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​The ultimate comparison, Espar vs Webasto vs Generic Chinese Diesel heater, which heater should you invest in and why.

​The ultimate comparison, Espar vs Webasto vs Generic Chinese Diesel heater, which heater should you invest in and why.

Posted by Santiago Fileta on Dec 25th 2022

Van life has its own unique challenges, and one of those is finding a reliable, efficient and cost-effective way to heat your van. If you're content with cracking a window and running a Mr.Buddy, this article is not for you! Here is our breakdown of the three most popular diesel heaters on the market; Webasto, Espar, and generic Chinese heaters found on Amazon. To help you decide which heater is best for you, let’s take a look at what they have in common and how they differ.

What They Have In Common

The primary benefit of all diesel heaters is that they provide efficient heating while using very little energy. This means that you won't be draining your battery or relying on bulky, inefficient or unsafe propane and electric heaters to keep your van warm when winter hits. All three models use an air duct system to evenly distribute the heat throughout your van. Finally, all three models can potentially be installed yourself with minimal experience and tools.


Differences Between Models

Espar

Espar diesel heaters are designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, making them an excellent choice for van life. The key features of Espar heaters include a compact design with low power draw, fast heating capabilities, precise temperature control, automatic altitude adjustment, and built-in safety features. They’re also noted for having super quiet operation and reliable performance even in cold temperatures and higher climates. Espar heaters also typically have a relay circuit in the harness which can be used for a large variety of applications. Traditionally this circuit is used in hydronic systems to activate the vehicles blower motor when used for preheating a vehicle's glycol supply. This relay circuit can be used for a lot of different applications, such as a secondary pump for larger glycol systems as well as a trigger for other devices you might want to automatically power once your heater gets up to standard operating temperature. Installation is very similar mechanically to a Webasto heater, however due to a higher level of sensitivity and precision than the Webasto a DIY'er or someone installing one for the first time might encounter more problems. For example, the pump circuit can take longer to prime and will sometimes result in the unit needing to be reset in order to continue the priming process if a lockout condition is present. Espar's also require the controller line (there is an older rheostatic loom included in the harness as well as a modern can-bus ready loom for modern controllers) to be terminated with a Deutsch connector off the harness prior to plugging in the controller. The pins on a Deutsch connector require a specific crimping tool and for the points to be seated properly in the connector, if one of these connections is done improperly it's common for the controller to lockout and not recognize the presence of a heater or go dark entirely. Lockouts occur when the same error(s) are present in the unit too many times without a resolution. Espar does not instruct non technicians on how to access the programming/diagnostic menu which can aid in diagnosing the issue and provide a means of restarting the fault memory of the unit, however these instructions are not hard to find online. Espar has a great warranty and solid troubleshooting/help available through their dealer network should issues or servicing be needed in the future.

Webasto

Webasto is best known for its workhorse technology and ergonomic designs. These diesel heaters offer exceptional heating capacity, precise temperature control, low power consumption and easy installation. Webasto also offers a wide range of accessories that make it easier to customize your van’s heating system (so does Espar). Additionally, Webasto heaters are easier to install than Espar and are simpler to troubleshoot. The actual install is relatively similar to Espar however the fuel pump prime cycle on install will not typically cause the controller to go into a lockout mode (this condition can happen on the Espar, however it's not terribly common) and the units tend to have a much more generous margin of error than Espar. The connections to the controller are simpler to make and require less precision than the Deutsch connectors found on the Espar. Webasto heater's don't have the same intuitive range of altitude adjustment that the Espar's do and require programming from an installer/dealer if the unit will be used in higher altitudes. External temperature sensors can be wired into the Webasto's harness however this requires locating the correct wire in the harness, cutting it inside the loom and manually splicing in the temperature sensor, this is a nice option for more precise zone control, however is not straightforward to understand or figure out on your own. Webasto offers a good warranty, but has a smaller dealer network for servicing and troubleshooting than Espar; many dealers for Webasto are heavy duty trucking locations that will not want to service or diagnose your van.

Generic Chinese Heaters

Generic Chinese diesel heaters found on Amazon offer a great price point but they can be hit or miss when it comes to quality. These heaters typically draw more power than the other two options, are not as reliable in cold temperatures, have limited safety features and lower build qualities compared to their counterparts. Installs vary widely, but are not entirely dissimilar to their brand name counterparts. (they often come with aux fuel jugs which can be a plus if you don't actually have a diesel rig and don't want to buy a gas heater). Newer models boast altitude adjustment, however it is not clear if this function really works as advertised. People frequently have issues with their Chinese diesel heaters, both during install due to poor directions or faulty units and longevity after installation; warranty and build quality can vary greatly, Espar and Webasto both have excellent manufacturer warranties, but generic Amazon purchased heaters are all up to the discretion of the seller as most of the manufacturers don't maintain active brands or headquarter's outside of China. Servicing or fault finding these units is entirely on the owner, however you might find a technician familiar with them if you're having issues. These heaters will absolutely need maintenance well before their name brand counterparts and will be a hassle to fix.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking for a reliable heater with the latest technology or an affordable option that gets the job done, there's a diesel heater out there for everyone. Before making a decision, it's important to weigh all the factors including price, performance, safety, longevity and installation requirements. Be sure to do your research and have realistic expectations about what kind of heater you need before you buy. When deciding between an Espar vs Webasto vs Generic Chinese Diesel heater, it usually boils down to personal preference and budget. If you’re looking for dependable performance and willing to pay for a higher quality product that's going to last a long time, Espar is probably your best bet. If money is tight, but you want a reliable unit that you don't need to mess with, and you're not doing as much high altitude traveling then going with Webasto is a good option. If you're strongly mechanically inclined, on a budget, and don't mind the chance that you might end up ripping apart your system to replace or service your heater much faster than you would an Espar or a Webasto, than a generic Chinese diesel heater is not a bad option, but know what you're in for, these heaters don't have as many of the same fail safes that the main brands do, so it's all up to you and your abilities. No matter what you choose, hopefully these heaters help get you on the road, living your best life and exploring the beauty that awaits you off the road less traveled.