The “propane creates condensation” narrative is only true for heaters that combust in the heated space like a Mr Buddy or the above examples.
Any forced air heater that exhausts outside the vehicle will not create condensation. There are propane options like propex that work exactly the same as a diesel heater and do not create any condensation.
Gotcha! So those options need an exhaust ran outside just like the diesel heaters?
Most of them don’t have that option as the combustion happening is the heat source, but some can.
i ran a buddy heater inside the camper the other day; I ran it on and off so no condensation issues. I only use that while hanging out inside the camper and to preheat the tent before I go to bed and before I get out of bed. I use a -25F sleeping bag so it’s completely ok to not run heater overnight.
However, I also have a diesel heater that I bought last year but never put together. I will be using that in the future.
My friend, on the other hand, has a Ecoflow Wave 2 that he uses as AC in summer and heater in winter. He likes it so far.
I had someone reach out to me about using the diesel heater - the biggest reason why I run it in the winter months is not only for warmth but also for the condensation and keeping the tent dry inside. It also allows me to open those triangle windows some in “most” situations and allow even more airflow.
Personally, I hated waking up with the ice build up inside and the diesel heater + carpeted headliner was the solution.
Recently went mountain camping with a companion. Got to around 30F at night. Not too cold, but cold enough. Especially for Californians. Before anyone flames me, I’m from North Dakota, I know what real cold is.
Inspired by the recent 12V blanket discussion, I brought along this inexpensive 100W blanket, which has much better coverage/much larger heated zones and plugs right into the AC power on my Goal Zero. The AC cord just barely fit in the gaps left in the front panel.
It was the perfect night of sleep. My companion and I were totally comfortable with the blanket on the lowest setting. We had a Hoverquilt on top, this heated blanket below us, and the new Turbo Nap mattress as the base. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Turbo nap feels warmer than the old mattress because it conforms so well to the body. The Goal Zero 1000x was at about 50% in the morning.
Link to inexpensive heated blanket for people with AC power.
How was the condensation?
No condensation to speak of, even with two people. But both vent windows were open halfway, and it’s awful dry up there. I don’t know if I expect this to solve condensation issues or not.
For a typical 12v battery, you really don’t want to discharge it less than 12v. Anything less than 12v is harder on the battery and you start to reduce the efficiency/capacity/lifespan in simple terms. Just keep that in mind if/when using a heater or other electrical accessories.
My God man, you took the radical step of employing the operable vents on your camper to achieve ventilation?! Are you mad?
My low-tech set up is a 1" memory foam mattress topper from GoWesty and an Aeronaut Hoverquit; I run their included straps under the mattress topper. The straps make a huge difference, especially keeping my feet covered as I’m a restless sleeper. Requires a vent open to minimize condensation. I preheat it for 5 minutes with an electric heater plugged into a Jackery so the memory foam is warm and soft when I climb in. Comfortable into the teens, haven’t been lower than that (yet).
I also have the Hoverquilt and love it but preheating makes a huge difference. Ive been thinking about using an electric heater as well since I got an Ecoflow to help power one for a bit just to warm things up. I have a Mr. Buddy and they just get too hot too fast and not interested in dealing with a diesel heater. What electric heater are you running?
I’ll check tomorrow and let you know. It’s a simple 110ac unit I got at ace hardware that had the lowest draw I could find. Don’t hesitate to remind me if I forget. I also turn it on in the morning to get me out from under the blankets. Power consumption is minimal.
I’m going to add an Ignik flipside heated bed cover just because I’m a sissy about being cold…
I appreciate it! I did a quick search on Ace’s website and was surprised at the number of options they have lol I like that a lot of them have a timer which would be nice, but minimal power consumption would be priority for sure.
I see you’re also in San Diego so yeah not a huge fan of extreme cold temps either lol
Awesome, thank you! That should work perfectly for what I’m looking for.
I ran the Ignik heated top blanket with the @AERONAUT hoverquilt and it was the best sleep I have had in the cold weather. I ran it off of my jackery 1000 and I was so comfortable and cozy all night long. The hoverquilt is by the best piece of gear I have.
Dream setup!! Thanks for sharing the love Tim 
I use two USB heated blankets since i can in negative temps. I wrap my battery with one vlanket so it is useable in the cold and run one in the tent. The draw is ~20w from both.
I tried an electric blanket from walmart that pulled 68w and was way too hot on low. I use Zonli blankets currently
So we’re exploring some fun ideas for late 2024 … any pain points or stuff people don’t like about current heated blankets (top or under)? 5v, 12v, packability, washability, materials, feeling wires, etc?
We’ve got some really interesting stuff in the works but … How would you improve on what’s out there?
What would be your dream setup?
