Best Diesel Heaters for High Altitude

A bargain split heater for a van, RV or workshop on a budget. Expect closer to 5 kW than the 8 kW on the box, and no stated warranty.

For van, truck and boat owners who want a quiet, type-approved 2 kW heater that works at high altitude. It costs much more than clones but is built to run for thousands of hours.

For van and boat owners who want a type-approved 2 kW heater for less than Webasto or Espar. Add a timer panel if you want it warm before you wake.

For van and truck owners who want a type-approved 2 kW heater with low power draw and a timer. The newer Airtronic S3 D2L now does the same job for less.

For larger vans, trucks and boats that need a type-approved 4 kW heater that works anywhere, including high mountain passes. It costs far more than clones but is built for years of daily use.

For larger vans, sleeper cabs and boats that need a type-approved 4 kW heater with a wide turndown. The M3 D4L that replaces it costs the same and draws less power.

For van and truck owners who want a new type-approved 2 kW heater with altitude adjustment and a very low idle setting, or a drop-in replacement for an Air Top 2000 STC. It costs far more than clone heaters of the same size.

A cheap small split heater for a van, truck cab or small boat cabin. Its fuel burn backs up the 2 kW rating, but the maker gives no warranty length or power figures.

A cheap split kit with Bluetooth control and automatic altitude adjustment, for DIY installs in vans and campers that travel high. Real output is far below 8 kW.

For motorhomes and boats with long, branching duct runs that a standard 4 kW heater can not push through. Otherwise the D4L is cheaper and draws less power.

A well-featured split heater for van and RV builds that want automatic altitude handling and a big tank; expect about 3 kW of real heat, not 8.

For 24V trucks, buses and larger motorhomes that need a type-approved 5 kW heater with automatic altitude adjustment. It costs far more than clone heaters of the same size.

A small, cheap split heater with Bluetooth control and automatic altitude adjustment, sized for cars, small vans and boat cabins.

For 24V trucks and buses that need a type-approved 4 kW heater with automatic altitude adjustment. The high price buys Webasto build quality and approval, not more heat.

A low cost split heater kit for a van, truck or RV that wants WiFi control and a big tank. Treat it as about a 4 kW heater, not 8 kW.

A brushless split heater with automatic altitude adjustment for vans, trucks and RVs at 12V. The listing publishes too few figures to judge its real output.

A brushless split heater with automatic altitude adjustment for vans, trucks and RVs at 12V. The listing publishes too few figures to judge its real output.

A bare bones split heater for DIY installers in the mountains who want automatic altitude adjustment at the lowest price. The short warranty and missing specs make it a gamble.

A cheap split kit with its own tank and automatic altitude adjustment, for DIY van and truck builds at elevation. The 3 month warranty is the catch.

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.

A cheap all-in-one heater for tents, garages and vans that adds a CO shutoff and automatic altitude adjustment, though its real output is well under the 8 kW rating.

A cheap upright all-in-one heater with an app, timer and automatic altitude adjustment, for tents, garages and high-country camping. Expect well under its 8 kW rating.

A budget toolbox heater for tents, garages and vans with a CO shutoff and a thermostat. Treat it as about a 4 kW heater, not 8 kW.

A budget toolbox heater for vans, garages and camps with the smart controls of pricier models. Expect about 3 kW of heat, not 8.

A budget all-in-one heater with a big tank and automatic altitude adjustment, for garages, tents and campers that need long runtimes.

A mid-priced toolbox heater for vans, cabins and camps that holds a room temperature well and handles high altitude. Expect about 3 kW of heat, not 8.

A portable heater for tents, garages and vans with WiFi control, a thermostat and a CO shutoff at a mid price. Treat it as about a 4 kW heater, not 8 kW.

A well-equipped toolbox heater for campers and garages that want long runtimes, altitude adjustment and quiet nights. Expect about 3 kW of heat, not 8.

A portable toolbox heater for tents, garages and vans that wants WiFi control and a CO shutoff. Treat it as about a 4 kW heater, not 8 kW.

A portable heater with a thermostat and altitude compensation for high mountain camping and cabins, at a high price for what LF Bros publishes about it.

A portable heater for tents, garages and vans for buyers who want brushless motors, WiFi control and a CO shutoff. Treat it as about a 4 kW heater, not 8 kW.

A pricier all-in-one heater with Bluetooth control and an insulated case, for tents and boats, but with no fuel figures to check its 5 kW rating.