BEAT
THE
FROST
A cold van is a miserable van. From reliable diesel forced air to silent gas hydronic systems, we compare every heating option for UK year-round travel.
Diesel
Taps directly into your vehicle fuel tank. High heat output, excellent for winter, and fuel is available everywhere.
- No gas bottles needed
- Massive heat output
- Noisy fuel pumps
Gas (LPG)
Silent operation and very clean burning. Ideal for those with existing LPG systems for cooking.
- Near silent running
- Very reliable
- Refilling abroad can be tricky
Electric
Only viable when on 230V mains hookup. Silent and efficient, but drains batteries in minutes if off-grid.
- Cheap to run on hookup
- Instant heat
- Not for off-grid use
The "Chinese Diesel Heater" Reality
Many builders are tempted by the £100 heaters from eBay. While they can work, they lack the safety certifications, UK support, and component quality of **Webasto** or **Eberspächer**.
Safety First
A premium heater includes safety cut-offs for overheating, flame-out, and voltage drop. When you're sleeping in a small enclosed space, these safety features aren't 'nice to haves'—they are essential.