Hi , i know this is a common topic and I have researched it to some degree but just wanted to know people's thoughts and opinions on there choice and experiences . I know some people have multiple sources of heating but I just want the one and keep bouncing between the 2 . Van will be used for a mixture of offgrid and sites , some winter trips but nothing to cold or for multiple weeks in the cold . Thanks .
Gas or diesel powered truma heating.
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Wittsy
New member
I haven’t made the leap to a Crafter/TGE yet, though much planning has been done. My T6 is a petrol TSI, and I have had it converted to also use LPG. This means that it has a dirty great big 85 litre toroidal tank where the spare wheel usually sits. I often regret my lack of foresight that meant that I have a Webasto petrol heater fitted and did not make use of that existing gas supply. So when planning my upgrade to a Crafter/TGE, I would seriously consider getting a fixed LPG tank fitted for heating purposes, and probably a BBQ gas connection on the side as well. I’m not so keen on gas on the inside for cooking, but have not made my mind up on that yet.
Hi wittsy, thanks for the reply, hindsight is a wonderful thing ay lol . My van will be fitted with an underslung 30 litre gas tank for the gas oven ( thats what the Mrs wants so can't argue with the chef lol ) and for external bbq so I will have a fair amount of gas available but as ive never used gas for heating before ive only had diesel so unsure on how long it would last but I think thats only something u know when trying it . I've read that gas burns alot when used for heating in colder climates . Is that a triumph 400 scrambler I see in ur profile pic ?
We've had VW campers with modern heating systems for the past twenty plus years all those prior to the TGE having diesel Eberspacher versions. Cooking in these has always been with gas.
Now with the TGE we have a Truma 4e (gas & electric) for heating and hot water, a two burner gas hob and a gas oven / grill all supplied from an underslung 25litre gas tank. This all works well although the oven / grill is not the best. Additionally, now having lithium leisure battery and inverter we also have a small microwave and use a low wattage electric kettle.
After the first few months of ownership of the TGE I spotted a new 4kW Eberspacher at a reasonable price so have also fitted that under the floor right side in the factory position which we use as the basic heating system. Installation details here.
All of this may seem serious over kill but it means that we are not constrained by availability of fuel supply or any need for an EHU.
Here is the van that we now have.
Now with the TGE we have a Truma 4e (gas & electric) for heating and hot water, a two burner gas hob and a gas oven / grill all supplied from an underslung 25litre gas tank. This all works well although the oven / grill is not the best. Additionally, now having lithium leisure battery and inverter we also have a small microwave and use a low wattage electric kettle.
After the first few months of ownership of the TGE I spotted a new 4kW Eberspacher at a reasonable price so have also fitted that under the floor right side in the factory position which we use as the basic heating system. Installation details here.
All of this may seem serious over kill but it means that we are not constrained by availability of fuel supply or any need for an EHU.
Here is the van that we now have.
Hi rod thanks for the reply , you've certainly got a well done set up there that covers all bases . My set up is pretty much identical to yours all except the lack of the eberspacher heater and ill have a 5 liter bigger lpg tank , it will have 1600 watt inverter 230ah lithium battery and 300 watt solar so im thinking like yourself I should be all good to run small powered kettle and toaster that will reduce the need sometimes for gas . So would the gas consumption be ok for my set up or should I go with the truma diesel / electric. I know its kind of an impossible question as we use power differently but be interested to know your thoughts as an experienced camper . Thanks .
We were away over Christmas and new year in Brecon in our lwb crafter with trauma gas/electric system. I made a schoolboy error and switched the heating on before connecting up hook up and the system through my error stayed on gas. It was a full tank 30 litre (so 22-25 litres actual gas) and it was gone in just over two days
. Admittedly it was 2-3 degrees in the day and -2 to -4 overnight. Admittedly the van also has poor insulation (it’s an IH 680 CRL) nice van but very sub standard insulation. Given the choice I’d go diesel/electric given the choice. Luckily there were two garages within 20 miles that had gas but that’s unusual especially as they were within 5 miles of each other and both had stock.
. Admittedly it was 2-3 degrees in the day and -2 to -4 overnight. Admittedly the van also has poor insulation (it’s an IH 680 CRL) nice van but very sub standard insulation. Given the choice I’d go diesel/electric given the choice. Luckily there were two garages within 20 miles that had gas but that’s unusual especially as they were within 5 miles of each other and both had stock.Thanks for the reply airhoguk thats just what I was after people's real life experience and usage . These things happen and definitely something i could see myself doing at some point lol , obviously not the end of the world but could've been a bigger inconvenience. And if wild camping wouldn't last long in those conditions which is fairly cold for uk standards but hardly baltic siberian weather . Hmm some thoughts to be had 
luckily I have a few months to decide which way to go .
luckily I have a few months to decide which way to go .
Wittsy
New member
I’m not aware of the burn rate of gas when used for heating, but certainly overnight use of the petrol heater never made a noticeable difference to the level - even for 3 nights in a row.
Yes, it’s a Triumph 400x on a Cate carrier. I should be able to fit the adaptor plates to a LWB Crafter/MAN and continue to use the carrier, but I am also planning on fitting an elevating bed such that I can carry the Triumph inside…
I think the burn rate of gas is higher than diesel or petrol but could be wrong . Lovely bike those are , never rode one but nicely put together and great value. Impressive that it sits on the back
, and will be even better if you do get it in the back of the crafter / man , i have considered one for a 2nd bike as I dont think my gs1250 adventure would fit in the back 
I spent 4 weeks in Austria this year, using park ups, no campsites whatsoever, it got down to -10 some nights so we needed a decent heating setup. We have propane heating and will be moving to a diesel heater for two reasons. First, propane can be effected by altitude, as we were skiing, we found ourselves at 2000m some nights, the heater would be effected. Second, trying to refill or swap bottles was really difficult, where filling up the van with diesel was really easy, even around Christmas. This scenario is quite specific but always worth considering. Having a diesel heat source connected to your main fuel tank feels like a fool proof way to always have heating 
That's right, you can even buy a 150L diesel tank for the Crafter/TGE to make sure you'll always have more than enough fuel for heating.
Sounds like a great tripI spent 4 weeks in Austria this year, using park ups, no campsites whatsoever, it got down to -10 some nights so we needed a decent heating setup. We have propane heating and will be moving to a diesel heater for two reasons. First, propane can be effected by altitude, as we were skiing, we found ourselves at 2000m some nights, the heater would be effected. Second, trying to refill or swap bottles was really difficult, where filling up the van with diesel was really easy, even around Christmas. This scenario is quite specific but always worth considering. Having a diesel heat source connected to your main fuel tank feels like a fool proof way to always have heating
, something id like to do in the future so thanks for sharing your experience and I have to agree I am wavering towards the diesel option as you say it does seem a more simple and easier option especially if not staying on campsites uising hook up .That would be very nice but I should imagine quite a costly upgrade , and im hoping to keep under 3.5 tonnes but we'll see how that goes
We have a self build crafter LWB, converted in 2019; started with 600W solar 2KW inverter, 400Ah LFP. Gas underslung 20L, propex 2.8KW gas heater, propex gas/electric boiler. Two burner gas hob, Dualit electric oven.
After few years of use, we made changes along the way, longest in the van 6 months ( covid), but majority of trips up to 3 months now. Lowest temperatures we been in -22C and hottest 42C. Maxxfan over the bed made a big diference.
Tu sum it up in regards of LPG, now, we use 15-20L per year in colder months only, that is if we don't have enough electricity.
We added/changed to 24v habitation, 3KW inverter and 500Ah LFP at 24V. This, with 50A B2B, 600W solar enables us EHU free 99% of the time, and heating is done by diesel heater now. Hot water predominantly electric, compressor fridge/freezer, cooking 99% electric, gas is there as a back up now.
When this tank comes to end of life, 10 years, that would be in 3 years time, is coming out.
With price of Lithium coming down, we shifted most things to electric, and use very little gas, can do without it if need it to.
Heating, nothing beats diesel, even if is of the main tank, you wont make a big dent in the reserve. Longest we had the heater on 24/7 for 3 weeks during winter, on low. At a rate of 0.125mL per hr, that is 3L per day running non stop. Fuel stations are everywhere, not so much with LPG.
If I would build a van again in today's climate, it would be 24v at minimum or even 48v habitation, diesel heating and hot water, also electric, and zero LPG. The weight of a underslung can go towards extra fresh water.
After few years of use, we made changes along the way, longest in the van 6 months ( covid), but majority of trips up to 3 months now. Lowest temperatures we been in -22C and hottest 42C. Maxxfan over the bed made a big diference.
Tu sum it up in regards of LPG, now, we use 15-20L per year in colder months only, that is if we don't have enough electricity.
We added/changed to 24v habitation, 3KW inverter and 500Ah LFP at 24V. This, with 50A B2B, 600W solar enables us EHU free 99% of the time, and heating is done by diesel heater now. Hot water predominantly electric, compressor fridge/freezer, cooking 99% electric, gas is there as a back up now.
When this tank comes to end of life, 10 years, that would be in 3 years time, is coming out.
With price of Lithium coming down, we shifted most things to electric, and use very little gas, can do without it if need it to.
Heating, nothing beats diesel, even if is of the main tank, you wont make a big dent in the reserve. Longest we had the heater on 24/7 for 3 weeks during winter, on low. At a rate of 0.125mL per hr, that is 3L per day running non stop. Fuel stations are everywhere, not so much with LPG.
If I would build a van again in today's climate, it would be 24v at minimum or even 48v habitation, diesel heating and hot water, also electric, and zero LPG. The weight of a underslung can go towards extra fresh water.
Exactly my thoughts, I'm building a fluid heated 24V 368Ah lifepo4 battery atm coz I want to be gas free. In the cold you burn through too much gas and the infrastructure has serious weight drawbacks. Also, electricity can be used for just about anything where gas is limited to cooking and limited heating (due to the need to replenish at external vendors).
800W of solar and a 250A alternator provide a charge for the battery, meaning I have almost endless battery capacity.
Here is an overview of my thoughts: Ombouw MAN TGE: 24V huishoudaccu - Pagina 6 - camperforum.nl
800W of solar and a 250A alternator provide a charge for the battery, meaning I have almost endless battery capacity.
Here is an overview of my thoughts: Ombouw MAN TGE: 24V huishoudaccu - Pagina 6 - camperforum.nl
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You want to keep charge rate at, or under 0.5C. You may already know that.
I like the 250A alternator, but, if you go 24V I highly recommend a second 24V alternator.
Even with the existing 180A alternator at 12V IN, with a orion XS1400, I get almost 700W charge at 24V out. However, I'm planning a 70A 24V second alternator, that would enable me 24v in 24v out, at a 1400W charge rate. My 500Ah battery can take all that, plus the solar, and in two hrs of drive, I get all I need for the day and more.
How did you managed 800W of solar if you don't mind.
The charge rate of my cells @ 25°C is >1C and due to the heater they'll always be at the optimal temperature.
My vehicle will stay with one alternator for fuel consumption reasons and I'm in touch with a vendor to try to read the vehicles own power and to integrate it into the management software.
I'll have two XS1400's in the engine space -bypassing the starter battery - converting the alternators 15V into 29/30V -depending on the charge phase- and will limit then to between 40-50A per DCDC to not put a too great of a load on the alternator, hence the need to know the power at any time, and the temperature of the alternator. If it gets too hot it needs to pipe down to prevent damage.
800W of solar: I have a 14,7kg custom designed and built aerodynamic roof rack that fits 4* 200 Wp Craig Solar panels, plus 3* MaxxFan (1* deluxe, 2* dome) and two storage boxes. It's currently at the powder coating shop, when mounted on the roof, pics will follow. My main build is on the Dutch forum btw, everything is in great detail.
My vehicle will stay with one alternator for fuel consumption reasons and I'm in touch with a vendor to try to read the vehicles own power and to integrate it into the management software.
I'll have two XS1400's in the engine space -bypassing the starter battery - converting the alternators 15V into 29/30V -depending on the charge phase- and will limit then to between 40-50A per DCDC to not put a too great of a load on the alternator, hence the need to know the power at any time, and the temperature of the alternator. If it gets too hot it needs to pipe down to prevent damage.
800W of solar: I have a 14,7kg custom designed and built aerodynamic roof rack that fits 4* 200 Wp Craig Solar panels, plus 3* MaxxFan (1* deluxe, 2* dome) and two storage boxes. It's currently at the powder coating shop, when mounted on the roof, pics will follow. My main build is on the Dutch forum btw, everything is in great detail.
Thanks Raul for the detailed post 
that really is some power set up you have that could probably power my house 
. I wont need anything like that as the most ill be going away for is 3 weeks at a time as work commitments unfortunately restrict me and some of that will involve the odd campsite. But I think my decision of weather to go gas or diesel powered heating has been answered ( diesel it will be ) and greatly helped by everyone's real life experiences so thanks to everyone who has replied 
.
that really is some power set up you have that could probably power my house . I wont need anything like that as the most ill be going away for is 3 weeks at a time as work commitments unfortunately restrict me and some of that will involve the odd campsite. But I think my decision of weather to go gas or diesel powered heating has been answered ( diesel it will be ) and greatly helped by everyone's real life experiences so thanks to everyone who has replied .
Tor
Raised on radio waves
I think the burn rate of gas is higher than diesel or petrol but could be wrong . Lovely bike those are , never rode one but nicely put together and great value. Impressive that it sits on the back
Unless you have a LPG tank gas heating is going to be a no no over diesel heating, I only have a 6Kg gasit tank internally which I use just for the oven/hob and that lasts me roughly 10 weeks per fill, 15+ years ago I used a similar size tank with a Propex heater and it would empty it in a few nights. Ever since I have used Eberspacher diesel heaters and would not go back, I will point out that I am totaly off-grid full time van lifer which does dictate why I do things the way I do, if I stayed on sites I would probably have an electric heater.
Last month I changed my Speed 400 for a CB650R, at 207Kg it will stay at my friends house for sunny weekend rides only
It would be nice to have the power that Raul a/3 can generate and store but I think I have found my sweet spot with 300Ah of LiFePo4 batteries, 520W panels and 60Ah of B2B, I have a 1200Va inverter but all it ever runs is a hoover now and then, everything else from my cooker hood to my toothbrush charger is 12V
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