The Best Heating Options for Off-Grid Van Life
The Best Heating Options for Van Life: What Actually Works
Staying warm in a camper van isn’t just about comfort. It’s about safety, moisture control, and making sure your adventures don’t end when temperatures drop. Whether you’re chasing powder, full-timing in colder climates, or just want to take the chill out of mountain mornings, choosing the right heating system is one of the most important decisions in your van build.
At Oxbow Vans, we install heating systems in everything from Sprinters to Transits to ProMasters, and we’ve seen exactly what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth the investment. Think of this as your no-nonsense guide to staying warm on the road.
1. Diesel Heaters: The Gold Standard for Most Van Lifers
Best for: Four-season travel, off-grid use, fuel-efficient heating
Diesel heaters are the most popular option for van life for good reason. They sip fuel directly from your vehicle’s diesel tank (or from a separate tank for gas vans), they’re extremely efficient, and they warm the van quickly.
Why diesel heaters are a top choice
They run directly off your vehicle’s fuel supply
Extremely efficient on power and fuel
Dry heat reduces condensation inside the van
Widely used in professional builds, including at Oxbow
The brand we trust most is Espar but we often see many Webasto heaters. They cost more than the cheap knockoff units online, but you get reliability, safety, and long-term performance. That matters.
Downsides
More expensive upfront
Require a professional installation for safety and lifespan
Need occasional maintenance if used at high elevations
If you want dependable heat for years, this is the most balanced, reliable option.
2. Gasoline Heaters: Perfect for Gas Vans
Best for: Ford Transit and gas ProMaster owners
Gasoline heaters work almost exactly like diesel heaters, but they run off your van’s gas tank instead of diesel. This is ideal if your van doesn’t use diesel but you still want the efficiency and safety of a combustion heater.
Brands like Espar offer gas versions that perform extremely well.
Pros
Fuel is always available
Very efficient
Low electrical draw
Cons
Same installation cost as diesel heaters
Slightly fewer options compared to diesel models
If you own a gas van and want the best heater without switching to propane, this is your winner.
3. Propane Furnaces: Warm, Powerful, and Familiar
Best for: Vans with built-in propane systems, people who want a “RV-style” heater
Propane furnaces like the Truma VarioHeat or Propex HS2000 offer powerful, fast heating and are commonly used in RVs. Modern propane heaters are safe when installed correctly, and they produce a clean, consistent heat.
Pros
Strong heat output
Easy to find fuel almost anywhere
Quiet, comfortable heat
Cons
Requires proper ventilation and installation
Propane can run out without warning
Adds another fuel system to maintain
For weekend warriors or vans already using propane for cooking or hot water, this can be a great option.
4. Wood Stoves: Cozy but High-Maintenance
Best for: Aesthetic lovers, winter-sport people willing to give up space
Yes, people install tiny wood stoves in vans. And yes, they can be incredibly cozy and atmospheric. But they come with serious considerations.
Pros
Amazing ambiance
Free heat if you gather wood
Zero electricity required
Cons
Takes up valuable space
Can create moisture problems
Requires venting and constant tending
Not practical for stealth camping
Wood stoves look cool in photos, but for most van lifers, they’re more trouble than they’re worth.
5. Electric Heating: Only for Big Lithium + Big Solar
Best for: Vans with massive 48V systems, hookups, or electric mini-split setups
Running heat off electricity alone is tricky in a van because heaters draw huge amounts of power. But with modern lithium systems, high-output alternator charging, and large solar arrays, some builders run:
Electric space heaters
Induction-based heat pumps
Mini-split systems with heating
Pros
No combustion or fumes
Very quiet
Works well on shore power
Cons
Extremely power hungry
Requires a very large electrical system
Not reliable in off-grid winter conditions
Electric heat is possible, but only if your system is built specifically for it. Most van builds don’t have the battery capacity.
6. Engine-Dependent Heat: Good as a Backup
Best for: Extra warmth during driving or staging
Your van’s cabin heater works great while you’re driving, but it’s not a heating solution for living space. Some builders install coolant-run heat exchangers (like the Espar Hydronic + Kalori fan system) that use engine heat to warm the cabin.
Pros
“Free” heat while driving
Great for drying gear after skiing
Cons
Does nothing for overnight heat
Requires additional plumbing
This can complement another heater, but shouldn’t replace one.
So What’s the Best Heating Option Overall?
After hundreds of installs and years of customer feedback, here’s how it shakes out:
Best Overall Heater:
✔ Diesel heater (Espar)
Reliable, efficient, safe, and proven.
Best for Gas Vans:
✔ Gasoline heater (Espar gas model)
Best if You Already Use Propane:
✔ Truma VarioHeat or Propex furnace
Best “Instagram cool but tricky”:
✔ Tiny wood stove
Best Only With a Mega Electrical System:
✔ Electric or heat pump-based heating
How We Build Heating Systems at Oxbow Vans
Every van is different, and so are your travel plans. At Oxbow Vans, we:
Assess your insulation and airflow
Determine your climate needs
Match your heater to your electrical system
Install heaters with proper venting and safety controls
Test everything at altitude when needed
A properly installed heater isn’t just warm. It’s safe, quiet, and dependable for years of travel.
Ready to Warm Up Your Van?
If you’re planning a new build or upgrading your current setup, we can help guide you to the heater that fits your budget, climate, and long-term travel goals.
Reach out to Oxbow Vans for a custom heating plan that keeps you warm no matter where you roam.
