Diesel Heater FAQ (5kW Heaters)

Diesel Heater FAQs

Jump to a question:

1 - What size should I choose?

Consider the items below to help you determine whether you need a 2kW or 5kW heater:

  • Do you plan to spend time in cold or snowy locations? A more powerful heater is recommended.
  • What is the size of your vehicle? If your RV or caravan is closer to bus-size, a 5kW heater will heat up your space quicker.
  • Does your caravan have many large windows? The more windows you have, the higher the heat loss.

If unsure, we recommend choosing the 5kW model. You can always run it on lower settings and open windows to regulate the temperature. They are efficient in both fuel and power.

2 - Will the heating have a smell?

If set up correctly, diesel heaters should produce very little odor. The combustion process is efficient and shouldn't emit a noticeable smell. If you notice a burnt rubber smell, check the gasket underneath the heater and replace it if needed (see tip below).

3 - How much power does the heater use?

On startup and shutdown, the heater draws about 10 amps for a few minutes. During operation:

  • Low: approx. 1 amp/hour
  • Medium: approx. 1.8 amps/hour
  • High: approx. 3.7 amps/hour

On average, it consumes around 12Ah overnight.

4 - How much fuel does the heater use?

Fuel use depends on the power setting. On low, it uses approx. 0.10L per hour. That means up to 10 hours of heating per litre of diesel.

5 - Can I always run the diesel heater on low setting?

Yes, but prolonged use on low can cause carbon build-up on the glow plug. To maintain performance, run it on high for at least 15 minutes once a month before shutting it off.

6 - How to pair the remote with the LCD controller?

  1. Check that the A27 12V battery is correctly installed in the remote.
  2. Turn on the power only (do not start the heater).
  3. Hold the "UP" and "OK" buttons on the LCD controller until "HFA" appears on screen.
  4. Press any button on the remote while pointing it at the LCD screen.

7 - The LCD doesn't turn on. What should I do?

  • Reconnect the cables to the battery.
  • Check all electrical connections for shorts or loose wires.
  • Inspect the fuse and test voltage on both sides.
  • Measure voltage at the heater side of the wiring harness.
  • Check if any pins or connectors are pushed back inside the plugs.

8 - What is the rubber gasket for and how to seal the heater?

The gasket insulates the unit, reduces vibration, and prevents fumes from entering. Alternatives include:

  • Temperature-resistant silicone sealant
  • Cut-to-size silicone sheet
  • Liquid gasket (e.g., Permatex)

9 - Can I get spare parts for my diesel heater?

Yes, we stock a wide range of spare parts. Visit our spare parts page. Contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

10 - What is the noise level?

The heater produces 60–80dB measured one meter from the muffler, depending on the pump setting.

11 - Can I replace the fuel line with a different material or diameter?

No. Use the supplied rigid white nylon pipe (1.5–2mm ID, 4mm OD). Covering it with rubber tubing is fine, but changing the internal diameter or using a soft material can affect dosage and cause air locks, leading to poor combustion or heater failure.

Using different fuel lines will void your warranty.

12 - Why is the heater blowing cold air? (Power Supply Troubleshooting (E-10 Error & Startup Failures)

If your diesel heater fails to start or displays an E-10 error, the most common cause is an unstable or insufficient power supply.

  • Do not run the heater while a battery charger is connected. Chargers (including trickle or DC-DC) do not supply stable current and can cause voltage drops during startup.
  • Always test the heater using a fully charged 12V battery with nothing else connected.
  • Once the heater is running smoothly, you may reconnect the charger—but never during startup.

If you're experiencing repeated E-10 errors or cold air with no ignition, checking your power supply setup is the first step.

Still need help?

If you’re having issues with your diesel heater, please email us at info@ontrackoutdoor.com.au with the following:

  • Photos showing the position of the heater, fuel pump, and tank
  • Battery voltage measured at the terminals
  • Any error codes, smoke, or unusual behaviour

This helps us troubleshoot your setup as quickly as possible.