Vevor heater for wall tent

[tlambo]

Just wondering has anyone tried one the vevor heaters to keep a wall tent warm instead of a wood stove?

[cgrif]

We use both. The wood fire is for when we are in the tent, eating, playing cards etc. We stoke up the fire and choke the damper back just before hitting the sack and then turn the heater on. The heater will take the chill off in the morning to avoid that horrible “who’s going to get up first and stoke the fire” quandary! We have a 16’ x 14’ tent and the 5kw keeps it nice when the weather is somewhere in the -5 to 0 degrees range. Last time we went out was for 7 nights. We burnt around 5 litres of diesel. We have a 100ah lithium running it. The heater is placed out side the tent but the battery and the control are tucked inside. I’ll try to attach a pic of the heater box I made. Hope this helps.

[KazIce]

I just picked up one of these to heat my trailer this season. I’ve heard some decent things about it.

Just out of curiosity, did you order the wiring kit from vevor for $70 or just use what you had in the shop sort of thing?


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[cgrif]

Hi. I just used what the heater came with. I actually built the pictured heater for use on my boat when I winter fish in BC and Idaho. I installed a minnkota male plug in so I can plug it directly into my trolling motor power source. My heater can flip flop from 12-24v by simply changing the settings. So you don't need to buy a wiring kit I don't think.

[calgarychef]

I understand why a person would want to put the heater outside the tent.. it’s much easier but it’s way more inefficient like that. It’s taking outside cold air and heating it, if a feller could mount it inside I’ll bet the tent would be significantly warmer.

[cgrif]

Originally Posted by calgarychef

I understand why a person would want to put the heater outside the tent.. it’s much easier but it’s way more inefficient like that. It’s taking outside cold air and heating it, if a feller could mount it inside I’ll bet the tent would be significantly warmer.

I understand your point, but I made the heater to be portable. In one hand, I can easily move it from the boat to my tent (fuel, heater and battery). The heat duct is like stretch fabric covered slinky, and compresses down to stow inside the pelican case when not in use. The exhaust gets crazy hot, so you would have to wrap it completely in exhaust tape, plus you would probably have to have around 4-6 feet to safely go from inside to outside the tent (not exactly portable now). Now you have to make sure the exhaust connection is super tight and sealed as to avoid any exhaust fumes in the tent. My system there is no chance of fumes to contend with ( detectors etc). When we heated the wall tent, the temp was set at 3 of 6 (half way) because the first night we had it at 6 and damned near boiled to death. 7 days running for 6-8 hours each night, as warm as we want to be, and used 5 litres of diesel ($9) is an inefficient system even I am prepared to absorb. Each to their own though, just remember carbon monoxide claims a lot of people each year.

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by cgrif

I understand your point, but I made the heater to be portable. In one hand, I can easily move it from the boat to my tent (fuel, heater and battery). The heat duct is like stretch fabric covered slinky, and compresses down to stow inside the pelican case when not in use. The exhaust gets crazy hot, so you would have to wrap it completely in exhaust tape, plus you would probably have to have around 4-6 feet to safely go from inside to outside the tent (not exactly portable now). Now you have to make sure the exhaust connection is super tight and sealed as to avoid any exhaust fumes in the tent. My system there is no chance of fumes to contend with ( detectors etc). When we heated the wall tent, the temp was set at 3 of 6 (half way) because the first night we had it at 6 and damned near boiled to death. 7 days running for 6-8 hours each night, as warm as we want to be, and used 5 litres of diesel ($9) is an inefficient system even I am prepared to absorb. Each to their own though, just remember carbon monoxide claims a lot of people each year.

They’re awesome little heaters, I’ve got one in a cargo trailer and if I had a diesel truck I’d probably install one in the back seat just to keep things warm overnight.

[KazIce]

Originally Posted by cgrif

Hi. I just used what the heater came with. I actually built the pictured heater for use on my boat when I winter fish in BC and Idaho. I installed a minnkota male plug in so I can plug it directly into my trolling motor power source. My heater can flip flop from 12-24v by simply changing the settings. So you don't need to buy a wiring kit I don't think.

Thanks!

I’m setting mine up in a cargo trailer and have been debating setting it up internally or externally. I hadn’t considered the carbon monoxide risk so it might be best to set it up externally and have it vent into the trailer.

Also glad to know I don’t need to order anything; I may have to get some stuff locally but that’s not big deal. Appreciate the post and response!

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by KazIce

Thanks!

I’m setting mine up in a cargo trailer and have been debating setting it up internally or externally. I hadn’t considered the carbon monoxide risk so it might be best to set it up externally and have it vent into the trailer.

Also glad to know I don’t need to order anything; I may have to get some stuff locally but that’s not big deal. Appreciate the post and response!

These things are meant to be mounted inside. They take the combustion air from outside and vent the exhaust outside. Unless the “head gasket” leaks there’s zero chance of carbon monoxide.

[aragor764]

Im using the same setup as cgrif on here. Depending on where you are I could see using it instead of a wood stove, but a wood stove is so nice! why not use both!!

[aragor764]

I also heard the there is no such thing as 5kw vs 8kw, they are all the same, I can verify that but I believe it...

[6.5 shooter]

Remember that tiny little exhaust pipe gets really really hot. They are basically the same heater unit tractor trailer units have been using for decades. The German made ones are nice but really expensive. I don't think they would be any more efficient inside the tent and a whole lot more dangerous IMHO. Plus who wants to smell spilled diesel fumes all night.

[cgrif]

Originally Posted by aragor764

I also heard the there is no such thing as 5kw vs 8kw, they are all the same, I can verify that but I believe it...

I haven’t heard that until now, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I hope you are incorrect though (I’ll explain in a minute). Below is a 17’ Boler I did a complete restoration on for the wife (a little too frilly for a hunting outfit in my opinion). I spray insulated with close cell. It is completely sealed and has minimum 3/4”-1” insulation. I hard mounted a 5kw heater in place of the old gravity heater it came with. I mounted the fuel tank in the back storage box to illuminate any chance of diesel fuel spill or smell inside the trailer. As a note, the little pump is approximately 6’ away from the heater, but works perfectly. I wasn’t sure if the little pump would move the fuel from that far as most are mounted closer to the heater. My pump is about a foot from the tank. I figured it would do better pushing fuel 6’ than trying to suck from 6’. Anyways, even in colder, rainy weather the 5kw on minimum (1of 6) is still too warm! We actually open both roof vents and circulate with the 14” fan on low just to cool it down a bit. I was thinking of replacing the 5kw with a 2kw just to tone it down a bit when on low. If there is no difference between 8, 5 and 2kw Hester’s we may have a little problem.

Here are some pics. I made an aluminum duct panel for the exhaust and blow by (two silver fittings below the fridge louvre). The box on the rear bumper is where the little 5 litre diesel tank is situated. As I mentioned earlier, because the heater is hard mounted inside on this trailer I installed 2 little carbon monoxide detector in side the unit.

[aragor764]

Originally Posted by cgrif

I haven’t heard that until now, but it wouldn’t surprise me. I hope you are incorrect though (I’ll explain in a minute). Below is a 17’ Boler I did a complete restoration on for the wife (a little too frilly for a hunting outfit in my opinion). I spray insulated with close cell. It is completely sealed and has minimum 3/4”-1” insulation. I hard mounted a 5kw heater in place of the old gravity heater it came with. I mounted the fuel tank in the back storage box to illuminate any chance of diesel fuel spill or smell inside the trailer. As a note, the little pump is approximately 6’ away from the heater, but works perfectly. I wasn’t sure if the little pump would move the fuel from that far as most are mounted closer to the heater. My pump is about a foot from the tank. I figured it would do better pushing fuel 6’ than trying to suck from 6’. Anyways, even in colder, rainy weather the 5kw on minimum (1of 6) is still too warm! We actually open both roof vents and circulate with the 14” fan on low just to cool it down a bit. I was thinking of replacing the 5kw with a 2kw just to tone it down a bit when on low. If there is no difference between 8, 5 and 2kw Hester’s we may have a little problem.

Here are some pics. I made an aluminum duct panel for the exhaust and blow by (two silver fittings below the fridge louvre). The box on the rear bumper is where the little 5 litre diesel tank is situated. As I mentioned earlier, because the heater is hard mounted inside on this trailer I installed 2 little carbon monoxide detector in side the unit.

I have no way of verifying my assumptions, just saying it would make sense since they all seem to be made at the same place and have slightly different looks, my assumptions are also based on customer comments from amazon.

[KazIce]

So had a chance to use my unit this weekend, the 8kw option. It was used on a utility trailer that has no insulation. On a minus 9 night with heavy frost it kept the unit at 12 degrees with a slight opening on the door. With a proper door closing solution and insulation it would be a situation similar to cgrif for sure. I was concerned with how short the pipes are so I kept a carbon monoxide detector by the vent, no issues whatsoever. So overall I’m pretty happy with the purchase. Also nice was the opening on the trailer air vent was identical so it was easy to setup.




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[Jack fish hunter]

Originally Posted by KazIce

So had a chance to use my unit this weekend, the 8kw option. It was used on a utility trailer that has no insulation. On a minus 9 night with heavy frost it kept the unit at 12 degrees with a slight opening on the door. With a proper door closing solution and insulation it would be a situation similar to cgrif for sure. I was concerned with how short the pipes are so I kept a carbon monoxide detector by the vent, no issues whatsoever. So overall I’m pretty happy with the purchase. Also nice was the opening on the trailer air vent was identical so it was easy to setup.




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Do they come with a thermostat? Been looking for an option for my boat, truck camper and tent. The wood stove is great in the tent but only lasts a couple of hours at most.

[aragor764]

Originally Posted by Jack fish hunter

Do they come with a thermostat? Been looking for an option for my boat, truck camper and tent. The wood stove is great in the tent but only lasts a couple of hours at most.

No, it has a remote with 6 intensity levels I believe, If you wake up and your cold, just crank it up.

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by Jack fish hunter

Do they come with a thermostat? Been looking for an option for my boat, truck camper and tent. The wood stove is great in the tent but only lasts a couple of hours at most.

Depends on the supplier, mine has a thermostat, others are just a knob

[Sak0]

I think it’s worth avoiding made in china Vevor products, even if it’s a bit chilly

[aragor764]

Originally Posted by Sak0

I think it’s worth avoiding made in china Vevor products, even if it’s a bit chilly

So you would rather be cold than spend 150$ on staying warm? I dont understand...

[Jack fish hunter]

How is it for moisture?

[CBintheNorth]

Originally Posted by Jack fish hunter

How is it for moisture?

They will dry incoming air substantially because there is no exhaust inside.
Propane heaters that burn the propane and exhaust inside (like a Big Buddy) produce tons of condensation.

[KazIce]

Originally Posted by Jack fish hunter

How is it for moisture?

Dry as a bone!

[6.5 shooter]

I spent many months with a Wabasco heater in my big rig. They are the same as the cheaper Vevor ones just 1000% more expensive. They function just fine and the teck is identical, so I would have zero issues in using one. In fact I own the Vevor heater, just have never had a need to fire it up. Maybe this winter

[slabm7]

I use the same set up as cgrif as well. Use the wood stove in the evening and fill it and cut it back before bed and crank up the diesel heater outside and run a dryer duct vent into the tent. It works ok. Keeps the chill off. The air coming in is around 190f. They do a great job of circulating heat so there are no cold spots in the tent. I actually bought a 2nd heater this year and we now use a 5kw and 8kw. I use 2 6v batteries. The 8kw does burn hotter. They are identical internals but the 8kw has a bigger fuel pump.

Where these really shine is ice fishing overnighters and the reason I bought the 2nd heater. 1 heater kept it ok in the tent (otter monster), kept it about 7c when it was -15c out. But I want to play cards and watch movies in comfort rather than a winter jacket so I bought another to keep it warmer.

[jcool]

will a regular RV deep cycle battery work with these heaters, or do you need a special battery?

[6.5 shooter]

Originally Posted by jcool

will a regular RV deep cycle battery work with these heaters, or do you need a special battery?

Any 12 V battery will work however a deep cycle will preform better.

[aragor764]

I ran mine for 3 nights, the battery was outside, and it still had juice left, mind you it was very warm so I only ran it on level 1.

[calgarychef]

Originally Posted by aragor764

I ran mine for 3 nights, the battery was outside, and it still had juice left, mind you it was very warm so I only ran it on level 1.

Once it’s running, it takes very little more power to run at higher temps.
The fan might run more and the fuel pump has to pump faster is all.

[TheFall]

I have one of the Vevor 8K contained units, the ones that come in their own case. It has worked great so far. We have used it in a 4 person roof top tent without a winter liner. We mostly used it so that we could get into a warm tent/sleeping bag and out of our bags into a warm tent, but the real bonus of it was running it in the morning before waking up completely dried all of the condensation out of the roof top tent. We did not heat the tent all night with it.

It was only -2°C the first night so we didn't bother setting it up. When my hunting partner and I woke up the inside of the tent was soaked from our breathing, even though we had cracked windows and had somewhat good air flow. We were dry and our bags were dry on the inside, but everything else was coated heavily in condensation and there were icicles forming in places where the condensation had ran down the peak on the inside. This is pretty typical for this roof top tent, even in the summer. In the winter this really sucked the last time we used it and we had no heater, everything gets super damp when it warms up during the day and gets damper each day and the issue compounds each night.

It was supposed to be much colder the second night so we set up the heater and ran it before going to bed so that it was warm in the tent, and then I turned it on roughly an hour before waking up and by the time we got up and out all the condensation and moisture was dried out of the tent. We ran it for another half hour while we made coffee and got ready to go hunting. Running it again in the evening before bed, everything was completely dry by bed time.

You have to be careful in the rooftop tent not to get it too warm before bed or you will sweat in your bag and get cold (or you could layer less if you wanted to run the heater all night I guess) . One tip if you have the controller that can be switched between manual mode and a target temperature, switch it to manual mode if the heater is not inside the space that it is heating, we ran it on the lowest manual setting as even that was very warm in the small space. If you run it in temperature mode it ramps itself up trying to reach the target and gets way way too hot. We used roughly 200ml of diesel over the 4 nights we ran it, about 3-4 hours of run time per day or so.

Overall pretty impressed with the little unit, it is a bit too much for a roof top tent, but I originally purchased it for bigger spaces and to thaw out motors, ice blocks/packs, ext in the winter instead of a stove pipe and a tiger torch (also works awesome for this!) for the 120$ I paid for it, I think it is worth it, but I would not let it run unattended, I know a couple people that have burnt trucks up with these heaters in bunks (both chinese and expensive webasto units)