Best Heaters For Campervans (2024 Guide)

We tested several of the top brands to find the 3 best heaters for campervans. 

As camper van experts, our team at Van Builder HQ knows how important heating can be. We don’t just consider the heating capabilities of a given model, but also its specs related to spacing, safety, power requirements, and aesthetic appeal. If you’ve had bad experiences with heating your campervan in the past, you may be ready to throw in the towel, but we urge you to keep reading so that we can help you find the absolute best heater for your campervan!

Different Types of Heaters for Campervans

As you embark on your campervan conversion journey, one essential aspect to consider is how you’re going to keep yourself comfortable during harsh weather conditions. Equipping your campervan with the right heating system is crucial to ensure you enjoy warm and cozy nights on your travels. Fortunately, there’s a variety of heater types designed for campervan use that we’ll delve deep into a little later on, each one with its own pros and cons. 

Navigating these unique heater options may seem overwhelming. But don’t fret! We’re here to guide you through everything. As we look into each type, we’ll explore how they work, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This will enable you to make an educated decision on the best heater for your campervan conversion. 

So, are you ready to take a deep dive into campervan heaters? Let’s go!

Diesel Heater 

Diesel heaters are heat-producing units that operate on diesel fuel. They are efficient in delivering a consistent, high-heat output and are ideal for campervans with an existing diesel engine to simplify fuel sourcing. 

Gasoline Heater  

Gasoline heaters are designed to run on gasoline. These types of heaters are typically known for their compact size and lightweight characteristics, making them perfect for small to medium-sized campervans.

Hydronic Heater 

Hydronic heaters, also known as water heaters, operate by circulating heated coolant through a heat exchanger, converting it to warm air. These heaters are highly efficient, with a lower fuel consumption rate, and can serve as a preconditioning engine, preventing cold starting problems. 

Best Diesel Heater for Camper Van

Superfastracing 5KW 12V Remote Control LCD 10L tank air diesel fuel heater (Parking Heater)

Superfastracing 5KW 12V Remote Control LCD 10L tank air diesel fuel heater

The Superfastracing 5KW 12V Remote Control LCD 10L tank air diesel fuel heater is a mouthful to say, but it’s also a top-performing choice for heating your campervan. Here are its specs: 

Key Features of the Superfastracing 5KW 12V Remote Control LCD 10L tank air diesel fuel heater

• Easy to Use: The LCD remote control allows for easy operation, even from a distance.
• Powerful: With a power of 5KW, it provides plenty of warmth for your entire van.
• Economical: Operates on diesel fuel, which is a cost-effective option.
• Large Tank Capacity: The 10L tank ensures extended running time, reducing the need for frequent refills.

The Superfastracing 5KW heater is a great choice for campers who have a diesel engine. This way, you can store extra gas for your heater and your van, without having to keep track of multiple gas tanks and risk putting the wrong fuel in your heater or your van. But even if you don’t use diesel for your campervan, the 10-liter tank ensures that you can still run your van’s engine and your heater simultaneously. The 5KW is more than enough to heat the interior of your van while it’s parked, even if you have a van that’s on the larger side. If you already use diesel and frequently camp in low-temperature climates, the Superfastracing 5KW heater would be our top recommendation for you. 

The only potential drawback is that you will need sufficient space to hold the heater itself, the 10-liter tank, and its parts. This can also make the installation process tricky, so unless you have a lot of experience, we’d recommend a professional install. Fortunately, if you do have enough space and you get everything set up correctly, the LCD remote control makes this heater a breeze to use whenever you need it. 

Pro Tip: Need extra help making space in your van? Check out our guide on campervan storage solutions!

Best Gasoline Heater for CamperVans

Webasto Air Top EVO 40 Gasoline Heater Kit (Parking Heater)

Webasto Air Top EVO 40 Gasoline Heater Kit

If you’re seeking a reliable van heating solution that adds flexibility and comfort to your camping adventures, consider the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 Gasoline Heater Kit. This parking heater delivers a power-packed performance, maintaining the required warmth even as temperatures outside drop low. Here are the most important specs to know if you’re considering the Webasto heater kit:

Key Features of the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 Gasoline Heater

• Compact Design: This heater snugly fits into smaller spaces within your campervan, thanks to its compact and efficient design. Its physical specs are just 16.7 x 5.6 x 6.5 inches.
• High Heating Power: Despite its small size, this heater is designed to deliver a high heating power of up to 4KW, ensuring you stay cozy and comfortable.
• Fuel Efficiency: One of the top reasons why this model stands out is its fuel efficiency. Running on gasoline, it is designed to consume less and deliver more (using up to 0.5 liters per hour).

Ensuring you can travel and sleep comfortably during the coldest days and nights, the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 makes a great heater choice for campervan owners. If you’re short on additional space, the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 is especially practical, as it really doesn’t take up much room. While you can DIY a Webasto Air Top EVO 40 into most van setups, the company currently offers kits specifically designed for Sprinter/Promaster vans and Ford Transit vans. So if you have either type of van and you’re looking for a solid gasoline heater, this is a top choice that we highly recommend.

Just keep in mind that, unlike the diesel Superfastracing heater, the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 does not have a separate tank for gas. This means it will have to draw gas directly from your van’s gas tank. If you have a diesel engine, you’re only option is to rig it up to a portable gas tank. Even with a gas-powered engine, you might find it inconvenient that your heater is constantly drawing gas from your engine whenever you use it. Fortunately, this Webasto model is very fuel efficient, so even on really long, cold winter nights, you’re unlikely to run into gas shortages as long as you plan accordingly. 

Best Hydronic Heater for Campervan

Timberline Binar 5 Compact (Diesel or Gasoline)

Timberline Binar 5 Compact

If you’re looking for an efficient, reliable, and sturdy heater for your campervan, the Timberline Binar 5 Compact may be the solution you need. This heater can use gas or diesel, but the specs can differ a little depending on which fuel type you use. That said, here’s an overview of what you can expect with this heating system:

*Note: Exact specifications might vary slightly based on the manufacturing process & raw materials used. 

Key Features of the Timberline Binar 5 Compact

• Efficient Fuel Usage: While it can vary by the type of fuel you use, this heater only consumes anywhere between 0.19 – 0.66 liters per hour.
• Compact Size: The Timberline Binar 5 Compact is just 14.74 x 7.5 x 7.32 inches, making it a great choice if you’re short on extra space.
• Lightweight: This heater only weighs about 2.6 kilos (5.7 pounds), making it extremely easy to move around.
• Easy to Install: The installation process is pretty straightforward, so even DIYers can often manage it alone. 

Designed for prolonged use, the Timberline Binar 5 Compact can operate for more than 20 hours on a single liter of fuel, ensuring you stay warm throughout your journey. Its compact design and easy installation make it a go-to choice for many experienced campervan owners. Plus, it requires very little power to run, meaning that it won’t drain your van’s battery. 

While there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the efficiency and versatility of the Timberline Binar 5 Compact, it may not be a perfect system for everyone. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure that it remains at peak efficiency. If you prefer a low-maintenance system, you might want to look at one of the other options in this guide. 

Pro Tip for Choosing the Perfect Campervan Heater 

When considering which heater to purchase for your campervan, pay careful attention to the interface. The best options offer features beyond just simple temperature control. Look for these advanced characteristics to get the most from your investment: 

• Remote Control Capabilities: This will make adjusting the temperature or turning your heater on and off a breeze, even from the comfort of your bed.
• Bluetooth Functionality: A top-notch heater should offer this feature, which will allow you to control it from your Bluetooth-ready personal devices.
• Compatibility with a Smartphone App: It’s becoming increasingly common for appliances to be integrated with our daily tech. Heating your campervan should be no different, so be sure to check with the manufacturer or seller to see if the heater of your choice is compatible with a mobile app.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, choosing the best heater for your campervan conversion ultimately depends on your specific needs, travel plans, and budget. Each option has its pros and cons, and it is up to you to decide on the one that suits you best. However, we firmly stand by our top three choices: the Superfastracing 5KW 12V Remote Control LCD 10L tank air diesel fuel heater, the Webasto Air Top EVO 40 Gasoline Heater Kit, and the Timberline Binar 5 Compact. Happy travels and be sure to reach out to us at Van Builder HQ for even more great campervan and Sprinter van solutions!