[DeLuce]

Hi everybody!
I'm soon to change my van. And with the change I'm going to get a crash tested tank and frame.
I'm currently using an immersion heater set-up. But seriously thinking of buying a diesel heater.
I can afford to do it!
But those that have gone to using diesel heaters, can you give me some level headed reasons why it is worth doing?
And, are there any disadvantages?
Thanks for any input!
Nic.

[Splash & dash]

Hi everybody!
I'm soon to change my van. And with the change I'm going to get a crash tested tank and frame.
I'm currently using an immersion heater set-up. But seriously thinking of buying a diesel heater.
I can afford to do it!
But those that have gone to using diesel heaters, can you give me some level headed reasons why it is worth doing?
And, are there any disadvantages?
Thanks for any input!
Nic.

We were cold only for 10 years had hot for the last 4 years would never go back we use hot all year round removes bird muck salt snail trails so much quicker
Down side is the running cost it’s expensive to run but I feel it’s worth it both with the time sayed and eas of working with flexible hoses and keeps your hands warm : diesel heaters are very good in my opinion a friend of mine has a cheap gas shower jobie and he admits it’s no where near as good as the diesel but if you don’t want the expense Ime sure the immersion will give you warm water that is still far better than cold

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Yes I agree with the above (SWR).

And far safer too and very reliable.  Temperature controlled and on demand heat.

[DeLuce]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm running an immersion in my 500ltr tank at the moment.
I thought the diesel heater would be more consistent with the temp  and I could regulate it better.
Are you guys running the 5 or 9 kw?
How much diesel are you using in a working day please?
Thanks.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

9 kw for me.  Worth it for the extra money compared to the 5kw.    It's costs me about £5 A day to run.  Sometimes less as I turn it off after lunch as I have a second pump operating returning water to the tank.  So after a few hours the water in the tank is nice and hot

[Splash & dash]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm running an immersion in my 500ltr tank at the moment.
I thought the diesel heater would be more consistent with the temp  and I could regulate it better.
Are you guys running the 5 or 9 kw?
How much diesel are you using in a working day please?
Thanks.

9kw difficult to work out fuel consumption but ball park figure 1:25 to 1:5 ltr per hour we have it running 8 hours a day 5 days a week worth every penny as far as Ime concerned

[DeLuce]

Oh, £5 a day isn't too bad!
What I'm interested in, is why you think it's worth every penny!! I'm not having a go.
I'm genuinely interested, because I'm seriously thinking of getting one.
Thanks.

[Splash & dash]

For the points already mentioned quicker , removes dirt easier hose management is easier more flexible especially in winter , plastic cleans are so much quicker easier : same with commercial building wash downs waterhas the same viscosity all year round dries quicker warm hands —. No brainier for me 😂😂😂😂😂

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Oh, £5 a day isn't too bad!
What I'm interested in, is why you think it's worth every penny!! I'm not having a go.
I'm genuinely interested, because I'm seriously thinking of getting one.
Thanks.

It's something that only you can decide buddy.   Some will say it's a waste of money others who have purchased one never seem to regret it. 

I guess you have to ask yourself the reasons why you want to upgrade your current hot water method. And work out if it's worth it.

[NWH]

Just plugged mine into the tank so it will recirculate overnight so all will be warm and ready to use in the morning when I go out to work,no matter how cold it gets just plug it back to tank and forget about it freezing everything up.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Just plugged mine into the tank so it will recirculate overnight so all will be warm and ready to use in the morning when I go out to work,no matter how cold it gets just plug it back to tank and forget about it freezing everything up.

Or just turn on frost protection mode over night.  It will then only kick in for 2 or 3 times for 10 mins to prevent freezing.

[Anthony Jardine]

Is it worth it Yes,

if you can afford it and it’s not going to financially be a strain then yes it’s worth it

It makes work easier and More  enjoyable

[the king]

i use a gas heater cost me £2  a day to run i work on the coast so hot water is best for me ,bird crap ,salt ect, defo not a waste of money, hoses are nice and soft but brushes need to be changed to stiff, i use gardner ultmate and supreme stiff now as i was killing medium brushes in a month and a soft brush i had lasted just short of 2 weeks    but i run my water prity hot in summer

[DeLuce]

Thanks for the time to reply. Much appreciated.
Are the best places to buy from Grippa, Purefreedom and Xline?
I know Grippatank have decent customer service.

[The Jester of Wibbly]

Thanks for the time to reply. Much appreciated.
Are the best places to buy from Grippa, Purefreedom and Xline?
I know Grippatank have decent customer service.

I went for Grippa

[Splash & dash]

Thanks for the time to reply. Much appreciated.
Are the best places to buy from Grippa, Purefreedom and Xline?
I know Grippatank have decent customer service.

Pure freedom after several calls to them couldn’t be bothered to phone me back , I have the Grippatank one would thouroghly recomend it speak to Oliver , customer service is exelent I would never deal with pure freedom again useless customer service

[DeLuce]

OK fellas 👍🏼

Cheers.

[dazmond]

i wouldnt bother unless your going to be getting it installed into a new van (that your planning in keeping for at least 5 years or so)as its expensive for the heater/charging units/batteries/ fitting and running costs(around £100 a month on diesel)

however i love mine now...no worries about hoses/pumps freezing on cold nights as the frost stat takes care of that and obviously working with hot water is better than cold water window cleaning.easier scrubbing and rinsing,supple warm hoses and the windows dry quicker...

having used DIY  L5 and L10 gas shower heaters before i reckon a professionally installed diesel heater is much better,more consistent heat and a lot safer....it looks cool too if you get the retro fit from grippa...

id go for the 9kw heater mate.dont forget in winter on very cold days the water at brush head is only around 25-30c with lots of hose out on freezing ground(and thats with the 9kw heater on full whack).which is fine...

obviously when it warms up that heat rises dramatically to 45-60c which is super duper for the spring/summer months for all that bird muck,slug trails,pollen spots,bug poo,etc,etc that we all get on the glass and add on jobs are easier to clean....

[andyM]

The frost protection stat on those Diesel Heaters does sound a good idea I must admit.
But in all honesty I've not put a heater in the back of my van once this Winter, and nothing has froze.
Just sayin....

[Stoots]

The question I would ask is how many time would I need it, I mean really need it.

5k or whatever is a lot of money not to mention the running costs.

So far this winter I would say hot water might have helped me on 2-3 days first thing in the morning.

Ok this week looks like freak weather and it will no doubt help if the forecast is to be believed however how many times does that occur really.

An immersion seems a more sensible option to be used on half a dozen occasions when needed.

If you have a great round, earn plenty of dosh and low overheads and you want one why not, I would love one but it's only a want and not a need so it's a luxury item.