Frequently Asked Questions

  • The biggest differences are product quality, support, and long-term reliability.

    Born To Roam and Aufocus diesel heaters are built using high-quality components and are engineered to deliver efficient, reliable performance in Australian conditions. While many cheaper eBay heaters can vary significantly in quality, our kits are designed to provide consistent heating, quieter operation, and dependable performance.

    Another major difference is our local Australian support. We're based in Melbourne, Victoria, so if you ever have a question, need technical assistance, or require warranty support, you can speak directly with our experienced team. We're available Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and are committed to helping you long after your purchase.

    When you buy a Born To Roam or Aufocus diesel heater, you're not just purchasing a product, you're investing in quality, expert support, and the confidence that help is only a phone call away.

  • The Born To Roam and AU Focus MZ diesel heaters are built using the same high-quality internal components and deliver the same reliable heating performance. The main differences are found in the installation features included with the Born To Roam kit.

    The Born To Roam heater includes:

    • Thicker mounting gasket – Helps reduce heat transfer from the heater to the floor for improved insulation.

    • Enhanced mounting plate – Features additional cut-outs and mounting points to make installation quicker and easier.

    • Detachable fuel pump power cable – Allows the pump wiring to be fed through separately, simplifying cable routing during installation.

    If you're comparing the two, you can expect the same performance and reliability from both heaters. The Born To Roam model simply includes a few thoughtful installation enhancements that make fitting the heater easier and more convenient.

  • As a general guide, we recommend a 2kW diesel heater for caravans and campers up to 22ft. For caravans and campers over 22ft, we recommend a 5kW diesel heater.

    Choosing the correct heater size ensures your space heats efficiently and maintains a comfortable temperature without overworking the unit. If you're unsure which size is right for your setup, feel free to contact our team and we'll be happy to help.

  • Fuel consumption and runtime will vary depending on the heating mode and power setting selected.

    The following runtime estimates are based on a 5kW heater with a 9.5L fuel tank:

    Manual Mode

    • Low to medium settings: Approximately 25–35 hours of runtime.

    • Maximum setting (Fan Speed 10): Approximately 15–20 hours of runtime.

    Smart Mode

    • Approximately 50 hours or more of runtime.

    • In Smart Mode, the heater automatically stops burning diesel once the set temperature is reached and restarts only when heating is required, making it the most fuel-efficient operating mode.

    For 2kW heaters fitted with a 9.5L fuel tank, you can expect runtimes to be approximately double those listed above for the standard 2kW heater with a 5L fuel tank.

    With a 5kW Heater and a 9.5L fuel tank, the same operating principles apply.

    Please note that actual fuel consumption may vary depending on ambient temperature, insulation, heater settings, and how often the heater cycles on and off.

  • During startup, the heater draws approximately 8–10 amps while the glow plug heats up and the combustion process begins.

    Once the heater is running normally, power consumption drops to approximately 0.5 amps, making it highly efficient for extended operation.

  • Our diesel heaters are most commonly installed under a bed or lounge seat, where other components such as batteries, water systems, or electrical equipment are often located. This is perfectly acceptable, provided nothing is in direct contact with the heater or its associated components.

    The heater body, mounting plate, and ducting should all have adequate clearance. In particular, the front of the heater, where the combustion chamber is located, generates the most heat. The rear section of the heater remains much cooler, as it houses the fan and electronics.

    For added peace of mind, we recommend allowing approximately 100mm of clearance around the heater wherever possible. If space is limited, a main unit housing cover can provide additional protection.

    Special attention should be given to the exhaust system underneath the vehicle. The exhaust pipe and muffler become extremely hot during operation and must be securely mounted to the chassis. They should not come into contact with any wiring, plumbing, fuel lines, insulation, or other components that could be damaged by heat.

    The fuel line and combustion air intake do not become hot during operation and can safely be routed alongside other components, such as water pipes or electrical wiring, provided they are installed correctly and securely fastened.

  • For the most effective use, the pump is required to be mounted on a 45°-degree angle on your chassis.

  • Very little maintenance and service is required when owning a diesel heater. If the heater isn’t being used regularly, we recommend starting the heater for about 15 minutes, twice a month.

  • This would be because your temperature function is set to AuOFF. To turn this on, access general settings by pressing and holding the settings button. Turn the round dial until you see F3, this should display AuOFF, turning the round silver dial now will change this to AuON. With AuON now set as the primary automatic timer function, your heater should now turn off once it has reached its set temperature.

  • Both of our Diesel heaters on offer make little to no noise. We use a 22ml Quiet Pump on all our heaters, which ensures there are no pulsating noises or vibrations when the heater is running. If you find that your diesel heater is making a loud noise or pulsating, it is worth checking how your pump is mounted, ensuring it is at a 45-degree angle.

  • No, even though both heaters include a Bluetooth option. It is not essential to use and is completely optional.

    The Bluetooth functionality works by connecting the heater to an app on the phone which can be downloaded at no additional cost and used to control how your heater functions.