The Best Sprinter Conversion Van Diesel Heaters

Have a new decked-out conversion that you’re trying to finally take for a spin?

While most people may associate road trips with the summer, there’s no bad time of year to rough it a little and live out of your van while traveling. That is, of course, if you know how to travel, and if you make sure that your van is properly heated.

Sleeping in your cold van with poor insulation will be a miserable experience, especially if you’re road-tripping during the winter months. But if you have a good diesel heater, you’ll feel nice and toasty while you sleep in your big new Sprinter conversion van. All of a sudden roughing it won’t be so rough.

That’s why we’re making this list of the best diesel heaters for your Sprinter vans – so that you can live in the lap of luxury while you cruise across the country taking in the sights.

Carry on reading to see our full list of the best Sprinter conversion van diesel heaters, followed by a recap breaking down what makes each product on our list stand out. Or jump straight to our number #1 pick on Amazon here.

What Should You Look For in a Sprinter Conversion Van Diesel Heater?

If you’re just getting started decking out your new Sprinter conversion van, then you might not know what to look for in your heater. After all, you’re used to just using the heater built into your van. But if you want to really get the job done and be nice and toasty no matter where you are at any time of the year, it’s better to use a diesel heater.

We’re going to quickly breakdown the criteria we used to find the best diesel heaters so that you can feel like an expert in no time. Plus, this will help you understand our thought process throughout this list, and you’ll be able to conduct your own further research if you so desire.

Criteria #1: Heat – I think this one is pretty obvious. A heater that doesn’t heat is pretty clearly useless. Of course, we’re not just talking about whether or not a product works, but whether or not it actually works well. I hate being cold, and I can tell you from personal experience that it’s just about the most frustrating experience imaginable to go out and buy a new heater for the winter and find out that it just doesn’t quite get the job done. We want to make sure you don’t wake up in the middle of the night shivering, so we’re only going to include the best heaters that will make you feel nice and toasty while you’re getting ready for bed.

Criteria #2: Convenience – “Convenience” may feel like a pretty broad term, but I’m referring to two pretty specific traits that I consider to be part of the broader concept of convenience. Those traits are size and noise. A heater that takes up the entire back of your converter conversion van is going to get really annoying really quickly, and the same can be said for a heater that makes a racket every night.

We don’t want you to have to tip-toe and hop around the back of your fan in the morning, and we also don’t want you to feel like you have a snoring roommate every night. That’s why we’re going to look for heaters that are both small and quiet. Unfortunately, it may be hard to find such a diesel heater that’s also powerful enough to get the job done, but that’s what we’re aiming for.

Criteria #3: Fuel Consumption – You’re going to have to spend a fair amount of money on a diesel heater for your conversion van, and we really don’t want to add unnecessary expenses on top of that. The fuel itself can really add up, so we want to get a heater that’s as fuel-efficient as possible so the amount of money you spend over time doesn’t end up completely eclipsing the overhead price of your heater. Besides, it’s always nice to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible. You’re burning through enough fuel with your actual van. Let’s try to add to that as little as possible.

Criteria #4: Price – We’re not here to make you spend a ton of money for no reason. Meeting this criterion is less about being cheap and more about justifying your price. We’d rather buy an expensive product that’s cheaper than it should be than waste money on a cheaper product that isn’t worth the money and that will just break on you or not perform well. Unfortunately, as we mentioned before, a decent diesel heater is inevitably going to cost a pretty penny. Of course, we can make sure that your new heater is as reasonably priced as possible, and that every dollar you spend is actually reflective of the quality of the product you’re receiving.

Here’s How We’ve Determined the Best Sprinter Conversion Van Diesel Heaters

We measured the specs of the top products on the market against our listed criteria to see how they held up and if they’re worth buying. We then checked customer reviews, blog posts, and “best sprinter conversion van diesel heaters” articles to see if the products on our list performed as advertised. We’re also going to be on the lookout for any extra features that didn’t fall under our listed criteria, and we’ll make sure to include a wide variety of products from different price ranges. This way, everyone can find exactly what they’re looking for at the price they’re looking for.

And without further ado, here is our list – tailored to your specific needs – of the best Sprinter conversion van diesel heaters.

#1: SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank (Best Value – All-Purpose)

Our list starts off with the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank. The first feature that I need to talk about with this Sprinter conversion van diesel heater is the trait that gives this heater’s manufacturer its name. SuperFastRacing takes the “superfast” part of their name very seriously and, depending on the size of your van, the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank can heat up your vehicle in just 5 to 15 minutes. No more time sitting around shivering in your van while you wait for things to heat up so you can comfortably go to sleep.

To follow up on that quick-heating technology, this air heater will help your camper van warm up no matter how cold it is outside, as the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank can work at temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Plus, our number one heater for your Sprinter conversion van offers easy installation and a compact frame that will help you fit this diesel heater into a convenient nook or cranny to save some space. Finally, the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank boasts noise reduction processing that guarantees you don’t have to choose between freezing at night and dealing with a yelling heater. It’s equipped with a 12-volt battery that can pump out 8,000 watts of heat, so you don’t need to worry about this diesel heater not getting the job done.

None of these specs or features address what may be my favorite part of the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank. Our best diesel heater for your camper fan boasts a simple and intuitive LCD display that you’ll be sure to understand the second you look at it. This goes a long way towards giving you a controlled experience, as you don’t have to eyeball any physical knobs, and you can know exactly how hot your van is about to get.

The SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank is pretty critically acclaimed. It’s one of the most popular diesel heaters on Amazon, so you can rest easy that you’re not risking your money on some unknown quality.

This SuperFastRacing product comes equipped with a 10-liter fuel tank that can be used for about 36 hours. This all comes in at an amazingly cheap price, and you can shave some precious dollars off the price by opting for a physical knob interface or by going with 5k watts instead of 8k watts. That makes the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank the best value available on the market, and that’s why it was an easy choice to be our best Sprinter conversion van diesel heater.

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#2: VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater (Best Overall Sprinter Conversion Van Diesel Heater)

The SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank may have been our best value buy, but for those who are willing to forfeit some return on their dollar if it means a better product overall, there’s always the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater.

This friend of premium shoppers is a little (okay, a lot) more expensive than our number one diesel heater, but if you want your modded-out camper van to feel like a real house on wheels, then here are some features that may convince you to splurge for the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater. You’ll have all of the fun of a road trip without any of the discomfort.

Reason #1 to Choose This Product: Long Lasting

If you’re paying more for a product, you should definitely hope that it’s going to last longer than the competition. Well, that’s certainly the case with the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater. Our second-ranked diesel fuel heater is built to last. The burner life is over 8 years, so you’ll be ready to get rid of this heater about when self-driving cars start hitting the mainstream. This is thanks to the flexible exhaust pipe and the sturdy casing.

Plus, this VVKB diesel heater has a 12-month money-back guarantee, so you have a full year to determine whether or not this heater is right for you. The VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater is the perfect Sprinter conversion van diesel heater for anyone who wants to get more than a couple of road trips out of their new camper van and heater.

Reason #2 to Choose This Product: No Soot and No Toxins

You’re obviously going to spend a lot of time in close quarters with your heater, so you want to make sure it’s safe for you. Everything leaves a mark, and burning all that diesel obviously has certain side-effects. Of course, with the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater, those side-effects are as close to non-existent as possible.

This high-quality product is one of the safest air heaters out there, and it’s earned RoHS environmental certification so you know you’re causing minimal damage to the environment and to yourself. This is thanks to the nylon 66 casing of this heater, which doesn’t produce any toxins.

Plus, the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater comes with a combustion chamber that doesn’t leave any soot behind, so you don’t need to worry about any odd smells building up near your heater. Keep your van spotless with the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater.

In addition to the environmentally-friendly frame and the durable design, the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater has a built-in timer to let it turn on and off automatically, so you don’t have to worry that your decision to not go to sleep shivering will lead to waking up sweating. It only weighs 9.9 pounds and measures 14.8 x 5.5 x 6.6 inches, so you don’t need to worry about this portable heater taking up your entire van.

If you’re not certain how long you’ll need a conversion van diesel heater, then the cheaper SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank is probably better for you. But if you know you plan on road-tripping for years to come and you need something that will last, then the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater is perfect for you.

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#3: Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater (Most Convenient Option)

As a quick reminder, I’m using “convenient” with the definition we established in the “criteria” section of this article, that is to say, the best combination of quiet and small. So if you appreciate some peace and quiet and you want to make the most out of a smaller amount of space, then the Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater is right up your alley.

This subtle and inconspicuous air heater measures 15× 6 × 5.5 inches, and while it weighs a not-insignificant 18 pounds, its small frame is sure to help you maximize your space. Plus, while this heater can’t silence the crickets and coyotes, it comes specially packaged with a silencer that will guarantee you hear nothing but nature at night.

If the small package and the silencer weren’t enough for you, the Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater comes with an intuitive LCD screen just like the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank. But best of all, this convenient and user-friendly Labworks Parts portable heater comes with a remote. Waking up shivering or sweating just become much less annoying, as you’ll be able to adjust the heater right from bed, and you can doze off back to sleep at the ideal temperature.

The Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater is also one of the cheapest items on our list, so your wallet will appreciate this heater just as much as you will. For the heater that will cause the least hassle or inconvenience down the line, buy the Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater.

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#4: No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater (Most Fuel Efficient Option)

Another more affordable option, the fourth air heater on our list is the best option for anyone who wants to stay as green as possible. The No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater boasts a fuel consumption rate of 0.1-0.25 liters of fuel per hour, making it one of the most environmentally friendly diesel air heaters out there.

To go with that amazingly efficient consumption rate, the No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater can operate from temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, and it comes with a remote just like the Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater. The No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater also puts out 5000 watts to make you feel nice and toasty, and it can preheat engine coolant to protect your engine.

While it’s incredibly fuel-efficient, the No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater has a 5-liter fuel tank, which is smaller than the other products on our list. So while you’ll be consuming less fuel over time, you may be filling up your gas tank at the same rate, which may create the illusion that you’re not saving money or the environment. Of course, it’s cheap to begin with, so you’ll definitely feel the savings somewhere. And even with the smaller gas tank, you’re getting a very respectable heater that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

If you want to give back to nature before embarking on your road trip, buy the No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater.

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#5: Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU (Best Luxury Option)

Our last product is only for those who are really ready to live in their van all year ’round. Maybe you do freelance work or work online so you can go where the road takes you, or maybe you’re looking to turn your retirement into one massive adventure. Whatever the case, if you want to make your conversion van as luxurious as possible while you roam from city to city and town to town, then look no further than the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU.

While this diesel heater is what some less-charitable customers might call “insanely expensive”, it has a few features that will make you feel like you’re living in a mansion on wheels. First off, the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU has a 7-day timer that will let you plan out your entire week in advance, so you can always go to sleep and wake up at the perfect temperature.

The second big selling point of this premium heater is its automatic altitude adjuster. Most air heaters need to be manually adjusted at higher altitudes, or they just won’t work at all. But the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU can handle altitudes up to 3,000 feet above sea level, and you won’t need to change a thing. With our final Sprinter conversion van heater, you can go anywhere and everywhere without any worry that your heater will give out on you. Enjoy all of the views that mother nature has to offer you. This heater will handle them just fine.

Finally, the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU has real-time temperature monitoring so that you can see not only how hot it will be, but also how hot it is in your van at any given moment. From this you can learn which temperature you find the most comfortable.

The Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU also comes with a convenient LCD screen, and the 7500 BTU indicates that this heater will be able to warm up even the largest conversion vans.

So if you only want to road trip in style, it might be willing to budget a little extra and splurge for the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU. Your conversion van will be the most comfortable one on the road.

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Verdict: Your Best Sprinter Conversion Van Diesel Heaters

We’re reaching the end of our list, and you’re hopefully starting to get a good idea of which of our products is best for you. But if you haven’t made up your mind yet, not to worry. We don’t want to rush, and we know how important it is to make sure you’re getting the Sprinter conversion van diesel heater that’s perfect for you. That’s why we’re going to recap all of our Sprinter conversion van diesel heaters and focus on their standout features. This way, you’ll be able to see the highlights and really know what each product has to offer for you.  

If you want the best value for your money, pick the SuperFastRacing 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater Tank.

Our number one pick offers you 8,000 watts of heating at an incredible price, and in that package, you’re getting a whole slew of other fantastic features. You’re getting rapid heating that will get your van nice and toasty within 5 to 15 minutes, noise reduction processing to keep things quiet, and an easy-to-use LCD screen to control everything. This is the industry standard, and it should be the first choice of most customers, especially those who appreciate a good deal.

If you need the best long-term option, pick the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater.

If you want to make sure that your conversion van is ready every single season for years to come, then you’ll need to heat it with the VVKB Apollo-V2 Diesel Air Heater Parking Heater. This heater boasts an advertised shelf life of 8 years, so it’s more than possible it’ll see the inside of more than one camper van over the course of your road-tripping days. It also earned RoH certification for being environmentally friendly, so you can rest easy knowing that you’re doing your part, and even more so since you won’t be replacing this heater any time soon.

If you want the most luxurious option, pick the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU.

It’s hard to quickly sum up everything that makes the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU worth its price tag, but I’ll do my best. This top-tier heater can handle low temperatures and high altitudes. It boasts enough BTU to heat even the largest rooms, and it has a 7-day timer that lets you plan everything out a week in advance. On top of all that, it shows you the live temperature so you can figure out exactly what conditions suit you best. You gotta pay for the best to get the best, and that’s the Eberspacher Espar Airtronic S2 D2 L 12V 2.2kW 7500BTU.

That brings us to the end of our list, so we hope you’re starting to make your decision. If you didn’t like any of the highlighted products above, you may be more interested in the small and quiet Labwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air HeaterLabwork Parts 8KW 12V Diesel Air Heater, or the fuel-efficient No. 32 12V 5KW Diesel Air Heater.

Remember to think about which heater trait is most important to you. This will help you save time by skipping the products that don’t have what you’re looking for.

That’s it for now, enjoy your warm Sprinter conversion van and enjoy the road trip!