Camping Heaters for Caravans & 4WD Touring — Australian Guide 2026

Diesel air heaters have become common in caravans, camper trailers and touring vehicles. They burn diesel in a combustion chamber and transfer heat through a heat exchanger, with heated air ducted into the living space. When correctly installed, the combustion air and exhaust remain separated from the heated cabin air. Advantages include efficient fuel use, strong heating output, relatively low electrical demand once running, readily available diesel and suitability for cold-climate touring. A heater should be installed according to the manufacturer's requirements — poorly installed combustion heaters can create serious safety hazards.

LPG heaters are available in both permanently installed and portable forms. Outdoor LPG heaters should never simply be brought inside a tent, caravan or enclosed shelter because outdoor combustion appliances can create dangerous carbon-monoxide levels in insufficiently ventilated areas. Only use a gas heater in the environment for which it is specifically designed and approved. Follow all manufacturer requirements for ventilation, clearances, gas supply, cylinder positioning, installation and operation. Never use cooking appliances as space heaters.

Electric heaters are simple when mains electricity is available. Common types include fan heaters, ceramic heaters, oil-filled heaters, panel heaters and electric blankets. The challenge off-grid is power consumption — a conventional electric space heater can consume a substantial amount of energy continuously, making it unsuitable for many battery systems. Electric blankets and heated throws can be far more energy-efficient because they warm the occupants rather than the entire space.

A large portable power station may operate some electric heating appliances, but battery capacity can be depleted quickly. Before using one for heating, consider heater wattage, power-station AC output, usable battery capacity, expected runtime and ability to recharge the following day. Using stored electrical energy to create resistance heat is generally demanding compared with many other camping loads.

Heating tents requires particular caution. Many tents are highly combustible and have limited ventilation. Do not place portable fuel-burning heaters inside a tent unless the equipment is specifically designed and approved for that application and all manufacturer requirements are followed. In many cases, safer ways to stay warm include correctly rated sleeping bags, insulated sleeping mats, thermal clothing, beanies and socks, hot-water bottles and heated blankets where suitable power is available.

Caravans are better suited to purpose-designed heating systems because equipment can be permanently installed. Common choices include diesel air heaters, approved LPG space heaters, reverse-cycle air conditioning when mains or sufficient power is available and electric heating when connected to mains. The correct choice depends on caravan size, insulation, climate, available fuel, battery capacity and installation options.

Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. It can be produced by incomplete combustion of fuels including LPG, petrol, diesel, charcoal and wood. Outdoor LPG appliances should not be used inside enclosed spaces unless specifically designed and approved for that environment. A carbon-monoxide alarm is a sensible additional safeguard in enclosed accommodation containing fuel-burning equipment, but it is not a substitute for correct installation, ventilation and safe operation.

Keep heaters clear of bedding, curtains, clothing, chairs, tent fabric, paper, fuel containers and other combustible material. Never leave portable heating equipment operating unattended unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Keep children and pets away from hot surfaces.

Heating can become one of the largest energy demands at camp. Before relying on electric heating, consider your complete system: battery capacity, solar availability, winter daylight hours, fridge consumption, lighting, communications equipment, cooking and device charging. Cold weather can also affect battery performance, making realistic planning particularly important.