Upgrading from Truma Gas/Electric Heating to Diesel Heating
Many campervans and motorhomes are fitted with Truma gas or gas/electric heating systems, commonly the Truma Combi range. These systems provide both heating and hot water using LPG gas.
While they work well, some owners prefer to upgrade to diesel heating systems as part of a wider electrical or off-grid upgrade.
This is particularly common when converting a campervan to a gas-free setup or when reducing reliance on LPG while travelling.
Why Some Owners Choose Diesel Heating
Diesel heaters use fuel from the vehicle’s diesel tank rather than relying on bottled gas. This can offer several practical advantages for campervan travel.
Fuel availability
Diesel is available at almost every fuel station, making it easier to refuel compared with sourcing LPG in certain areas.
No gas bottles required
Removing gas appliances allows some campervans to operate without LPG cylinders, simplifying the vehicle setup.
Consistent heating performance
Diesel heaters provide reliable space heating and are widely used in vehicles designed for off-grid travel.
What Changes During a Heating Upgrade
When upgrading from a Truma gas/electric system to a diesel heater, the original Truma Combi unit is typically removed and replaced with a diesel-powered heating system.
The new system draws diesel from the vehicle’s fuel tank and distributes warm air throughout the campervan in a similar way to many existing heating systems.
Depending on the layout of the vehicle, the installation may involve:
• removal of the Truma Combi heater
• installation of a diesel heater unit
• routing warm air ducting
• connecting to the vehicle diesel supply
• electrical integration with the campervan electrical system
Each installation is different and must be designed around the vehicle layout.
Gas-Free Campervan Conversions
Some campervan owners choose to remove gas appliances entirely and move toward fully electric cooking and heating systems supported by lithium batteries and inverter power.
In these setups, diesel heating is often used alongside:
• lithium battery systems
• solar charging
• inverter-powered appliances
• modern electrical monitoring systems
This approach allows campervans to operate with fewer fuel types while remaining suitable for off-grid travel.
Is a Diesel Heater Right for Your Campervan?
Diesel heating systems can be a practical option for many campervans and motorhomes, particularly for vehicles used regularly off-grid or for extended travel.
However, the best heating system depends on the vehicle layout and how the campervan is used.
Understanding the advantages and limitations of each heating system helps ensure the correct solution is chosen.
Heating Upgrades at Keltie Campers Ltd
At Keltie Campers Ltd, we carry out campervan and motorhome upgrades including heating system changes, electrical upgrades, lithium battery installations and solar charging systems.
All work is carried out to recognised NCC servicing standards, ensuring safe and reliable operation of campervan systems.
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