High Altitude Gasoline Heater for Camper Vans ?

Having realized that electric heating in sub 10°F (-16°C) weather would actually consume more fossil fuel than using a fuel based heater, the hunt was on to find a high altitude 12V gasoline heater that can be fed directly from the Ford Transit's gas tank.

Did not want to mess with a non-vented portable propane heater, such as the non-catalytic MrBuddy or the Olympian catalytic heater. Those reject their combustion gases in the living space. No thanks.

Yes, portable propane heaters can safely be used in a van if appropriate safety measures are taken (Low-O2 & CO alarms, venting, clearances, tip-over, maintenance...). But we went with a heater that uses an exchanger design for the following reasons:

• Safety: separate combustion & air heating circuits. I.e. combustion gases released outside the vehicle. No CO2 / CO / PMs / HCs in the living space

• Comfort: no need to crank open a window or use an outside Maxxair-like fan

• Comfort and build integrity: no massive water vapor emission in the living space. No moisture or frost on interior surfaces and inside the wall cavities

• Storage: no extra space needed for the propane canisters

• Dependable: no running out of fuel if we didn't procure enough canisters

• Running costs: gasoline is much cheaper than propane canisters

But that's just us. Many happily use portable propane heaters in their vans.

So, back to gasoline heaters: unfortunately, most RV heaters are diesel based or can not run at high altitude.

Autoterm / Planar Air 2D HA: $690, 2KW (7000BTU), up to 8500' (2600m) claimed by sellers though the manufacturer lists 13500'(?), diesel only

Webasto Air Top 2000 STC: $1300, 2KW, manual adjust only up to 5500' (1700m), gasoline version

Webasto Air Top Evo 40: $2000, 4KW, 7000' (2200m) with option up to 5500m(?), diesel only

Espar / Eberspacher Airtronic B2L AS3: $2200, 2KW, 10.000' (3000m), gasoline

'Chinese Diesel Heaters': a ton of sellers out there peddling copies of the older Eberspacher models, $110-180, 2KW, some have a 'plateau function' for up to 18000' (5500m yeah right... 😂), diesel only

[Update Aug'23] Velit just released a $650 4KW gasoline heater with true thermostat control (unit completely turns off once temp reached) and barometer for operation at up to 4800m. Same casing / cast / fan as the cheap Chinese diesel heaters, but proprietary combustion chamber & electronics. In-depth review here: Mispronounced Adventures

Here is an excellent tech talk video from specialized resellers (VMACS & Vanlife Outfitters) discussing the physics and limitations of diesel / gasoline heaters at high altitude with a knowledgeable webasto technician. Starts at 10:00 Vanlife Outfitters Webasto - High Altitude Scoop

So, since our goal is to van camp at 8000' (2400m) in the Rockies, it makes the choice for a heater easy: only the $2200 Espar B2L can use gasoline at that altitude. Done 😎 (UPDATE: or the much more affordable new Velit!)

Yeah, wait, but no... Not shelling out that amount of dough for a burner. A 2 to 5X markup for a safe and reliable product ? Absolutely yes ! 12 to 20X ? Absolutely no 😡

Instead, the plan is to get a cheap 'Chinese diesel heater' and adapt it for gasoline and high altitude operation.

This is a VERY STUPID plan. We're talking about possibly not waking up due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Or an exploding heater, or fire under the van, from unburned fuel. Or freezing to death, immobilized in a -25°F (-31°C) snowstorm, because the heater stopped working 😱

To draw an analogy: there are many well known reasons why most gas or liquid fueled camping stoves do not work well at high altitude. Moreover, they all use a lighter, a match or a spark to get started, when a 12V heater only has... a glow plug.

Again: very very schtoopid...