Diesel Heater

[holly_brown96]

Ah ok, that makes sense! I have to take my van to the garage for another issue so may ask them to install it for me outside to save me doing it if they don’t charge too much. May also get them to tap into my vans tank rather than having to fill up the separate small tank that comes with the van too. Is that a safer way to go instead of installing the heater inside with a turret plate?

 

[TallPaul_S]

I think the only downside of fitting outside is slight harder to fit, and if you go through deep water you can submerge it which obviously isn't good.

But outside leaves more room inside.

Definitely go with the tap into the main diesel tank, they really don't use that much fuel unless you have it on for 18hrs a day.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

You don't want to have a tank of diesel inside your van - they must be vented and even the smallest vent will stink your van out.

 

[holly_brown96]

I have phoned and asked different garage if they can tap into the fuel tank for me and everyone has said no. Could I mount the fuel tank that came with it somewhere where the smell wouldn’t be a problem? I was thinking maybe I could mount it to the outside of one of my back doors inside a box or something?
Maybe something like this? Could maybe even just install the whole thing on the outside door and have the vent come through the door?

 

[drinfinity]

I have phoned and asked different garage if they can tap into the fuel tank for me and everyone has said no. Could I mount the fuel tank that came with it somewhere where the smell wouldn’t be a problem? I was thinking maybe I could mount it to the outside of one of my back doors inside a box or something?
Maybe something like this? Could maybe even just install the whole thing on the outside door and have the vent come through the door?

No, if you don’t fancy DIY then there are people who specialise in installing these. Tap into the vehicle fuel sender, and mount under the drivers step (or under the drivers seat if you intend to make a habit of driving through Rufford ford). Tapping the tank is a straightforward job, any other option is going to be a horrible lash up.

 

[holly_brown96]

Is it just a case of doing this? (Minute 8:58)

I could easily do this, I just keep hearing people saying that the tank has to be completely removed or dropped down to do it and that’s what I don’t want to do

 

[Green Giant]

from reading this thread, I think it would be wise to pay someone who has experience to fit a quality heater to your van, heat, fuel wiring can be a dangerous mix.
That all in one heater is not the right heater for a campervan, if you got that wrong it shows you need some help, I certainly did when I had ours fitted.

 

[holly_brown96]

from reading this thread, I think it would be wise to pay someone who has experience to fit a quality heater to your van, heat, fuel wiring can be a dangerous mix.
That all in one heater is not the right heater for a campervan, if you got that wrong it shows you need some help, I certainly did when I had ours fitted.

I am pretty good at doing things like this. I build my entire campervan out myself and did all the electric myself. The only reason I bought the all in one was because I barely did any research and just read that they are easy to install. The mistake buying one was made but luckily Amazon have refunded me for it now. I just don’t want to mess with my fuel tank if it means dropping it down that’s all. I am new to vehicles and although I like to learn new things, I don’t want to make any expensive mistakes

 

[sparkzer]

Is it just a case of doing this? (Minute 8:58)


I could easily do this, I just keep hearing people saying that the tank has to be completely removed or dropped down to do it and that’s what I don’t want to do

I personally wouldn't recommend drilling a hole in the side of the fuel tank, its really not that difficult to drop it sufficiently to do it 'the proper' way, you dont need to fully remove the tank I just did a quick youtube search, this shows you the general idea.

 

[drinfinity]

I am pretty good at doing things like this. I build my entire campervan out myself and did all the electric myself. The only reason I bought the all in one was because I barely did any research and just read that they are easy to install. The mistake buying one was made but luckily Amazon have refunded me for it now. I just don’t want to mess with my fuel tank if it means dropping it down that’s all. I am new to vehicles and although I like to learn new things, I don’t want to make any expensive mistakes

Dropping the fuel tank is less daunting than it sounds. Wait till it is fairly empty to make it easier. If you have a newer T6.1 you don’t have to remove it completely, there is a nipple to snip off, ready prepared for this purpose. Loads of info on the forum, it helped me to understand the steps.

My old T5 I did just on the levelling ramps on the road in front of the house, the new van I hired a lift for a couple of days to do all the under body jobs.

 

[holly_brown96]

It's more that I don't have ramps to lift up the vehicle and don't have anything to support the tank when I drop it down. On top of that, I have just paid £600 today for a repair with my van so I don't want to mess up dropping the tank and having to pay a lot more. I have spoken to some diesel heater installers who have all quoted about £500 to install one so I would rather install myself.
I messaged Josh from craft a camper and he said that the tanks that come with the heater are prone to leaking but as long as I don't spill diesel and keep on top of aging parts, it shouldn't smell. If I did go the route of having the tank inside, I am thinking a pick up hose on top might be better than drilling a hole and having the connector that comes with the heater on the bottom. That might make it less prone to leaking?
I feel like there are so many routes I could go and all of them have downsides

 

[holly_brown96]

Right I’m just gonna stop being scared and drop the tank. I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos and it’s actually looks pretty easy and I’m pretty handy so I’m sure I’ll be fine

 

[PhillH]

Hi @holly_brown96 I have dropped the tank on my 5.1 quite a few times for other reasons. It’s easier on a 5.1 because there is no ad blue. Buy yourself a 2.5t trolley jack because you will use it more than you realise and also 2 axle stands so you are safe working underneath (cost of jack and axle stands is cheaper than installation of heater). There are three straps on the tanks, I put a little trolley jack and a piece of wood under the tank to take the weight but if you run the tank so the fuel light is on then there is not much weight. Get another pair of hands to help you. The filler neck is long so it’s easier to leave the tank under the van than try and lift the van 2ft in the air to drag the tank out. There is loads of space to access the sender unit then. And at least if you have a decent jack it makes it easier to remove plastic under trays and if you decide to fit a water tank etc the jack will come in handy. Good luck and well done for having a go yourself

 

[drinfinity]

Right I’m just gonna stop being scared and drop the tank. I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos and it’s actually looks pretty easy and I’m pretty handy so I’m sure I’ll be fine

I’m sure you will be fine. I’ve done two now with information from this forum. I made use of the Webasto instructions which have very detailed pictures, and a full size template for the dip pipe. I think it was @oldiebut goodie that put me on to these.

https://www.butlertechnik.com/downloads/cms/7661/webasto-air-top-2000-stc-vw-transporter-t6-t5-installation-manual.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOoqkG0nJ1ekjrsoXoTtgNo32QVVYEFwd7d4Yo9x_rN5xAMXiQMGi

 

[holly_brown96]

Thanks for all your help and information!