Need watertight box to house a Chinese diesel heater

Cal54

Cal54

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Southport, UK
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Leisuredrive Renoir
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Since 1996
I have a small camper with no heating and I’m looking to have a diesel heater (2 kw) installed. After several calls I’ve actually found a guy that is prepared to do the job. He has been all over/under my van and the only option is to install one underneath. I’m wanting to keep the cost down and he is prepared to fit a cheap heater if I can get a watertight box for it to be enclosed in.
I’m looking for any suggestions as to where to purchase a suitable box - want to keep it as small as possible.
Any suggestions please?
 
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Cal54 said:
I have a small camper with no heating and I’m looking to have a diesel heater (2 kw) installed. After several calls I’ve actually found a guy that is prepared to do the job. He has been all over/under my van and the only option is to install one underneath. I’m wanting to keep the cost down and he is prepared to fit a cheap heater if I can get a watertight box for it to be enclosed in.
I’m looking for any suggestions as to where to purchase a suitable box - want to keep it as small as possible.
Any suggestions please?
Click to expand...

I use a Lavaner diesel heater as these are supposedly of better quality and their 2kw is 2kw. I fitted it under the van in a stainless box which isn't waterproof.

Have a look at David McLuckie on YouTube for strip down of a Lavaner.
 
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Cal, might one of those waterproof boxes for outside power cables be suitable? They come in all sorts of sizes. Screwfix, Amazon & the likes sell them.
 
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Thanks Debs. I’ve looked quickly at Screwfix but the shape doesn’t seem to fit the heater I’m getting. 34 x 11 x 16 cm. The guy that is fitting the heater wants the box to be as small as possible.
 
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Have a search through The fun threads .lots of info. From using toolboxes to wrapping in insulation.
Link below

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www.motorhomefun.co.uk

diesel heater under van

hi thinking of fiiting a diesel heater due to space limitations i am considering fitting under the van has any body done this i know you can buy brackets for certain types of heater whats the main downsides open to the elements ect use more fuel. thanks
www.motorhomefun.co.uk www.motorhomefun.co.uk
 
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Cal54 said:
I have a small camper with no heating and I’m looking to have a diesel heater (2 kw) installed. After several calls I’ve actually found a guy that is prepared to do the job. He has been all over/under my van and the only option is to install one underneath. I’m wanting to keep the cost down and he is prepared to fit a cheap heater if I can get a watertight box for it to be enclosed in.
I’m looking for any suggestions as to where to purchase a suitable box - want to keep it as small as possible.
Any suggestions please?
Click to expand...
Why does it need a watertight box? Ours is mounted underneath our motorhome and open to the elements. Only the wiring is protected from water ingress. The exhausts on these heaters get very hot and I definitely wouldn't try to mount one in a box.
 
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EBay sell a stainless steel box
Are you asking for an air tight box or one resistant to the weather
You would want the heater to be able to breath so to speak as condensation will form in the box and won’t escape causing a further problem
 
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hi is the noise of the heater not annoying ? i have just fitted one at the house its loud, even fitted in a box out side ?



20250121_112218.webp
 
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How about an ex army ammo box ?

Though to be honest I am surprised there is nowhere in your van where he could fit it. Perhaps you could move things around to creat a space?

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It's the electronics board that really needs protecting from water as the cheaper ones aren't usually protected at all. The rest of it is less critical.

I would personally just get some bits of aluminium cut to size and some lengths of L strips to act as the corners. Bit of sikaflex to bond / waterproof and drill and rivet through for better mechanical fastening.

As long as it's not positioned right behind a wheel which would be spraying it with water then I think that should be fine.

You do also want to be able to take the box off should you ever need to service the heater - so bear that in mind.
 
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Thanks for all your comments guys. garry55 I know nothing of all this just that the guy who is going to be fitting the heater asked that I get a watertight box! I never realised how difficult this would be!! I’ve contacted several fitters/converters and only one is prepared to undertake the job. He has been all over my van like a rash looking for where to install and underneath is the only option he can come up with. fishplug appreciate the suggestion but as I’m not doing the work I can only be guided by the guy who is!
 
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PeterCarole29 - looking for watertight but will accept water resistant. E Bay looks like there might be one suitable.
MisterB - It is only a 5 metre van so moving things around is looking difficult to say the least. The fitter has looked in every cupboard/space etc.
 
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Cal54 said:
Thanks Debs. I’ve looked quickly at Screwfix but the shape doesn’t seem to fit the heater I’m getting. 34 x 11 x 16 cm. The guy that is fitting the heater wants the box to be as small as possible.
Click to expand...
Why not get a sheet of alloy and make one to your own requirements?

Drill, pop rivet and seal the corners. 🤔

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Volkswagen / MAN fit Eberspacher heaters below the floor in Crafters / TGEs as an optional factory fitment. These only have a plastic stone guard underneath them. I have fitted a 4kW Eberspacher with the factory mountings and guard and so far so good.
In the past I have fitted Eberspachers under the floor on Volkswagen T5s & T6s in either the factory position or slightly different during the past twenty years of building my own campers and never had a problem.
I would certainly not fit one in a sealed box, the exhaust heat alone would be a problem.

Here is the bracketry used by the factory...
1738315501075.webp


and how it looks when fitted...
1738315526831.webp


Rod
 
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@L’ Hobo. Being an elderly female😉 with minimal tools and no workshop I’m afraid it’s beyond my capabilities!!
 
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Cal54 said:
I have a small camper with no heating and I’m looking to have a diesel heater (2 kw) installed. After several calls I’ve actually found a guy that is prepared to do the job. He has been all over/under my van and the only option is to install one underneath. I’m wanting to keep the cost down and he is prepared to fit a cheap heater if I can get a watertight box for it to be enclosed in.
I’m looking for any suggestions as to where to purchase a suitable box - want to keep it as small as possible.
Any suggestions please?
Click to expand...
Pelican case or something similar, they are watertight and designed for protecting photo equipment etc. they are made out of a very strong plastic withvery strong fasteners. I am not sure how big you need it to be internally but I have one which I could part with 😁 pm me for measurements.
IMG_1268.webp
IMG_1269.webp
 
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Cal54 said:
@L’ Hobo. Being an elderly female😉 with minimal tools and no workshop I’m afraid it’s beyond my capabilities!!
Click to expand...

There's a Craft Rally at Quackers in a couple of months, I'm sure, if you gave them the measurements, they could make something for you!
They like a challenge! 😄

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L' Hobo said:
There's a Craft Rally at Quackers in a couple of months, I'm sure, if you gave them the measurements, they could make something for you!
They like a challenge! 😄
Click to expand...

Funny as you think it might sound, if a frame could be put together, then I am sure one of our crafters with a sewing machine could make a waterproof fabric covering. It's only the bottom where the exhaust is that needs to be heat resistant. That part could be a metal plate, the rest of the enclosure could be fabric ...

Over to you crafters, what do you think? Could you design and sew an enclosure ?
 
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If I were you I would ask the fitter to acquire the box for you he can then get the size he requires and not blame you if it’s wrong🤔
 
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Speve - sounds like a plan however he is so busy at present I don’t think he wants the added work! It’s going to be 6 weeks before he can fit me in and I really want it sorting for Easter as I’m on a rally at Chester and no hook-up! Being up north we never assume we will get decent weather especially if a bank holiday!!😁
 
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Cal54 said:
Thanks Debs. I’ve looked quickly at Screwfix but the shape doesn’t seem to fit the heater I’m getting. 34 x 11 x 16 cm. The guy that is fitting the heater wants the box to be as small as possible.
Click to expand...

Why waterproof, are intending to immerse the heater? So long as the box isn't behind a wheel surely you're only trying to keep spray off the heater. On T5's they are often just on an L bracket underneath the van.

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