Gas vs Diesel Caravan Heaters: Which One Suits Your Journey Best?

May 13, 2024

Gas vs Diesel Caravan Heaters: Which One Suits Your Journey Best?

When it comes to caravanning through the colder months, ensuring you have a reliable and efficient heating source is crucial to your comfort on the road. At Suncoast Caravan Service, we understand the importance of staying warm and have thus explored the longstanding debate between gas and diesel caravan heaters to help you make an informed decision. With our focus on providing high-quality solutions, we feature products like the Truma VarioHeat Eco Gas Heater and Webasto Diesel Heaters, both renowned for their German engineering and reliability.

Understanding the Pros and Cons

Gas Heaters

Pros:

Minimal maintenance is required, making gas heaters a convenient option for many.
Since most caravans are already equipped with gas, there’s no need for additional fuel sources.
Their operational noise inside the caravan is minimal, ensuring a peaceful environment.

Cons:

Installation of gas heaters needs to be conducted by a licensed gas fitter, which might add to the overall cost.
While they are economical in operation, finding gas refills in remote locations can be challenging, limiting their convenience for deep outback travels.

Diesel Heaters

Pros:

DIY friendly, diesel heaters allow for personal installation, potentially saving on labour costs.
Diesel is readily available, even in remote areas, providing an excellent heating solution for outback adventurers.
Similar in weight to gas heaters, they do not add significant bulk to your setup.

Cons:

Requires regular maintenance in terms to flushing of fuel lines and ensuring fresh diesel is used to maintain effective operation (The unit itself requires occasional servicing).
Installation can be more complex, requiring the mounting of a diesel tank and the running of lines, which might increase the installation cost if done professionally.

Installation and Cost Implications

When choosing between gas and diesel heaters for your caravan, it’s essential to consider both the initial purchase price and the installation costs. Both heaters are similar in price; however, the installation costs can vary. Diesel heaters, while slightly more expensive to install professionally due to the need for additional setup steps, offer the ease of DIY installation – a significant advantage for those looking to save on costs. On the other hand, gas heaters require professional installation by a licensed technician, which ensures safety and compliance.

Fuel Availability and Travel Considerations

One of the key considerations when choosing a heater is the type of travel you intend to undertake. For those who venture into more remote areas, the widespread availability of diesel can be a deciding factor. Conversely, for travellers staying within more populated areas or those who already carry gas for cooking, a gas heater might make more sense.

The Verdict: Gas vs. Diesel Heaters

Ultimately, the choice between gas and diesel heaters for your caravan comes down to personal preference, travel style, and where you plan to explore. Both options have their merits and can provide the warmth and comfort needed for a cosy caravan experience in cooler climates.

At Suncoast Caravan Service, we’re committed to helping you find the best heating solution for your needs. Our range of high-quality, German-made gas and diesel heaters ensures that you’re getting a reliable product, regardless of your choice.

For those considering adding a heater to their caravan setup, visit suncoastcaravanservice.com.au for available heaters, and contact our service department for a personalised installation quote today. Whether you’re leaning towards the gas option or the diesel, we’re here to ensure your caravanning adventures remain warm and enjoyable, no matter the destination.