My Experience with RV Must Have—Diesel Heaters

Question

Many RV owners like me have become inseparable from their diesel heaters. I no longer need to wear thick clothes to sleep in the winter, and the RV is still warm when they wake up.

Pros:

Convenience: Not having to constantly monitor and restart the heater can be a significant convenience, especially for those who are camping or traveling in an RV.

Reduced Fuel Consumption: Diesel heaters are generally more fuel-efficient than other portable heating options, so leaving them running overnight may not necessarily result in a significant increase in fuel consumption.

Cons:

Safety Concerns: Leaving any heating device unattended for an extended period can pose a fire hazard, as there is a risk of the heater malfunctioning or the surrounding area becoming too hot and igniting. This is a particularly important consideration when using a diesel heater in a confined space, such as a tent or RV.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Diesel heaters produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of the combustion process. If the heater is not properly ventilated or if the space is not well-circulated, there is a risk of carbon monoxide buildup, which can be extremely dangerous and even fatal.

Safety Precautions

If you do decide to leave a diesel heater running overnight, it's crucial to take the necessary safety precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

Proper Ventilation: Ensure that the space where the diesel heater is being used is well-ventilated, with adequate airflow to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. This may involve opening windows or using a fan to circulate the air.

Smoke Detectors: Install smoke detectors in the area where the diesel heater is being used, and make sure they are functioning properly. This can provide an early warning in the event of a fire or other safety issue.

Fuel Supply: Carefully monitor the fuel supply and refill the heater as needed to ensure that it doesn't run out of fuel during the night, which could lead to the heater shutting off and the space cooling down.

Maintenance and Inspection: Regularly inspect the diesel heater for any signs of wear or damage, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and cleaning to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently.

Proximity to Flammable Materials: Keep the diesel heater a safe distance away from any flammable materials, such as bedding, curtains, or clothing, to reduce the risk of fire.

grit_dog · Answer

What you missed is the spam…..&nbsp;

way2roll · Answer

I must be missing something. Most RV's either have an LP furnace or heat pump unless they are diesel in which case that would make sense. Why would a gasser MH or TT use a diesel heater? And I don't understand this: "Not having to constantly monitor and restart the heater can be a significant convenience, especially for those who are camping or traveling in an RV". Who has to do that? RV furnaces are equipped with a thermostat to eliminate this exact scenario. This post feels Spammy with no links. I don't get it.&nbsp;

opnspaces · Answer

I agree with both Grit and way2roll. while there are no links to anything it is written like if is AI generated. This is most likely a test to see how well their AI is working so they can make tweaks as necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

savanna12 · Answer

I’m with both Grit and way2roll on this. Even though there are no links, the structure and tone definitely feel AI-generated — kind of like a synthetic blend of generic phrasing and filler.

It wouldn't be surprising if this is part of an internal test to evaluate how well their AI performs in forum-style discussions. Makes sense they'd want to tweak things based on live feedback like this.

stircrazy · Answer

there are so many vague or omissions in this I don't know where to start, first you have to specify what kind of diesel heater.&nbsp; if your talking about the expar type (real or Chinese knock offs) , which is probably the most common one put into a rv, then you need to edit a bunch of stuff.&nbsp;&nbsp;
first they do not need windows open, just like a propane furnace, as they are sealed combustion so they can't leak any co2 into the rv unless you have a window open right above the exhaust.
they are a little more efficient, in both fuel and power but not a crazy amount, but it makes a difference over time.&nbsp;&nbsp;
they don't put out any more heat than the equivalent sized propane heater a btu is a btu no mater what the fuel source is so if you have a 16000btu propane heater and a 15000 but diesel heater they will keep you warm the same.&nbsp; one big difference is if the diesel heater is sized correctly then it will just run on a low setting when it is cold out keeping the heat more constant inside the rv, but if you buy to big of one, which most do then you can't do that and it shuts off in-between cycles and give you the same type of temp swing a propane furnace does, the biggest difference the diesel heater will have a tighter swing as it has a digital thermostat.&nbsp; so a simple answer to this is to put a digital thermostat on your old propane heater and it will have a tighter swing also.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forum Discussion

My Experience with RV Must Have—Diesel Heaters

Pros:

Cons:

Safety Precautions

6 Replies

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