By far the best and most comprehensive review and testing of the LF Bros heater. All the others give very little info on actual usage. At this hefty price point you provided the info I needed to make an informed decision. Thank you!
I've had the same heater for atleast 3 years, got it on sale for black Friday, for $100 bucks, use it in my travel trailer, and in my kitchen in my forest cabin home, took it apart to see how much carbon built up, and it was still clean..The 8KW Vevor is great for the money..
I have the home version LF Bros installed in my truck. So far so good. I have a pass through from the bed to the tent above… I just heat the bottom floor and have ports along the tent floor and let heat rise. Also left return air down below but have port hole to either run supply or return air upstairs. The gas cap is one of my favourite things and the build quality is far above all the other cheap heaters out there.
As far as a fan, I use a Vornado Energy Smart 133DC that uses only 13 watts on the highest setting. It has a 100 percent variable speed dial, and has a regular plug that I plug into a Jackery 300 Explorer. It will easily run all through the night for 2 nights -maybe even 3.
Great review, thank you! One thing that I missed in the review is talking AND testing safety The most important thing for me is - will it leak benzene into the living space? how safe is it? what measures did they take to make sure it doesn't happen and how did they test it
We always run diesel heaters with CO detectors just in case, and have never had any issue. The way these heaters are designed, the fuel combustion does not mix with the heated air, they use a heat exchange system. The design has been around for decades and has proven to be a safe and reliable design. How any particular company does their own testing, I don't know. The LF Bros heaters have been certified by New Zealands CE department (like the US UL Labs).
I'm a new user of a truck camper with a 2kw autoterm diesel heater. I expected a smaller range of temperature variation from turn-off to turn-on than the 15 degree F range that occurs in thermostat mode only to learn that this is by design. I'll have to experiment with power control mode to achieve better regulation but this seems very situation dependent. I would prefer less hysteresis in the controller.
This is an awesome and very thorough review. Thanks for the time making this video. My question is do you think this will hold up to rain and snow if left outside. Basically how weather resistant is it? Thanks.
I wouldn't personally be concerned with it because there isn't an exposed controller sitting there like most units. Since it uses a sealed connector for the controller and power, I wouldn't think there would be any other issue.
@ thank you for the reply. I live full-time out of a Jeep Cherokee. I’ve always been concerned if it’s outside and you get those two days of crazy rain or wake up in the morning with a foot of snow outside. I think I will be buying this thanks.
@@overthehillandoverthemount2925 In the spot that I show it in this video, it should be pretty protected from the worse conditions. In a video coming out this weekend, we do a modification to the trailer that actually exposes the heater a bit more to the elements in normal use, but I could always move it back under the tent if I had any concerns.
I recently purchased the LF Bros N4..the narrow version. I'm pleased by it's performance. No fuel pump ticking, quite and it throws alot heat,even on low mode. The only downfall it has no Bluetooth.
@@TrailTraveler might sound like a jack hammer but it's also 100$ compared to 600$ it's nice to know ur only complaint for vevor is the pump being loud
Good question, probably not, I was just following their instructions. I also want to get the exhaust away from the unit so the fresh air inlet doesn’t pick it up
I have the non-pro version, which doesn't have the altitude adjustment. I've used it once at 9000 ft elevation and it could run no problem at the lowest setting. Anything higher than around 2kw power output, it will have issues and shut down.
It's overpriced for some reason. It's the same thing as the cheapo ones , probably a bit more attention to some parts but the price difference is not worth it IMO.
Nice review. Nice trailer by the way. I have the same one, but have the alpha tent on top. Being a weekend warrior, i cant justify the price of the heater. The “cheap” amazon heaters work just fine for me. Live and camp in the south so I don’t use a heater unless my wife is cold. But, i could see if you live in a colder part of the country where this heater would be a good investment. Cheers!
I found that the bushings on the suspension arms are prone to failure causing bad camber and toe tire wear. The base camp has been a good trailer so far. A few add-ons make it a really good off road/overland trailer. If you are looking for a camp shower joolca hot tap is the way to go. You only need to have a hydraulic fitting added to the water hose to atttach to the trailer pump
Iv been using these since 2014 straight then silencer then stright less noise.there all the same from the same place,just a different shell .& Always check the 4 burn chainber alan key bolts there not always tighten sometimes you may get 1/2 lose enabling fumes into the blower outlet.recuculation has always been the key to proper heat,with correct thermostat propities.AND ALWAYS USE EXORST PASTE IF INDOORS.
This is not wholly accurate. We have tested different brands and while the burn chambers are pretty much identical (but not completely), the electronics are different between brands.
@TrailTraveler I aware of the different mother bords ,& controllers the heater is still the basic & pump. Iv been installing & repearing these before the cheep Chinese ones. appeared ,on vehicle fleets .& Use 3 on our off grid since 2009.yes the extra cost is for a slightly better case & contoler .
And pump setup. The Sunster and LF Bros are essentially silent and the new hCalory Toolbox v2 is very quiet where the Wippro and Vevor sound like jackhammers.
Sometimes. On this trip it was just me. On the other winter camping video it was me and the dog, sometimes me, Kateryna and dog. I purposely left it outside on this one as a torture test. Usually I keep it inside.
I’ve purchased this unit and have run several gallons of diesel through it just heating my garage. What I’ve noticed is a strong diesel smell on startup and shutdown. Did you have that same experience? I really don’t want that smell in a tent and having spent this much money, it’s concerning. I don’t really hear others mentioning this in their reviews of any diesel heater.
@ I am, however, I lift up the garage door enough to clear the exhaust, let’s say 6 inches. Maybe it’s blowing back in the garage? I only smell it on startup and shutdown down, not any other time. The smell clears out pretty quickly. I’ve reached out to them for comment. Maybe I need to open the case and ensure there isn’t an exhaust leak, but it seems to be exhausting properly. It’s definitely exhausting through the muffler first, then pipe as they instructed. No strange noises.
Excellent review and thank you for such a indepth and real world use. I know that is a lot of work. However, $600 and there is no app?? To me, that is insane. A thermostat in a RTT is a waste as you found out. It is much easier to just let it run on lower setting and adjust your vents and use the app to adjust fan speed to find a comfortable temperature. My $120 Vevor 5K works beautifully and I have never had an issue with the app. I have never tried using a return air hose but from what I have heard other reviews say is that it is really not worth the trouble. The heater is more than enough heat, especially for a RTT. These were originally designed for much larger spaces. Larger insulated spaces mind you, but still more than sufficient for a RTT with no insulation. Personally, I have never camped in temperatures less than 28°F but even then, I never had to set the heater fan over speed 4 out of ten.
10:28 ... 600 bucks ;) looks reliable. may get it for my travel trailer as a second alternative to the propane and could still use it for my JT + RTT combo when not traveling with the luxury of fully equipped camper.
I believe you forgot to mention in the video, what setting did you end up needing to keep that size tent warm, like lowest 1/3, half or full? I'm very interested in the current draw too. The Planar heater I have on my boat at setting 1 or 2 (10 bars is full) is able to keep the current draw to about 1amp after ignition. I'm hoping that is the case with this LF N2 Pro. I have a much bigger tent than yours which is why I'm really curious what setting your tent required to maintain a good temp?
The heater has settings from 1.4 - 5 in .1 increments. We were running it on 1.8. Here is the breakdown of the current draw from a test: 120w startup 4 minutes 105w -115w ignition 2 minutes 35w 2 minutes 10w run on 1.6 120w shutdown 4 minutes
Unless it is in a small shed or workshop space, I don't know how useful the thermostat is because it really needs to be running on AC power due to the power requirement. For plateau (automatic altitude adjustment), this is really only needed for overlanding/camping when you are going to be at different altitudes often (like we are). I will say, LF Bros has a bit of a confusing list of products, but I will see if I can work with them on this.
@TrailTraveler that would be great, there seems to be overlap on models and I also believe there's models that exist that aren't even on their website. The more expensive models definitely seem to be more geared for a workshop type of space rather than over landing.
@@TrailTraveler thanks, would you pay that for it if you were buying? It would be great if they sent you one of their lesser expensive models to test the noise levels.
I’ve never seen on with a WiFi connection. Some have Bluetooth to an app. This one does not have an app, while it does have the controller on a 7’ cable.
"And this, MIGHT be my favorite diesel heater". These kind of diatribes are more hilarious than listening to someone grovel to keep his head out of the guillotine. Genetically, humanity produces a certain # of people that will push their Grandma over the cliff for measly $100.
I find it interesting that people take it upon themselves to contact companies and recommend changes to the engineering departments without a general consensus.
I actually talk to other people on a regular basis and discuss things like that, so it is rarely ever just my opinion when I am giving a company feedback. Companies do ask for MY opinion as well. Is there something I said that you disagree with?
@@TrailTraveler did you buy that with your own money?Not trolling, just appreciate transparency. You seemed pretty glowing on the TB2 in a previous review.
@@btscott1 No, I said they sent it to me. The Sunster TB2 is a great unit, but this one is even better. You really can't go wrong with the Sunster but you need to accessorize it. The N2 Pro is just a nicer all around unit and is complete without having to buy anything else. The question is, is it worth it to you to spend double the money for it? I just tested the new hCalory Toolbox 2 and for a budget heater, its pretty damned good.
At 8:04 you said “expecially” I have a personal rule where I do not watch videos from people who don’t know how to pronounce the word “especially” So I had to stop watching
By far the best and most comprehensive review and testing of the LF Bros heater. All the others give very little info on actual usage. At this hefty price point you provided the info I needed to make an informed decision. Thank you!
I'm glad it was useful
@@TrailTraveleryes, really useful. Does anybody know if the n2-t is useful as well?
@@SaschaWeidinger I’m very only used the N2 Pro because of the automatic altitude adjustment
Great review Kerry! Thanks for doing the heavy lifting so we, the viewers, can be lazy. Appreciate it!
Taking one for the team in the Colorado winter!
I have been using a $130 8kw..vevor..for 3 yrs now ..absolutly no issues ...van living at -40 ...keeps my van cozy & warm at only 3- 4 setting...
I've had the same heater for atleast 3 years, got it on sale for black Friday, for $100 bucks, use it in my travel trailer, and in my kitchen in my forest cabin home, took it apart to see how much carbon built up, and it was still clean..The 8KW Vevor is great for the money..
This is a great setup ✨ all-in-one simplicity 🤙
Far and away the best heater we have tried so far.
I have the home version LF Bros installed in my truck. So far so good. I have a pass through from the bed to the tent above… I just heat the bottom floor and have ports along the tent floor and let heat rise. Also left return air down below but have port hole to either run supply or return air upstairs. The gas cap is one of my favourite things and the build quality is far above all the other cheap heaters out there.
As far as a fan, I use a Vornado Energy Smart 133DC that uses only 13 watts on the highest setting. It has a 100 percent variable speed dial, and has a regular plug that I plug into a Jackery 300 Explorer. It will easily run all through the night for 2 nights -maybe even 3.
Great review, thank you!
One thing that I missed in the review is talking AND testing safety
The most important thing for me is - will it leak benzene into the living space? how safe is it? what measures did they take to make sure it doesn't happen and how did they test it
We always run diesel heaters with CO detectors just in case, and have never had any issue. The way these heaters are designed, the fuel combustion does not mix with the heated air, they use a heat exchange system. The design has been around for decades and has proven to be a safe and reliable design. How any particular company does their own testing, I don't know. The LF Bros heaters have been certified by New Zealands CE department (like the US UL Labs).
ran webastos for 10 yrs. im impressed with cheap vevor for the money👍
I'm a new user of a truck camper with a 2kw autoterm diesel heater. I expected a smaller range of temperature variation from turn-off to turn-on than the 15 degree F range that occurs in thermostat mode only to learn that this is by design. I'll have to experiment with power control mode to achieve better regulation but this seems very situation dependent. I would prefer less hysteresis in the controller.
Amen. There is some improvement there that needs to get made.
Wow
TY so much for this.
Great job!
How long is the cord on the controller?
My question as well
PS
Great Review!
I had to go measure it this morning, it is 7.5' long
This is an awesome and very thorough review. Thanks for the time making this video. My question is do you think this will hold up to rain and snow if left outside. Basically how weather resistant is it? Thanks.
I wouldn't personally be concerned with it because there isn't an exposed controller sitting there like most units. Since it uses a sealed connector for the controller and power, I wouldn't think there would be any other issue.
@ thank you for the reply. I live full-time out of a Jeep Cherokee. I’ve always been concerned if it’s outside and you get those two days of crazy rain or wake up in the morning with a foot of snow outside. I think I will be buying this thanks.
@@overthehillandoverthemount2925 In the spot that I show it in this video, it should be pretty protected from the worse conditions. In a video coming out this weekend, we do a modification to the trailer that actually exposes the heater a bit more to the elements in normal use, but I could always move it back under the tent if I had any concerns.
I recently purchased the LF Bros N4..the narrow version. I'm pleased by it's performance. No fuel pump ticking, quite and it throws alot heat,even on low mode.
The only downfall it has no Bluetooth.
Nice vid. Brilliant. Good attention to detail
Appreciate the feedback!
Thanks for the thorough review...well done!
Vevor is killing the game💯
Not in my opinion. Their fuel pump sounds like a jackhammer
You get what you pay for, quality costs money.
@@TrailTraveler might sound like a jack hammer but it's also 100$ compared to 600$ it's nice to know ur only complaint for vevor is the pump being loud
Pumps available that are quiet
Kerry great video, Question.... Do you really need the exhaust extension on the muffler or can you just use the muffler? Thanks Jeff
Good question, probably not, I was just following their instructions. I also want to get the exhaust away from the unit so the fresh air inlet doesn’t pick it up
I have the non-pro version, which doesn't have the altitude adjustment. I've used it once at 9000 ft elevation and it could run no problem at the lowest setting. Anything higher than around 2kw power output, it will have issues and shut down.
$600 and no Bluetooth app? Very surprising.
It's overpriced for some reason. It's the same thing as the cheapo ones , probably a bit more attention to some parts but the price difference is not worth it IMO.
Nice review. Nice trailer by the way. I have the same one, but have the alpha tent on top. Being a weekend warrior, i cant justify the price of the heater. The “cheap” amazon heaters work just fine for me. Live and camp in the south so I don’t use a heater unless my wife is cold. But, i could see if you live in a colder part of the country where this heater would be a good investment. Cheers!
We had the Alpha II for a few years but did not like it in the wind.
I found that the bushings on the suspension arms are prone to failure causing bad camber and toe tire wear. The base camp has been a good trailer so far. A few add-ons make it a really good off road/overland trailer. If you are looking for a camp shower joolca hot tap is the way to go. You only need to have a hydraulic fitting added to the water hose to atttach to the trailer pump
@@johnrivers9393 I have a Gasland heater (pretty much like the Joolca) and I am testing the BougeRV shower right now.
I use a Claymore V600 fan that has various settings and is very quiet.
@@tonyharris1965 based on other suggestions on this video, I already ordered one!
Iv been using these since 2014 straight then silencer then stright less noise.there all the same from the same place,just a different shell .& Always check the 4 burn chainber alan key bolts there not always tighten sometimes you may get 1/2 lose enabling fumes into the blower outlet.recuculation has always been the key to proper heat,with correct thermostat propities.AND ALWAYS USE EXORST PASTE IF INDOORS.
This is not wholly accurate. We have tested different brands and while the burn chambers are pretty much identical (but not completely), the electronics are different between brands.
@TrailTraveler I aware of the different mother bords ,& controllers the heater is still the basic & pump. Iv been installing & repearing these before the cheep Chinese ones. appeared ,on vehicle fleets .& Use 3 on our off grid since 2009.yes the extra cost is for a slightly better case & contoler .
And pump setup. The Sunster and LF Bros are essentially silent and the new hCalory Toolbox v2 is very quiet where the Wippro and Vevor sound like jackhammers.
If it's just you in that tent, you might want that Bluetti in your tent, when it's that cold..
Sometimes. On this trip it was just me. On the other winter camping video it was me and the dog, sometimes me, Kateryna and dog. I purposely left it outside on this one as a torture test. Usually I keep it inside.
31:30 Pulls 122 watts. 32:30 Used 184 Watt Hours in 9 hours? So the heater ran for less than 2 hours?
Here is the breakdown:
120w startup - 4 minutes
105w -115 ignition - 2 minutes
35w - 2 minutes
10w continuous run on power setting 1.6
@@TrailTraveler Thanks for the video and explanation - subscribed !
$600 and you can't change from Celsius to Fahrenheit ? Homie don't play dat !!! 🤡
I'm just curious where the fuel tank pressure relief and inlet valve is or mechanism, for suction pressure stuff like that.
The only pressure relief is built into the fuel cap
@TrailTraveler ok thnx , i thought so.
I’ve purchased this unit and have run several gallons of diesel through it just heating my garage. What I’ve noticed is a strong diesel smell on startup and shutdown. Did you have that same experience?
I really don’t want that smell in a tent and having spent this much money, it’s concerning. I don’t really hear others mentioning this in their reviews of any diesel heater.
I did not have the same experience. Are you venting the exhaust outside?
@ I am, however, I lift up the garage door enough to clear the exhaust, let’s say 6 inches. Maybe it’s blowing back in the garage? I only smell it on startup and shutdown down, not any other time. The smell clears out pretty quickly. I’ve reached out to them for comment. Maybe I need to open the case and ensure there isn’t an exhaust leak, but it seems to be exhausting properly. It’s definitely exhausting through the muffler first, then pipe as they instructed. No strange noises.
Excellent review and thank you for such a indepth and real world use. I know that is a lot of work. However, $600 and there is no app?? To me, that is insane. A thermostat in a RTT is a waste as you found out. It is much easier to just let it run on lower setting and adjust your vents and use the app to adjust fan speed to find a comfortable temperature. My $120 Vevor 5K works beautifully and I have never had an issue with the app. I have never tried using a return air hose but from what I have heard other reviews say is that it is really not worth the trouble. The heater is more than enough heat, especially for a RTT. These were originally designed for much larger spaces. Larger insulated spaces mind you, but still more than sufficient for a RTT with no insulation. Personally, I have never camped in temperatures less than 28°F but even then, I never had to set the heater fan over speed 4 out of ten.
10:28 ... 600 bucks ;) looks reliable. may get it for my travel trailer as a second alternative to the propane and could still use it for my JT + RTT combo when not traveling with the luxury of fully equipped camper.
Great video. Thank you. Check out the Claymore fan. I dig it.
A little pricey, but it looks like a winner, thanks.
Surprised the Bluetti works in below freezing temps.
Like a charm!
I'm surprised with 2000+ WH and 2400 watt inverter there is no expansion battery hookup.
How was the fuel efficiency
How much diesel did it burn
it used a little under 1 gallon in 12 hours running it at about 35% power (1.8 out of 5 setting) which is pretty typical consumption.
Thank you ❤
Between the tank and the pump does it has a fuel filter?
I'm not sure, I didn't open it up. I should check though.
I bought one these days but it is ticking, not that loud, but you can hear it.
Talk to their customer service. Mine is silent
I believe you forgot to mention in the video, what setting did you end up needing to keep that size tent warm, like lowest 1/3, half or full?
I'm very interested in the current draw too. The Planar heater I have on my boat at setting 1 or 2 (10 bars is full) is able to keep the current draw to about 1amp after ignition. I'm hoping that is the case with this LF N2 Pro. I have a much bigger tent than yours which is why I'm really curious what setting your tent required to maintain a good temp?
The heater has settings from 1.4 - 5 in .1 increments. We were running it on 1.8. Here is the breakdown of the current draw from a test:
120w startup 4 minutes
105w -115w ignition 2 minutes
35w 2 minutes
10w run on 1.6
120w shutdown 4 minutes
Did we decide we could just run the thing on low, using the BLUETTI, and cut it off in the morning?
I’m in a camper and need to keep Momma happy
TIA
@ I run it off a Bluetti and just put it into shutdown mode when I am getting up
how much fuel did it burn overnight?
Ran it about 7 hours and used 1/2 tank
Cheap mufflers have a small hole in the bottom that's also used for draining condensation... this model is more of a true muffler and has no hole
Can you compare all their models? Seems like the more expensive models have the thermostat which may not be worth paying the premium for.
Unless it is in a small shed or workshop space, I don't know how useful the thermostat is because it really needs to be running on AC power due to the power requirement. For plateau (automatic altitude adjustment), this is really only needed for overlanding/camping when you are going to be at different altitudes often (like we are). I will say, LF Bros has a bit of a confusing list of products, but I will see if I can work with them on this.
@TrailTraveler that would be great, there seems to be overlap on models and I also believe there's models that exist that aren't even on their website. The more expensive models definitely seem to be more geared for a workshop type of space rather than over landing.
I may have missed it, did you pay for this or was it sent to you for review?
@@That_Paul_Guy They sent it to me to review with no contract or agreement about what I could say about it.
@@TrailTraveler thanks, would you pay that for it if you were buying? It would be great if they sent you one of their lesser expensive models to test the noise levels.
does this heater have wifi connection?
I’ve never seen on with a WiFi connection. Some have Bluetooth to an app. This one does not have an app, while it does have the controller on a 7’ cable.
Too expensive for me, but great review.
Totally get that, it’s a great unit but it is pricey. Check out the review of the hCalory toolbox 2 that I posted today.
I have the hcalroy 8kw and lfbro n2 5kw. The lfbros is hoter and quieter. Should have just got another lfbros.
my cheap vevor works great🙃
Good for you, so what!
Thanks god bless
500 hall NO!!!😂😂😂
At that price it better be water proof
"And this, MIGHT be my favorite diesel heater". These kind of diatribes are more hilarious than listening to someone grovel to keep his head out of the guillotine. Genetically, humanity produces a certain # of people that will push their Grandma over the cliff for measly $100.
And shocker, it worked so well that it actually IS my favorite. But hey, thanks for the comment, it helps to build the channel!
Dont be fulled about fuel pumps thay clunk full stop depending where you mount them .
Some are certainly quieter than others
I find it interesting that people take it upon themselves to contact companies and recommend changes to the engineering departments without a general consensus.
I actually talk to other people on a regular basis and discuss things like that, so it is rarely ever just my opinion when I am giving a company feedback. Companies do ask for MY opinion as well. Is there something I said that you disagree with?
price dont make might😂😂😂
The Vevor fuel pumps sound like mini jackhammers
@ mine you cant hear a over the fan. but 39 bucks you can put a webasto quality pulse pump on it👍
@ if you put a good rubber mount on it makes them quiet.
@ i ran webasto in all my semi trucks for over 10 yrs. had to deal with all kinds of isues with them
@@OverlandAddiction I did, and it didn't. It was cheap garbage. I finally replaced it with a better pump and it was significantly better
3 Chinese heaters for the same price... stick with my Hcalory TB2
You can buy 3 Hyundais for the price of a BMW. Not everyone is happy with a Hyundai
@@TrailTraveler did you buy that with your own money?Not trolling, just appreciate transparency. You seemed pretty glowing on the TB2 in a previous review.
@@btscott1 No, I said they sent it to me. The Sunster TB2 is a great unit, but this one is even better. You really can't go wrong with the Sunster but you need to accessorize it. The N2 Pro is just a nicer all around unit and is complete without having to buy anything else. The question is, is it worth it to you to spend double the money for it? I just tested the new hCalory Toolbox 2 and for a budget heater, its pretty damned good.
At 8:04 you said “expecially”
I have a personal rule where I do not watch videos from people who don’t know how to pronounce the word “especially”
So I had to stop watching
If that’s what you thought you heard, and that enough to stop you from watching my videos, well…thanks for watching 8 minutes of it I guess
I wasn't especting a comment like this.
Winner of the “petty comment” award 😄
38minutes and there is not even a look inside the unit ... what a sales pitch...
It looks like a diesel heater and a fuel pump. Nothing interesting to see inside.
@@TrailTraveler If the inside is the same as every other unit then where is the price difference come in ?
@ build quality, silent fuel pump, accessories, larger air duct size, and customer service