because I can't stand with the tic tic tic all the night. In the evening I use my Dickenson solid fuel stove then the last part of the night is without heating.

So a possible problem with a diesel heater is it is depending on electric power which can fail and then you don't have heat, so the alternatives you use are all fully electric.... ~ D U M B !~

I could not sleep with that Damm ticking !

Can the Ecoflow River 2 run the Honeywell heater very long?

Thanks god bless

They make super silet pumps now !

I sure wish that a propane version of these popular Diesel heaters was available. I know Propex (from the UK) makes some, but they are around $1000 (USD) so not even comparable in any way.

If you can afford it buy a Propex propane heater. Buy Once Cry Once. Quiet, easy to use, and works amazing.

Buy a polar V2 from Edmonton! Simply ausome

Do you wear Velcro or slip on shoes? Because it sounds like the painful act of having to tie them would give you anxiety.

what is the heated quilt you have? That is more up my alley than a diesel heater for my needs.

If your jeep is diesel, skip the heater's tank and use the pump to siphon fuel directly out of your jeep's fuel tank.

So much for a "mountain guy". More like a whining mountain ". "I don't want to do this", " I don't want to do that ", "I hate doing that with my hands ". 😂😂😂😂😂

You don't want the muffler up must be down

Wow, these products are hawt, just like Casey!

I have a full size crew cab pickup. Heater can ride in the backseat. Fuel can ride in the box. My "tent" is a former shipping container office. There is already a hole in the side for exhaust. My woods are my own and nobody will hear a thing, including me. I'm 70-80% deaf and sleep like stone.

maybe i have stupid idea, but i'm planning to use this heater to warm up my flat 60m2 in a village while i don't live there, there are only electrical heaters which are controlled remotely over internet and using automation, but electricity is expensive, it's 200€ for 900kwh per month, with diesel heater 900/8kw=112 hours * 0.5l/hour = 56 litres of diesel * 1.6€/l = 90€ so it should be 2 times cheaper if i did my calculations correct way. The only problem how to control it remotely, probably i have to write some app which will control it over bluetooth and bigger tank at least 20 litres. Also there are questions, how to use it? should it be outside and connect only hot air outtake to ventilation, or it can be inside and only exhaust should be outside. As i have balcony both ways can be used. But how about diesel smell and exhaust gasses? probably using it inside will be more efficient, because of using internal air instead of external which might be -30C

diesel heater would be way too much heat for your setup, makes sense you wouldn't want one. But not everyone camps in a tiny insulated tent in the winter lol

You don't "bring" fuel with you. You "take" fuel with you.

My heater is bolted to spare tire

Install a second tank on your vehicle

I had a cheap Chinese diesel heater after a short time it stopped working Next time I will buy a better quality one

Just bought a diesel heater but I’m also trying to figure out if the EcoFlow Wave 2 would work as well. It’s just heavy.

U can permanently mount a diesel heater into any vehicle, and if ur out in the woods i would presume there wouldn't be other ppl around

I'll take "Inappropriate Technology for My Situation for $100, Alex."

its still a cheap deisel heater- just the package is diffrent.. like the colors of m&ms.. they just charge double for teh green ones

So, you don't like these, OK, so, what kind of heather is your reference.... Propane? 😂😂😂

1 recomendation get a Diesel Jeep.

That heater has made in China written all over it yiu full😂😂

Poor little girl sorry mum wasn't there to change your nappy today

Buddy they have a propane one that is much better. And a hell of alot more reliable 👍

395jnky tried one in one of his videos and carbon monoxide leaked into his tent, absolutely terrifying, i’ll buy an electric blanket heater and sleep on that 👍🏻👌🏻❤️🇬🇧

Haha nice try, your not gonna talk me out of it. I put a diesel heater in my trailer. Propane is an absolute emergency backup.

That pump is loud!

The problem with these cheap heaters from china is the fuel line they use is not proper so after a day or so will get air in the line and won’t work, look into planar heaters made in Langley(also available thru Cap-it), expensive but well made and also can run off kerosene or diesel or mixed, it will run for 4 to five nights before needing refill if run all night. I bought 1 but I have an f150 crew cab pickup so can set it up in the bed and have lots of storage room, also have a 12v lithium heated battery with solar recharge to be off grid for days.

Mount the thing on the spare tire OUTSIDE!......THINK!

Well, We in Europe always has the heater mounted on the outside most often in the framing of the chassi and let the hot air in…. So. I don’t see why a canadian couldn’t do that and only make space for the fuel…