Im from Alaska and burn wood and diesel. When Inleave my cabin for days or weeks I leave the Sears Kenmore pot burner heater on. Outside I have a 55 gal steel barell on a stand about 6 ft off the ground. Gravity feed( with a cabinet with steep roof to shed snow. It is totally gravity feed. If we dont use winter blend diesel it jells up. Set at its lowest setting it burns about a gallon a day. Keeps the cabin just a few degrees above freezing. I have been gone 3 weeks at average 30 below and come into a seeminhly hot cabin with the wood burner on standby nicely liaded to light. No electrics or blower. The only down side is that if you just install it with a common stack wind gusts will blow the flame out..( nothing occurs it just has to be lit again) there is a device called a flapper you instal in the stack that just flaps open relieving the pressure surge in the stack so doesn't bliw the flame out. Only downer is it just lightly soreads finite amounts if soot. ( So has to be iutside ir will make a really shitty mess in the cabin if you instal it inside. Mine was made in the early 50s abd still perfect. Sometimes in the summer it is goid to ckean iut the float valve. 80 mile hike into the bush of the Mentasta mountain range from base camp on the GlennAllen hwy. I paid $50 for it nearly new in the early 60s yeah Im an old BushRatt. ( 80 yrs old) 😂😂😂
So build a skirting kit that seals the underside down to the ground. Roll it up and store it in tubing on top of truck. 2 inch foam panels on windows. Stop the heat loss. Then put the wood stove back, wood is everywhere, free. Diesrl is not and far to complicated and requires electricity....and money....and a tank. If the stove is efficient and uses outside air for combustion a load should easily burn 8 hours IF you leave adjust it to 40F, so what. It will be cold in the morning but not freezing.
I'm a retired heat technician from fairbanks alaska. I use a monitor heater, and I use two gallons per day to heat a two stroy house . So one there not efficient two They don't burn the shoot off it builds up in the stack . Three don't run the line outside to drip on the ground. Run it back to the tank . Supply and return. And for what you paid for that one v you could buy several Chinese diesel's heaters and have 1 for backup .
I bought the Eberspacher diesel heater when my RV propane heater died. It took some installation effort; no moisture, no fumes as it’s vented outside. Very quiet, very efficient on fuel and electricity.
@@twboegel2918 The exception doesn't prove the rule - WHY are there forums dedicated to modifying/trouble shooting and unscrambling the nightmares associated with an inferior copy IF they are so fantastic. I've got a crate full of failed examples. Pot luck or die trying!
"@@dancarter482 The exception doesn't prove the rule", I've always hated that expression. That phrase is almost as valid as " ice cream doesn't have bones or my canoe doesn't have a steering wheel". You ask WHY... I'll tell you why. The reason is because of the fact that they are using shite... other than diesel, for fuel. Try putting some of the gunk that they are trying to use into a Eberspacher diesel ( which of course Eberspacher says not to ) and you'll have the same amount of forums dedicated to modifying/trouble shooting and unscrambling the nightmares associated Eberspacher units. Not that I'm a fan of Chinese crap but for @ $130 the latest Vevor is hard to beat.
Used Dickinson heaters and stoves for years in yachts and work boats. Good reliable heat and on the larger ones the ability to cook or boil water is a plus. You didn't mention that you have to clean the burner pot occasionally as carbon chunks will form and incorrect draft will cause a oily black soot to form. Also found toilet paper work's better for lighting as is doesn't seem to create as many carbon chunks. Just passing along my 35 years of experience with Dickinson heaters. Cheers
@@HanginwiththeHursts I have a Dutch _Kabola_ which is similar but it has a big coil and backburner plumbed into radiators. You start it with a generous splash of methylated spirits. The meth's is the best way to clean it too. Just run it on meths without turning on the fuel tap and it burns off all the carbon - smells great too. Big fan of Reflecks diesel stoves, that will be my go-to system in the next project living space. Skip Novak has them in his antarctic exploration boats!
@@HanginwiththeHursts Damn, yeah spelling meltdown this morning. Actually own 3 of them!! My bus one is a little 3kw which is compact and neat - the others I had intended to fit but were overkill 6kw.
Looks good the only thing that I did on mine was cut out some cabinetry and the setae on my boat so I mounted it as low as I could. By doing this the heat is low (where you want it) and the chimney is at least 4 feet tall inside the space (radiating more heat) and lower temperatures (safer) exiting thru the top of your rig. Also, the 4-5-foot chimney makes for a great draw so you can minimize the fan usage. Go to Dickinson Diesel Heater best install ever.
This is a great overview of this heater. I think it’s a great option if you can cut a hole in your roof. I really like the water heating option. Very cool.
This is the exact same heater that i purchased for my airstream renovation. These are legit, single purchase, stable heating fire boxes! I even bought the extra two metering stems so i can change em out to use kerosene or cooking oil. I think more RV and van people should look into them. Also, when paired with a quality roof vent like maxxair or fantastic, you can set the thermostat temperature on them to vent at a certain temp. So the heater just heats, and anytime it gets above 80 or something, it will pull the hot air out to regulate the temperature.
i don't need a stove nor i live in a van but i listened to it all and i could keep listening to you explaining anything i suppose. Gonna be a great youtuber if you keep it up
I designed my tiny home to be able to be heated by 6 candles. What I mean by that is the insulation, square footage and materials used inside and out. I can’t start from the cold and heat this way but I can hold the heat this way. I specifically wrote down each issue I have with my experience over the years and fixed as many of the issues I could to make this tiny-home work well. One of those fixes was a fresh air heat exchanger which a lot of modern houses don’t even have. My window is tripple pane and the door was one of the most expensive items I bought. Air conditioning is a must in a design like this as the room is so tight and small the heat from a computer can make the room undesirable fast. I actually plan on making a box these devices can sit in so I can transfer the heat outside when I don’t want it inside.
Webasto diesel heater is in almost every single semi in America. With 7 million drivers roughly it has a proven record. My current truck has 1,000,000 miles and it has never failed. They are a third of the size of that heater you have. I’m sure it works great but spaces are premium inside any vehicle. For those looking for reliable heat, I would recommend looking into their product.
You require an external power supply, glow plugs don't last 1 million miles either. Your system is noisy and requires a mechanical electrical pump and you don't get a warm radiant even heat as this chap does. Happy trucking fella 🤢
@@Moonlightshadow-lq4fr Good points on either side - was looking for that. Pretty much all is points are made :-) I do see a good use for both kinds of heaters. If space permits, I would go with the heater shown, because it's not needing electricity (not relevant in a trucking environment), and because it creates radiant heat. Everyone who did look into this must come to the conclusion that heated a (and forced) air is the worst heat possible for many reasons. The advantage of forced air is that it relatively fast creates a bit warmer feel, but this warmth is at the same time very uncomfortable. If all surfaces are cold, and the air is hot, it's nasty. Wherever I can, I would install both, because depending on the situation it's great to have options - but always keeping in mind, that quiet and radiant heat is the one to prefer.
You are correct about being used in the trucks, but the volume yiu are heating is much smaller than a bus or large RV. They might be good enough for smaller rvs. As they say, YMMV.
@@Moonlightshadow-lq4fr The heat from that heater in the vid is fine for the living, cooking area, but the heat can not be blown to for and aft. Fan forced diesel heaters are used all over the world in yachts, and the Dickenson is a Canadian product, seen mostly in NA. 😉🇨🇦
@@yxcvmk Almost every boat manufacturer in the world uses diesel forced air heaters. The Germans invented them, and the Chinese copied them. Trucks, boats, RV,s and personal vehicles, Heavy Equipment, Cranes just to name a few.
The Webasto style Diesel heaters burn cleaner and more efficient. Timer and remote are a benefit. But this diesel heater creates a nice cosy atmosphere
Oh my! I have one of those chinese diesel heaters (of which I'm really happy about) and had no idea these things existed. They definitely look nice!! Interesting!!
Great informative video. I had forgotten about these stove/heaters, I have a Thermopride diesel fired heater in my house in Seattle, it provides hot dry heat. I’m going to circle back around and look at the Dickenson heater again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
I can see right away that your combined system with the diesel stove and the in-floor heating plus the circulation from the heat pump keeps your build dry and free from condensation. Obviously a higher cost and installation time... but a long term win. Thanks for a great explaination.
it's the in-room draft & outside chimney combo that takes the moisture out, you could probably do an equivalent with a Chinese Diesel heater if you think it through carefully - plumb the heated-air inlet through the floor & let the warm moist air find its own way out.
While the price isn't as inexpensive as a Chinese Diesel heater, it isn't outrageously over priced either. It looks to me like one of those products in which you get what you pay for. Safety is always my biggest concern with RV heating and this seems safer and more reliable that a small woodstove, a built in propane heater or a cheap Chinese Diesel heater. Thanks for the video
Ya, and when the flame gets blown out, and the fuel keeps dropping 🤔 don't ever leave a pot burner in attended, or you will end up with a floor full of diesel fuel 😉🇨🇦
These are a very nice bit of kit, justin credible Had the propane version in his Van. Super cool for somebody Van dwelling. I, on the other hand in the industry that I was in expediting. In a sprinter, Van chose to go with a diesel heater because I was hauling freight and living in my van at the same time. Thanks for the video buddy, very informative and a pleasure to watch.
Very helpful thank you!! Question? is there a benefit to adding a fuel filter? You are a an effective teacher, a good skillset : ) for that alone I will subscribe and follow! Im planning a shuttle bus build, ding my due diligence, your video is very helpful with all the insight and detail I needed for an informed decision! So appreciate that!!
Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience. This seems to be the best way to heat my boat I´ll plan to live on in the future. Never thought about a diesel heater with visible flames... 👍🏻🔥
I have two different sailboats and I've got two different heaters. My larger boat has the Dickinson in it and I'm using my smaller sailboat as a test bed to test the Chinese diesel heater. I would recommend having both
The alternative to constantly feeding a wood burner is to upgrade to anthracite coal (with a stove specifically made for coal) and/or building thermal mass around the heater to absorb relatively high 'flash' heat for slow release later (the principle of nordic masonry ovens). Of course the thermal mass will be very heavy for a vehicle, but you might have or build an RV that can handle that.
I have used Dickinson diesel heaters on boats in Alaska for years and love them. My question is how does the stove perform at altitude? As you note, the fuel/air ratio is critical. I have wondered if they might not run sooty at higher elevations. The carburetor is adjustable, but that would be a pain to do on the regular.
@@HanginwiththeHursts I have thought as much, but was I was wondering if you had experience at altitude. I can say from experience that you'll be unhappy with the results if it runs too rich and you coat your rig or any neighbors with soot.
I find these of course expensive and high maintenance; they are finicky. The new Chinese diesel heaters are amazing. They are low cost and most anyone can installl it. I put mine outside in vented box and run the pipe with the heat through a protected hole; that's it. If you need to replace it; no problem as it is five times cheaper than this setup in the video. The dry heat is amazing.
I've built a boot room outside my dwelling and put the CDH in it. I put two ducts, one for pumping heat inside and the other pulls air from my dwelling to be reheated.
@@margaretlemmon1143 I ran a 3 inch duct from inside and connected it to the diesel heater so it pulls air from inside to be heated instead of heating the outside air, which is much colder. Edit: the diesel heater has an fresh air inlet and warm air outlet, which are both 3 inch. I've just mounted the unit right outside my RV and connected ducting.
I totally agree. I have an Autotherm diesel heater. It works reliably, starts on the press of a button, the air vents blow the hot air towards the floor for a better temperature distribution. The heater is below the car and don‘t takes space inside. It isn‘t dripping diesel either, just sucks at the car fuel tank, so again no additional space, filling up of a separate tank.
OR... Just spend about 10% and get a Chinese diesel heater. I've had one running for four years with no issues. I also run several fans that are usb to keep the air circulating. Cheap, efficient, easily replaceable if something goes wrong.
When the wind blows over my house plumbing vent it can pull the water in the toilet down an inch. Happened the other day and I called my neighbor and their's was doing it to. That valve is cool.
You gound the tough way to start it up and not what Dickenson recommended to me. Cout a disk of fiberglass cloth and place it in the bottom if the well so it can become soaked with diesel. Open the control knob all the way and let a little puddle of diesel form, soaking the fiberglass disk. Put alcohol in a squeeze bottle. Squirt some into the chamber. I dont know how much. Enough. Enough to burn for a few minutes. A tabespoon?. Stick a long grill lighter in and light the alcohol. Run the draft fan at the bottom to get the heat going. Once vaporization starts you can speed up the fan. Then once it's running nicely you can stop the fan. The Newport is great because it is a steady source of heat. I once had mine glowing red in about 10 minutes.
Dickenson "owes" you for this because I know I am buying one for sure! There are a couple other companies that sell heater systems that can heat your floor and they run almost 10K!! THANK YOU for making this video. Will you make one that shows how you did the floors PLEASE??
I thought this was going to be another snake oil sales pitch but boy was I wrong :) Yes go for the water loop $50 is nothing for a bit of warm water, constant too. The entire setup sounds a bit expensive but it is made professionally and has all the required safety system you would want so $1000 bucks well spent. You have to feel sorry for all those that pay a couple hundred bucks for those Chinese diesel heaters though, having to put up with the noise and require electricity supply and those god awful pumps ticking away like big ben clock under your pillow 😂 never mind the guys who constantly have to take them apart to clean them when they penny pinch with dirty oil 🤣🤣 Great informative video.
I thought the Dickinson was propane?? I have one of those Chinese diesel heaters in my big rig out there in the flying Jay parking lot right now, and for the first time, it won't even blow any air. I'm in Mandan, ND, and it's cold. It worked well last year, but now it seems to need service. Been looking into this and other options for my pickup truck camping setup. Thx for the video! I swear I was thinking this was a propane heater though 🤷♂️
Dickinson also makes a propane version. They look surprisingly similar but operate very differently. I sincerely wish you good luck on repairing your heater and keeping warm. Stay save out there
So build a skirting kit that seals the underside down to the ground. Roll it up and store it in tubing on top of truck wheen not needed. 2 inch foam panels on windows. Then put the wood stove back. If the stove is efficient and uses outside air for combustion a load should burn 6 hours, so what. It will be cold in the morning but not freezing. And all of this diesel stuff is crazy complicated and expensive and wastes inside heated air....why?
Because a realistic expectation for average burn time in a cubic mini stove with the wood available in most camping scenarios is more like one hour while a diesel heater can keep ticking without intervention for as long as you need. Granted that 1500 bucks for one of these is very high end but there are far cheaper ones available. I hate diesel and the noisy design but I don't think there is currently anything better in terms of compact, reliable, hands-off comfort for a camper van...although 12V electric clothing and blankets are a pretty frugal and clever option if you have the battery.
the fan simply forces air to move more quickly between the outer shell and the firebox. There IS air movement, and an exchange, of warm with cool air, going on, in that space, even at low settings, but at higher settings, the firebox - and the air surrounding it -having increased in temps, would like to, but, due to the volume and limited openings, doesn't escape the vents of the outer shell much quicker. That's where forcing air through it makes sense. More warm air is being delivered, and in a small space, makes a big difference. It's just warmer! I found the original, alum-bladed, ''variable speed' fan on my Dickinson to be way too noisy, so replaced it with a much quieter plastic-bladed biscuit fan. I couldn't get the original rheostat to drive the new 12V fan, so replaced that with a cheap 3-speed switch - just to see how that goes. So far, so good! Btw, the fan does NOT put extra air into the combustion chamber OR into the flue. It only moves more air through the heater, increasing the circulation of (warmed) air in your space.
Hi, Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I appreciate your experience and opinion. I am looking at the Dickinson manual that was provided with my stove and says the following. "This appliance is equipped with a 12v draft assist fan. While running the fan is not required in order to light and operate the appliance, it is strongly recommended as it will offer you a greater degree of control over the quality of combustion in the burner. When to use the draft assist fan Use the fan during light-up, for higher fuel settings or if conditions are unusually windy. Draft generated within the chimney is responsible for drawing fresh air into the burner where it feeds the flames. During the lighting procedure while heat & draft are beginning to develop in the burner & chimney, the draft assist fan will provide an adjustable supply of air which will make it easier to balance combustion. Note: Without a draft assist fan, you must rely on fuel adjustment alone to keep the flames in the burner burning clean (blue to yellow) and reduce fuel if the flames become too rich (orange to red). When to turn off the fan Once the appliance has reached operating temperature, when set to fuel settings below #3 the draft assist fan can typically be shut-off. When set to fuel settings 4 or 5, the extra assistance from the draft assist fan may still be needed. For installs set up with the minimum permissible chimney height, or in installs where flue elbows are present, the draft assist fan may be required to balance lower fuel settings also." It appress to actually push air into the firebox to control the air fuel mixture. maybe our stoves are different?
@@HanginwiththeHursts okay i'm an idiot! they're different alright, mine is the propane variety - my mistake! I just sorta skimmed the video thanks for the explain. Diesel requiring some preheat to burn cleanly, but propane also burns optimally when warm. I guess I heard you to imply that ALL of the fan-driven air went into the burn chamber (and up the flue), but in reality it is only a small amount....... Need a ''glow plug'' in there!
Tiny stainless steel woodstoves are all over Amazon suddenly. Under $200, marketed as tent stoves. Ours works great. Also you have wheels, move to the warm
I’ll have to check out those wood stoves! I wish I could move as freely as i wish but my job keeps me in areas that get cold. One of my ambulance friends @lostbox4636 uses the butter 🧈 method. “ If the butter is hard, head south. If the butter is melting 🫠 head north.” 😆
It will run on low One or two? Perhaps yes, but if you have to turn it up you don't have electricity. You don't have a fan and you will get carbon and it will eventually shut itself off. I had that problem
For something much simpler than a fully electric diesel heater, with less (unfortunately not no) moving parts, the cost is outrageous. I expected $300 on the high end. Unfortunate that it needs power and the pump which most people will need is not included. I guess if you like seeing a flame and the convenience of diesel, it makes sense, but it's a very niche product. Too bad, I was very excited when I saw the video. Good review though.
Why can't they make an ignition starter then having to put that paper starter? Or have a small open hole at the bottom so u can stick a long match to light it than having to open the glass door?
These heaters work well, "enough". The fuel comes from a tank, a little higher the the fuel control valve "carburetor". They eventually start leaking at the supply lines, and fuel control valve, causing diesel fuel smell. You absolutely can not leave these heaters run un attended, as the fuel valve can fail, and the heater will fun away and burn your rig down. Lots of fishermen have lost there vessel from these heaters 🤔🇨🇦
@@dancarter482 These heaters/ stoves were brought to the market in the 60,s , and the thermocouple kits are relatively new, and not 100 percent reliable.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, brother! . Any input on ease installation? I've a gasoline heater (Webasto) which I installed myself, do you think it's any more complex than this? Subbed/liked! Thanks again.
The gasoline heater with the pumps and fans is more complex in my opinion but still a good heater for sure. There is just lots more to go wrong on the Webasto. Installation of this diesel heater is pretty simple. It vents out through the wall or ceiling just like a small wood stove. The fuel like is very low pressure so it is not prone to leak. The preferred way to plumb the fuel in is use a gravity feed from an elevated tank. I could not do that so I had to buy a low pressure fuel pump. The only other line that needs to be run is a drain line. This is a safety line that prevents the fuel pot from overflowing in the unlikely event that the fire goes out and the fuel keep pumping. Thank you for watching and asking questions. More to come
@HanginwiththeHursts Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it. I self-converted a Ram ProMaster about 3 yrs ago. One of the issues I ran into running the gasoline heater is noise pollution when city dueling. I mostly stay in cities and there were so many instances that I hesitated turning on the heater due to concerns of noise pollution in quiet neighborhoods. Your diesel heater has the added advantages of tripping as a water, floor, and air heater--these additional features are right on the money. I'm fortunate to come across your channel. If at all possible, I think, we would benefit an indepth how-to install your diesel heater video. Your particular heater and set up is very unique, I've been scouting across the net without much luck. The unique features like the floor/water heating are particularly beneficial to the novice DIYer. Sorry, about the long message, and thanks for your time!
You don’t need to apologize for the long message at all. This is why I made this channel. I will be converting a school bus next year and I will be installing another diesel heater like this. My plan is to film the installation in detail. I could probably film something outlining the installation before that but it won’t be as detailed. I am working on a rundown of all the systems on my rig. I’ll try and put something together for you. Thanks for watching and I’ll keep making more videos
@@HanginwiththeHursts Nice, that's very kind of you. I'm not in a hurry, my next conversion will probably take place at the end of the next year if not longer. On a side note, I think, your channel has the potential to take off and reach a large cross-section of the DIY community. You possess the rare ability of explaining the subject at hand (natural teacher) and you're living the lifestyle and know what works and what doesn't. The van life community is now saturated with so many flashy DIY videos that look good on UA-cam but terrible in the field, not to mention costly. Thanks again.!
The mini split is not an effective source and only produces heat down to 12°f. I don’t use it for heat. The only thing running on the mini split is the fan to move the heat of the Dickinson around the can.
Is there any issue with having a LARGE tank above for gravity feed? Like having it too high and creating too much pressure? ...thinking of having the heater mounted MUCH lower in a "Kentucky Semi Trailer" ...so size of tank could be quite large and mounted about 10 to 12 feet high... and located near midline ... Thinking of a couple hundred gallons as this would be essentially full time living and we are planning to be in Alaska after a couple years and stay for several years... So a year or two of fuel would be ideal ...truck stop hoses are pretty long ...so fill up once a year or two ... Issues? @@HanginwiththeHursts EDIT: does this have an external/outside air supply? Or does it draw from interior air? Also, regarding the hot water reservoir beneath floor, we are planning a small glycol (so no worries about freezing or needing to drain if we had to leave in cold weather) below floor heating tubing run off wood boiler and an alternate option of electric sub floor cables running parallel or above the liquid sub floor tubing... Was planning a mini split just for convenience and additional for cooling rather than do a window a/c or r/v type (eww) ...we have a couple manual switch small window a/c brand new in box as option if we need or mini split never has issues, but we hope to have effective and more than enough insulation to reduce need for cooling (and heat) significantly... Our biggest concern is CONDENSATION/dead air in insulation/ " container rain " where Condensation occurs in ceiling above insulation... Glad to hear about all options that have "dry air" ... Thinking of a "1 gapped double insulated wall where a dehumidifier installed to feed and circulate as additional preventative? Perhaps assist with small low voltage brushless fans to ensure no areas are uncirculated... Avoiding spray foam or foam board on inside or trailer to avoid offgassing ... Considering adding exterior insulation and a second skin and roof that could be spray foam or foam board (DOT width concerns/low cost extra wide permit would be needed, but this is not expected to be an on the road much when finished...but who knows! ) Perhaps could do a double insulated wall inside with the outer most wall& floor& ceiling all being sealed behind an aluminum skin/aluminum sheet metal = using nylon or other bushings & grommets for bolts and such to reduce/minimize thermal bridging which is where Condensation would be prone to occur especially in cold weather... Any thoughts?
yeah I see where it sounds that way but once you understand how it works its really a set and forget solution. Ive had mine running for weeks during February with little to none input from me other than adding fuel and enjoying the warmth.,
@HanginwiththeHursts oh. It can regulate the fuel without the pump? Or you would be regulating it by how high the tank is? Or with a fuel tap or something?
to be an air conditioner in the summer months. It doesn't produce heat below 12 deg F and it gets much colder here so I needed a heater. It's actually a really efficient heat pump.
Not everywhere. There are areas with little to no trees for miles. Plus there are states that will fine you over $5K if you accidentally transport wood more then 50 miles. This is due to trying to controll invasive bugs and microbes.
@@williamallen7836 One of the MANY reasons I will never have another woodstove in any of my vehicles/boats is all the critters that colonize the place from wherever the fuel is stockpiled!
@@dancarter482 looking for a backup to the backup ...so probably going to have a wood stove or wood boiler and in floor glycol heating running the tubes parallel to or beneath electric in floor heating ...and a vented propane wall heater, and NOW also a diesel heater like this or this exactly... Probably a mini-split as well... But we are building a mini-home in a 52 foot Kentucky Semi trailer... Full size appliances: refrigerator, deep freezer, speed queen washer & dryer, two to four harvest right freeze dryers over & smoke meat chamber over king pin , tub & shower, deep two or three sink....etc ...
Yes the ambulance is diesel but I was concerned of draining the main tank and being stranded so I used a separate heater tank. this way I can monitor the consumption. Co2 is always a concern with a heater that uses a flame regardless of fuel source. Proper venting and makeup air is essential.
@@HanginwiththeHursts CO2 should not be your concern. Anything that combusts creates generally creates CO2 but if you mean Carbon monoxide CO you don't really need to worry about that either. CO is pretty much the same weight as air and your chimney goes outside so ALL the exhaust is vented to the outside. It would be a worry if you could smell fumes of any kind in the van and obviously if that happened you would investigate and cure. I know CO and CO2 have no smell but if you can't smell diesel in the van you ain't got those gases either.
@@HanginwiththeHurstsEberspacher D5LC 0.15 to 0.68 L/h (from datasheet in the instructions), I don't know real-world figures or how it compares with Chinese clones. My maths puts that as ¾ to 3½ UK gallons per 24h (1 UK gallon = 1.2 US gallons)
This kind of heater isn’t the way to go. I’ve service many pot burners and most are a disaster. Very few work well it’s really pot luck. Buy a webasto which is a pressure jet burner clean and efficient.
Yes you are correct. That price does play a big part. Each person has their own goals. I am a buy it once and never have to buy it again type of person vs replace it every year person.
@@HanginwiththeHurstsafter going through a few Chinese diesel heaters and their various potential issues, this just makes sense if you want something more reliable for the long term. The water heater loop is a very nice bonus. The noise pollution aspect as mentioned in another comment is ultimately what’s pushing me over the edge to get one of these Dickenson Newports. I have a mini split as well, so I’ll be following your lead on installing them close to each other, so I can use the mini split fan to help circulate hot air from the upper part of the cabin. It’s not in my budget yet, but in due time it seems very worth the upgrade for long term all seasons boondocking. Btw welcome to UA-cam! This is an excellent first video and I immediately subscribed. I look forward to future videos, especially the skoolie build. I have a shuttle bus conversion, looking to do a skoolie, ambo, or box truck next. Can I ask what areas you typically camp, and will you have a home base with a shop for the skoolie build, or build it on the road?
Thank you for the kind words. Primarily I camp near a local lake. I have an arrangement with the property owner to guard his outbuildings while I’m there and I can stay for free. No hookups , really all I need access to is water and diesel. The bus build is a whole different story. I’m going to take all that I’ve learned from the ambulance 🚑 build and apply it to the bus. I recently got married and we will be staying in a house with a garage while we build the bus. After that we hope to hit the road, all jobs permitting. When I built the ambulance years ago I was in a bad mental space so I didn’t film much. Just a few scattered instagram stories and a few videos. I’m trying to edit them together in some coherent way to try and show the broad strokes of the build. I also have an old tour filmed on a cell phone that I may edit. Either way they should hopefully be helpful and maybe interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@irislavender5889 Even high-en diesel heaters like the Webasto are finiky. They're highly computerized, a recipe for failures. I've been very lucky with mine, but there isn't a shortage of horror stories of high-end diesel heater failure in the middle of Winter.
You'll want some way to move the heat around, I had a 38 feet coach & could only heat about a third of it in winter. I was going to put in radiators but never got around to it.
I was curious about your statement so I looked it up. You know , they are so close that I bet we couldn’t even tell a difference. Kerosene contains less energy measured in (BTUs) than diesel fuel. Kerosene has an average BTU content of approximately 133,500 per gallon and diesel fuel has an average BTU content of approximately 139,500 per gallon.
@@HanginwiththeHursts well,that's true. But what I forgot to tell you is that K burns cleaner, I was an OTR driver for a few years and found this out. those under the bunk heaters are a big pain to clean:( peace:)
Im from Alaska and burn wood and diesel. When Inleave my cabin for days or weeks I leave the Sears Kenmore pot burner heater on. Outside I have a 55 gal steel barell on a stand about 6 ft off the ground. Gravity feed( with a cabinet with steep roof to shed snow. It is totally gravity feed. If we dont use winter blend diesel it jells up. Set at its lowest setting it burns about a gallon a day. Keeps the cabin just a few degrees above freezing. I have been gone 3 weeks at average 30 below and come into a seeminhly hot cabin with the wood burner on standby nicely liaded to light. No electrics or blower. The only down side is that if you just install it with a common stack wind gusts will blow the flame out..( nothing occurs it just has to be lit again) there is a device called a flapper you instal in the stack that just flaps open relieving the pressure surge in the stack so doesn't bliw the flame out. Only downer is it just lightly soreads finite amounts if soot. ( So has to be iutside ir will make a really shitty mess in the cabin if you instal it inside. Mine was made in the early 50s abd still perfect. Sometimes in the summer it is goid to ckean iut the float valve. 80 mile hike into the bush of the Mentasta mountain range from base camp on the GlennAllen hwy. I paid $50 for it nearly new in the early 60s yeah Im an old BushRatt. ( 80 yrs old) 😂😂😂
Great story! That’s so interesting. Thanks for the details too!
So build a skirting kit that seals the underside down to the ground. Roll it up and store it in tubing on top of truck. 2 inch foam panels on windows. Stop the heat loss. Then put the wood stove back, wood is everywhere, free. Diesrl is not and far to complicated and requires electricity....and money....and a tank. If the stove is efficient and uses outside air for combustion a load should easily burn 8 hours IF you leave adjust it to 40F, so what. It will be cold in the morning but not freezing.
I'm a retired heat technician from fairbanks alaska. I use a monitor heater, and I use two gallons per day to heat a two stroy house . So one there not efficient two They don't burn the shoot off it builds up in the stack . Three don't run the line outside to drip on the ground. Run it back to the tank . Supply and return. And for what you paid for that one v you could buy several Chinese diesel's heaters and have 1 for backup .
Are you using number one diesel. You could always add a little bit of kerosene and not have the jelly problem.
I bought the Eberspacher diesel heater when my RV propane heater died. It took some installation effort; no moisture, no fumes as it’s vented outside. Very quiet, very efficient on fuel and electricity.
They're AWESOME! People with the crappy Chinese knock-offs don't know what they are missing.
@@dancarter482 My Chinese knock off has served me well for the past four years ... what am I missing other than $$$$.
@@twboegel2918 The exception doesn't prove the rule - WHY are there forums dedicated to modifying/trouble shooting and unscrambling the nightmares associated with an inferior copy IF they are so fantastic. I've got a crate full of failed examples. Pot luck or die trying!
"@@dancarter482 The exception doesn't prove the rule", I've always hated that expression. That phrase is almost as valid as " ice cream doesn't have bones or my canoe doesn't have a steering wheel". You ask WHY... I'll tell you why. The reason is because of the fact that they are using shite... other than diesel, for fuel. Try putting some of the gunk that they are trying to use into a Eberspacher diesel ( which of course Eberspacher says not to ) and you'll have the same amount of forums dedicated to modifying/trouble shooting and unscrambling the nightmares associated Eberspacher units. Not that I'm a fan of Chinese crap but for @ $130 the latest Vevor is hard to beat.
You have a way of explaining things. Great vid.
Thank you very much
Used Dickinson heaters and stoves for years in yachts and work boats. Good reliable heat and on the larger ones the ability to cook or boil water is a plus.
You didn't mention that you have to clean the burner pot occasionally as carbon chunks will form and incorrect draft will cause a oily black soot to form. Also found toilet paper work's better for lighting as is doesn't seem to create as many carbon chunks. Just passing along my 35 years of experience with Dickinson heaters.
Cheers
Thank you for the great information about the Dickinson heater. I really appreciate your 35 years of experience!
@@HanginwiththeHursts I have a Dutch _Kabola_ which is similar but it has a big coil and backburner plumbed into radiators. You start it with a generous splash of methylated spirits. The meth's is the best way to clean it too. Just run it on meths without turning on the fuel tap and it burns off all the carbon - smells great too. Big fan of Reflecks diesel stoves, that will be my go-to system in the next project living space. Skip Novak has them in his antarctic exploration boats!
This is excellent info thanks! I did some researching and is it Kabola heaters? what model do you have? I'm learning all kinds of new things
@@HanginwiththeHursts Damn, yeah spelling meltdown this morning. Actually own 3 of them!! My bus one is a little 3kw which is compact and neat - the others I had intended to fit but were overkill 6kw.
Marine stoves are the way to go!
I got one of them heaters in my shed, never used it but it looks great,
Looks good the only thing that I did on mine was cut out some cabinetry and the setae on my boat so I mounted it as low as I could. By doing this the heat is low (where you want it) and the chimney is at least 4 feet tall inside the space (radiating more heat) and lower temperatures (safer) exiting thru the top of your rig. Also, the 4-5-foot chimney makes for a great draw so you can minimize the fan usage. Go to Dickinson Diesel Heater best install ever.
Great advice. Thank you!
This is a great overview of this heater. I think it’s a great option if you can cut a hole in your roof. I really like the water heating option. Very cool.
This is the exact same heater that i purchased for my airstream renovation. These are legit, single purchase, stable heating fire boxes! I even bought the extra two metering stems so i can change em out to use kerosene or cooking oil. I think more RV and van people should look into them.
Also, when paired with a quality roof vent like maxxair or fantastic, you can set the thermostat temperature on them to vent at a certain temp. So the heater just heats, and anytime it gets above 80 or something, it will pull the hot air out to regulate the temperature.
i don't need a stove nor i live in a van but i listened to it all and i could keep listening to you explaining anything i suppose. Gonna be a great youtuber if you keep it up
I need one for my van ,thank you for sharing ,wow i need to save for a long time for this ,thanks for sharing hugs from MN
I designed my tiny home to be able to be heated by 6 candles. What I mean by that is the insulation, square footage and materials used inside and out. I can’t start from the cold and heat this way but I can hold the heat this way. I specifically wrote down each issue I have with my experience over the years and fixed as many of the issues I could to make this tiny-home work well. One of those fixes was a fresh air heat exchanger which a lot of modern houses don’t even have. My window is tripple pane and the door was one of the most expensive items I bought. Air conditioning is a must in a design like this as the room is so tight and small the heat from a computer can make the room undesirable fast. I actually plan on making a box these devices can sit in so I can transfer the heat outside when I don’t want it inside.
Webasto diesel heater is in almost every single semi in America. With 7 million drivers roughly it has a proven record. My current truck has 1,000,000 miles and it has never failed. They are a third of the size of that heater you have. I’m sure it works great but spaces are premium inside any vehicle. For those looking for reliable heat, I would recommend looking into their product.
You require an external power supply, glow plugs don't last 1 million miles either. Your system is noisy and requires a mechanical electrical pump and you don't get a warm radiant even heat as this chap does. Happy trucking fella 🤢
@@Moonlightshadow-lq4fr Good points on either side - was looking for that. Pretty much all is points are made :-)
I do see a good use for both kinds of heaters. If space permits, I would go with the heater shown, because it's not needing electricity (not relevant in a trucking environment), and because it creates radiant heat. Everyone who did look into this must come to the conclusion that heated a (and forced) air is the worst heat possible for many reasons. The advantage of forced air is that it relatively fast creates a bit warmer feel, but this warmth is at the same time very uncomfortable. If all surfaces are cold, and the air is hot, it's nasty.
Wherever I can, I would install both, because depending on the situation it's great to have options - but always keeping in mind, that quiet and radiant heat is the one to prefer.
You are correct about being used in the trucks, but the volume yiu are heating is much smaller than a bus or large RV. They might be good enough for smaller rvs.
As they say, YMMV.
@@Moonlightshadow-lq4fr The heat from that heater in the vid is fine for the living, cooking area, but the heat can not be blown to for and aft. Fan forced diesel heaters are used all over the world in yachts, and the Dickenson is a Canadian product, seen mostly in NA. 😉🇨🇦
@@yxcvmk Almost every boat manufacturer in the world uses diesel forced air heaters. The Germans invented them, and the Chinese copied them. Trucks, boats, RV,s and personal vehicles, Heavy Equipment, Cranes just to name a few.
Nice demo, that thing is cool. I wish I had room for one, just have a Chinese diesel under the cabinets.
The Webasto style Diesel heaters burn cleaner and more efficient. Timer and remote are a benefit. But this diesel heater creates a nice cosy atmosphere
@@campandcook3118 5 times as expensive. I'll see how long this one lasts and think on it. Two years so far, the remote hangs on a hook by the bed.
Oh my! I have one of those chinese diesel heaters (of which I'm really happy about) and had no idea these things existed. They definitely look nice!! Interesting!!
U can't wake up, if ur dead. 😉 That looks really nice, the Dickinson stove.
Great informative video. I had forgotten about these stove/heaters, I have a Thermopride diesel fired heater in my house in Seattle, it provides hot dry heat. I’m going to circle back around and look at the Dickenson heater again. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experience with us. I appreciate it.
Really love this build
I can see right away that your combined system with the diesel stove and the in-floor heating plus the circulation from the heat pump keeps your build dry and free from condensation. Obviously a higher cost and installation time... but a long term win. Thanks for a great explaination.
it's the in-room draft & outside chimney combo that takes the moisture out, you could probably do an equivalent with a Chinese Diesel heater if you think it through carefully - plumb the heated-air inlet through the floor & let the warm moist air find its own way out.
The underfloor heating is a huge but separate bonus
agreed
While the price isn't as inexpensive as a Chinese Diesel heater, it isn't outrageously over priced either. It looks to me like one of those products in which you get what you pay for.
Safety is always my biggest concern with RV heating and this seems safer and more reliable that a small woodstove, a built in propane heater or a cheap Chinese Diesel heater.
Thanks for the video
You are welcome and yes this is a “buy it once” kind of product
Not safer than a Chinese diesel heater, plus you need to cut holes in your ceiling and roof
Nice video. Very informative for a beginner
Thank you! I hope it helps you on your build.
Brilliantly explained 😊😉👍
Glad you liked it
It essentially a Pot Burner just like we used to have at our hunting camp. 100 year old technology but it works.
Crash proof, power down proof, and more reliable than your wife or tractor, which tend to be moody. 😅
Ya, and when the flame gets blown out, and the fuel keeps dropping 🤔 don't ever leave a pot burner in attended, or you will end up with a floor full of diesel fuel 😉🇨🇦
that's what the drain line on the Dickinson fuel valve is for. it prevents it from ever flooding
These are a very nice bit of kit, justin credible Had the propane version in his Van. Super cool for somebody Van dwelling.
I, on the other hand in the industry that I was in expediting. In a sprinter, Van chose to go with a diesel heater because I was hauling freight and living in my van at the same time. Thanks for the video buddy, very informative and a pleasure to watch.
I really appreciate your detailed explanations! Thank you!
You are welcome
Very helpful thank you!! Question? is there a benefit to adding a fuel filter? You are a an effective teacher, a good skillset : ) for that alone I will subscribe and follow! Im planning a shuttle bus build, ding my due diligence, your video is very helpful with all the insight and detail I needed for an informed decision! So appreciate that!!
Yes a fuel filter would be a good addition to the heater. Installed before the pump
Great video! Thanks for sharing your experience. This seems to be the best way to heat my boat I´ll plan to live on in the future. Never thought about a diesel heater with visible flames... 👍🏻🔥
You are welcome. Im glad I could help
I have two different sailboats and I've got two different heaters. My larger boat has the Dickinson in it and I'm using my smaller sailboat as a test bed to test the Chinese diesel heater. I would recommend having both
The floor heat was a smart choice.
The alternative to constantly feeding a wood burner is to upgrade to anthracite coal (with a stove specifically made for coal) and/or building thermal mass around the heater to absorb relatively high 'flash' heat for slow release later (the principle of nordic masonry ovens). Of course the thermal mass will be very heavy for a vehicle, but you might have or build an RV that can handle that.
This was an awesome review :D I will consider getting one in the furture.
Nice demo, that thing is cool. I hope you never have to "wake up dead!"
Hahah. Thanks! Yeah I have had a few comments about that statement.
What a fantastic review. I was unaware of this product until now. I wonder if they ship internationally?
I have used Dickinson diesel heaters on boats in Alaska for years and love them. My question is how does the stove perform at altitude? As you note, the fuel/air ratio is critical. I have wondered if they might not run sooty at higher elevations. The carburetor is adjustable, but that would be a pain to do on the regular.
I think by watching the flame and adjust the fuel /fan accordingly I could account for the altitude
@@HanginwiththeHursts I have thought as much, but was I was wondering if you had experience at altitude. I can say from experience that you'll be unhappy with the results if it runs too rich and you coat your rig or any neighbors with soot.
You can adjust the metering value and burn kerosine. Much cleaner and no shoot build-up. Kerosine is #1 diesel. Cheers
Great video. I learned a lot.
I find these of course expensive and high maintenance; they are finicky. The new Chinese diesel heaters are amazing. They are low cost and most anyone can installl it. I put mine outside in vented box and run the pipe with the heat through a protected hole; that's it. If you need to replace it; no problem as it is five times cheaper than this setup in the video. The dry heat is amazing.
Great point!
I've built a boot room outside my dwelling and put the CDH in it. I put two ducts, one for pumping heat inside and the other pulls air from my dwelling to be reheated.
@@MaritimeUnpreparedhow did you do that
@@margaretlemmon1143 I ran a 3 inch duct from inside and connected it to the diesel heater so it pulls air from inside to be heated instead of heating the outside air, which is much colder.
Edit: the diesel heater has an fresh air inlet and warm air outlet, which are both 3 inch. I've just mounted the unit right outside my RV and connected ducting.
I totally agree. I have an Autotherm diesel heater. It works reliably, starts on the press of a button, the air vents blow the hot air towards the floor for a better temperature distribution. The heater is below the car and don‘t takes space inside. It isn‘t dripping diesel either, just sucks at the car fuel tank, so again no additional space, filling up of a separate tank.
Great video, great product. Thnx!
Glad you liked it!
Great video!
Great video, looks like you've made a super vehicle, looking forward to the bus build 🙂
@@stevemorris3710 thank you
Very good explanation.
Glad it was helpful!. Thanks
OR...
Just spend about 10% and get a Chinese diesel heater. I've had one running for four years with no issues. I also run several fans that are usb to keep the air circulating.
Cheap, efficient, easily replaceable if something goes wrong.
When the wind blows over my house plumbing vent it can pull the water in the toilet down an inch. Happened the other day and I called my neighbor and their's was doing it to. That valve is cool.
That happens in my house lol 😅
You gound the tough way to start it up and not what Dickenson recommended to me.
Cout a disk of fiberglass cloth and place it in the bottom if the well so it can become soaked with diesel.
Open the control knob all the way and let a little puddle of diesel form, soaking the fiberglass disk.
Put alcohol in a squeeze bottle. Squirt some into the chamber. I dont know how much. Enough. Enough to burn for a few minutes. A tabespoon?.
Stick a long grill lighter in and light the alcohol. Run the draft fan at the bottom to get the heat going. Once vaporization starts you can speed up the fan. Then once it's running nicely you can stop the fan.
The Newport is great because it is a steady source of heat. I once had mine glowing red in about 10 minutes.
Dickenson "owes" you for this because I know I am buying one for sure! There are a couple other companies that sell heater systems that can heat your floor and they run almost 10K!! THANK YOU for making this video. Will you make one that shows how you did the floors PLEASE??
You are welcome. Yes I am editing several videos about my ambulance 🚑 and I will make sure that I go in detail about the floor heat situation.
@@HanginwiththeHursts THANK YOU so much!!
@@HanginwiththeHurstsliked and subbed for this reply. Keep the content coming!
@@HanginwiththeHursts really interested in this. Does the antifreeze just run like a coil around the hot water tank?
Seriously, great instructional tutorial... Did you have any issues getting your vehicle insurance?
No, it was never a topic of discussion but I hear they some insurance companies are being more restrictive
Very well explained. How about the chimney portion outside, when driving on highway? Resistant enough to wind?
Thanks. The chimney comes down and I put a flat cap on it when driving. I do not run the stove while driving.
Great info. Thanks.
I am glad you found it helpful.
I thought this was going to be another snake oil sales pitch but boy was I wrong :) Yes go for the water loop $50 is nothing for a bit of warm water, constant too. The entire setup sounds a bit expensive but it is made professionally and has all the required safety system you would want so $1000 bucks well spent. You have to feel sorry for all those that pay a couple hundred bucks for those Chinese diesel heaters though, having to put up with the noise and require electricity supply and those god awful pumps ticking away like big ben clock under your pillow 😂 never mind the guys who constantly have to take them apart to clean them when they penny pinch with dirty oil 🤣🤣 Great informative video.
Very interesting. Thank-you.
You are very welcome!
I would be literally scared to death if I had that heater 😳🤠👍
Heat accumulators help a Lot in reality, when fire ends, it still gives you few more hours of heat. Bricks are a good option.
Just get the Wave 3! Super easy, safe WARM, propane lasts forever, no odor, no moisture…game changer!
I just like the way he talks, lol I dont need a burner.
I thought the Dickinson was propane?? I have one of those Chinese diesel heaters in my big rig out there in the flying Jay parking lot right now, and for the first time, it won't even blow any air. I'm in Mandan, ND, and it's cold. It worked well last year, but now it seems to need service. Been looking into this and other options for my pickup truck camping setup. Thx for the video! I swear I was thinking this was a propane heater though 🤷♂️
Dickinson also makes a propane version. They look surprisingly similar but operate very differently. I sincerely wish you good luck on repairing your heater and keeping warm. Stay save out there
So build a skirting kit that seals the underside down to the ground. Roll it up and store it in tubing on top of truck wheen not needed. 2 inch foam panels on windows. Then put the wood stove back. If the stove is efficient and uses outside air for combustion a load should burn 6 hours, so what. It will be cold in the morning but not freezing. And all of this diesel stuff is crazy complicated and expensive and wastes inside heated air....why?
Because a realistic expectation for average burn time in a cubic mini stove with the wood available in most camping scenarios is more like one hour while a diesel heater can keep ticking without intervention for as long as you need. Granted that 1500 bucks for one of these is very high end but there are far cheaper ones available. I hate diesel and the noisy design but I don't think there is currently anything better in terms of compact, reliable, hands-off comfort for a camper van...although 12V electric clothing and blankets are a pretty frugal and clever option if you have the battery.
Have reliable Dickinson running now for 33 years. Still looks near new. 😅
the fan simply forces air to move more quickly between the outer shell and the firebox. There IS air movement, and an exchange, of warm with cool air, going on, in that space, even at low settings, but at higher settings, the firebox - and the air surrounding it -having increased in temps, would like to, but, due to the volume and limited openings, doesn't escape the vents of the outer shell much quicker. That's where forcing air through it makes sense. More warm air is being delivered, and in a small space, makes a big difference. It's just warmer! I found the original, alum-bladed, ''variable speed' fan on my Dickinson to be way too noisy, so replaced it with a much quieter plastic-bladed biscuit fan. I couldn't get the original rheostat to drive the new 12V fan, so replaced that with a cheap 3-speed switch - just to see how that goes. So far, so good!
Btw, the fan does NOT put extra air into the combustion chamber OR into the flue. It only moves more air through the heater, increasing the circulation of (warmed) air in your space.
Hi,
Thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I appreciate your experience and opinion. I am looking at the Dickinson manual that was provided with my stove and says the following.
"This appliance is equipped with a 12v draft assist fan. While running the fan is not required in order to light and operate the appliance, it is strongly recommended as it will offer you a greater degree of control over the quality of combustion in the burner.
When to use the draft assist fan
Use the fan during light-up, for higher fuel settings or if conditions are unusually windy. Draft generated within the chimney is responsible for drawing fresh air into the burner where it feeds the flames. During the lighting procedure while heat & draft are beginning to develop in the burner & chimney, the draft assist fan will provide an adjustable supply of air which will make it easier to balance combustion. Note: Without a draft assist fan, you must rely on fuel adjustment alone to keep the flames in the burner burning clean (blue to yellow) and reduce fuel if the flames become too rich (orange to red).
When to turn off the fan
Once the appliance has reached operating temperature, when set to fuel
settings below #3 the draft assist fan can typically be shut-off.
When set to fuel settings 4 or 5, the extra assistance from the draft assist fan
may still be needed. For installs set up with the minimum permissible chimney height, or in installs where flue elbows are present, the draft assist fan may be required to balance lower fuel settings also."
It appress to actually push air into the firebox to control the air fuel mixture. maybe our stoves are different?
@@HanginwiththeHursts okay i'm an idiot! they're different alright, mine is the propane variety - my mistake! I just sorta skimmed the video thanks for the explain. Diesel requiring some preheat to burn cleanly, but propane also burns optimally when warm.
I guess I heard you to imply that ALL of the fan-driven air went into the burn chamber (and up the flue), but in reality it is only a small amount....... Need a ''glow plug'' in there!
So have they hired you to be the salesperson lol I have been looking at these for a bit…. SOLD
Never got up to feed big stove!! Last thing at night damp down, oak slow burning, small damp coal covered with kitchen waste potatoe peelings..viola..
Thanks. By the way, I hate it when i wake up dead too
You are very welcome 💀 😂🙌
Tiny stainless steel woodstoves are all over Amazon suddenly. Under $200, marketed as tent stoves. Ours works great. Also you have wheels, move to the warm
I’ll have to check out those wood stoves!
I wish I could move as freely as i wish but my job keeps me in areas that get cold.
One of my ambulance friends @lostbox4636 uses the butter 🧈 method. “ If the butter is hard, head south. If the butter is melting 🫠 head north.” 😆
It will run on low One or two? Perhaps yes, but if you have to turn it up you don't have electricity. You don't have a fan and you will get carbon and it will eventually shut itself off. I had that problem
Crunchy!
For something much simpler than a fully electric diesel heater, with less (unfortunately not no) moving parts, the cost is outrageous. I expected $300 on the high end. Unfortunate that it needs power and the pump which most people will need is not included. I guess if you like seeing a flame and the convenience of diesel, it makes sense, but it's a very niche product. Too bad, I was very excited when I saw the video. Good review though.
Isn't a wood heater self enclosed? How is wood heat damp?
Are there no dual fuel stoves? Wood and diesel?
My diesel heater on its lowest setting keeps my van 40 Degrees warmer than outside unless I crack a few windows.
Why can't they make an ignition starter then having to put that paper starter?
Or have a small open hole at the bottom so u can stick a long match to light it than having to open the glass door?
These heaters work well, "enough". The fuel comes from a tank, a little higher the the fuel control valve "carburetor". They eventually start leaking at the supply lines, and fuel control valve, causing diesel fuel smell. You absolutely can not leave these heaters run un attended, as the fuel valve can fail, and the heater will fun away and burn your rig down. Lots of fishermen have lost there vessel from these heaters 🤔🇨🇦
You're supposed to rig a thermocouple into the system to shut-off the fuel supply in event of run-away.
correct, I cover this in the video.
@@dancarter482 These heaters/ stoves were brought to the market in the 60,s , and the thermocouple kits are relatively new, and not 100 percent reliable.
Propane is much cheaper than diesel. Olympian Wave 6 or 8 would be more cost effective. It’s also dry heat.
Mr Heater Buddies are not dry heat.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, brother! . Any input on ease installation? I've a gasoline heater (Webasto) which I installed myself, do you think it's any more complex than this? Subbed/liked! Thanks again.
The gasoline heater with the pumps and fans is more complex in my opinion but still a good heater for sure. There is just lots more to go wrong on the Webasto. Installation of this diesel heater is pretty simple. It vents out through the wall or ceiling just like a small wood stove. The fuel like is very low pressure so it is not prone to leak. The preferred way to plumb the fuel in is use a gravity feed from an elevated tank. I could not do that so I had to buy a low pressure fuel pump. The only other line that needs to be run is a drain line. This is a safety line that prevents the fuel pot from overflowing in the unlikely event that the fire goes out and the fuel keep pumping. Thank you for watching and asking questions. More to come
@HanginwiththeHursts Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate it. I self-converted a Ram ProMaster about 3 yrs ago. One of the issues I ran into running the gasoline heater is noise pollution when city dueling. I mostly stay in cities and there were so many instances that I hesitated turning on the heater due to concerns of noise pollution in quiet neighborhoods. Your diesel heater has the added advantages of tripping as a water, floor, and air heater--these additional features are right on the money.
I'm fortunate to come across your channel.
If at all possible, I think, we would benefit an indepth how-to install your diesel heater video. Your particular heater and set up is very unique, I've been scouting across the net without much luck. The unique features like the floor/water heating are particularly beneficial to the novice DIYer. Sorry, about the long message, and thanks for your time!
You don’t need to apologize for the long message at all. This is why I made this channel. I will be converting a school bus next year and I will be installing another diesel heater like this. My plan is to film the installation in detail. I could probably film something outlining the installation before that but it won’t be as detailed. I am working on a rundown of all the systems on my rig. I’ll try and put something together for you. Thanks for watching and I’ll keep making more videos
@@HanginwiththeHursts Nice, that's very kind of you. I'm not in a hurry, my next conversion will probably take place at the end of the next year if not longer. On a side note, I think, your channel has the potential to take off and reach a large cross-section of the DIY community. You possess the rare ability of explaining the subject at hand (natural teacher) and you're living the lifestyle and know what works and what doesn't. The van life community is now saturated with so many flashy DIY videos that look good on UA-cam but terrible in the field, not to mention costly. Thanks again.!
Thank you for your kind words. I will do my best to make sure any diy of how to content is well thought out and communicated vs flashy not thorough.
Love how you sing the praises of the stove and it's heating prowess yet you have a mini split heat pump running in the background.
The mini split is not an effective source and only produces heat down to 12°f. I don’t use it for heat. The only thing running on the mini split is the fan to move the heat of the Dickinson around the can.
Is there any issue with having a LARGE tank above for gravity feed? Like having it too high and creating too much pressure? ...thinking of having the heater mounted MUCH lower in a "Kentucky Semi Trailer" ...so size of tank could be quite large and mounted about 10 to 12 feet high... and located near midline ... Thinking of a couple hundred gallons as this would be essentially full time living and we are planning to be in Alaska after a couple years and stay for several years... So a year or two of fuel would be ideal ...truck stop hoses are pretty long ...so fill up once a year or two ... Issues? @@HanginwiththeHursts
EDIT: does this have an external/outside air supply? Or does it draw from interior air?
Also, regarding the hot water reservoir beneath floor, we are planning a small glycol (so no worries about freezing or needing to drain if we had to leave in cold weather) below floor heating tubing run off wood boiler and an alternate option of electric sub floor cables running parallel or above the liquid sub floor tubing...
Was planning a mini split just for convenience and additional for cooling rather than do a window a/c or r/v type (eww) ...we have a couple manual switch small window a/c brand new in box as option if we need or mini split never has issues, but we hope to have effective and more than enough insulation to reduce need for cooling (and heat) significantly...
Our biggest concern is CONDENSATION/dead air in insulation/ " container rain " where Condensation occurs in ceiling above insulation...
Glad to hear about all options that have "dry air" ...
Thinking of a "1 gapped double insulated wall where a dehumidifier installed to feed and circulate as additional preventative? Perhaps assist with small low voltage brushless fans to ensure no areas are uncirculated... Avoiding spray foam or foam board on inside or trailer to avoid offgassing ...
Considering adding exterior insulation and a second skin and roof that could be spray foam or foam board (DOT width concerns/low cost extra wide permit would be needed, but this is not expected to be an on the road much when finished...but who knows! )
Perhaps could do a double insulated wall inside with the outer most wall& floor& ceiling all being sealed behind an aluminum skin/aluminum sheet metal = using nylon or other bushings & grommets for bolts and such to reduce/minimize thermal bridging which is where Condensation would be prone to occur especially in cold weather...
Any thoughts?
@@HanginwiththeHursts thanks for the reminder about mini splits!
We are planning backups to the backups to backups/alternatives...
"I don't want to wake up dead one night." Well, if you're dead, you might find that waking up is a skill you no longer possess.
Don’t tell me what I can and can’t do 🤣
Jeez, this thing requires more attention than wood stoves
yeah I see where it sounds that way but once you understand how it works its really a set and forget solution. Ive had mine running for weeks during February with little to none input from me other than adding fuel and enjoying the warmth.,
Sorry, I might have missed it, but how does it run without power when it has an electric fuel pump?
HA! Yeah you caught me. that's a wonder point. In that emergency situation I would just move my fuel tank up with a box and gravity feed the stove.
@HanginwiththeHursts oh. It can regulate the fuel without the pump? Or you would be regulating it by how high the tank is? Or with a fuel tap or something?
It can regulate fuel without the pump. It has a fuel regulating valve
SO what is the purpose of that huge domestic air conditioner unit .
to be an air conditioner in the summer months. It doesn't produce heat below 12 deg F and it gets much colder here so I needed a heater. It's actually a really efficient heat pump.
Can it do vegoil I wonder? I get it here for free. Otherwise I could make biodiesel if it runs on that.
Possibly, I think it would be worth an investigation or trial. Maybe Dickinson would know.
I LISTENED TO MOST OF THIS VID BUT Whats the Fuel Burn per Hour ?....Nice Coffee Cup, Y'all GRINCH That from a Roadside Truck Stop? 😂
all you need is a chunk of coal the size of your two fist together and it will burn at least 8 hrs!!!!!! wood is free everywhere!!!!!!!
wood may be free but it's not in plentiful supply everywhere
Not everywhere. There are areas with little to no trees for miles. Plus there are states that will fine you over $5K if you accidentally transport wood more then 50 miles. This is due to trying to controll invasive bugs and microbes.
@@williamallen7836 One of the MANY reasons I will never have another woodstove in any of my vehicles/boats is all the critters that colonize the place from wherever the fuel is stockpiled!
@@dancarter482 looking for a backup to the backup ...so probably going to have a wood stove or wood boiler and in floor glycol heating running the tubes parallel to or beneath electric in floor heating ...and a vented propane wall heater, and NOW also a diesel heater like this or this exactly... Probably a mini-split as well...
But we are building a mini-home in a 52 foot Kentucky Semi trailer... Full size appliances: refrigerator, deep freezer, speed queen washer & dryer, two to four harvest right freeze dryers over & smoke meat chamber over king pin , tub & shower, deep two or three sink....etc ...
Same here. Ive switched to espar diesel heaters. Run u out of the fifthwheel. Hot.
What about CO2 gases? that the Chinese D. heaters internally produce,but,if installed correctly,are very safe?
installed correctly these heaters are very safe.
I was thinking of getting one of these, but... well, it's over £1,100!!! WTF!
Some are daul purpose cook/heat
yes they are!!
I think I’ll pass
Carbon monoxide? Diesel? I don't think so.
Is the ambulance a diesel engine and you share the gas tank? or need a separate tank? Is Co2 concern?
Yes the ambulance is diesel but I was concerned of draining the main tank and being stranded so I used a separate heater tank. this way I can monitor the consumption. Co2 is always a concern with a heater that uses a flame regardless of fuel source. Proper venting and makeup air is essential.
@@HanginwiththeHursts CO2 should not be your concern. Anything that combusts creates generally creates CO2 but if you mean Carbon monoxide CO you don't really need to worry about that either. CO is pretty much the same weight as air and your chimney goes outside so ALL the exhaust is vented to the outside. It would be a worry if you could smell fumes of any kind in the van and obviously if that happened you would investigate and cure. I know CO and CO2 have no smell but if you can't smell diesel in the van you ain't got those gases either.
You are correct, I misspoke. I meant to say carbon monoxide. Co, Thank you for catching that !
Dude I bet you can use motor oil too
Wayyyy too expensive. You can buy Chinese diesel heaters for $100. The one your showing is about $1400 in USA.
2 gallons a day is expensive as hell. It doesn’t cost me that much to heat my 1000 square-foot house in 0° weather.
I don't want diesel in my vehicle. Smell would make me ill.
One to two gallons a day! Seems way inefficient. Thanks,excellent job on the video
Thanks, do we know the fuel consumption of a Chinese diesel heater? I wonder how they compare?
@@HanginwiththeHurstsEberspacher D5LC 0.15 to 0.68 L/h (from datasheet in the instructions), I don't know real-world figures or how it compares with Chinese clones.
My maths puts that as ¾ to 3½ UK gallons per 24h (1 UK gallon = 1.2 US gallons)
@@2hotscottpro I don't know what you're saying?
@@HanginwiththeHursts Sure we do, it's about the same 😂
This kind of heater isn’t the way to go. I’ve service many pot burners and most are a disaster. Very few work well it’s really pot luck. Buy a webasto which is a pressure jet burner clean and efficient.
1950 oil annex
Worlds best….🤦🏻♂️
Chinese diesel heater 100 dollars these heaters 1,000 can buy 10 cheap ones
Yes you are correct. That price does play a big part. Each person has their own goals. I am a buy it once and never have to buy it again type of person vs replace it every year person.
@@HanginwiththeHurstsafter going through a few Chinese diesel heaters and their various potential issues, this just makes sense if you want something more reliable for the long term. The water heater loop is a very nice bonus. The noise pollution aspect as mentioned in another comment is ultimately what’s pushing me over the edge to get one of these Dickenson Newports. I have a mini split as well, so I’ll be following your lead on installing them close to each other, so I can use the mini split fan to help circulate hot air from the upper part of the cabin. It’s not in my budget yet, but in due time it seems very worth the upgrade for long term all seasons boondocking.
Btw welcome to UA-cam! This is an excellent first video and I immediately subscribed. I look forward to future videos, especially the skoolie build. I have a shuttle bus conversion, looking to do a skoolie, ambo, or box truck next. Can I ask what areas you typically camp, and will you have a home base with a shop for the skoolie build, or build it on the road?
Thank you for the kind words. Primarily I camp near a local lake. I have an arrangement with the property owner to guard his outbuildings while I’m there and I can stay for free. No hookups , really all I need access to is water and diesel.
The bus build is a whole different story. I’m going to take all that I’ve learned from the ambulance 🚑 build and apply it to the bus. I recently got married and we will be staying in a house with a garage while we build the bus. After that we hope to hit the road, all jobs permitting. When I built the ambulance years ago I was in a bad mental space so I didn’t film much. Just a few scattered instagram stories and a few videos. I’m trying to edit them together in some coherent way to try and show the broad strokes of the build. I also have an old tour filmed on a cell phone that I may edit. Either way they should hopefully be helpful and maybe interesting.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@irislavender5889 Even high-en diesel heaters like the Webasto are finiky. They're highly computerized, a recipe for failures. I've been very lucky with mine, but there isn't a shortage of horror stories of high-end diesel heater failure in the middle of Winter.
Really……
I am wanting one for my 40ft sailing yacht
I think it would do excellent in that environment
You'll want some way to move the heat around, I had a 38 feet coach & could only heat about a third of it in winter. I was going to put in radiators but never got around to it.
@alanhat5252 we have 2 fans fans powered ubs cables they are amazing
Get a _Refleks_ instead!
are you talking about Refleks heaters? I love them. they are really easily available here in the states.
I always heard that kerosene burned hotter
I was curious about your statement so I looked it up. You know , they are so close that I bet we couldn’t even tell a difference.
Kerosene contains less energy measured in (BTUs) than diesel fuel. Kerosene has an average BTU content of approximately 133,500 per gallon and diesel fuel has an average BTU content of approximately 139,500 per gallon.
@@HanginwiththeHursts well,that's true. But what I forgot to tell you is that K burns cleaner, I was an OTR driver for a few years and found this out. those under the bunk heaters are a big pain to clean:( peace:)
Wait, what?! Wake up dead! How you do that?!
Seems pretty complicated 4 a heater 😂😅😂😅
Hey guy if you are an old fart like me you have to get up to pee anyway so why not stoke that fire in your cubic Mini?