I use the same heater to heat the workshop in my basement. Home diesel heater th-cam.com/video/BRLgBq8njuY/w-d-xo.html Testing at camp th-cam.com/video/sbJbV8BuAOs/w-d-xo.html
7:00 I used a few wraps of plumbers PTFE tape to achieve a gas tight seal. Not so imperative in your case as you said the unit would be outside. Good video thanks for sharing your setup. 👍
Awesome mods to the diesel heater I have the same unit I my expedite van it works Awesome just make sure every month to turn the heater on full blast for 30-45 minutes to burn all the soot off the glow plug and out of the burn chamber and hopefully you you never have any problems with it 😎👍👍🇨🇦
Will do most likely going to be making a diesel heater update video in the upcoming months probably January or February giving my opinions on it so far so good
@@geenote always greatful for you and everyone who posts good content...youtube has a global impact beyond all other encyclopedias. wishing you a wonderful holiday season....peace.
Nice! That is good information. I'm new to diesel heater use but so far I love it. I am going to post a video very soon showing how I use it to heat my basement workshop. I plan on posting another video of me using it in the truck shell while camping in freezing weather. Thanks for the encouragement!
I have one in my Service Transit 250. Same unit. Works awesome. Van isn't insulated, but still heats fine. I piped exhaust thru floor with two galvanized plumbing flanges back to back, bolted together on either side of the floor sheet metal. A small 3/4 pipe take the exhaust out and the other 3/4 pipe was turned down on a lathe to slip inside the corrugated flex hose. sealed with red silicone and it looks beautiful.
Since the air intake and exhaust are connected under the unit and can be extended outward, and since most people install these inside their vans and things, for rain, you could probably cover the entire unit with one of those fiberglass rocks used to cover other things like pumps and meters outside. This would protect it from any rain. I live this idea because I’m building out my truck too and will need heat but don’t want the extra fuel tank inside my truck. I may build a wall for the back of the bed with insulation board with a wood or aluminum frame to allow the tailgate to stay down for use like yours. That’s a great idea. I am so grateful for your mods as I wouldn’t have known about the potential issues had I bet seen your video. Thanks!
I always set up a free standing canopy/tarp over the back of my truck when I'm camping. The canopy serves many purposes one of which is to protect things like the generator and diesel heater from the rain and elements. The canopy rolls up and is easy to transport. There's not room inside the shell for a hearer and fuel tank so I figured outside setup is the way to go. Thanks for your comment. "Free standing truck canopy build" video: th-cam.com/video/n940PLHGbB8/w-d-xo.html
@@geenote I like your videos, to the point and very helpful. I may have gotten the idea from you in that I will be putting up a tarp over the back end of my pickup, only using the truck itself to attach the tarp to so that it folds over the sides just a bit (8' wide tarp) to help blowing rain. I got 2 tarp poles and guy lines to tie off the opposite end to create sort of a porch between my truck and the screen room tent I have that I'll put over a picnic table (if there is one). I bought some heavy duty suction cups with hooks that hopefully will suction to the sides of my truck so the part attached at the truck will just suction cup to the truck and not need guy lines to trip over on that edge (I need all the help I can get in that area!). I also only need 2 poles (or one if I want to create a center ridge on the tarp). I suppose it alters as you hit different camping spots. This is all a new setup for me and it hasn't been tried fully yet as my truck is not finished.
@@jannezack Sounds like a great plan. I seen those suction cup hooks on Amazon a while back and thought about trying them out - they look like they should work great. I have some magnetic hooks that I use but they probably aren't as strong as the suction cup version. Thanks for sharing some good ideas.
This is pretty cool. If your going to leave it outside while you sleep I’d recommend some way to strap it down in case there’s some heavy winds. Maybe to the side of the truck somewhere. I’d imagine it would be possible for 60+ mph winds to knock it over especially with it being too heavy having the fuel tank on top.
There hole in your muffler is for condensation make sure it points to the ground and keep it parallel to the ground and not tilted just as a friendly tip.
That is an interesting way of mounting the heater without the need for cutting holes in the truck bed. Other than the unit being out in the weather the only major thing I would be worried about is just how well you could regulate the heat with the controller/thermostat being outside. I realize the remote will save you from going in and out. My worry would be more of waking up freezing cold or dripping in sweat. In your case a simple solution would be extend the wires on the controller with a plug and mount in on the inside of your removable panel. I've not looked at my unit that closely the wires might even be long enough with as close as you have it. Something to think about.
I almost always use my awning when camping th-cam.com/video/n940PLHGbB8/w-d-xo.html. That should keep the heater dry. I like the idea of extending the controller wires to reach inside the shell. I have the heat on manual hertz setting for now. I was wondering how well it works in temperature mode and if it varies much from the set point? Thanks for sharing some ideas
I got the same and i install it in my van with out any modefecation and no filter and it work perfect and this the 4th year this winter. Good video with no porpoise
It's not as efficient placed outside but I think it will still heat a small space like a van or shell. I like it being portable, not in my way and less noise when sitting outside. I'll find out how it does soon. Thanks!
@@geenote it'll heat up of 30 foot motorhome perfectly so it's going to work in the van might matter of fact the people that have them in vans say there too hot
@@geenote I am enjoying your videos, as I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado Z71 LT extended cab (rear doors w/ rear hinges) odometers got 200,000 miles. She looks and runs like new. Your truck appears to be same as mine. I recently picked up high back topper shell. My wife says she wants to try truck-shell camping. Your videos are inspiring me to build a similar set up. I've watched almost all of them. I appreciate your time in helping out me and others.
I have always liked the front body style on that generation truck and that engine will just keep on going. You will love that high top. My wife has camped with me a couple times in the shell and I just use a camping type mattress on the floor. She would rather use our pull behind camper (no surprise) and that Z71 tows it great. Let me know if I can answer any questions when building your set up.
Put a hose at the heaters air intake and make another hole in wood panel have it draw warm air from inside of camper rather than warm up cold air from outside.
Keith, I bought the same unit. I used an aluminum step stool to mount mine on for the exhaust clearance issue. I know you have a remote control but I wonder if it would be a good idea to lengthen the wires on the control panel to mount it inside and out of the weather? Once again great video, look forward to the test.
The canopy I use should keep it dry while outside. It's so tight inside the shell I am hoping I can leave it out on the tail gate. I like the idea of longer control wires so the controller can be inside. So far I keep my controller on manual heat setting but I was wondering how good the thermostat works on the controller?
Keith Gee I have only used mine in a remote cabin so far. I have not used the temperature control yet. I do like turning it on by remote in the early morning hours to avoid that initial cold shock lol. I do like the unit considering what I paid for it. If you get a zero breeze next year I don’t even want to know lol
@@The1980toyota HaHa! No Zero Breeze here! A remote cabin sounds awesome. I am considering using the diesel heater to heat my shop downstairs at my house. Thanks for the info!
Great mods and an informative video, thanks. Only thing I might do slightly differently would be to mount those lifting channels sideways (like a ‘C’ channel) with both open sides facing inward towards each other. That way you could fit a metal sheet inside between the two to make a second ‘floor’ to protect anything you stand the heater on from the heat of the exhaust. Maybe some small rubber feet on the bottom of the channels to give a half inch gap and some grip, too. I see there is a 2KW version available as well. Any idea on the size of heater to space it would heat on min setting? The price is much the same, however, so I guess it would only be useful to have a smaller one if overheating the space was an issue. Thanks for the upload. 👍🏻
That is a great idea and I will probably add a metal plate on the bottom! I think the 5kw and the 8kw are the same size and only difference is the settings in the controller. I think the 2kw is a smaller footprint and probably good for my application (small space) but not available in the all-in-one unit. I still have not tested my set up while camping in really cold weather. I will test it soon and post a video on how it works. Thanks for the input!
Just wanted to let you know that I added a thin piece of sheet metal (stainless steel) under the unit after I rotated the legs and even added rubber feet like you suggested. It is safer and protects the exhaust and intake hose when I move it around or transport it. Thank you for the great suggestion and I am going to post a video showing it in use soon.
That's a good idea and something I have considered doing. I think there are extension cables pre-made or I could always splice into the existing wiring. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@geenote if you split the wires it will not work .i have 2 monitor .I did not get the remote they send remote and extra monitor and I wire the 2 monitor it didn't work .
Great question. Based on what I have learned from others who use these same heaters, it will run over 24 hrs of constant use on a tank (around a gallon) of fuel on low setting. It depends on what heat setting they are set on. These heaters are known to be very efficient on fuel. I will post another video after I give this heater a good test while camping in cold weather.
BTW... Do these include a thermostat in the remote so that they maintain a set temp level? Or do you need to manually turn them on and off all night to be comfortable? Thanks again for your work on this topic.
The thermostat sensor is located in the controller (not remote) and has to be inside the area being heated. These heaters can be operated in one of two modes. You can set the pump rate to run in manual or set the desired temperature for sort of an automatic mode. In auto mode, the unit will change the pump rate trying to maintain the desired temperature but never completely shuts off - it will stay on low when temperature is reached. Hope this helps.
Hi just got mine in the mail. I appreciate the video!! at 10:04 after you hooked it up to the battery, what button did you press to start in prime mode. i couldnt see in the video. and do I have to turn it off after to prime mode like you did and turn it on again to dstart the heater, i didnt get great instructions and dont want to do something incorrectly.
Hold the settings button and the right button down at the same time. Then push the left button to turn on the pump and prime the fuel line. After the line is full of fuel, turn off the pump with the right button and get back to the main display. Press the start button to begin the start up cycle.
The smaller the inside diameter and the more rigid the hose is a better the unit will function that one might function for a while since you don't have to pull it very far well you'll just have to say But it's supposed to come with a filter
I think these all-in-one units get by because like you say it's a short distance. I was prepared to change the fuel line but it works good. I don't know why but I have not seen any of these all-in-one units come with a fuel filter. I am glad I installed one because the fuel tank has sediment or some kind of debris in the bottom after many fill ups. Thank you for the tip!
This one is not available from the same seller but there are other sellers offering same heater package. Check this one out: www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFHMGQCS/?coliid=IY1LXF6B9BDJ0&colid=ELSG9S7XOR5O&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
Would there be any way to lengthen the wiring for the controller so you could run it into the interior of the cap? I have mine on its way and your vid is great for seeing what to look for and the mods you made. i realy like the mod for the exhaust , even in the snow with the posibility of it touching the ground would kinda freak me out for heat reasons and being that it would be close to the truck its a great idea. Thanks for the vid and looking forward to your next part on it. Cheers.
Great question. I thought about doing the same thing so I can use the thermostat to cycle the heater. I searched and found some extension cable/harness on Ebay and Amazon that might work and I seen where others just bought some wire and spiced it in the existing wiring harness. Let me know how yours turns out. Cheers.
You can lengthen the controller wire. I added about 8' when I installed a parking heater in my truck camper. I used a piece of 18 gauge flat 4 wire trailer harness. The trailer wire works with no issues. I have the 5k unit and we have to vent heat out with the heater on the lowest setting in 30 F. We have zero condensation inside with this heater.
Hi Keith, Thanks for sharing this video. I just received mine(the same). I am going to install it in my trailer. I have a question related with the air intake tub. Should I place it outside of the trailer and just put the exhaust hose out of the trailer ? Tks for your help and tks again. Very nice explained !
Route both the exhaust pipe and the air intake outside. The air intake will use up oxygen inside your trailer if left inside as it is used to keep the fire burning inside a sealed chamber. The air intake will not affect the heated air temperature that blows into the room. The air that enters the room is brought in through the back of the unit and pulled across the outside of the sealed heat chamber. The air heats up as it passes over the hot chamber and continues out the other end through the 3" opening where you can attach the 3" flexible hose if needed. The exhaust pipe gets VERY hot so make sure you use something like a metal plate when routing the pipe outside.
I went to a local small engine repair shop and found one to fit the fuel line. Ended up being a Kohler 2505007-S www.amazon.com/25-050-07-S-16-Inch-Diameter/dp/B0014C4V12
I think most of these heaters are very similar with different names. The one I have says "New Ideas", model XSL-FD, 5KW - 8KW. I purchased from Amazon for around $115. Thanks.
Thanks, great video...I'm researching diesel heaters for my truck camping and off grid RV camping. What brand did you get and did it ship from overseas or from somewhere in the US. Also which one is it the 5000 or 8000?
The 5000 and the 8000 are exactly the same unit with different settings in the controller. I bought mine off Amazon for $111 and now the price is way up there. Ebay is cheaper for the same thing just make sure it is a US seller or you can always shop on Amazon for the best price and know that you can send it back if there is a problem. I am planning on posting a video soon of the heater in use while camping in freezing weather. Thanks for watching.
@D Vick That's the way I would go with Amazon and that's a great price. That heater has all the accessories too. The timers in that blue controller are a little tricky to understand. I have a video ready to post that explains how to set them. Mine shows altitude but I didn't know it made adjustments accordingly. I think you will be very happy. I'm camping this weekend and trying out the heater on my truck shell. Let me know how your heater turns out.
hey man do you think this would be safe around a steamy area? because im gona be setting this up close to where my bathroom is and im curious to know if that would be safe for the electrical wires
I would do it without any worries. I would not leave it outside in rain, snow, etc. without some kind of shelter. I have one in my basement that does a great job but I don't go off and leave it on for hours unattended. This video may be helpful th-cam.com/video/BRLgBq8njuY/w-d-xo.html. Thanks for watching and let me know if I can help.
Tailgate does not shut with panel in place. I open and use the tailgate as a shelf while set up at camp. I store the panel under the mattress when not in use. This video might help explain. Thanks for watching. th-cam.com/video/qYv_4MEx7GI/w-d-xo.html
Struggling with mine, the exhaust is too loud for me to use where I need to use it. Waiting for a silencer for the exhaust but worried it’s not going to quieten it enough, anyone have any ideas?
The muffler that came with mine helps cut down on the exhaust noise. There are longer exhaust pipes available which might help move the noise farther away.
Have watched your videos before. And had yet to subscribe. I've enjoyed the content and after the diesel heater videos you've definitely got a subscriber! I had just commented on Slim's videos about his test of the stand-alone units. He had just posted a link to your stuff with regard to what you did and your test. So I immediately started watching! I think you've answered most of my questions. But you know how that goes once you start doing something something always comes up. The one thing that I couldn't find was a link to the actual product that you got. Was it one of the happy buy heaters? How many kilowatts 3? 5? 8? Did you purchase it on eBay or Amazon? And do you have a link for it? I have a van conversion that is my primary reason for getting one of these but I didn't want to mount it permanently plus I have two other vehicles that I'm outfitting for being able to camp in for shorter periods of time they are both SUVs a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick and a 2005 Honda Element. So this unit needs to be portable so I could use it for each of those setups. I had seen other TH-cam videos where people had taken the regular diesel Heating units and put them either into a plastic or metal toolbox and created their own portable unit which is probably a little more compact with regard to the height Etc but I did not want to have to go through all of those building issues. For me I'm probably going to have to cut a piece of wood for each of the vehicles for one of the front windows and put a hole in it to put the hose is in that's going to be blowing the hot air into the vehicle because I don't want to be cutting holes into the vehicle anywhere then included. That is unless you have some other idea. You answered my question is well about being able to extend the wires on the controller and bring it inside. It was my understanding that the temperature sensor was in that controller so if it's sitting outside in the cold it's going to the running more I would think I really don't know much about the heaters. Any other questions or information you could answer about that I would appreciate. Also since my hose is going to be longer to go from the heater up to the window I was thinking that it would probably be good to put some kind of insulation around it so I don't have a lot of heat loss. I'm very cold natured so unlike you that 76° sounded good to me! LOL any thoughts or ideas on insulating that pipe that goes from the unit to my window where the hot air would be blowing in? Also I had concerns about the unit sitting outside looks like you have it up under your awning and I do have awnings for the vehicles so that may be okay but I had thought that perhaps a storage tote that was large enough flipped over to cover the unit and any venting that I needed to cut out plus maybe even gluing in some Styrofoam insulation since the unit is going to be outside. Any thoughts insights or ideas would certainly be appreciated
Hey Jeana thanks so much! My heater was listed as an 8kw that I purchased from Amazon. The different brands are all close to being the same so I paid closer attention to controller type, included accessories, and the price. The 5kw and 8kw units are the same unit with maybe different settings. The 3kw version is a smaller unit in size and output and I don't think I've seen a 3kw all-in-one unit yet. As long as you keep the all-in-one unit protected from rain and the elements it should be fine and much easier than a custom built box. Yes, maybe a big tote with the ends cut out might work for protection and I don't think you would need to insulate it. I've seen the videos using a wood panel that fits in the window and looks like that would work good. The temperature sensor is in the controller so it needs to be inside the heated area if you use the "automatic" mode. I use the "manual" mode to make things easy - plus when using the "automatic" mode, the unit doesn't shut off when it reaches the desired temperature you set, it just stays running on low until things cool back down and then it ramps back up. Lowes and Home Depot sell insulated 4 inch dryer vent hose that you could use but you would have to somehow clamp the end down good since the diesel heater has a 3 inch outlet. They also sell 4 inch to 3 inch reducers that may work better. Hope this helps and good luck!
@@geenote Thanks for the response. I would probably do manual mode too. Can you set temp on manual or just letting it run continuously on lowest fan setting or???? Not sure I understand the manual mode unless you can't set a "set" temp
@Jeana Riley You configure the controller (videos on TH-cam explain) by pushing 2 buttons on the front to run in either a manual/pulse type mode or an automatic/temperature type mode. The default setting upon arrival is probably in a manual/pulse type mode. When set to manual/pulse type mode, the "P" (pulse rate) is adjusted by changing the "hz" up and down which changes how fast or slow the fuel pump cycles/pulses (the clicking noise you hear) which allows more or less fuel to be burned. The faster the pump pulses (clicks), the more fuel is burned, the hotter the air is, and the faster the blower motor runs. In this mode the heater doesn't care what the room temperature is, it just keeps on running on whatever "hz" setting is entered. For me, when the temperature is around freezing, I can leave the heater on the lowest setting which is 1.5 hz and stay comfortable as the heater runs continuously at that same setting. When the temperature outside drops down colder, then I might have to raise the "hz" setting up to 1.7 hz or maybe 2 hz to stay comfortable. Max is 5.5 hz and is blasting out some serious heat. When set to the temperature/automatic type mode, the temperature set point (in Celsius) is adjusted up or down and the heater will try to maintain that temperature by running fast or slow automatically but never shuts off - after warming up it just goes to the lowest setting it can run until it cools back down and then it will increase back up to a higher heat output (hotter air and higher fan speed). Hope this helps!
@@geenote Lol...yes and no. Electrical gets me! But I'm sure I'll figure it out. Once I have the unit, I can play around with it and watch more vids if necessary. I have a house battery in the van dedicated primarily to my fridge. Have 200 watts solar and 100 ah AGM battery for that. Thinking I will use my lithium iron phosphate "solar generator" and 100watt portable solar for the heater's power needs. Or have a 40ah AGM power station I could try. I can use either or both for all vehicles. Thinking I would put at pigtail on the wiring perhaps an SAE type plug and set up 2 different pigtails- 1 cigarette style 12 volt and the other battery clamps so I can easily attach to either power station via 12 volt plug or in a pinch, attach to house battery. I am probably going to want to get 68-70 degrees...really cold natured! Lol
Keith, Just be careful with this unit. Can You smell any diesel in Your camper shell with it running? Do You think You need a fuel shut off valve? I would want to make a couple of tests with it in cold weather when the air is heavier to check for any diesel fumes as they can accumulate. Maybe a Carbon Monoxide meter in the camper shell. I don't know Your line of work but I can tell You know fasteners and how things are put together. Wont Your little Honda generator keep up with Your electric heater?-- That would be much safer.
I've been using it in my workshop with the exhaust vented outside. I'm still waiting for the weather to get colder to give it a good try in the camper but all testing so far is odor free. I always keep a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the shell. I do field service work so I know some products are thrown together and don't last. Having the main unit sit outside adds a feeling of safety but most have the unit inside the camper with exhaust and air intake running outside. The generator will run an electric heater but it requires more fuel and makes the generator run fast and loud. I never thought of a fuel shut off valve - an easy mod worth looking into. Thank you!
Only problem with this is turning it off every 5 min because it’s cooking you lol. I have the same heater in a 16 ft trailer and it’s even to much for that.
I use the same heater to heat the workshop in my basement.
Home diesel heater th-cam.com/video/BRLgBq8njuY/w-d-xo.html
Testing at camp th-cam.com/video/sbJbV8BuAOs/w-d-xo.html
7:00 I used a few wraps of plumbers PTFE tape to achieve a gas tight seal. Not so imperative in your case as you said the unit would be outside. Good video thanks for sharing your setup. 👍
I use the unit inside my basement as well so any ideas to be safe are good. Thanks!
Great modification to the fuel line and adding a inline filter.
Thank you! It has been working great . Thanks for watching.
Awesome mods to the diesel heater I have the same unit I my expedite van it works Awesome just make sure every month to turn the heater on full blast for 30-45 minutes to burn all the soot off the glow plug and out of the burn chamber and hopefully you you never have any problems with it 😎👍👍🇨🇦
Good advice! I asked you about this unit a while back before I purchased it to get your input. Please keep me updated. Thanks!
Will do most likely going to be making a diesel heater update video in the upcoming months probably January or February giving my opinions on it so far so good
Looking forward to it!
smart on the pipe sleeve, thx for the video.
Glad you liked it. Thank you!
@@geenote always greatful for you and everyone who posts good content...youtube has a global impact beyond all other encyclopedias. wishing you a wonderful holiday season....peace.
@@d.a.t.4699 Thank you very much and wishing you a blessed holiday season as well!
I love my little diesel heater! Keeps my roof top ten at a nice seventy to seventy two degrees. In thirty degree weather.
Nice! That is good information. I'm new to diesel heater use but so far I love it. I am going to post a video very soon showing how I use it to heat my basement workshop. I plan on posting another video of me using it in the truck shell while camping in freezing weather. Thanks for the encouragement!
70 wow thats like in the sahara or sauna!🥵
I have one in my Service Transit 250. Same unit. Works awesome. Van isn't insulated, but still heats fine. I piped exhaust thru floor with two galvanized plumbing flanges back to back, bolted together on either side of the floor sheet metal. A small 3/4 pipe take the exhaust out and the other 3/4 pipe was turned down on a lathe to slip inside the corrugated flex hose. sealed with red silicone and it looks beautiful.
Sounds really nice. Great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Since the air intake and exhaust are connected under the unit and can be extended outward, and since most people install these inside their vans and things, for rain, you could probably cover the entire unit with one of those fiberglass rocks used to cover other things like pumps and meters outside. This would protect it from any rain.
I live this idea because I’m building out my truck too and will need heat but don’t want the extra fuel tank inside my truck.
I may build a wall for the back of the bed with insulation board with a wood or aluminum frame to allow the tailgate to stay down for use like yours. That’s a great idea.
I am so grateful for your mods as I wouldn’t have known about the potential issues had I bet seen your video. Thanks!
I always set up a free standing canopy/tarp over the back of my truck when I'm camping. The canopy serves many purposes one of which is to protect things like the generator and diesel heater from the rain and elements. The canopy rolls up and is easy to transport. There's not room inside the shell for a hearer and fuel tank so I figured outside setup is the way to go. Thanks for your comment. "Free standing truck canopy build" video: th-cam.com/video/n940PLHGbB8/w-d-xo.html
@@geenote I like your videos, to the point and very helpful. I may have gotten the idea from you in that I will be putting up a tarp over the back end of my pickup, only using the truck itself to attach the tarp to so that it folds over the sides just a bit (8' wide tarp) to help blowing rain. I got 2 tarp poles and guy lines to tie off the opposite end to create sort of a porch between my truck and the screen room tent I have that I'll put over a picnic table (if there is one). I bought some heavy duty suction cups with hooks that hopefully will suction to the sides of my truck so the part attached at the truck will just suction cup to the truck and not need guy lines to trip over on that edge (I need all the help I can get in that area!). I also only need 2 poles (or one if I want to create a center ridge on the tarp). I suppose it alters as you hit different camping spots. This is all a new setup for me and it hasn't been tried fully yet as my truck is not finished.
@@jannezack Sounds like a great plan. I seen those suction cup hooks on Amazon a while back and thought about trying them out - they look like they should work great. I have some magnetic hooks that I use but they probably aren't as strong as the suction cup version. Thanks for sharing some good ideas.
This is pretty cool. If your going to leave it outside while you sleep I’d recommend some way to strap it down in case there’s some heavy winds. Maybe to the side of the truck somewhere. I’d imagine it would be possible for 60+ mph winds to knock it over especially with it being too heavy having the fuel tank on top.
I could always use some thing like bungee cords and some screw hooks in the wooden shelf. Thanks for the ideas!
There hole in your muffler is for condensation make sure it points to the ground and keep it parallel to the ground and not tilted just as a friendly tip.
Yes thanks for the tip! I had seen that on another video otherwise I never would have known.
Very smart mods. Enjoy your videos on truck shell camping which I recently discovered.
Awesome, thank you!
That is an interesting way of mounting the heater without the need for cutting holes in the truck bed. Other than the unit being out in the weather the only major thing I would be worried about is just how well you could regulate the heat with the controller/thermostat being outside. I realize the remote will save you from going in and out. My worry would be more of waking up freezing cold or dripping in sweat. In your case a simple solution would be extend the wires on the controller with a plug and mount in on the inside of your removable panel. I've not looked at my unit that closely the wires might even be long enough with as close as you have it. Something to think about.
I almost always use my awning when camping th-cam.com/video/n940PLHGbB8/w-d-xo.html. That should keep the heater dry. I like the idea of extending the controller wires to reach inside the shell. I have the heat on manual hertz setting for now. I was wondering how well it works in temperature mode and if it varies much from the set point? Thanks for sharing some ideas
I got the same and i install it in my van with out any modefecation and no filter and it work perfect and this the 4th year this winter. Good video with no porpoise
That's good to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Nader, I would love to see how you installed this unit in your van. Any chance you have photos or video.
Fantastic project. I'm sending this video to a truck camping friend. I think this would work perfect in my van as well.
It's not as efficient placed outside but I think it will still heat a small space like a van or shell. I like it being portable, not in my way and less noise when sitting outside. I'll find out how it does soon. Thanks!
@@geenote it'll heat up of 30 foot motorhome perfectly so it's going to work in the van might matter of fact the people that have them in vans say there too hot
Great video. Got a lot of ideas from it. Thanks
Awesome! Thank you!
Keith, excellent video! Thank you for sharing this. Great job with mods and installation options.
Thank you! I'll give this set up a better test on my next cold weather trip and see how it does.
@@geenote I am enjoying your videos, as I have a 2002 Chevy Silverado Z71 LT extended cab (rear doors w/ rear hinges) odometers got 200,000 miles. She looks and runs like new. Your truck appears to be same as mine. I recently picked up high back topper shell. My wife says she wants to try truck-shell camping. Your videos are inspiring me to build a similar set up. I've watched almost all of them. I appreciate your time in helping out me and others.
I have always liked the front body style on that generation truck and that engine will just keep on going. You will love that high top. My wife has camped with me a couple times in the shell and I just use a camping type mattress on the floor. She would rather use our pull behind camper (no surprise) and that Z71 tows it great. Let me know if I can answer any questions when building your set up.
Awesome video as always thank you
Thanks Wes! I really appreciate it.
A lot of useful tips there. Thanks
Glad it was helpful! I also use a diesel heater now and posted a video if interested. Thanks for watching.
Put a hose at the heaters air intake and make another hole in wood panel have it draw warm air from inside of camper rather than warm up cold air from outside.
That is a good idea. That would definitely make it run more efficient increasing the temperature of the heated air. Thanks for the suggestion!
Fantastic video! Thanks!
Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
Great video and mods! Thanks for sharing. Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking it out.
Keith, I bought the same unit. I used an aluminum step stool to mount mine on for the exhaust clearance issue. I know you have a remote control but I wonder if it would be a good idea to lengthen the wires on the control panel to mount it inside and out of the weather? Once again great video, look forward to the test.
The canopy I use should keep it dry while outside. It's so tight inside the shell I am hoping I can leave it out on the tail gate. I like the idea of longer control wires so the controller can be inside. So far I keep my controller on manual heat setting but I was wondering how good the thermostat works on the controller?
Keith Gee I have only used mine in a remote cabin so far. I have not used the temperature control yet. I do like turning it on by remote in the early morning hours to avoid that initial cold shock lol. I do like the unit considering what I paid for it. If you get a zero breeze next year I don’t even want to know lol
@@The1980toyota HaHa! No Zero Breeze here! A remote cabin sounds awesome. I am considering using the diesel heater to heat my shop downstairs at my house. Thanks for the info!
Great mods and an informative video, thanks. Only thing I might do slightly differently would be to mount those lifting channels sideways (like a ‘C’ channel) with both open sides facing inward towards each other. That way you could fit a metal sheet inside between the two to make a second ‘floor’ to protect anything you stand the heater on from the heat of the exhaust. Maybe some small rubber feet on the bottom of the channels to give a half inch gap and some grip, too. I see there is a 2KW version available as well. Any idea on the size of heater to space it would heat on min setting? The price is much the same, however, so I guess it would only be useful to have a smaller one if overheating the space was an issue. Thanks for the upload. 👍🏻
That is a great idea and I will probably add a metal plate on the bottom! I think the 5kw and the 8kw are the same size and only difference is the settings in the controller. I think the 2kw is a smaller footprint and probably good for my application (small space) but not available in the all-in-one unit. I still have not tested my set up while camping in really cold weather. I will test it soon and post a video on how it works. Thanks for the input!
Just wanted to let you know that I added a thin piece of sheet metal (stainless steel) under the unit after I rotated the legs and even added rubber feet like you suggested. It is safer and protects the exhaust and intake hose when I move it around or transport it. Thank you for the great suggestion and I am going to post a video showing it in use soon.
That’s great - looking forward to seeing the video with the modified unit! 👍🏻
You have to take the thermostat off the unit and wire it inside the truck for correct temperature control!
That's a good idea and something I have considered doing. I think there are extension cables pre-made or I could always splice into the existing wiring. Thanks for the suggestion!
I extended the wiring of the display it was 3 wires and maunted on the wall of the van assum the temperature gage in it.
@@Nader-x1o Good to know. That may be what I do Thanks!
@@geenote if you split the wires it will not work .i have 2 monitor .I did not get the remote they send remote and extra monitor and I wire the 2 monitor it didn't work .
@@Nader-x1o It was worth a try. Thanks for sharing.
Would you need to screw it into the wood on the tail , good show looks great
I have rubber feet mounted on bottom so it doesn't move. Thanks!
Great video, thank you.
Glad you liked it! Thank you!
great video Keith lots of info.do you have a video on your truck build ?? thanks
Hey thanks! I have several truck shell videos. This one gives a pretty good overview th-cam.com/video/9TjkNttwWgs/w-d-xo.html
Interesting option for heat. Any idea about how long a tank of fuel should last?
Great question. Based on what I have learned from others who use these same heaters, it will run over 24 hrs of constant use on a tank (around a gallon) of fuel on low setting. It depends on what heat setting they are set on. These heaters are known to be very efficient on fuel. I will post another video after I give this heater a good test while camping in cold weather.
That slot u cut left a gap inside the exaust foor gas fuems to escape i think
The gap in the exhaust pipe shim/sleeve? It squeezes together and closes up the gap when I slide it inside the exhaust pipe.
Good info here. I’m debating which heater to buy.
Thanks! The Chinese diesel heaters are all very similar...let me know if you have any questions.
BTW... Do these include a thermostat in the remote so that they maintain a set temp level? Or do you need to manually turn them on and off all night to be comfortable? Thanks again for your work on this topic.
The thermostat sensor is located in the controller (not remote) and has to be inside the area being heated. These heaters can be operated in one of two modes. You can set the pump rate to run in manual or set the desired temperature for sort of an automatic mode. In auto mode, the unit will change the pump rate trying to maintain the desired temperature but never completely shuts off - it will stay on low when temperature is reached. Hope this helps.
@@geenote Got it. Thanks yet again.
@@bobkantor4695 anytime!
Hi just got mine in the mail. I appreciate the video!! at 10:04 after you hooked it up to the battery, what button did you press to start in prime mode. i couldnt see in the video. and do I have to turn it off after to prime mode like you did and turn it on again to dstart the heater, i didnt get great instructions and dont want to do something incorrectly.
Hold the settings button and the right button down at the same time. Then push the left button to turn on the pump and prime the fuel line. After the line is full of fuel, turn off the pump with the right button and get back to the main display. Press the start button to begin the start up cycle.
The smaller the inside diameter and the more rigid the hose is a better the unit will function that one might function for a while since you don't have to pull it very far well you'll just have to say
But it's supposed to come with a filter
I think these all-in-one units get by because like you say it's a short distance. I was prepared to change the fuel line but it works good. I don't know why but I have not seen any of these all-in-one units come with a fuel filter. I am glad I installed one because the fuel tank has sediment or some kind of debris in the bottom after many fill ups. Thank you for the tip!
How do you prevent the diesel fuel from freezing/gelling? I'm concerned.
Since this happens as high as 32F/0C.
Do you use additives?
No problem with that yet at 20F
Could you please indicate which of the many similar units on Amazon this one is? Thanks!
This one is not available from the same seller but there are other sellers offering same heater package. Check this one out:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFHMGQCS/?coliid=IY1LXF6B9BDJ0&colid=ELSG9S7XOR5O&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1
@@geenote Excellent... Thanks!
Would there be any way to lengthen the wiring for the controller so you could run it into the interior of the cap? I have mine on its way and your vid is great for seeing what to look for and the mods you made. i realy like the mod for the exhaust , even in the snow with the posibility of it touching the ground would kinda freak me out for heat reasons and being that it would be close to the truck its a great idea. Thanks for the vid and looking forward to your next part on it. Cheers.
Great question. I thought about doing the same thing so I can use the thermostat to cycle the heater. I searched and found some extension cable/harness on Ebay and Amazon that might work and I seen where others just bought some wire and spiced it in the existing wiring harness. Let me know how yours turns out. Cheers.
You can lengthen the controller wire. I added about 8' when I installed a parking heater in my truck camper. I used a piece of 18 gauge flat 4 wire trailer harness. The trailer wire works with no issues. I have the 5k unit and we have to vent heat out with the heater on the lowest setting in 30 F. We have zero condensation inside with this heater.
@@tinstar5080 good information thanks for sharing!
Hi Keith,
Thanks for sharing this video. I just received mine(the same). I am going to install it in my trailer. I have a question related with the air intake tub. Should I place it outside of the trailer and just put the exhaust hose out of the trailer ?
Tks for your help and tks again. Very nice explained !
Route both the exhaust pipe and the air intake outside. The air intake will use up oxygen inside your trailer if left inside as it is used to keep the fire burning inside a sealed chamber. The air intake will not affect the heated air temperature that blows into the room. The air that enters the room is brought in through the back of the unit and pulled across the outside of the sealed heat chamber. The air heats up as it passes over the hot chamber and continues out the other end through the 3" opening where you can attach the 3" flexible hose if needed. The exhaust pipe gets VERY hot so make sure you use something like a metal plate when routing the pipe outside.
@@geenote Even with Canadian cold?
Really appreciated your help ! Tks again !
@@alsepu80 Yes. Thank you!
what fuel filter did you use?
I went to a local small engine repair shop and found one to fit the fuel line. Ended up being a Kohler 2505007-S www.amazon.com/25-050-07-S-16-Inch-Diameter/dp/B0014C4V12
@@geenote thanks
What model is that heater? Thank you
I think most of these heaters are very similar with different names. The one I have says "New Ideas", model XSL-FD, 5KW - 8KW. I purchased from Amazon for around $115. Thanks.
Thanks, great video...I'm researching diesel heaters for my truck camping and off grid RV camping. What brand did you get and did it ship from overseas or from somewhere in the US. Also which one is it the 5000 or 8000?
The 5000 and the 8000 are exactly the same unit with different settings in the controller. I bought mine off Amazon for $111 and now the price is way up there. Ebay is cheaper for the same thing just make sure it is a US seller or you can always shop on Amazon for the best price and know that you can send it back if there is a problem. I am planning on posting a video soon of the heater in use while camping in freezing weather. Thanks for watching.
@D Vick That's the way I would go with Amazon and that's a great price. That heater has all the accessories too. The timers in that blue controller are a little tricky to understand. I have a video ready to post that explains how to set them. Mine shows altitude but I didn't know it made adjustments accordingly. I think you will be very happy. I'm camping this weekend and trying out the heater on my truck shell. Let me know how your heater turns out.
@D Vick Awesome, that's hard to beat...Thank you!
😉👍
hey man do you think this would be safe around a steamy area? because im gona be setting this up close to where my bathroom is and im curious to know if that would be safe for the electrical wires
I would do it without any worries. I would not leave it outside in rain, snow, etc. without some kind of shelter. I have one in my basement that does a great job but I don't go off and leave it on for hours unattended. This video may be helpful th-cam.com/video/BRLgBq8njuY/w-d-xo.html. Thanks for watching and let me know if I can help.
Does your tailgate shut? You said you use it.
Tailgate does not shut with panel in place. I open and use the tailgate as a shelf while set up at camp. I store the panel under the mattress when not in use. This video might help explain. Thanks for watching. th-cam.com/video/qYv_4MEx7GI/w-d-xo.html
How can I remove Bluetooth from heater
Heater does not have Bluetooth.
Is it s VEVOR heater?
The label on my unit says "New Ideas" brand.
Struggling with mine, the exhaust is too loud for me to use where I need to use it. Waiting for a silencer for the exhaust but worried it’s not going to quieten it enough, anyone have any ideas?
The muffler that came with mine helps cut down on the exhaust noise. There are longer exhaust pipes available which might help move the noise farther away.
I had a similar issue so solved the problem with some pipe and made my exhaust longer.
Thanks guys, bought a longer exhaust, a elbow and silencer
Have watched your videos before. And had yet to subscribe. I've enjoyed the content and after the diesel heater videos you've definitely got a subscriber! I had just commented on Slim's videos about his test of the stand-alone units. He had just posted a link to your stuff with regard to what you did and your test. So I immediately started watching! I think you've answered most of my questions. But you know how that goes once you start doing something something always comes up. The one thing that I couldn't find was a link to the actual product that you got. Was it one of the happy buy heaters? How many kilowatts 3? 5? 8? Did you purchase it on eBay or Amazon? And do you have a link for it? I have a van conversion that is my primary reason for getting one of these but I didn't want to mount it permanently plus I have two other vehicles that I'm outfitting for being able to camp in for shorter periods of time they are both SUVs a 1997 Suzuki Sidekick and a 2005 Honda Element. So this unit needs to be portable so I could use it for each of those setups. I had seen other TH-cam videos where people had taken the regular diesel Heating units and put them either into a plastic or metal toolbox and created their own portable unit which is probably a little more compact with regard to the height Etc but I did not want to have to go through all of those building issues. For me I'm probably going to have to cut a piece of wood for each of the vehicles for one of the front windows and put a hole in it to put the hose is in that's going to be blowing the hot air into the vehicle because I don't want to be cutting holes into the vehicle anywhere then included. That is unless you have some other idea. You answered my question is well about being able to extend the wires on the controller and bring it inside. It was my understanding that the temperature sensor was in that controller so if it's sitting outside in the cold it's going to the running more I would think I really don't know much about the heaters. Any other questions or information you could answer about that I would appreciate. Also since my hose is going to be longer to go from the heater up to the window I was thinking that it would probably be good to put some kind of insulation around it so I don't have a lot of heat loss. I'm very cold natured so unlike you that 76° sounded good to me! LOL any thoughts or ideas on insulating that pipe that goes from the unit to my window where the hot air would be blowing in? Also I had concerns about the unit sitting outside looks like you have it up under your awning and I do have awnings for the vehicles so that may be okay but I had thought that perhaps a storage tote that was large enough flipped over to cover the unit and any venting that I needed to cut out plus maybe even gluing in some Styrofoam insulation since the unit is going to be outside. Any thoughts insights or ideas would certainly be appreciated
Hey Jeana thanks so much! My heater was listed as an 8kw that I purchased from Amazon. The different brands are all close to being the same so I paid closer attention to controller type, included accessories, and the price. The 5kw and 8kw units are the same unit with maybe different settings. The 3kw version is a smaller unit in size and output and I don't think I've seen a 3kw all-in-one unit yet. As long as you keep the all-in-one unit protected from rain and the elements it should be fine and much easier than a custom built box. Yes, maybe a big tote with the ends cut out might work for protection and I don't think you would need to insulate it. I've seen the videos using a wood panel that fits in the window and looks like that would work good. The temperature sensor is in the controller so it needs to be inside the heated area if you use the "automatic" mode. I use the "manual" mode to make things easy - plus when using the "automatic" mode, the unit doesn't shut off when it reaches the desired temperature you set, it just stays running on low until things cool back down and then it ramps back up. Lowes and Home Depot sell insulated 4 inch dryer vent hose that you could use but you would have to somehow clamp the end down good since the diesel heater has a 3 inch outlet. They also sell 4 inch to 3 inch reducers that may work better. Hope this helps and good luck!
@@geenote Thanks for the response. I would probably do manual mode too. Can you set temp on manual or just letting it run continuously on lowest fan setting or???? Not sure I understand the manual mode unless you can't set a "set" temp
@Jeana Riley You configure the controller (videos on TH-cam explain) by pushing 2 buttons on the front to run in either a manual/pulse type mode or an automatic/temperature type mode. The default setting upon arrival is probably in a manual/pulse type mode. When set to manual/pulse type mode, the "P" (pulse rate) is adjusted by changing the "hz" up and down which changes how fast or slow the fuel pump cycles/pulses (the clicking noise you hear) which allows more or less fuel to be burned. The faster the pump pulses (clicks), the more fuel is burned, the hotter the air is, and the faster the blower motor runs. In this mode the heater doesn't care what the room temperature is, it just keeps on running on whatever "hz" setting is entered. For me, when the temperature is around freezing, I can leave the heater on the lowest setting which is 1.5 hz and stay comfortable as the heater runs continuously at that same setting. When the temperature outside drops down colder, then I might have to raise the "hz" setting up to 1.7 hz or maybe 2 hz to stay comfortable. Max is 5.5 hz and is blasting out some serious heat. When set to the temperature/automatic type mode, the temperature set point (in Celsius) is adjusted up or down and the heater will try to maintain that temperature by running fast or slow automatically but never shuts off - after warming up it just goes to the lowest setting it can run until it cools back down and then it will increase back up to a higher heat output (hotter air and higher fan speed). Hope this helps!
@@geenote Lol...yes and no. Electrical gets me! But I'm sure I'll figure it out. Once I have the unit, I can play around with it and watch more vids if necessary.
I have a house battery in the van dedicated primarily to my fridge. Have 200 watts solar and 100 ah AGM battery for that.
Thinking I will use my lithium iron phosphate "solar generator" and 100watt portable solar for the heater's power needs. Or have a 40ah AGM power station I could try. I can use either or both for all vehicles.
Thinking I would put at pigtail on the wiring perhaps an SAE type plug and set up 2 different pigtails- 1 cigarette style 12 volt and the other battery clamps so I can easily attach to either power station via 12 volt plug or in a pinch, attach to house battery.
I am probably going to want to get 68-70 degrees...really cold natured! Lol
Sounds like a nice set up and you've got this thing figured out. Stay safe and warm! Thanks!
Keith, Just be careful with this unit. Can You smell any diesel in Your camper shell with it running? Do You think You need a fuel shut off valve? I would want to make a couple of tests with it in cold weather when the air is heavier to check for any diesel fumes as they can accumulate. Maybe a Carbon Monoxide meter in the camper shell. I don't know Your line of work but I can tell You know fasteners and how things are put together. Wont Your little Honda generator keep up with Your electric heater?-- That would be much safer.
I've been using it in my workshop with the exhaust vented outside. I'm still waiting for the weather to get colder to give it a good try in the camper but all testing so far is odor free. I always keep a carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the shell. I do field service work so I know some products are thrown together and don't last. Having the main unit sit outside adds a feeling of safety but most have the unit inside the camper with exhaust and air intake running outside. The generator will run an electric heater but it requires more fuel and makes the generator run fast and loud. I never thought of a fuel shut off valve - an easy mod worth looking into. Thank you!
get rid of the green fuel hose, its too weak, it collapses
I have read that the thick rigid fuel hose is better than the soft hose that comes with these. Thanks!
Only problem with this is turning it off every 5 min because it’s cooking you lol. I have the same heater in a 16 ft trailer and it’s even to much for that.
True! It has to be close to freezing or below outside to keep this heater running on lowest setting.