How I fit My Diesel Heater for Off-Grid stealth van life Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van

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4 жыл бұрын

Fitting a cheap eBay diesel heater Into my Mercedes Sprinter camper
this is not a permanent install I will be moving the heater once I have completed the rest of the layout it's just there to keep me warm whilst I build out the rest of the van I'm experimenting with different layouts at the moment and it could all change
this is not an instructional video do not copy.
I recommend this 2KW Air Diesel Heater from Amazon perfect for camper vans. with LCD, Thermostat Monitor, Remote Control, 10L Tank
amzn.to/3UYuLEQ
The all new maXpeedingroods diesel heater,s
5KW Diesel Heater with Bluetooth amzn.to/3W16tvq
All in one Diesel Heater Bluetooth Control
amzn.to/3HBtkth
12V AC DC Power Adapter for diesel heaters amzn.to/3j5y5RD
15Ltr Diesel tank i use in my van sold on eBay make sure you ask for a vented lid
ebay.us/RAtxYf
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My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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My Amazon Store
Where you will find everything that I have used in my van builds. Plus more great van life essentials.
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here's a link to the standpipe I use in the tank
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
spilt charge relay kit that I used in this camper you get everything that you need to fit a split charging relay I was really impressed and highly recommend using this company
rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-534...
diesel heater like mine
www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
here's a link to my woodstove
cubicminiwoodstoves.com/colle...
#bigvansmallworld #melsvanlife #vanlife #melsvanworld

Пікірлер: 324

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

This is not a permanent install I will be moving the heater once I have completed the rest of the layout it's just there to keep me warm whilst I build out the rest of the van I'm experimenting with different layouts at the moment and it could all change I recommend this 2KW Air Diesel Heater from Amazon perfect for camper vans. with LCD, Thermostat Monitor, Remote Control, 10L Tank amzn.to/3UYuLEQ The all new maXpeedingroods diesel heater,s 5KW Diesel Heater with Bluetooth amzn.to/3W16tvq All in one Diesel Heater Bluetooth Control amzn.to/3HBtkth 12V AC DC Power Adapter for diesel heaters amzn.to/3j5y5RD

@brooklyngraham4288 4 жыл бұрын

I am going to do the same install of my diesel heater while I build out my van and then reinstall it later under my bed somewhere .

@ianlincoln9570 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks mel . Im doing my first camper on the strength of you channel . Cheers for all your helpful and straight forward advice . Have a good day 👍👍😊

@Iamprimadonna 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you eventually place it? How long is the van..144 or 170 wheel base?

@aaronag7876 2 жыл бұрын

That is such a great way to fit the heater. I plan to put mine under the driver seat and your design solves my issues with the air intake and improved boxing around the heater pipe. Thanks for sharing.

@blklez39 4 жыл бұрын

I love the excitement and the passion when you talk about thing in the Van❤️❤️

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really appreciated 🤓I probably drink to much coffee 😂😂🤓👍

@wkdnico 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant as ever. Fitted mine 3 month ago as running great. Great video brother and it’s coming on great. I follow a lot of van you tubers on here but your on top of my list. Keep up the good work. Best wishes from Newcastle and the angel of the north.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really encouraging I appreciate your positive feedback and encouragement 👍🤓👍

@brooklyngraham4288 4 жыл бұрын

Your a man after my own heart , I as well am installing a woodstove and diesel heater , this gal is never going to be cold !

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hahha I know what you mean one thing I don’t like is being cold 🥶 thanks again for all your positivity and comments 👍🤓👍

@UplandsJack 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you feeling better Mel.... And of course that the videos are back!

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@urbexphotographer 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you’re feeling better Mel, another great video, I’m going to fit a diesel heater to my outside work shop now 😀

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you and good luck with your insulation 👍🤓👍

@gkuk 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, Taking shape and looking good. Cracking picture quality on the 4k telly ☺️

@vincentmcguire 4 жыл бұрын

Another cracking vid Mel, everyday is like school day with you I love it. Have a good one mate.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate have a great weekend 👍🤓👍

@ashy1423 4 жыл бұрын

Good to see you again, hope you feel better soon. Things are looking good👍 Can’t wait to see you outside my door when you bring it for me. (I WISH) 😂😂😂 Get well soon and give us more great videos. Ash in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Ash I’m still sick as a dog but managed to make a video today I’ll upload it tomorrow 👍🤓👍

@jamesrougeau 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent! That's how I want to install my new diesel heater tomorrow. I've been racking my brain about a 4" hole in my floor. Thanks amen...

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Good luck with it remember to keep it safe

@jonathandixon8456 4 жыл бұрын

Did the uprated fuel tank in our install thanks to you Mel !

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

That’s nice to know thank you 👍🤓👍

@marka8329 4 жыл бұрын

Great Vid as usual Mel and some really useful tips shown. Looking forward to seeing the wood burner in action once you complete the setup. 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’m just trying to get a bracket for the flue 👍🤓👍

@brianvince1839 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Mel regarding having a heater inside your van as a retired truck driver you and I know they’ve been fitting diesel heaters inside the cab ever since they were invented so I can’t see a problem with

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate 👍🤓👍

@MHUK-Matt 4 жыл бұрын

Another great video Mel, I'll be taking your advice on the install you've done. It looks great and makes a lot of sense. Cheers ✌👽👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you Just make sure you get a CO detector 👍🤓👍

@chrisneville7310 4 жыл бұрын

Our Lass loves me having that fresh air feeling in the middle of the night when I've been thrown out into the wilderness.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant 👍🤓👍

@Gasmaskratto 4 жыл бұрын

its all coming together mel ! looking fab

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@garrybeard2031 4 жыл бұрын

Great video MEL.glad you feeling better.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@mlgs26 4 жыл бұрын

My Chinese heater filled my van up with smoke . 445ppm on the Carbon monoxide alarm. Lucky to still be here. Now running a Eberspacher.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

You’re really lucky good job you had the alarm 👍🤓👍

@mlgs26 4 жыл бұрын

Chris VW T4 it was fitted perfectly . The thing failed to ignite properly or shut its self down and was just constantly pumping out smoke which got sucked up the fresh air pipe and into the van. I've never seen so much smoke it was constantly just pouring out the exhaust . Smoke was everywhere you could hardly see the van and that's not me exaggerating.

@mlgs26 4 жыл бұрын

Chris VW T4 even if I had the heater exhaust in the van I'd doubt it would be 445ppm on the alarm. I've had the alarm behind my van exhaust before and it barely goes up .

@tommyhopkins8018 4 жыл бұрын

🇮🇪as I said before Mel your a breath of fresh air ..... great Vid as usual 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@vangeezerexperience 4 жыл бұрын

What a luxury, both a wood stove and a diesel heater :)

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

I know living the dream a lol 👍🤓👍

@sarahthedreamcatcher8357 4 жыл бұрын

Love those tiles Mel Hope you had a good christmas and Happy New Year beautiful i wish you the best for 2020 xxx

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hello thank you honey hope all your dreams come true for 2020 xx👍🤓👍

@donaldmarks8707 4 жыл бұрын

Great and useful video Mel. It gets better every time. :-)

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you really appreciate your encouragement and support 👍🤓👍

@Babybambibertie 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing! Iv just had a diesel heater put in my 31 year old Bedford bambi campervan.. and I refused to have any extra holes drilled into her floor, so we used the hatch to the engine, mounted it onto a new bit of wood, so it can be removed easily if needs be.. its amazing!! Also changed out the diesel tank :) great video

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you absolutely love the Bambi campers I had a friend that lived in one full time brilliant 👍😊👍

@Babybambibertie 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld oh brilliant. If I was on my own, I would Deffo do the same. But for now it's my office until we're allowed out to play again 😆 I love my little Bertie 😆

@whu58 4 жыл бұрын

The larger diesel tank upgrade you configured is so much safer and better for a host of reasons (cleaning/access etc),......withdrawing fuel from inside the tank via a metal pipe and fitting a shut off valve, rather than drilling hole in the bottom of the slimmer tank (which could leak fuel everywhere internally if you get vibration problems) is excellent, nice one Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your positive feedback and encouragement really appreciated 👍🤓👍

@paulfianatravels 4 жыл бұрын

Mel your van is certainly coming on well done

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@in-the-vanpeter5157 4 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Mel, keep it simple is definitely the best and less is more. 😁

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you absolutely rite 👍🤓👍

@willcunningham2200 4 жыл бұрын

Great vids Mel, love your channel 😊

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@samhorani9423 3 жыл бұрын

You are such a good person

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really kind of you

@adrianhydephotography 3 жыл бұрын

Almost at 20k Mel. Many congratulations

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you it’s going to be a long week that’s for sure 😊👍

@leoharris3260 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant video, thanks Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

You’re absolutely welcome

@jamiecurry7240 4 жыл бұрын

really good video Mel, great advice as always =)

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@kimballard8362 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, I fitted the same heater, tank and lift pipe last year all good👍I would pull cold fresh air in from outside on the intake, you don't really want warm ambient heat going into the inlet when the van and exhaust outlet gets hot plus as you say if the exhaust clip comes off it will blow into the van it won' burn off in the chamber I think. I only have mine running if I'm stopping for a short time, they are to noisy to sleep with on, otherwise I light the woodburner as I guess you will, the vans coming on good man, if you put wind deflectors on the front windows you can leave them open a little at all times it will vent the van and give air to the woodburner at the same time. I finished my third one last year no more it's a keeper.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hi I know the window guards you mention I’ll definitely get them I had them on my last van worked really well and don’t worry I’ll probably not use the diesel heater when I’m sleeping thanks for the advice really appreciated this ones a keeper too 🤓👍🤓🍻

@HerbertLongrod 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Mel..Neat install there. One point regarding the intake,as I'm sure someone else will have said..The reason you have the intake outside is in case of a flame out/shutdown,when this happens it's likely smoke will pour out of the intake and fill your van with smoke..I'm sure you know this. Anyway,jobs coming on nicely now,you will be away before you know it..Stay lucky Mel..

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Ooh I have herd rumours of this happening but never experienced it myself if it does happen I’ll be sure to make a video all about it 👍🤓👍

@loz11968 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job Mel

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@moran68 4 жыл бұрын

I’m new to your channel and enjoying your videos ! 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍

@paulfianatravels 4 жыл бұрын

Love your wood burner mate looks awesome

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@DaveTheDasher77 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always mate

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@connectcapers7614 4 жыл бұрын

I've found that wrapping self-amalgamating rubber tape around the pump will also help with making the pump quieter, it also helps to carve a block of foam and stuff it in.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers that’s quite interesting 👍🤓👍

@PhilPassmore 4 жыл бұрын

For sealant, hunt out extreme high temperature silicon that is used on log burners. Will easy withstand the exhaust temp, and will tolerate vibration better than anything vaguely rigid.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Ooh I got some of that for my log burner well done 👍 🤓👍

@Maggiemay1942 4 жыл бұрын

I love the fresh air at night too....

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

I have windows open all year long 👍🤓👍

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel 👍 just saying thanks👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

You are absolutely welcome thank you for your support 👍🤓👍

@anothercampervanchannel 4 жыл бұрын

Funny how you touched your head when you said touch wood, when you're surrounding by wood 😄

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Lol hope you’re doing ok👍🤓👍

@bouydogsbus3672 4 жыл бұрын

Handy sized extinguisher 😎

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

That’s my water tank 👍🤓👍

@UrbanVanlife 4 жыл бұрын

2 things mate nearly all UK insurances won’t insure vans with the Chinese heaters fitted . Also if your sucking the van air in for the heater feed and the fan feed your going to be in trouble with oxygen deprivation . PLEASE please Pull the air in to the heater combustion chamber from out side mate . HONESTLY once the vans closed I could make it self real sick . Oxygen deprivation is a bigger killer than carbon monoxide poisoning .

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Dude thanks for your concern I’ll be fine I have plenty of vents and ventilation 👍🤓👍

@UrbanVanlife 4 жыл бұрын

Mel’s Van World hope so man . Just hate to think any think happened to you man . I’ve known it happen to some one in a t5

@LeukeGast Жыл бұрын

You can install everything with your nice smile

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

Thank you 🙏

@dieselbushcraft1299 4 жыл бұрын

Great video Mel. Another point about the fuel tank is that you don’t have a hole in the bottom of your tank. The original tank you drill a hole in the bottom and to me that’s asking for a leak at some point.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍😂👍

@Andronicus88 3 жыл бұрын

turn on captions for cheap lols on how KZfaq interprets your accent! loving the vids, thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

You’re absolutely welcome 👍😂👍

@patrickjobling8676 4 жыл бұрын

Good onya mate .. its comin up a treat .. i dont mind the smell of diesel its kinda like ol spice 😂🤣😂 anywhos jolly good carryon pip pips

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Old spice haha 🤓👍

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Mel! I fixed my diesel heater in a box. The only thing sticking out is the exhaust in the bottom. I drilled a hole on the floor and I can lift up the box and walk away with it in a second! I would like to show you the pictures but I don't know how to do that here. Regards Rickard from Sweden

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Hi ya look me up on Instagram you can send photos on there sounds really interesting 👍

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld yes, I'll try to send you some photo's, but thanks again for your advice to put the heater on short legs, it works perfectly.

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld I sent you a couple of photos on your Instagram. Richard

@mickvenables4462 4 жыл бұрын

hi mel,its coming on dude,dont forget hot air risers,so as it escapes through the roof vent it will hinder fresh air coming in,so fit a couple of low level vents to be safe,cheers

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you 👍🤓👍

@Leatherkid01 4 жыл бұрын

Mel, next time, tap the silencer to the van muffler support bracket so u dont have to drill into the frame😀

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

That’s a brilliant idea cheers 👍🤓👍

@inventor1v 4 жыл бұрын

Nice job Mel! wasn't keen on the whole install being inside at first but now I've seen it I might just have to copy it! 😉 Have you seen the pink rubber pump covers they have now? under a fiver and should help with the pump tick. Keep up the good work and hope you get better soon.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hello thank you I haven’t seen the pink covers I’ll have a look cheers 👍🤓👍

@marks-0-0 4 жыл бұрын

Nice one Mel. I copied most of your heater install ideas from your last build. Maybe I can offer one upgrade to you though Mel. Wrap your internal exhaust outlet with exhaust cloth wrap. I did mine and it's warm but you can touch it safely. 👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hi glad my videos are helpful that’s not a bad idea thank you I’ll have a look see if I can get some 👍🤓👍

@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Just a thought about exhaust wrap. Would the exhaust wrap cause the thin stainless steel exhaust to reach higher temps as its completely insulated where the extreme heat is, causing it to not go blue but cherry red ( you'll not see it because it's hidden ) and cause it to degrade and crack quicker. You'll also find it more difficult to inspect. It's also helping a little as is to help heat the radiant air before it enters the burn chamber for a better cleaner burn ( potentially less suit buildup inside the burn chamber ) Anyway, just thinking out loud mate 👍

@jonathandixon8456 4 жыл бұрын

When I fitted the the pump I screwed it on to the side of the van with a thick rubber washer/grommet to stop the ticking sound from the pump ...works a treat .

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Well done 👍 🤓👍

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

My pump is hanging in the air... inside the van from a rubber band, no sound at all! The fan sound more.

@Grumfuttocks 4 жыл бұрын

My diesel heater ticks away for 16 to 18 hours a day at the weekend and about 8 hours a day during the week. best£150 I’ve spent... I did buy on your recommendation the 15l tank and stand pipe... because I’m in a caravan I use a sealey fuel pump to transfer diesel into my tank I use about £70 of diesel a month but worth every penny to be comfortable... cheers mel

@Grumfuttocks 4 жыл бұрын

And I’ve got a co meter next to the heater under the seats

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that sounds really cosy 👍🤓👍

@versatec1 4 жыл бұрын

I think id put that clicking fuel pump underneath the van...that clicking would drive me nuts

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

You can hang up the pump in the air from a rubber band etc... mine is not touching any thing and is almost sound less...

@joelwainwright1457 4 жыл бұрын

When I fitted my diesel heater I used the turret and drilled a 5 inch hole screwed the turret down on a bed of fire retardant sealer, air intake and exhaust fully on the outside , the exhaust heads off to the back and turns down n out to the side and the air intake is towards the front tucked up out the way in a nice box section /void space so it is nicely out of the way, I’ve tested it running with an analyser and zero emissions in the van but for safety I have 2 Co Alarms, one in the back and one in the cab

@joelwainwright1457 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve also just purchased a rubber case for the pump , it’s supposed to silence the clicking noise I’ll fit it and let you know how it goes

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you have done a great job there and fitting two alarms is a really good idea 🤓👍

@TrekNCaddy Жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, watched many of your videos and one day will live the dream in a bigger van. But for now I have a VW Caddy and wanting to add the diesel heater. I love your idea but I am curious as to how you secured the leg's to the floor for the diesel heater to sit on. Thanks in advance. Rob.

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

i don't recommend doing it like this

@johnfittis5764 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Mel I like the idea of drawing air into the van this will help to ventilate and reduce the condensation. I noticed Andrew Ditton got his whale heater mounted under his vintage caravan which draws in outside air which he pointed out will help keep the van dry (at the expense of fuel) but I thought it was very interesting. I think you have hit upon a best of both worlds. Thanks for posting this. I love your practical answers and you do what suits you which I like👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I appreciate your positive feedback and encouragement 👍🤓👍

@diycampervanman1633 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, with reference to a waffle on a Wednesday I once mentioned I had purchased the new diesel heater that heats water too. You where sceptical in your reply understandably then I said I would heat my water via a matrix in the hot water tank but you where still sceptical as was I at the time but I’ve cracked it. It works and heats water a treat, therefore I made a video to prove its feasibility. If you would like to watch it then tap on my profile and you will find it there. It does exposed the build quality but for the money, whose complaining! Cheers Mel.

@bonehead2412 4 жыл бұрын

That heater controller that is The pulse regulator of the pump if you read the manual it will tell you how to turn that in to temp instead

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you when I get time I’ll give it a look 👍🤓👍

@peterellis4982 3 жыл бұрын

The optimum configuration is to have cold air coming in it will burn better and help with less Shutting up

@markbargery1219 Жыл бұрын

Hi Mel love your videos so much info on everything, can u tell me where u got the stove from pls

@BigVanSmallWorld Жыл бұрын

here's a link to my woodstove cubicminiwoodstoves.com/collections/all?ref=melpettipher

@markbargery1219 Жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Awesome thank u

@rogerrabbit6522 4 жыл бұрын

You really need that combustion air input outside bud, they can back feed exhaust fumes. You can easily sort that out without breaching your accessibility method.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

I have heard about this but never experienced it if it happens I’ll make a video all about it 😂😂🤓👍

@rogerrabbit6522 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld will you put a carbon monoxide alarm next to the heater bud?

@stevem3534 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel good vid as usual, why split charge relay are you not going to put the solar controller with the built in dc to dc charger like you used before?

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Just simple way to do it and I had this one left over so figured why not use it can allways update it later 👍🤓👍

@MikeSimpsonrednecktele 3 жыл бұрын

Hi friend, i enjoy your videos, which I have just discovered! My two thought are, that with the air intake inside the van, the heater is eating up your Oxygen. The engine exhaust pipe underneath the van is expecting you to be awake and in motion, thus dispersing the fumes. Your heater though, is mostly to be used stationary, and much of that time you are likely to be asleep with underside of van a cocktail of fumes, and the heater competing with you for Oxygen! Stay safe, I enjoy your videos here in California!

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mike than you for your concern about my well-being that’s really kind of you I can assure you that I’m perfectly safe my van is extremely well ventilated windows always open about an inch my fan Is vented even when closed my wood burner when not in use ads to ventilation too and all though it gets cold here in the uk it’s never really extremely cold I never sleep with anything running I’d simply get to hot thanks again really appreciated 👍😊👍

@MikeSimpsonrednecktele 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld You are welcome Sir! Many people sleep with propane heaters burning (Buddy Heaters) and other combustion in the Van World, and since I had just found you, and didn't want to lose you, I was trying to explain the practical risks. I like your fuel tank for the Chinese Heater (i just bought one Ebay US 101.00 delivered) I am interested in the increased capacity, and safer pull of fuel from the top of tank! I am looking forward to installing mine in my 1995 extended body Ford Econoline off grid camper. I will need to consider the overall height of that tank though! Build On! Us in USA get to vicariously traver the UK with you-all on the other side of the pond. Mike

@guyemmott4009 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Mr Cheerful.. All looking great in there.. Did we miss the laminate floor going down? Very good contrasting with the white washed cladding and auto fabric/cloth.. Have you done more than you're up to on the vids?

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hi thank you no you haven’t missed anything I’ve been really sick 👍🤓👍

@David_11111 4 жыл бұрын

your van exhaust might end under your van but the van is normally being driven along when the engine is running, your heater on the other hand is used when stationary so the fumes will rise up into your van :(

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Good point 👍🤓👍

@MrDjpete1 4 жыл бұрын

Mel i have been watching your videos for a long time now and like the way you go about things. BUT!!! please listen to what that person says about the down pipe under the log burner. You seen to forget heat goes up not down and it will overcome the air trying to come into the van.I am only telling you this as it's the same on all heaters you need an input for the output . You can't use the same hole for both. Hope you understand this and it helps to keep you safe.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate I’ll have plenty of ventilation 👍🤓👍

@MrDjpete1 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld ummm ok

@davemunton3212 3 жыл бұрын

Hi mate great videos what wood burner are you using

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you I have a cubic mini wood stove 👍

@wizard1462 7 ай бұрын

Great video Mel, where can i get that controller for the diesel heater. Thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld 7 ай бұрын

🤷‍♂️

@Dahni555 4 жыл бұрын

Are diesel heaters a risk with CO escaping or does it have a flue system?

@captaincoxyboy 4 жыл бұрын

Mel, I am not the first to say this but you risking your own life by having the heater raised on those legs, the combustion intake must be outside the van and the whole heater must be on the floor, you'd only have to drill one more hole for the intake tube. I agree with others too about the exhaust should exit from the side not underneath, get another length of exhaust pipe and join it to the silencer, the end of that can be directed to the side of the van, still stealthy. Carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible hence the silent killer phrase. Please reconsider and update. All the best, neil

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Neil that’s some sound advice I’ll definitely take it on board 👍🤓👍

@rickardenstedt 3 жыл бұрын

Why must the combustion intake be outside the van? Air is air, no? Please explain, regards Rickard from Sweden

@andrewtitcombe8378 2 жыл бұрын

Yes exhaust fumes can be an issue while stationary. Even running my exhaust to the outside edge of my motorhome. Other considerations is if it's below a window that can be left open. Even taking this in to consideration , in certain wind conditions. I can sometimes smell fumes. This is why i fitted a carbon monoxide detector. And that's why i insist on fitting carbon monoxide detectors to any other installs to camper vans i have helped convert.

@davemunton7797 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel where did you your legs from on the heater thanks

@vanillagoose4444 4 жыл бұрын

All diesel Bmw e39 were fitted with eberspecher heaters designed to heat the cooling system in sub zero temperatures with a little remote control, Lovely if you lived in iceland were bmw allowed them to work but not in the uk ! The electrics were blanked off ! Heater still fired up but would not heat your cab ! Bonkers money wasted on them for the uk market 😂

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

That’s interesting thank you 👍🤓👍

@Fromatic 3 жыл бұрын

Could the heater also act as a dehumidifier I wonder with the intake inside, as it will pull in all the moisture dense air inside the van that you breath out etc and throw it out the exhaust

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Be good to experiment with 👍

@bramisheu8933 4 жыл бұрын

Mel, have you ever tried the chinese diesel air and water heaters? I seen one on another video but cant seem to find one to buy and try....

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

No I haven’t seen one try asking gadget John he talks about them in his latest video 👍🤓👍

@derykmacleod4979 4 жыл бұрын

"ah wayward sock"....thats probably how i will go lol

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Good luck 👍🤓👍

@Severon1965 4 жыл бұрын

According to lukes van life P = hertz and can be changed to temp check it out [[ How to use a Chinese diesel heater!! (part two) Luke's Van Life!

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that I’ll check him out 👍🤓👍

@russellbawden1105 4 жыл бұрын

In your previous van, the transit, you put the diesel heater under the driver seat. Your reason was to eliminate condensation. The cab area was sealed off from the living area with a bulkhead, so the outside air was drawn in through the front vents. I wonder, was that not a better way than this one placing the diesel heater in the living area?

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

If I didn’t have the wood burner I would have fitted this heater the same way as I did my transit it worked faultlessly 👍🤓👍

@versatec1 4 жыл бұрын

I think im OCD...I so want to reach in and peel those bar code stickers off😅😅 I used to run the Propex gas furnace....costly, uneconomical, noisy and the control board failed so many times I ended bypassing the entire system...anyway these chinese heaters have gained much popularity... im quite tempted myself👍

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Haha just after filming that’s whT I did 👍🤓👍

@versatec1 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld lol...thats such a relief...😅😅👍

@pedrothecornishviking9981 4 жыл бұрын

regarding the exhausts under the van. The engine exhaust would only be discharging fumes whilst the van is generally moving, thus no risk of build up underneath. However, the heater will mainly be used when stationary and not have such strong airflow underneath to clear it all away?

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

You could be rite I’ll Let you know how it works out 👍🤓👍

@nagualdesign 4 жыл бұрын

You can sit in a vehicle with the engine ticking over without fumes or odours getting in. It's probably safe to assume that the hot gasses quickly find their way up into the atmosphere. Most gasses don't tend to pool easily in the same way that liquids do.

@Fromatic 2 жыл бұрын

@@nagualdesign but every vehicle I can think of from cars to trucks etc have their exhaust pipes directing the exhaust gases out the rear, sides or up top, they never release the gases underneath towards the middle to reduce the risk of pooling and finding its way in through the bulkhead or internal air system etc. On top of that, engine exhaust comes out with enough pressure to clear the few remaining inches from where the pipe ends if the pipe doesn't come all the way out. If there's no wind the heater exhaust will rise and pool but it would need to be a very still day, and when using the heater it's going to be cold outside which will make the exhaust gases even more buoyant in the surrounding cold dense air making pooling even more likely

@nagualdesign 4 жыл бұрын

It should be noted that diesel heaters don't actually blow out de-oxygenated air at all, otherwise they'd be death traps even with the window open! They have no net effect on how much oxygen is in the van.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely spot on 👍🤓👍

@oldskoowlpebblestravels 4 жыл бұрын

have to get 1 of those Diesel heaters for the BIG OL GIRL

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

What why you live in Australia all ways sunny 🌞 lol but if you do need a hand fitting one let me know 😂🤓👍

@oldskoowlpebblestravels 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld still gets cold at night in winter Mate anything under 25c is cold to me

@Veikra 4 ай бұрын

air intake of combustion chamber needs to go outside. Otherwise, I see no problem with this mounting as long as you have a air quality monitor that includes carbon monoxide

@andreapye2704 3 жыл бұрын

Just tried to follow you link to the stand pipe you’ve used and it’s not working is there another one I can try ? Thanks

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

thank you for letting me know its not working try this amazon link its the exact same one i used www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07MCTH6LS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=B07MCTH6LS&linkCode=as2&tag=melsvanworld-21&linkId=720188c8eb8e7038338b2adc29859598

@may788 2 жыл бұрын

Can you run truma on the tank setup Mel bit to much noise for me .

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure 🤔

@UKvet246 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mel, I'm in the process of fitting my heater in the outer passenger seat box of my Sprinter. My intake is approx 30mm from the side of the seat base box and I've noticed yours looks pretty close to the side wall, what's your measurement and are you ok with it being so close. I've got the option of cutting a hole in the seat base but I'm not convinced I need to.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

I’m sure it’s going to be fine 👍🤓👍

@UKvet246 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld What's the measurement Mel, just curious to know.

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel with the volt sensing relay, do I need to install this if I’m putting a ring dc to dc charger? To raise your heater up like that, those four legs what they called? Been rewatching all your videos again :)

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

No you only need one or the other if you had the ring it would work from your alternator and your solar the legs are from kitchen cabinets there upside down work great 👍

@whippetsadventuresandoneman 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld aww cool thanks Mel I rather just use the ring unit :) aww wow really they looked cool I thought maybe you custom made the legs :) looks soo great ;)

@andreapye2704 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Chinese diesel heater that has been running fine over the last few months. On Sunday I needed to move it and it ended upside down at some point, I think one of the kids must have kicked it. Well after doing what I needed to do and reinstalled the heater and decided to test it just to make sure all was well. It’s running but there is heavy grey smoke and a loss of some heat, do you have any ideas what I’ve done to it. Will it right it’s self if I keep running it? Thanks Mel.

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I’m not sure if it will sort itself out but if I was you I’d run it up and let it run see what happens good luck 🤞

@andreapye2704 3 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld quick up date. Tried what you said and it ran for about an hour then stopped and it won’t restart! I’m waiting for the company I bought it from to reply to my email. Keep the videos coming.

@pedrolg 4 жыл бұрын

Hi! Why are you not using the Ring Battery and solar charge controller that you mounted in the last one? Is it not working well?

@coladrive 4 жыл бұрын

What I was thinking got me worried now because I’ve just bought a dc to dc ring panel

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

It’s working fine I had this one left over so just figured I’ll use it for now and upgrade later when I fit solar 👍🤓👍

@mairtinodiomasaigh2428 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel, do you think.it would be ok to fit the heater beside my 2 leisure batteries under the 120cm sofa I'm gonna make.

@BigVanSmallWorld 2 жыл бұрын

Yes absolutely it will protect your battles from the cold 👍🤓👍

@mairtinodiomasaigh2428 2 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld 👍👍😎

@Bigchaser01327 4 жыл бұрын

What type of alternator is fitted to your Sprinter. If it’s a smart type a DCDC charger would be a far better option, than a VSR.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

It’s just a regular alternator I will probably upgrade to a DCDC MPT charge controller later on in the summer I had this one kicking around 👍🤓👍

@360principe 3 жыл бұрын

Does the heater have to mount with the intake and the exhaust on the bottom?

@BigVanSmallWorld 3 жыл бұрын

I think so but I have seen them on there side

@toppertruthio 4 жыл бұрын

I know its sad mel but i googled openable,and it is a word;)

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hahaha brilliant I’m glad I didn’t edit it out now 👍🤓👍

@CheckFred 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Mel; Where you've got the power lead all wound up and held by some sort of bracket? ... Are you sure it's not going to over-heat and start a fire in the van. I remeber leaving an extension-reel wound up while running a heater on a job one day ..... took out the customers electricity ... she wasn't happy, and the smell of the burning rubber cord added insult to injury - OOPS!! :-(

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Ohh yes I know what you mean I destroyed an extension cable doing pretty much the same thing 👍🤓👍

@garriecurtis7267 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mel pull the air from outside is safer and the heater will burn better, also you might be able to change that controller to the red remote add an gsm ariel to the board and start the heater from a decent range done it on the caravan and its a godsend when coming back to the van of a night

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’ll give it some thought 👍🤓👍

@grahamhardyvanlife5704 4 жыл бұрын

Have you thought about getting one of them rubber things for your fuel pump? They insulate it so you don't hear the clicking as much or at all. (for the diesel heater)

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hello mate how’s the HGV going I got the elbow after Christmas so I’m out of work now lol 👍🤓👍

@grahamhardyvanlife5704 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Yer it happens as Deady 2012 said its January and im working. got another days class 2 training booked for the 21st. slowly but sorely getting there and doing minimum wage cleaning work to pay for it as there is bucket loads of low paid cleaning jobs.

@BigVanSmallWorld 4 жыл бұрын

Hang in there it will be worth the hard work once you get your class 2 you will be ok 👍

@grahamhardyvanlife5704 4 жыл бұрын

@@BigVanSmallWorld Are you going to do the 10 Questions Vanlife Tag?