Heating is what makes the difference between enjoying the camper in winter and having a rough time of it. There are several systems, each with its own advantages, maintenance needs and safety rules. Understanding yours will help you use it better, look after it and, above all, use it safely. Here's the rundown.
Types of heating
- Gas: the most common. Heats air (or water) by burning gas (butane/propane). Effective and self-contained, but uses gas and needs electricity for the fan and controls. Often combined with hot water (combi).
- Diesel: Webasto or Truma Combi D type. Uses the vehicle's own diesel; very practical for wintering, without depending on gas bottles. Also uses some battery power.
- Electric: resistance heaters running on 230V. Only useful at a campsite with a hookup (uses too much to run on battery alone). Good as backup during winter storage with electricity available.
The common factor: they all need electricity
Even though they burn gas or diesel, almost all heating systems need electricity for the fan, the pump and the electronics. In winter, with long, cold nights, that adds to your battery consumption right when solar panels produce less. Having enough electrical autonomy is key so you don't run out of heating in the early hours.
Maintenance and safety
- Periodic servicing of the system and the gas installation by a professional (the gas system has regulations and expiry dates).
- Carbon monoxide (CO) detector: essential. Any poorly ventilated combustion can be fatal; the detector saves lives (see gas safety).
- Don't block the vents for ventilation and exhaust.
- Clean and check the flue outlet and air inlets.
In summary
Heating can be gas, diesel or electric, and almost all of them need electricity to run, which in winter calls for good autonomy. The step you can take today: identify which system you have, give it the maintenance it needs (professional servicing, especially if it's gas), fit a CO detector if you don't already have one, and make sure you have enough battery for the cold nights. Combine this with the camper in winter.