I had diesel bunk heaters in my big trucks for years...they were awesome because you didn't have to idle the truck all night. I chuckled a little right before you checked to see how warm it was. They can run you out if not regulated. Thnx for the video!
Welcome to the dark side. I bought a diesel heater for my foamie, but found it put out way too much heat for it. Now it heats my 18'x18'x13' shop, running right now in fact. I think you will need to integrate it into your cabinets somehow to be totally happy with it. Just drill a hole for the heat outlet and run the exhaust outside. I found that 3/4" conduit works great with the flex hose the heater comes with if you need to extend the exhaust pipe. I didn't like the controller that came with my unit, similar to yours, just too much things to try and figure out. I'll send you a option that I love that should just plug in, although you will loose the remote portion of the setup. But, if you integrate it into you cabinets might be just the ticket. Nice heater! Thanks for the review, George.
I finally broke down and got one this year. I absolutely love it! So glad I got it! Also make sure and point your exhaust downward… it does create some condensation and it will build up in the exhaust pipe
Thanks Donald. I bought the Sunster about two months ago and had the same issues and thoughts that you mentioned. Mine arrived without the 3 inch delivery hose, and I had a E03 code on the first start. I replaced the glow plug (thought it was easier to spend $15 than chase down the vague customer support), and am very happy with it now. I also purchased a 3 inch home AC duct which solves the short delivery flange nuisance. I've been thinking about using a tire table like yours to position the heater, but not sure I want to carry that around.
Enjoy the videos, run it all night you will love it, if you need more fuel could carry some in Gatorade bottle, run mine on low for 12 hours at a time no problem, keep up the good work!!
Great review Donald. I’ve looked at diesel heaters for several years and not bought one yet. I camp in a cargo trailer and am getting ready to install a small wood stove. This is making me reevaluate my plans. I too like the “plug and play “ aspect of this one. Appreciate your work
Nice! Try kerosene instead of diesel in your heater. Less smelly, burns cleaner, you can buy convenient 1gal k1 kerosene at Walmart in the camping section.
The clicking. If it doesn’t click then you have convinced me to finally get one. I use a small switchable 75 - 185 watt mini electric heater but like you I have gotten pressure from my Overlanding peers to get one. Thanks for the honest experience and portrayal of succumbing to peer pressure.
As a suggestion for your duct problem, perhaps you could drill a small pilot hole through both side of the outlet on the heater and matching ones in the end of the duct. Then you could slide some kind of cotter pin through (like the setup for holding a trailer hitch in place). That lip looks pretty small, so maybe a piece of coat hanger would work. Just a thought. All the best to you and your family.
My installation was very smooth and easy and my 1st test in the mountains went well, I am looking forward to when it gets down to -20 to -30 here in a few eeks. I think you will love it. I do highly suggest you get a quality CO monitor for inside the tent.
I was missing your video adventures. Sorry to hear about your family issues Thank you for the review. I've been thinking about installing a diesel heater in my XJ and your experience was really helpful. I wonder if the is a temperature sensor in the remote as it already has connectivity with the main unit. Hopefully one of these days our paths will cross in Eugene.
What if you used your tire table to hold the heater and run the duct up to the tent window? As for the hose falling off ... if only there were some kind of extra wide, super sticky tape to seal ducts up with ...
Short length of silicone turbo hose to extend the flange. I would bring the heat in via the tent zip and then have an aluminium pipe to bring it back down to floor level. Don’t over complicate the weather proofing just have it on top of the box on the swing out then just rest the inverted tote you carry it in over the top. Add a bungee if windy - job done
Thank you Donald for sharing your experience with the heater. It’s tough call balancing the convenience of a Buddy heater vs dry heating of the diesel heater . Hey you mentioned that you weren’t using the tire table anymore & I couldn’t find a video explaining why . Just wondering? Thanks again. Bob
I agree about exhaust pointing down or at a downward angle. Should be able to get an adaptor for heat tube at Jerry’s. Perhaps a small aluminum tire table or trailer hitch table. The big problem is how to get the heat into the truck without drilling a big hole in the tailgate. Buena Suerte
I"m still resisting the will of the diesel heater mafia. Out of all the heating systems I've seen, the only one that really attracts me is the Propex HS-2000. Now, if only the price were to come down by about 50% it might check all the boxes. But...if I did come across a real bargain, I might be persuaded to try a diesel heater just for research purposes.
Interesting… I thought that you couldn’t power these diesel heaters with power stations like your Jackery…. But yours seemed to handle it without any issues…. Thanks for the review!
There is a way to mount a diesel heater behind a rear wheel between the fender and bed wall for Tacoma’s using a mount by tiglifabrication. It looks like a fairly simple fabrication that could be retrofitted to other pickups.
I got the same one a few months ago. I love the way they attached the exhaust out the bottom, the app is decent, the only issue I have is mine has the outlet barely sticking out of the box so it’s hard to attach the duct. The one I built into my trailer is still working after the steel box for it has fallen apart. (VEVOR brand). Now I’ve got two, they both are running off a rotopax that I found on a trail. Added a quick disconnect fitting (dry break). I just hated the stock fuel tanks. So flimsy and I had the VEVOR one leak a lot
perfect timing for this video, you read my mind. looking forward to your solutions. have you considered an amazon storefront where you list the items you use and earn a commission?
The biggest negative for me would be the amount of electrical power it consumes. You would also be warming up your frig so it would be draining a battery more also.
It didn't come with a muffler? You can get one pretty cheap but go with the upgraded one with baffles. Also I'd just put it under the truck to keep it out of the rain and run the ducting up. Maybe bring a small aluminum panel to keep it off the ground.
It seems like the heater could go on top of your cooker. As for venting it inside, that may be a bit more problematic. Modifying your side hatch with a slider and insert and plumbing seems excessive. Cutting your back hatch glass seems... enh. I wouldn't want to do that. Is there a way to pipe it thru the topper window? The other question, which i assume the answer is yes, is will it run on kerosene.
WHAT no wood stove? 🤦♂😂 Comfort is key to staying out longer in the winter. I live in NH out of my Alu-Cab Cabin and the Dickenson Fireplace does well but being able to place heat lower keeping your feet warm is a plus. I'm sure you'll figure out a convenient setup after trial and era.
If you really want to get crazy, I know of people that have mounted their diesel heaters inside the rear quarter panel of the bed.. Tucked up out of the way.. You obviously have to use the individual components.. I think somebody actually makes a bracket for the setup.
Exhaust is hot and will rise. Pointing it down seems particularly counter productive and may allow the exhaust more room to blow into somewhere it doesn't belong, like under the bed and up into the sleeping quarters.
Take a closer look at the Sunster diesel heater:
amzn.to/3OUT4TJ
I'm watching this, in 4 low crawling thru a creek. After camping with a diesel heater for the first time 😆
Game changer!
I had diesel bunk heaters in my big trucks for years...they were awesome because you didn't have to idle the truck all night. I chuckled a little right before you checked to see how warm it was. They can run you out if not regulated. Thnx for the video!
Welcome to the dark side. I bought a diesel heater for my foamie, but found it put out way too much heat for it. Now it heats my 18'x18'x13' shop, running right now in fact.
I think you will need to integrate it into your cabinets somehow to be totally happy with it. Just drill a hole for the heat outlet and run the exhaust outside. I found that 3/4" conduit works great with the flex hose the heater comes with if you need to extend the exhaust pipe.
I didn't like the controller that came with my unit, similar to yours, just too much things to try and figure out. I'll send you a option that I love that should just plug in, although you will loose the remote portion of the setup. But, if you integrate it into you cabinets might be just the ticket.
Nice heater! Thanks for the review, George.
I finally broke down and got one this year. I absolutely love it! So glad I got it! Also make sure and point your exhaust downward… it does create some condensation and it will build up in the exhaust pipe
Thanks Donald. I bought the Sunster about two months ago and had the same issues and thoughts that you mentioned. Mine arrived without the 3 inch delivery hose, and I had a E03 code on the first start. I replaced the glow plug (thought it was easier to spend $15 than chase down the vague customer support), and am very happy with it now. I also purchased a 3 inch home AC duct which solves the short delivery flange nuisance. I've been thinking about using a tire table like yours to position the heater, but not sure I want to carry that around.
Enjoy the videos, run it all night you will love it, if you need more fuel could carry some in Gatorade bottle, run mine on low for 12 hours at a time no problem, keep up the good work!!
Great review Donald. I’ve looked at diesel heaters for several years and not bought one yet. I camp in a cargo trailer and am getting ready to install a small wood stove. This is making me reevaluate my plans. I too like the “plug and play “ aspect of this one. Appreciate your work
Nice!
Try kerosene instead of diesel in your heater.
Less smelly, burns cleaner, you can buy convenient 1gal k1 kerosene at Walmart in the camping section.
The clicking. If it doesn’t click then you have convinced me to finally get one. I use a small switchable 75 - 185 watt mini electric heater but like you I have gotten pressure from my Overlanding peers to get one. Thanks for the honest experience and portrayal of succumbing to peer pressure.
Good choice. I just installed one in my fifthwheel and I love it.
As a suggestion for your duct problem, perhaps you could drill a small pilot hole through both side of the outlet on the heater and matching ones in the end of the duct. Then you could slide some kind of cotter pin through (like the setup for holding a trailer hitch in place). That lip looks pretty small, so maybe a piece of coat hanger would work. Just a thought.
All the best to you and your family.
My installation was very smooth and easy and my 1st test in the mountains went well, I am looking forward to when it gets down to -20 to -30 here in a few eeks. I think you will love it. I do highly suggest you get a quality CO monitor for inside the tent.
I'd try using the wheel table to hold up the heater and route the hose in through the side somehow
The 59° is what it's set at
Perhaps re-using your old tire table and turning it into a heater table
I was missing your video adventures. Sorry to hear about your family issues
Thank you for the review. I've been thinking about installing a diesel heater in my XJ and your experience was really helpful.
I wonder if the is a temperature sensor in the remote as it already has connectivity with the main unit.
Hopefully one of these days our paths will cross in Eugene.
What if you used your tire table to hold the heater and run the duct up to the tent window? As for the hose falling off ... if only there were some kind of extra wide, super sticky tape to seal ducts up with ...
Short length of silicone turbo hose to extend the flange. I would bring the heat in via the tent zip and then have an aluminium pipe to bring it back down to floor level. Don’t over complicate the weather proofing just have it on top of the box on the swing out then just rest the inverted tote you carry it in over the top. Add a bungee if windy - job done
Thank you Donald for sharing your experience with the heater. It’s tough call balancing the convenience of a Buddy heater vs dry heating of the diesel heater .
Hey you mentioned that you weren’t using the tire table anymore & I couldn’t find a video explaining why . Just wondering?
Thanks again.
Bob
I agree about exhaust pointing down or at a downward angle. Should be able to get an adaptor for heat tube at Jerry’s. Perhaps a small aluminum tire table or trailer hitch table. The big problem is how to get the heat into the truck without drilling a big hole in the tailgate. Buena Suerte
Haha. Nice. It was only a matter of time. I would aim your exhaust down or just straight out so you don't get any buildup. Looks good!
I"m still resisting the will of the diesel heater mafia. Out of all the heating systems I've seen, the only one that really attracts me is the Propex HS-2000. Now, if only the price were to come down by about 50% it might check all the boxes. But...if I did come across a real bargain, I might be persuaded to try a diesel heater just for research purposes.
i had a vent hose similar to yours and it made a horrible plastic smell. got rid of it used a different style and it solved the problem
Sitting here watching you run heater as I run my diesel heater. My is a built-in with a 5-gallon tank
Interesting… I thought that you couldn’t power these diesel heaters with power stations like your Jackery…. But yours seemed to handle it without any issues…. Thanks for the review!
Nice review. Hope the family member gets well soon...
There is a way to mount a diesel heater behind a rear wheel between the fender and bed wall for Tacoma’s using a mount by tiglifabrication. It looks like a fairly simple fabrication that could be retrofitted to other pickups.
Had to go look that up. Pretty slick mounting!
Should have bought a Propex heater. More expensive but you will be glad you did!
I got the same one a few months ago. I love the way they attached the exhaust out the bottom, the app is decent, the only issue I have is mine has the outlet barely sticking out of the box so it’s hard to attach the duct.
The one I built into my trailer is still working after the steel box for it has fallen apart. (VEVOR brand).
Now I’ve got two, they both are running off a rotopax that I found on a trail. Added a quick disconnect fitting (dry break). I just hated the stock fuel tanks. So flimsy and I had the VEVOR one leak a lot
If you have a trailer hitch maybe try to make a little platform that connects to it
perfect timing for this video, you read my mind. looking forward to your solutions. have you considered an amazon storefront where you list the items you use and earn a commission?
Over to the warm dark side …good for you
The biggest negative for me would be the amount of electrical power it consumes. You would also be warming up your frig so it would be draining a battery more also.
Put it on your tire table
I find you get less carbon build up when running on high. I have a splitter/valve and pump 75% to the truck cab cuz it does get hot fast.🥵
It didn't come with a muffler? You can get one pretty cheap but go with the upgraded one with baffles. Also I'd just put it under the truck to keep it out of the rain and run the ducting up. Maybe bring a small aluminum panel to keep it off the ground.
I have been watching videos (from a year ago) about diesel heaters... I am almost convinced I need one for not just camping but my garage and shed. 😂
Très intéressant. Merci!
It seems like the heater could go on top of your cooker. As for venting it inside, that may be a bit more problematic. Modifying your side hatch with a slider and insert and plumbing seems excessive. Cutting your back hatch glass seems... enh. I wouldn't want to do that. Is there a way to pipe it thru the topper window?
The other question, which i assume the answer is yes, is will it run on kerosene.
WHAT no wood stove? 🤦♂😂 Comfort is key to staying out longer in the winter. I live in NH out of my Alu-Cab Cabin and the Dickenson Fireplace does well but being able to place heat lower keeping your feet warm is a plus. I'm sure you'll figure out a convenient setup after trial and era.
If you really want to get crazy, I know of people that have mounted their diesel heaters inside the rear quarter panel of the bed.. Tucked up out of the way.. You obviously have to use the individual components.. I think somebody actually makes a bracket for the setup.
The exhaust needs to be pointed down !
I think it's a waste, keep it simple and what your doing, just saying 👍🍺safe travels my friend
Hope its a dependable heater, time will tell.
Is it possible that your body heat created the condensation? Maybe if you ran the heater all night, it could dry the air more
It's from breathing. You could always hold your breath.
Welcome to the dark side 💪🏼
Duct tape. will hold the ducting on well.
$1 worth of fuel to be dry and warm all night let it run
lol
Point the exhaust down. ⤵
Exhaust is hot and will rise. Pointing it down seems particularly counter productive and may allow the exhaust more room to blow into somewhere it doesn't belong, like under the bed and up into the sleeping quarters.
oh snap 😄 unsubscribed 😂