I feel that, so tempted to see if I can mount mine inside the passenger fender well somehow… I’m not adverse to putting holes in my bed…
the heater came with a cable that ends in ring terminals, so for now I’m just packing my optima yellow top. It’s very simple, runs for many nights on a charge & I can also connect it to my solar panel to top off if I’m worried. When not using, I just pull both units and drop in the garage. I could also power from my goal zero 500x, but see no need. May eventually do a battery box with all of the ins-outs, but not short-term.
Inverters are, in my opinion, unnecessary for most people. The CLA port, or multiple USB, will suffice. I am more interested in a DC-DC connection so the battery inside the box can charge from either the running alternator OR the solar panel. The red arc kit from CEP plus a $200 solar rig from renogy is my likely solution. Under $1k, then add whatever battery you have around. Eventually add 100Ah lithium and now you’re at $1600-1800.
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And this is all preference- but I like removing my rig between trips somewhat. I want an empty truck bed when not out on a big trip & the diesel heater is only necessary for a portion of the year in our region. All subjective.
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I clipped off the ring terminals and put on APP connectors. Nice and easy to plug into the GZ.
Here is how mine is mounted! @ScottH and I spitballed ideas on exhaust.
Used it prob 5-6 nights so far. @psymmes loving my bag btw!
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That’s rad. Not gonna lie, I did order some 12” 3M double Velcro strips and I’m hunting down dirt cheap bags online to make my own “mounted storage” for $20. Hah.
Question for you guys that are running a heater. Where are you putting your fuel tank? I absolutely do not want fuel in the bed of our truck. Anyone running a small fuel tank in the engine compartment?
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So mine it’s in the bed but my unit in the pic is an all in one.
I’ve had it inside for 2 months now with no spillage or smell. Love your rig btw.
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Thanks so much! That’s great feedback as well. Have you off roaded with that in there as well? Curious if any fuel splashes past the lid while the truck is getting tipped around.
I’ve ridden plenty of forest service roads down in the San Juan’s and down by Westcliffe with no issues. Did one section of gnarly 4wd and that still seemed fine.
I didn’t keep it full though, maybe 1/2 - 2/3.
I had read about people saying the caps leaked but fingers crossed I’ve been fine.
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This is a real struggle in my setup. I made the mistake of throwing out the filling tube that came with the Jerry can I modified. So mine does leak and it’s extremely shitty! I’ve had multiple diesel scented sleeps. I am currently looking at locations close to the heater as that little pump only has so much power. I’ve been investigating quick connect solutions but that still means having something to ‘hook up’ when I park. Which is what I’m looking to get further away from.
So at this point, I’m starting to investigate Un-leaded fuel heaters but know that the combustion process in these diesel may work, it does not seem that it would be as efficient as a two or four stroke system which would require a great deal more electronics and create MUCH more noise. It sure would be nice to plumb the heater into an existing fuel tank. This is where the Sprinter van’s have a HUGE advantage.
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My unit has a fuel cell attached, which does not leak - provided you stop every once in awhile and burp the tank. It also sits upright by default, which helps. My spare fuel cell is rotopax - so it’s stored on the swing hitch.
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Great to hear man, thanks for the photo!
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The same style heaters also come in gas versions from the established companies. Try terms like petrol and parking heater. I see many diesel heaters that say they can also burn gas, but never looked in to doing it full time. I like the idea of being tapped in to the main tank or even having an auxiliary tank for diesel mounted under the truck. The best way in the bed would be to have a vent that exited somewhere and of course a fill that seals properly.
Quick disconnects still will have fuel smell when you break the connection (Used Jiffy-Tite quick disconnects on my track car).
Switch to K1 Kerosene, less smell and cleaner combustion.
My next upgrade might be this fuel cell, https://a.co/d/6fncrTj
The ultimate setup would be to have a fuel cell/fill neck outside the cabin of the truck.
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Definitely the ideal goal would be to have a fuel cell under the truck or between the bed and the fender panel with a fill valve in the fender. I’m not bothered by cutting holes on our truck, just as long as they look good lol.
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I would like to have the heater behind the fender also
Yeah, the 12v CLA adaptor and associated quick-connects are en route. Will make the existing power cable compatible with either/or. Good call.
Have you considered pulling the fuel from the fuel cell that is on your swing hitch? That is the other option that we are considering or putting a fuel cell under the truck and routing a fill neck from the fender.
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