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Diesel heater Installation

Diesel heater Installation

Stay warm wherever you travel

Keep your van cosy all year with a professionally installed diesel heater. At Vanlifer, we install and service 12 V diesel air heaters from trusted brands Autoterm (Planar NZ), Dieselheat Australia, and Truma NZ. Every system is fitted to meet New Zealand’s Green Warrant self-containment and safety standards.

Why choose a diesel heater?

Diesel heaters are the most efficient and reliable way to stay warm when freedom camping or travelling off-grid. They use very little fuel, produce dry heat, and run quietly without draining your batteries. A diesel heater turns your campervan into a true four-season home on wheels.

Available heater options

Heater Model

Description

Output

Recommended For

Price Tier

Autoterm 2D 

Compact heater for small vans

2 kW

Toyota Hiace, NV350, 

$

Autoterm 4D

Larger heater for big vans

4 kW

Ford Transit, LDV Deliver 9

$$

Dieselheat DH15

Air + water combo unit

5 kW

Mid- to large campervans

$$$

Truma Combi D6

Premium air + water system

6 kW

Large vans or live-in setups

$$$$

Installation details

Item

Information

Inclusions

Heater unit, ducting, exhaust, air intake, wiring, fuses, fuel line, controller, testing, and safety check.

Mounting Options

Under-seat, under-floor, or rear compartment (depending on van model).

Fuel Supply

Tap into existing diesel tank or install a separate auxiliary tank.

Time Required

1 – 2 days (depending on access and van size).

Warranty

12-month workmanship warranty.

Compliance

Installed to meet NZS 5465 Green Warrant and ventilation standards.

Optional Extras

Hot-water integration, upgraded controller, dual ducts, external tank.

Before you book

A few things to check before your install:

  • Preferred mounting location (under-seat or external)
  • Existing diesel tank access
  • Space for ducting and exhaust routing
  • Any existing system you’re upgrading or replacing

RV repair

If your diesel heater is smoking, cutting out, making unusual noise, or failing to ignite, our RV repair service can help. We diagnose blocked fuel lines, worn glow plugs, faulty controllers, damaged exhaust systems, and wiring issues that stop heaters from running safely. Whether your unit needs a full service, new parts, or a complete replacement, we can restore reliable warmth and get your heating system running properly again.



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People are asking

Do diesel heaters work well in campervans and motorhomes?

Yes, diesel heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat a campervan or motorhome. They use very little fuel and power, and you can run them all night while off grid.

Are diesel heaters safe to use inside a campervan?

A diesel heater is safe when installed correctly. We run sealed combustion, dedicated air intake and exhaust piping, and install vents to prevent fumes entering the living area. Every diesel heater install includes leak checks and system testing.

Should I choose a branded diesel heater or a Chinese diesel heater?

We install both. Branded diesel heaters like Autoterm (Planar) and Webasto are quieter and come with better warranties. Chinese diesel heaters offer a budget option and perform well when installed professionally.

How much diesel does a diesel heater use?

Diesel heaters are extremely efficient. A typical 2 kW heater uses about 0.1 to 0.25 litres of diesel per hour, making them ideal for long overnight heating in winter.

Do I need a diesel heater in New Zealand?

If you plan on freedom camping in winter or in the South Island, a diesel heater keeps condensation down and keeps your van warm without running the engine. It makes off grid travel more comfortable and allows year round camping.

Where to find us

Based on Auckland's North Shore

Find us at our Auckland workshop, where we bring your campervan upgrades to life. Drop in for advice, quotes, or to see our latest installation projects in action.

Message us 0800 VANLIFE