Running diesel heater

[hallix100]

Hi,

I’ve heard I have to run my diesel heater for half and hour once a month? I have a vwt6.1 camperking converted camper. So do I have the engine running for this? Or connect up to electrics?
Prob a stupid question but learning as I go .

 

[kipperman]

Assuming you have a decent and charged leisure battery then you don’t need engine or EHU- but if you do that every month for a few months leisure battery will need charging eventually

 

[CAB]

Yes, your heater manual should say this. Up to full heat for a good blast, even in the summer.

Mind you, there's not many months in the year when we haven't needed it at least one morning or evening.

 

[Bigsidavies]

If your LB is decent then just run the diesel heater. It uses about 10 amps when it fires up then drops down to really low battery draw during use. Your LB will soon recharge next time you drive the van.

 

[ginkster]

As the others have said, no need to run the engine or plug in as long as the LB is reasonably well charged. Also make sure you have more than about a 1/4 tank of fuel as some won’t run if fuel is too low or you risk picking up the dregs in the tank. Don’t get too hung up on running it precisely every month, just don’t leave it for months on end such as over summer. If left too long it may not start or if it does it will be really smoky for a few minutes. Every couple of months is fine.

I fill my van with V-power every few tanks and try to remember to do the heater then so it gets the same benefit of the extra detergents in the fuel. No idea if this helps but sounds good!!

 

[hallix100]

As the others have said, no need to run the engine or plug in as long as the LB is reasonably well charged. Also make sure you have more than about a 1/4 tank of fuel as some won’t run if fuel is too low or you risk picking up the dregs in the tank. Don’t get too hung up on running it precisely every month, just don’t leave it for months on end such as over summer. If left too long it may not start or if it does it will be really smoky for a few minutes. Every couple of months is fine.

I fill my van with V-power every few tanks and try to remember to do the heater then so it gets the same benefit of the extra detergents in the fuel. No idea if this helps but sounds good!!

Ok, so I am being extremely dumb- do you fill diesel heater separately? Apologies only had it a few weeks!

 

[kipperman]

Nope, will come from your van diesel tank, so as long as that is >1/4 full, then will work

 

[CAB]

Ok, so I am being extremely dumb- do you fill diesel heater separately? Apologies only had it a few weeks!

It takes fuel from the main tank.

Usually the pickup tube is short enough so that it won't drain the tank and leave you unable to drive, such that if it goes low, the heater won't be able to pick up any fuel.

Having said that, they are incredibly frugal, I've never noticed any difference in the fuel gauge on the dash even after a long subzero weekend.

 

[hallix100]

It takes fuel from the main tank.

Usually the pickup tube is short enough so that it won't drain the tank and leave you unable to drive, such that if it goes low, the heater won't be able to pick up any fuel.

Having said that, they are incredibly frugal, I've never noticed any difference in the fuel gauge on the dash even after a long subzero weekend.

Thank you for advice - I’ve a lot to learn but it is fun!

 

[ginkster]

Ok, so I am being extremely dumb- do you fill diesel heater separately? Apologies only had it a few weeks!

Yours will be taken from the van tank as it is a pro conversion. Some DIY installs be may have a separate tank so it is possible, if rather unusual.