Diesel Night Heater for Truck Sleeper Cabs

• Table of Contents

1. Sizing — 2 kW vs 5 kW
2. Fuel consumption — overnight cost
3. Installation pattern
4. Combined with battery parking AC for all-season operation
5. Noise and exhaust
6. Procurement

Diesel night heaters are the standard overnight heating solution for Class-7/8 sleeper cabs in cold climates. They burn 0.1–0.3 L/hour of diesel from the main tank, produce 2–5 kW of warm air, and run silently for 8–12 hours on a single overnight charge. Vethy supplies Webasto / Eberspaecher-compatible alternatives plus integration kits for combined heating + cooling systems.

Sizing — 2 kW vs 5 kW

2 kW (D2-class): small day-cab and Class-3/4/5 sleeper berths. 5 kW (D5-class): large Class-7/8 sleeper, Volvo, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Mack, Freightliner. Sizing rule: 1 kW per 8–10 m³ insulated cabin volume in -10°C ambient.

Fuel consumption — overnight cost

2 kW unit at thermostat-modulated output: 0.1–0.15 L/hour. 5 kW unit: 0.18–0.28 L/hour. Overnight 10-hour heating: 1.0–2.8 L diesel, approx $1.30–$3.65 per night vs $13–$20 idle cost.

Installation pattern

Standard mounting under bunk, under passenger seat or in dedicated bay. Fuel pickup tube installed in main fuel tank — no separate tank required. Exhaust routed below cab, intake from outside.

Combined with battery parking AC for all-season operation

Standard fleet upfit pairs a 5 kW diesel heater with a 24V battery parking AC. Same chassis, same auxiliary battery bank, separate controls. Year-round driver comfort with zero engine idling.

Noise and exhaust

Modern diesel heaters operate at 47–52 dB(A) at 1 m — quieter than the original engine idle. Exhaust is a small, low-temperature flue easily routed under chassis.

Procurement

Vethy supplies Webasto-compatible 2 kW and 5 kW diesel heaters with OEM brackets, fuel pickup, harness and 24-month warranty. Email sales@vethy.com or call +86-532-87729918 for combined heating + cooling kits, solar/shore-power packages and CIF pricing within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Will a diesel heater drain my fuel tank overnight?

No — 1–3 L per night represents <1% of a typical sleeper tank. Drivers never report fuel-related range issues.

Are diesel heaters legal in California and EU?

Yes — Webasto, Eberspaecher and equivalent diesel heaters meet CARB, EPA and EU emissions limits for cab heaters.

Does the heater drain the starting battery?

Glow plug startup draws 8–10A for 90 seconds, then 1–2A continuous. Use a small auxiliary battery or LVD protection.

Can I install the heater myself?

Possible but most fleets use a certified RV/truck shop. Improper fuel pickup or exhaust routing is a safety risk.

What is the typical service interval?

Annual burner inspection and glow-plug check. Major service at 2,000–3,000 hours of operation.

Does Vethy provide combined heating + cooling install kits?

Yes — Vethy heater + parking AC combo kits. Email sales@vethy.com or call +86-532-87729918 for combined heating + cooling kits, solar/shore-power packages and CIF pricing within 24 hours.