RV Diesel Heater Installation
Professional diesel heater installation for motorhomes and caravans. We supply, install, service and repair Webasto, Eberspacher, AutoTerm and HeatPort heaters at our Christchurch workshop — so you stay warm wherever you travel.
Year-Round Comfort for Your RV
Diesel heaters are the go-to for staying cosy on RV adventures. Compact and purpose-built for recreational vehicles, they burn diesel to generate efficient warmth completely off-grid — no shore power or generator required.
We install, repair and maintain all major brands at our Sydenham, Christchurch workshop. Whether you're planning winter camping in the South Island, freedom camping in the cold, or just want reliable heat without running the engine, a diesel heater is the answer. Our base install is a 2kW heater supplied and fitted with a single outlet, using the factory fuel tank or plumbed into the vehicle's fuel source where applicable.
Why Choose a Diesel Heater?
The advantages of diesel heating for your motorhome or caravan:
Efficient & Cheap to Run
High fuel-to-heat efficiency means long run times per tank. Running costs are roughly 8–12c per kWh, sipping just 0.13–0.67 L of diesel per hour.
Off-Grid Independence
Runs from your RV's fuel tank — no shore power or generator needed, and no draining your house batteries to stay warm.
Quick to Warm Up
Rapid heating gets your RV warm fast — ideal for cold mornings or coming back in after a day outdoors.
Very Low Power Draw
Uses only 8–130 watts of electrical power, so it won't strain your battery system — perfect for boondocking and dry camping.
Quiet Operation
Runs quietly in the background, keeping your space warm without the noise some other heating options make.
Reliable in the Cold
Dependable in freezing conditions — ideal for winter camping in the South Island and high-altitude areas.
Installation Options
We supply and fit a range of diesel heaters to suit every budget and vehicle — from premium German units to great-value European and NZ-made options. We'll help you choose, then install it professionally. Get in touch for current pricing.
Webasto
PremiumMade in Germany, the Air Top range is the benchmark for diesel heating — compact, quiet and incredibly efficient, with superior safety over LPG.
- German engineering excellence
- Automatic temperature control
- Full diagnostics capability
- Extensive service network
Eberspacher
PremiumDecades of German engineering. Airtronic heaters deliver swift heat, minimal fuel use and quiet running, with 6,000+ hours of service life.
- Lowest DC power consumption
- Integrated diagnostics
- Automatic altitude adjustment
- Proven reliability
AutoTerm
High-quality European heaters offering excellent value and reliability in a compact design — ideal for motorhomes and caravans of all sizes.
- Excellent value for money
- Reliable performance
- Comprehensive warranty
- Easy to service
HeatPort
Designed, assembled and quality-checked in New Zealand, with full local support and the largest NZ stock of spare parts.
- NZ designed and assembled
- Local warranty and support
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Largest NZ parts stock
JP Heater
A budget-friendly option with good performance — ideal for cost-conscious RV owners. Supplied and fitted with a single outlet.
- Budget-friendly
- Good all-round performance
- Simple, reliable heating
Available Extras
- Additional warm-air outlets
- Larger auxiliary fuel tanks
- Higher-capacity heaters for larger vehicles
- Upgraded digital controllers
Get in touch for accurate pricing on your specific requirements.
Our 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee
We service everything we install and either stock — or can quickly source — spare parts. All heaters come with factory warranties, and we back our own work with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Our base install covers a 2kW heater supplied and fitted with a single outlet, using the factory fuel tank or plumbed into the vehicle's fuel source where applicable.
Our Installation Process
Consultation & Planning
We discuss your heating needs and RV layout, recommend the right heater and size, and plan the best location for the unit and outlets.
Professional Install
Fitted at our Sydenham workshop — mounting, ducting, fuel connection, exhaust and electrical wiring all done properly.
Testing & Commissioning
We test for correct operation, check for leaks, verify the exhaust system and confirm all safety features, then program and calibrate the controller.
Handover & Training
We show you how to run it, explain maintenance, and hand over all documentation and warranty info — plus our ongoing support.
Diesel Heater Questions, Answered
Which diesel heater brand should I choose?
It comes down to budget and what you need. The German units (Webasto, Eberspacher) are the premium choice for ultimate reliability and refinement; AutoTerm and HeatPort offer excellent value, with HeatPort backed by NZ-based support; JP Heater is the budget pick. We'll recommend the best fit for your vehicle and how you travel.
Can I run a diesel heater off-grid?
Yes — that's their main advantage. They run off your RV's diesel supply and draw very little electrical power (around 8–130 watts), so you can heat your RV for hours without shore power, a generator, or flattening your batteries.
How much diesel does a heater use?
Very little — roughly 0.13–0.67 litres per hour depending on the heat output, which works out to about 8–12 cents per kWh. They're one of the most economical ways to heat an RV.
How long does installation take?
A typical single-outlet install is usually completed within a day. Additional outlets, larger fuel tanks or more complex layouts can take longer — we'll confirm the timeframe once we've planned your install.
Do you service and repair heaters too?
Yes — we service, repair and maintain all major brands of diesel heater at our Christchurch workshop, and we stock or can quickly source spare parts.
Ready to Install Your RV Heater?
We install, service and repair all major brands of diesel heater at our Christchurch workshop — with factory warranties and our own 10-year workmanship guarantee behind every job.
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