I cut a 7” strip off one of our square panels and covered it with outdoor fabric. We have an XL width so still plenty of room for two. We were always looking for a spot for water bottles, phones, and stuff too big for the roof storage. But I added the AC Infinity USB vent fans to help circulate some warm air from below similar to @benawheeler.
The original cushion cover is just folded into itself so you can add the foam back and go full width if needed. It’s also nice to just leave the little section out as I have seen others do in the past. When I’m solo I just leave the entire square open.
FINALLY, got the diesel heater fuel pump DEAD quiet! No more pulsing noise or vibration from the pump. Loudest thing now is the fan and heat blowing through the ducting; which is a nice white noise. A true luxury, well worth the $160. Some pictures below of it installed.
Also, I noticed when I was snow camping with the heater, I could feel drafts of cold air ingressing from all inside the Tacoma bed. I decided the easiest thing to do was try to seal up the holes with HVAC foil tape. The 1st gen Tacoma has a ridiculous amount of holes inside the bed! I decided on using the less aggressive adhesive foil tape with acrylic adhesive instead of the permanent Butyl adhesive (incase I decided I wanted to spray a bed liner later on).
Addressed the air gap on the bottom of the tailgate. Bought some reinforced chemical resistant Buna Rubber sheet, and bonded it with some 3M VHB double-sided tape.
The controller sucks. Too many menus, not enough instructions. Every time I thought I figured it out, it would throw a code. PITA. I want to switch the controller to a knob one that is simple. Plus the LED lights are not bright enough for me. (Might sell some left over parts soon if anyone is interested)
Something is smoking, but it could be the exhaust wrap. It eventually stopped.
There is an in/out for the fuel pump/correct way of positioning it.
In my setup, i need more airflow. Ordering a 12v computer fan when I order the controller.
Last step is to order a hole saw to route the ducting into my bed. I have a few plastic elbows to help get it in.
I think I have $150 on top of the price of the 2kw heater, and including the HF case. Not too bad.
Great long weekend of winter camping in Wyoming. Only people there for days! Sketchy as heck drive home with 50mph winds icing over the roads. Truck was sliding like crazy.
Heater worked great. Cooked and played games and it was upper 60s up top. We did turn it off to go to bed but slept toasty in our 15 degree down bags.
Haha, I had the same thought and reactions. Girlfriend on Wednesday night found it looking at GoogleMaps and suggested it. It is Alcova Reservoir. We didn’t see a single person all 3 days. Plenty of organized sites on the water but also quit a few we found on BLM land above the reservoir we almost explored. Chose not too since we were alone
You probably would never ever be able to open a side panel ever again but I would love to put in the heater they use in the alu-cabs…. The Dickerson one and route the chimney out the side like what @WileyDavis did
I built a diesel heater in an apache case and it works wonderfully! I don’t need it in the camper year round either so just easier to carry when needed.
I bought one of the cheap Chinese heaters off of Amazon. I am actually pretty impressed at the volume of dry heat this machine can push out and with minimal fuel consumption. It cost in the neighborhood of $125 and was pretty easy to set up (install exhaust & air intake pipes). Way quieter than I imagined (almost zero exhaust sound). Came with an easy to use remote (ON, OFF, UP/DOWN [heat]). I have a 16’ insulted duct/hose coming that will get the air up and into my tent. I imagine a $500 or $1000 unit would be even more amazing. Anyway, diesel heat is definately a game changer in my book (right up there with solar).
We definitely planned the build for awhile. I put the GFC deposit down over 2 years ago and just finally pulled the trigger & picked it up this month. This timeframe allowed us to plan the RIGD components (arriving tomorrow) the one-step instant “heater in a box” and the solar rig.
I think the Chinese versions are also fine. I opted for the Planar bc I have a lack of mechanical skills, wanted minimal maintenance, and wanted something that would potentially have less buildup. I read the 2kw versions can be easier to maintain bc you can run them at 40-70% vs running a massively powerful unit at 10% and having subsequent buildup. In any case, easy and more pricey or slightly less easy and way cheaper = but get a diesel heater and you will be thrilled!
