Diesel Heaters - Which Brand

[Chris]

Hi fellow travellers.

I have noticed with some interest on another forum a discussion about the merits of the major two suppliers of diesel heaters; Eberspacher (often referred to as Dometic) and the Webasto. We have an interest in the topic in the context of our new impending baby's delivery in Feb 2009.

At present we have the Webasto, and are very happy with it.

But we are aware that Kedron have moved over to supplying the Dometic unit by preference. I can't recall their reasons but they would be soundly based (as they usually are with the Galls!).

Does anyone here have any comments about the relative merits of one system over the other? Cost is a very minor factor for me - I would prefer efficiency any day.

One of the issues raised on the other forum is that of priming the unit (eg after allowing the tank to run out of fuel). Apparently, the Webasto can be easily primed by the owner where the Dometic requires a service technician with specialised computer technology - at a cost. And this help may not be too handy if you are camped out bush.

Chris

[Kimbo]

Hi Chris

I have also been watching the other forum as well and I do recall seeing a thread there from webasto themselfs stating that the the manufacturer had ceased dealing in the webastos as well, reasons wernt given as to why.

I have the dometic and too date havnt run out of fuel so cant really comment re that but I do have a recollection of a converstation with CV Tripper re his Dometic and the fact he had run out of fuel andII'm sure he said it wast a issue at all ?

Im sure he will respond as soon as he reads the message but at the moment I think he is somewhere along the savannah way in the gulf

Regards

[RickA]

Chris

We had a Dometic fitted to the ATV from new,apart a small glitch at the start (refused to work one cold morning) it has been great.It has certainly earned it`s keep in the last couple of weeks around the back blocks of Western Qld.We make sure we top up the tank about every eight hours of use.Would Certainly recommend the Dometic from personal use.Hope that helps.We are currently in Blackall and slowly making our way North. have`nt spotted any Kedrons for awhile ,where is everybody??.

Rick & Lea

:thumbsup:

[cvtripper]

Chris,

We have the Eberspacher unit and have run it dry without any problems restarting it - nothing special - just refilled and it started.

I believe the Shadfords also ran theirs dry at Noosa NS, so you might want to check with them that they had no problems getting it going again also.

Regards

David

[Chris]

Thanks Kimbo, David and Rick and Lea.

I have now been told that the Eberspacher (Dometic) needs an annual servicing, but the Webasto doesn't. Have you been told to have the unit regularly serviced?

I am starting to think there is nothing much between them...but am curious as to why (as Kimbo notes) another offroad manufacturer has moved from Webasto to Dometic, and why Kedron similarly now only uses Dometic. There must be a good reason.

Cheers

chris

[Jacky Jacky]

The following was posted on the Bushtrackers Owners' forum 6/8/08 from sponsor Webasto:-

Hello Boggers and Visitors

I believe this is the appropriate platform to inform members and visitors that Bushtracker International will no longer be offering the Webasto product on their vehicle.

No other reason other than economics where given for the decision and we hope that the cost savings are passed onto the customer for a considerably cheaper product.

Webasto wish Steve, Tracey and the staff all the best for the future.

The loyalty and praise BT’s owner have shown for our product is considerable and Webasto will become more active on the site to help owners through minor issues they may have with their heaters.

We would also like to offer members and future owners the opportunity to have a Webasto heater fitted by us or one of our installation centres at a very competitive price.

Webasto will not be at the Quilpie Rally but our congratulations in advance to the winner of the Webasto AT2000st heater and a safe and happy journey to all.

Regards

Roger

Webasto

[Chris]

Yes, Jacky Jacky, I had seen that too (as had Kimbo!). It has excited a bit of comment over on the BT site...

It would be good to know what's behind the story.

Chris

[cvtripper]

Hi Chris,

No, I haven't been told anything about an annual service. Ours is 18 months old and still going.

No doubt the BT have got on the wrong side of Webasto - doesn't surprise me!

Regards

David

P.S. Sitting on the bank of the Towns River on the infamous 'ledge' - watching the crocs and only 2 other campers - we have the ledge to ourselves - pure heaven! Thanks, Roger, Kimbo & Shane... :thumbsup:

Finally got the boat wet...

Camped at the Billabong at the ruins last night and had the whole place to ourselves. Magic. A little eerie in the dark only 25m from the billabong though... ;-)

P.P.S No need for the diesel heater.... :biggrin:

P.P.P.S. I hope it's not too cold a Stanthorpe! Wish we were there. NOT! brrrr

[Chris]

David and Jane,

are you on your way to Darwin or from Darwin? I am in Katherine tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday (working) and then Darwin Wednesday and Thursday (more work...!).

Right now, although we are enjoying life out in the remote bush, I do so envy you both camped out, in the lovely cool Dry season weather and a full moon as well.

I really hope you are having a wonderful time.

Chris (who is also not using the Webasto).