Words and photos from 
4wd talk
Reliable heating solutions are always on the radar of folks like you and me who enjoy a good camping trip, even if there’s a significant chill in the air.
Portable diesel heaters like mine from Planar Heaters have emerged as versatile companions for these applications – I use mine to heat my various ground tents, and I also loan it out on trips when I’ve got friends who need heat for their tents.
This article dives into the multifaceted uses of portable diesel heaters, with a primary focus on enhancing camping experiences in tents, camper trailers, RVs, and camper vans. Beyond the campfire, we’ll explore their utility in everyday settings.
Let’s get started!
Camping Comfort: Warming Up the Great Outdoors with Portable Diesel Heaters
Embarking on a camping adventure often involves facing the unpredictable elements of the great outdoors. As the sun sets and temperatures drop, the need for warmth becomes paramount. Portable diesel heaters emerge as indispensable companions, transforming the camping experience into a cozy and comfortable retreat.
Tents: Embracing Warmth in the Wilderness
Tents, though synonymous with the thrill of sleeping under the stars, can quickly become chilly when nighttime temperatures plummet. Enter the portable diesel heater – a compact and efficient solution for creating a warm haven in the midst of the wilderness.
These heaters, like my Planar 4kw portable diesel heater, are designed with the nomadic camper in mind and boast portability and ease of use. Setting up a diesel heater in a tent involves minimal effort, yet the impact on the camping experience is profound.
There are SO many features I love about my heater that make it an ideal companion for tent camping:
- It produces warm, dry heat instantly.
- The unit sits outside the tent, with the heat ducted inside. This lessens the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- It runs on diesel or kerosene and only needs a 12-volt battery to run all weekend long.
- It’s equipped with a silencer, so you can get a good night’s rest without worrying about a loud heater keeping you up all night.
- It can work at high elevations, which is a necessity for my trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The fact that this unit comes in a bright yellow waterproof and crushproof case is a nice touch, as it ensures long-term durability. The wired remote is also a prime feature, so I can adjust the temperature of the heater without getting out of bed. Nice!
Camper Trailers: Bringing the Heat on the Road
But a portable diesel heater isn’t just for tent camping…
For those seeking a blend of adventure and comfort, camper trailers offer a mobile home-away-from-home experience. The compact confines of trailers present a unique challenge when temperatures dip, making portable diesel heaters a perfect solution. Efficient and fuel-conscious, these heaters cater to the needs of road trippers, providing warmth in compact spaces.
The versatility of diesel heaters extends to their compatibility with camper trailers, offering a cost-effective means of extending travel plans without constant refueling. Safety remains paramount, and you should adhere to manufacturer guidelines for proper installation and usage.
Whether parked in a scenic location for the night or navigating through diverse climates, a portable diesel heater ensures that the camper trailer is a warm and inviting space throughout the journey. As the wheels roll through changing landscapes, the comfort of a diesel heater allows travelers to focus on the adventure ahead, unencumbered by the chill of the open road.
RVs and Camper Vans: Cozy Travels in Cold Climates
Recreational vehicles and camper vans epitomize the freedom of the open road, offering a home on wheels for those who crave the nomadic lifestyle. However, staying comfortable in these vehicles during cold weather can be a challenge if they aren’t equipped with heaters. Portable diesel heaters step in as reliable companions, efficiently warming the interiors of RVs and camper vans.
Designed to operate quietly, diesel heaters ensure a peaceful and warm atmosphere inside the RV or van. Fuel efficiency is a key advantage, allowing you to extend your journeys without the constant need for refueling. For example, my Planar portable diesel heater can run for about eight hours on about ¾ gallons of fuel.
Safety features such as automatic shut-off mechanisms contribute to a worry-free heating experience, enabling you to focus on the joy of the journey rather than the chill of the climate. Whether traversing snow-covered landscapes or enjoying a cool evening at a campsite, a portable diesel heater enhances the coziness of RVs and camper vans, making every mile a warm and memorable adventure.
Heating Workspaces Efficiently with Portable Diesel Heaters
Garages require versatile heating solutions that can adapt to different needs. Portable diesel heaters shine in these settings, offering the flexibility needed to address various requirements. From keeping your workspace warm during winter vehicle repairs to providing a cozy corner for working with wood or metal, these heaters prove to be adaptable and effective.
The versatility of diesel heaters is evident in their ability to efficiently heat both large and small garage spaces. My 4kw Planar heater has a compact design that allows for easy maneuverability, ensuring that heat can be directed precisely where I need it.
This adaptability extends to the types of fuel it can use – diesel or kerosene – which increases the convenience of the unit. Whether it’s a classic car restoration project or a home improvement endeavor you’re taking on, the presence of a portable diesel heater in the garage ensures that the space remains warm and inviting, fostering a conducive atmosphere for all sorts of activities.
Emergency Heating: A Lifesaver in the Cold
In times of crisis, when the power grid falters or extreme weather disrupts the regular comforts of home, emergency heating becomes a crucial lifeline. Portable diesel heaters step into this role as reliable and efficient sources of warmth, offering solutions that are especially vital during power outages or other emergency situations.
Power outages, whether caused by severe weather, natural disasters, or unexpected technical issues, can plunge homes into darkness and cold. In these critical moments, diesel heaters emerge as a prime option for providing a rapid and independent source of heat. Their operation is not reliant on electricity, making them resilient when the power grid is compromised.
Diesel heaters are designed for simplicity, too. My Planar Heaters unit shown above just requires fuel and a 12-volt or 24-volt power source, and it’s ready to rumble! This makes them an ideal choice for emergency situations, where the ability to quickly restore warmth is paramount.
Additionally, their fuel efficiency ensures that even in extended power outages, you can rely on a consistent supply of heat. As I said earlier, my Planar Heaters portable diesel heater uses about ¾ of a gallon of fuel in about eight hours, giving you long-lasting heat. In other words, a heater like this can become a lifeline that helps you endure the cold and uncertainty until normalcy is restored.
Remember, too, that heaters like this are durably built and offer safety features that minimize worry and maximize performance. When you’re faced with a situation in which you don’t have home heat for some reason, the last thing you want is to wonder if your heater will run through the night. With a Planar Heaters unit in hand, all you have to do is enjoy consistent, warm, dry heat!
Final Thoughts on Portable Diesel Heaters
From the serene landscapes of camping sites to a chilly garage to a power outage at home, portable diesel heaters prove to be indispensable companions. Of course, there are many other applications for these heaters, too, including:
- Tailgating and sporting events
- Outdoor events like weddings
- Warming huts, ice fishing huts, and other primitive spaces for outdoor activities
The versatility, efficiency, and safety features of portable diesel heaters make them a valuable asset across a spectrum of applications, providing warmth and comfort where it’s needed most. Whether you’re embarking on a camping adventure, need backup heat at home, or something in between, these heaters are a reliable source of heat.
I’ve used my Planar Heaters portable diesel heater for several years now in varying locations and environments, and I could not be happier with it. It’s easy to transport, easy to use and puts out an incredible amount of heat. You can check it out in my video above or by visiting Planar Heaters!
