Parking heaters allow you to heat your vehicle while parked. They are a popular choice for nomads (and truckers) who spend time in colder places. They can be powered by diesel, propane, or gasoline/petrol. Parking heaters must be vented to the outside and should generally be permanently installed. Because they are vented, they don't create condensation in your living space, an important benefit over portable heaters, and they can generate a lot of heat without minimal fuel usage.
- Diesel heaters
- Diesel heaters (also known as Chinese diesel heaters/CDH) are a very popular way to heat your vehicle while it is parked. The least expensive heaters cost ~$100, and they use very little fuel. Unlike portable propane heaters, another popular heating option, diesel heaters don't create condensation in your living space. All diesel heaters must be vented to the outside of the vehicle and should be permanently installed for best results.Continue reading …
- Propane heaters
- Propane heaters can either be an installed and ventilatedparking heater, or a non-ventilated portable heater such as the popular Mr. Buddy brand. The portable propane heaters are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain and use, but they create a lot of condensation in your living space which can be a significant issue. The ventilated heaters are less popular than other parking heaters, but they may be the right choice in certain places and situations.Continue reading …
- Gasoline heaters
- Gasoline heaters (or petrol heaters) are parking heaters that may be used as a heat source while living in your vehicle. They are less popular than diesel heaters, but may be a viable option depending on your vehicle and usage.Continue reading …
Disadvantages
The downsides are cost, installation complexity (it requires drilling some fairly large holes in the bottom of the van), and operational complexity (potentially needing to manage yet another fuel source). They do require some electrical power to run the fan and thermostat/ignition system, so they are best suited to dwellers who have a dedicated house battery setup, or at least a solar generator.
Resources
FarOutRide has an excellent write-up on these heaters.