Propane vs Diesel

[mxracer317]

I'm building out an enclosed hunting trailer, and I'm looking for feedback from anyone who has camped at higher elevations using either propane or diesel heat sources.

Most of my camping locations are typically less than 8000' feet, but I don't want to get in a situation where I go to a new place at a higher elevation and find out that the propane is struggling or won't burn due to lack of O2.

I've read that you can install high-altitude kits for propane heating...

Just want to do it right the 1st time. Thanks in advance!

 

[mtmuley]

Never used a diesel heater, but they look like they might be a great option. Even in a tent if done right. mtmuley

 

[ccc23454]

Diesel 1000%

 

[mxracer317]

Diesel 1000%

Tell me why? I'm leaning towards diesel too.

 

[ccc23454]

Tell me why? I'm leaning towards diesel too.

It's cheaper, safer, easier, fuel lasts longer and has no maintenance other than charging battery. Just takes a little mechanical ability to build system and set it up. I plan to build a new bigger trailer in next year or two and already know how I am building 2 diesel heaters into design. Current setup (first diesel setup) is unbelievabley efficent and effective.

Fyi: Current setup is about 5 years old, flawless!

 

[Scott85]

I’d say diesel but I’m not sure since my battery pack didn’t have enough ass from the 15amp 12volt plug.

 

[jimh406]

Propane loses pressure with lower temps which can affect appliances. Diesel gels if you don’t have a Winter additive.

Diesel can be easier to find.

 

[Bigjay73]

Propane at 8000 ft is good down to about -45* if my math is correct. Yes, it loses pressure, but you only need to maintain a certain pressure, usually around .5 psi for a heater to work

 

[Forkyfinder]

Those diesel heaters are awesome. Know of a few people that use them - easy/cheap and less safety concerns.

 

[Borny1]

Diesel. I just bought a Chinese Hcalory for $150 and it is amazing. Way more heat and much smaller form factor. I believe it autocorrects for elevation since it is an input on the app that comes with it. It burns so clean I run it for a couple hours in my 3car garage without exhausting outside. Zero exhaust smell once warmed up.

 

[mtmuley]

Those diesel heaters are awesome. Know of a few people that use them - easy/cheap and less safety concerns.

Yep. I don't care if there are a dozen detectors, I will not sleep with a propane heater on in an enclosed space. mtmuley

 

[Deez Nutz]

I have a diesel heater in my enclosed trailer. I would do it again.

 

[grizzly63]

I used Hunter Diesel heaters in my arctic tents. Never had any airflow problems. You cannot escape smelling that stinking diesel smell if you are handling it. Compound that with a need for a battery to power it and thats a loser in my mind. Propane for me. Tents or truck. I leave windows open for ventilation. Everything has a trade off. If you have good enough sleeping bags, you don't need heat. But if you enclose the space, you'll condensate the hell out of it with your breath.

 

[mxracer317]

I used Hunter Diesel heaters in my arctic tents. Never had any airflow problems. You cannot escape smelling that stinking diesel smell if you are handling it. Compound that with a need for a battery to power it and thats a loser in my mind. Propane for me. Tents or truck. I leave windows open for ventilation. Everything has a trade off. If you have good enough sleeping bags, you don't need heat. But if you enclose the space, you'll condensate the hell out of it with your breath.

I just worry about propane furnaces at elevations over 8000’

 

[GHOXP]

Propane burns clean and diesel does not. One would expect less maintenance issues with propane.

 

[jpc01101]

I'm considering changing my off grid cabin to diesel heater(s) it's about 450 sq ft and I currently use propane but the condensation sucks as well as the temperature regulation seems to be terrible (probably more an issue with the two heaters I've tried). I have a 12v circuit (lithium batteries and solar) that I can easily access and could build a box outside to house the heater. seems like people really like them.

 

[rjthehunter]

I just worry about propane furnaces at elevations over 8000’

Camped at 7,500 ft this fall and the propane heaters would run for an hour before shutting off. 2 propane heaters, 2 different propane tanks, 1 tank and heater were brand new. I'm not sure what the issue was, but there was ventilation, and it was down to single digits. Switching to diesel this year. I just don't trust propane at elevation now either.

 

[Gellar]

I got a vevor 8kw diesel heater this winter prior to that I had always used propane in my ice hut. I only ran the diesel heater once because I didn’t have much time for fishing. There’s pros and cons to both. My biggest gripe about the diesel heater is it’s a lot bigger and heavier than my propane heater. I never ran it where I needed to worry about the battery charge but that will be a problem this fall if I bring it to elk camp. I plan on upgrading to a 50ah or 100 ah lithium battery. The heat from the diesel is different, a drier heat and with the blower and an additional fan it moves around the tent better.

This summer I plan building a container for the heater, battery and charging system. I have seen on the many Facebook groups for diesel heaters options for packaging. I am thinking about using a cooler on wheels as the base for mine.

I used the diesel and the propane in an Eskimo insulated ice shack that’s 10x10x6.5ft tall when temps were at or below zero and both heaters keep my ice shack comfortable, but not hot at those temps. I did get the high altitude version with the intention of using it when base camping in the mountains. But I may need to bring a back up heater until I fully trust the diesel heater.

 

[Wild Bill]

I've got a couple different diesel heater DIY builds bookmarked that I want to look at closer and do some cost comparison.
I haven't used one myself, but I've heard from a couple other folks that have sold off their propane heaters.

 

[RojoGrande]

Propane heaters put out a lot of moisture and could cause condensation issues in confined spaces especially if you are bringing wet clothing, boots etc. in with you. Diesel heaters are a dry heat and with dry clothing and gear much faster.