When it comes to off-grid camping, few things can make or break an experience like the ability to stay warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months. That’s where a reliable portable diesel heater can be a game changer.
The question is, what qualifies as a “reliable” diesel heater?
Having used the 4kW Portable Diesel Air Heater by Planar Heaters myself over several seasons, I’ve experienced firsthand how invaluable these heaters can be for keeping a warm base camp in the wild. From the Sierra Nevadas to Joshua Tree to the Southern California coast and points in between, this heater has proven its worth for heating my various tents.
But, diesel heaters are an investment. Rather than diving in and buying one without any forethought, here’s a look at why portable diesel heaters like the one I have are the perfect choice for off-grid adventurers like you and me!
Table of Contents
- Portable Diesel Heaters Offer Fuel Efficiency for Extended Trips
- Enjoy High Heat Output with Adjustable Controls
- Portable Diesel Heaters are Built Tough for the Outdoors
- You Get Versatile Power Supply and Fuel Options
- Portable Diesel Heaters Provide Safe Operation and Easy Maintenance
Portable Diesel Heaters Offer Fuel Efficiency for Extended Trips
Needless to say, when you’re off the grid, having a heater that doesn’t guzzle fuel is essential. The Planar 4D diesel heater burns only 3–4 liters of diesel over an 8-hour period, making it incredibly fuel-efficient. This means you can focus on enjoying your adventure rather than worrying about frequent refueling.
Additionally, because it uses diesel (or kerosene) instead of propane or electricity, fuel can be easier to source in remote areas. The heater’s fuel consumption of 0.12–0.51 liters per hour allows you to stretch your supply over longer trips, which is a game-changer for extended adventures like hunting or ice fishing.
My current trip is a perfect example of the advantage of fuel efficiency. I wanted to get in one final fall camping trip with my nephew, and this morning, we decided to stay an additional day. Part of the reason we can do so is because we have enough fuel left to have heat for an additional night. Nice!
Enjoy High Heat Output with Adjustable Controls
Portable diesel heaters like the Planar 4D offer between 1.0 to 4.0 kW of heat output, translating to 3,400 to 13,600 BTUs. This range is powerful enough to warm large spaces, such as campers, tents, or even a 30-ft boat. Heating my tent is no problem, then!
What’s particularly useful with this particular heater is the adjustable heat setting, which allows you to control the level of warmth based on your specific needs. On the one hand, this conserves fuel. On the other hand, it also saves power. Having this kind of flexibility in heat output means you’re not limited to either “too hot” or “too cold” but can fine-tune for comfort, even in sub-zero temperatures.
Like I said earlier, I’ve used this heater in off-grid situations in all sorts of climates. I’ve also used it in all seasons. In the summer, it’s great for taking the chill out of the night air. In the winter, I can run it virtually continuously to keep my tent warm morning, noon, and night. With the wired remote, I can make those fine adjustments to keep me and whoever I’m camping with warm, regardless of the temperature outside.
Keep Reading: Which Type of Diesel Heater is Best for Your Winter Camping Adventures?
Portable Diesel Heaters are Built Tough for the Outdoors
A portable heater’s durability is a must when venturing off-grid. Invest in a poorly-made heater, and you’ll be in a pickle if it’s accidentally dropped or if it rains or snows.
But with a unit like mine from Planar Heaters, you get the benefit of design features meant to withstand the elements – it comes housed in a crushproof, rain-resistant case, which protects it from rough handling and wet conditions. Check out these and other features of this heater in the video above.
So, whether you’re camping in rainy climates or rugged environments, this heater is built to endure. Its ability to continue working perfectly in the face of moisture and rough terrain makes it a must-have piece of gear for winter camping, hunting, and backcountry travel, where equipment is often exposed to the elements.
You Get Versatile Power Supply and Fuel Options
Unlike other heating options that rely on standard electricity, the Planar 4D portable diesel heater runs on a 12V DC power supply, making it compatible with batteries typically used in vehicles and RVs. This versatility is a huge asset when you’re off-grid and relying on your vehicle battery or solar-charged batteries.
Personally, I have a dedicated battery for this heater. I figure it’s best not to drain my vehicle battery, so having a second battery just for the heater was a no-brainer.
The heater’s low power consumption—just 10 to 57 watts—means it can operate for hours without draining the battery, too. Again, combined with the heater’s fuel efficiency, I can easily get in an 8-hour night of sleep without concern that my heater will kick-off due to a lack of power or fuel.
Portable Diesel Heaters Provide Safe Operation and Easy Maintenance
As I discuss in the video above, safety and maintenance are vital for any piece of camping gear, especially when dealing with heating equipment…
The Planar 4D is equipped with a silencer to reduce noise and an air intake filter to prevent dust buildup, making it both quiet and low-maintenance. In terms of safety, this heater features a well-designed ventilation system that expels exhaust fumes efficiently, ensuring clean, dry heat with minimal risk. It also performs reliably at high altitudes (up to 8,200 feet), making it an ideal choice for mountain adventures.
Venting Outside is Critical
The venting component is the most important in my book. Unlike having a Buddy Heater or something of the sort inside the tent producing carbon monoxide, my Planar Heaters 4kW portable diesel heater stays outside the tent (the orange hose shown in the video above is the heat duct coming from the heater outside into my rooftop tent). With no exhaust coming into the tent, there is a far less chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Of course, as I’ve outlined throughout this article, the safety component is just one aspect of why this heater has been such a great investment for my off-grid adventures. Given its performance over the years, I can’t say enough about how valuable it could be for your adventures, too.
I suppose my main piece of advice about portable diesel heaters is this – don’t skimp. The phrase “you get what you pay for” definitely applies here. It’s much more worth your time to do your research and buy a well-reviewed, reliable, and perhaps more expensive portable diesel heater than to buy a bargain-basement option that you hope holds up over the years.
So, if you’re ready to invest in a portable diesel heater for your camping setup, give Planar Heaters a good, solid look. I’ve had such a good experience with my 4kW heater; I firmly believe you will, too!