photohc
Senior Member
Thought I would post this information for those who might be thinking of changing out your FWC installed Atwood propane heater.
Last year, after a couple of trips with 20 deg nightly temperatures, I decided to explore a diesel powered heater solution when I ran out of propane on both trips. I initially wanted to just remove the propane heater and install a diesel heater in it’s place but after some problem solving, I figured a way to open up the propane heater space and install the new diesel heater outside the camper to recapture the space for more storage.
This solution will not work for everyone but may spur some thoughts on the possibilities. First, my camper is mounted on the truck using the Torklift frame mount system. I previously had the bed mount on my older F150 but when I got my new truck (F250) in 2018, I decided to use the frame mount. My F150 (2013) showed signs of deformation in the bed due to the Hawk pulling up.
This allowed the area under the camper where the camper turn buckles are usually connected to be a free open space. The following photos will help to clarify how this is all installed.
I piped the heated air through the second access door. The inside air is not recirculated. Outside air under the camper is drawn in, heated and sent into the compartment. The 2KW heater is more than adequate for the job. Anything larger than this would be an overkill.
Initially, I had purchase an inexpensive Chinese Diesel Heater ($150) After receiving it, (they sent the wrong, 5kw, size) I set it up on a test bench and didn’t like the build quality and the larger size of the 5KW heater. I bit the bullet and purchased the German Webasto heater on eBay. I eventually sold the Chinese version on Craigslist.
The Webasto is hands down is the much better made product. I’m suppling the diesel fuel via the 2 gallon Rotopax container mounted (Rivet nuts, love those things) on the front wall of the camper. On my maiden journey with this new heater, in 20 deg night time weather with the heater on for 8 hours/night, the tank will probably last 4-5 nights. The heater will cycle off/on being regulated by the controller.
Hope this helps anyone looking for more information on this type of heater as I had a difficult time finding detailed install information for a FWC.
Last year, after a couple of trips with 20 deg nightly temperatures, I decided to explore a diesel powered heater solution when I ran out of propane on both trips. I initially wanted to just remove the propane heater and install a diesel heater in it’s place but after some problem solving, I figured a way to open up the propane heater space and install the new diesel heater outside the camper to recapture the space for more storage.
This solution will not work for everyone but may spur some thoughts on the possibilities. First, my camper is mounted on the truck using the Torklift frame mount system. I previously had the bed mount on my older F150 but when I got my new truck (F250) in 2018, I decided to use the frame mount. My F150 (2013) showed signs of deformation in the bed due to the Hawk pulling up.
This allowed the area under the camper where the camper turn buckles are usually connected to be a free open space. The following photos will help to clarify how this is all installed.
I piped the heated air through the second access door. The inside air is not recirculated. Outside air under the camper is drawn in, heated and sent into the compartment. The 2KW heater is more than adequate for the job. Anything larger than this would be an overkill.
Initially, I had purchase an inexpensive Chinese Diesel Heater ($150) After receiving it, (they sent the wrong, 5kw, size) I set it up on a test bench and didn’t like the build quality and the larger size of the 5KW heater. I bit the bullet and purchased the German Webasto heater on eBay. I eventually sold the Chinese version on Craigslist.
The Webasto is hands down is the much better made product. I’m suppling the diesel fuel via the 2 gallon Rotopax container mounted (Rivet nuts, love those things) on the front wall of the camper. On my maiden journey with this new heater, in 20 deg night time weather with the heater on for 8 hours/night, the tank will probably last 4-5 nights. The heater will cycle off/on being regulated by the controller.
Hope this helps anyone looking for more information on this type of heater as I had a difficult time finding detailed install information for a FWC.