Diesel Heater vs Gas Heater: Which Is Better for Your Caravan?

If you enjoy camping beyond powered caravan parks, staying warm becomes more than just a comfort – it can make the difference between cutting a trip short and enjoying Australia’s cooler regions year-round. Whether you’re exploring the Flinders Ranges in winter, camping in a remote station stay, or travelling through alpine regions, a reliable heating system is one of the best upgrades you can make.

The good news is that both diesel and gas heaters are excellent options for caravans and motorhomes. The challenge is deciding which one best suits the way you travel.

In this guide, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each system, explain how they work, and help you choose the right heater for your adventures.

Why not just use the air conditioner?

Most reverse-cycle air conditioners require 240V mains power, making them ideal for caravan parks but largely unusable when free camping unless your van has a sufficient inverter, substantial lithium battery capacity, and enough solar input to support it. For most travellers spending time off-grid, once you remove 240V power from the equation a dedicated diesel or gas heaters are the solution, these are the two most popular ways to keep your caravan warm while bush camping.

How diesel heaters work

A diesel heater burns a small amount of diesel fuel in a sealed combustion chamber. Fresh air is heated as it passes over the heat exchanger before being blown into the caravan through ducting, while combustion gases remain completely separate and exit through an external exhaust.

Most caravan installations position the heater under the bed, allowing warm air to travel down the centre of the van for even heat distribution. Modern systems typically include a digital thermostat and many can also be controlled by remote control or timers for added convenience.

Advantages of a diesel heater

One of the biggest attractions is efficiency.
Many caravan diesel heaters consume approximately one litre of diesel over around ten hours of operation under typical conditions, making them extremely economical for overnight heating.

Other benefits include:
– Very low fuel consumption
– Excellent heat output for larger caravans
– Diesel stores well over long periods
– Ideal for frequent winter travellers
– Easy-to-use digital controls and timers

Many models can be owner-installed where regulations permit, although professional installation is recommended.

Things to consider

A diesel heater does require its own fuel tank.

Most caravan installations mount the tank on the A-frame or draw fuel from a dedicated external tank. Planning the location is important, both for convenience and to comply with installation requirements.

Some owners position the tank filler on the same side as their diesel tow vehicle’s filler so they can top both up at the same time when stopping for fuel.
Like any combustion appliance, diesel heaters also benefit from regular servicing. Carbon build-up, blocked exhausts or poor-quality fuel can reduce efficiency over time.

How gas heaters work

Gas heaters operate in a similar way, producing warm ducted air throughout the caravan while venting combustion gases outside.

Instead of diesel, they connect directly to your caravan’s LPG system. If you’re already carrying gas bottles for cooking and hot water, your heater simply becomes another appliance using the same fuel supply.

Advantages of a gas heater

The biggest advantage is simplicity, because most caravans already carry LPG bottles so there’s no need to add another fuel source or maintain a separate diesel tank.

Other advantages include:
– Uses your existing gas supply
– No diesel storage required
– Clean operation with no diesel odour
– Compact installation
– Excellent thermostat control

Brands like Truma also allow for integrated controls with compatible Truma air conditioning and hot water services, simplifying the caravans heating systems and interfaces.

Things to consider

Unlike diesel heaters, LPG heaters must be installed by a licensed gas fitter in Australia. This generally makes the initial installation more expensive, but it also ensures the system complies with Australian gas regulations and safety standards.

Gas heaters also require an external wall vent for combustion exhaust, which means an additional external penetration through the exterior of the caravan.

Fuel consumption comparison

A important question to ask is which heater is cheaper to run?

The answer depends on fuel prices, outside temperature, insulation, and how often the heater cycles on and off.

Typical figures include:
– Diesel heater
– Approximately 0.1 litres per hour during normal operation
– Around one litre over ten hours of heating under typical conditions
– Truma VarioHeat Eco
– Approximately 100 g/hour on low
– Approximately 220 g/hour on high
– Automatic modulation helps reduce gas consumption once the desired temperature is reached.

With both diesel heaters providing similar efficiencies to gas heaters (on low), and with the cost of gas and diesel currently being in a similar range, neither really stand out as clear winners. Rather than focusing solely on running costs, it’s a decision that should be based on convenience and how you already manage fuel while travelling.

Which heater is right for you?

Choose a diesel heater if:
– You spend long periods off-grid
– You don’t mind carrying diesel
– Your caravan has room for a dedicated diesel tank

Choose a gas heater if:
– You don’t rely heavily on LPG for other appliances
– You prefer managing only one fuel source
– Your caravan already has a Truma system
– You don’t have room for a diesel tank

The Adelaide RV perspective

Final thoughts
If you’re already carrying plenty of LPG and rarely use it for anything else, a gas heater can make perfect sense. On the other hand, if you want to save your gas for cooking and the use of a 3-way fridge, a diesel heater with its own dedicated fuel source would be a smart option.

Like Dave says, it’s almost a 50/50 decision – it simply comes down to your camping style, your caravan’s available space, and the way you like to travel.

Both diesel and gas heaters provide comfortable, ducted heating that can transform winter camping.

Whether you’re travelling through the Flinders Ranges, heading into the High Country or simply extending your camping season, investing in the right heater means you’ll spend less time worrying about the temperature and more time enjoying the adventure.

If you’re unsure which option best suits your caravan or motorhome, the Adelaide RV team can help assess your van, explain the installation requirements, and recommend the heating system that best matches your style of travel.