Thermo Top:
Hydronic Excellence
Diesel-powered hot water and engine pre-heating. The choice for expedition vehicles and extreme cold environments.
Hydronic (Water) Heating
While the Air Top range heats the air inside your van, the **Thermo Top Evo** heats liquid (a water/glycol mixture). This heated liquid is then pumped through a heat exchanger to provide domestic hot water or through a vehicle's engine block to ensure reliable starting in sub-zero temperatures.
Hydronic systems are more complex than air heaters but offer a level of comfort and utility that is hard to match, especially in larger builds or expedition trucks.
Hot Water Performance
When coupled with a plate heat exchanger or a calorifier (hot water tank), the Thermo Top Evo can provide a continuous supply of hot water for showers and sinks.
Technical Insight
A Thermo Top Evo 5 can heat 10L of water from 15°C to 60°C in approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the system design.
Engine Pre-Heating
Cold starts are the enemy of engine longevity. By plumbing the Thermo Top into your van's coolant circuit, you can warm the engine block to a comfortable operating temperature before you even turn the key. This reduces wear, lowers emissions, and ensures your heater in the cab is blowing warm air immediately.
System Complexity
Installing a hydronic system is significantly more challenging than an air heater. It involves plumbing into the vehicle's coolant lines, installing a secondary water pump, and managing the thermal expansion of the liquid. We strongly recommend professional installation or following a detailed technical schematic.
The Verdict
Professional Grade
Expedition Standard
The Thermo Top is the ultimate choice for expedition builders and those who want a "no-compromise" hot water solution. For most weekend vans, a Truma Combi or a simple Air Top will be more cost-effective and easier to maintain.