The Autoterm Air 2D Portable rates 3.4 among all in one diesel heaters; the LF Bros Split 2kW T3 Diesel Heater rates 2.8 among split ones. The LF Bros Split 2kW T3 Diesel Heater costs $1,410 less ($189.99 vs $1,599.99).
For overlanders, ice fishers and boat owners who want a portable heater with a proven, type-approved core and will pay for it. Clone all-in-ones give similar heat for a fraction of the price.
Amazon $1,599.99A compact 2 kW split heater for car and small truck cabs, though it costs as much as LF Bros’s 5 kW kit.
Amazon $189.99Prices were last checked October 30, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
These two sit in different type classes (all in one and split), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Autoterm Air 2D Portable | LF Bros Split 2kW T3 Diesel Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 25% | 0 $800 per kW ($1,599.99, 2 kW) | 58 $95 per kW ($189.99, 2 kW) |
| Type approval 20% | 100 type approved (ECE R122) | 0 no type approval published |
| Controls and safety 15% | 50 holds a set temperature, automatic altitude; no CO sensor | 43 timer; fixed levels only |
| Power draw 15% | 69 up to 29 W running | 50 power draw not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Low setting 10% | 100 down to 0.8 kW | 75 down to 1.1 kW |
| Autoterm Air 2D Portable | LF Bros Split 2kW T3 Diesel Heater | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | ||
| Heat output (maker) | 2 kW | 2 kW |
| Lowest output | 0.8 kW | 1.1 kW |
| Fuel burn | 0.1 to 0.24 L/h | 0.18 to 0.53 L/h |
| Build | All in one | Split (installed) |
| Power | ||
| Supply | 12V | 12V |
| Running draw | 10 to 29 W | - |
| Controls and safety | ||
| Thermostat | Yes | No |
| Automatic altitude | Yes, to 13,780 ft | - |
| App | No | - |
| Timer | No | Yes |
| Remote | No | - |
| CO shutoff | No | - |
| Type approval | ECE R122 | None published |
| Build | ||
| Dimensions | 24 x 16.5 x 19 in | 13.2 x 4.57 x 4.68 in |
| Weight | 25.5 lb | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
