Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are a few key differences between Born to Roam and cheap eBay or European diesel heaters. One being our quality in product, our heater kits run more efficiently and effectively compared to other brands of diesel heaters. Our service and customer care is also something that sets us aside from eBay or European brands. Being in Melbourne, Victoria, if you run into any issues with your diesel heater or have any questions, you can call us anytime during Monday – Friday 9AM-5PM, and our staff is always more than happy to help.

  • The Aufocus MZ and Born to Roam Diesel Heaters are both efficient and unique, but there are a few minor changes between the two models. Both Diesel Heaters are made up of identical high-grade componentry.

    Below are a few extra features the Born to Roam has.

    - Thicker mounting gasket – Reduces heat transferred to the floor.

    -  Mounting Plate – Extra incisions in the mounting plate to make your install a lot easier, compared to the MZ.

    - Detachable Pump Power – Allows you to separately feed through the pump cable, allowing for easier install.

  • For caravans and campers under 22 ft we would recommend a 2kW heater, but for any caravans or campers over 22ft we would recommend a 5kW heater.

  • Diesel consumption and runtime will vary depending on the heating mode selected.

    With a full 5L Fuel Tank, average runtimes are.

    -            Manual Mode

    o   Low to medium settings, you will get approximately 25 to 35 hours of runtime.

    o   Maximum Settings (Fan Speed on 10), you will get approximately 15 to 20 hours of runtime.

    -            Smart Mode

    o   When operating in smart mode, you will get roughly 50 hours or more. In this mode, once the heater reaches the set temperature, it will stop burning diesel. This makes it the most fuel-efficient option.

    For a 9.5L Fuel Tank, the same operating principles apply, with runtimes approximately double those listed above.

  • On heater startup, 8A - 10A is drawn to heat the glow plug up, once the heater is running it draws a constant 0.5A.

  • In most installations, our diesel heaters are fitted underneath the bed. It is common for other components such as batteries, water systems, or electrical equipment to be located int eh same area. The diesel heater will not affect these components if nothing is touching the heater or its associated parts. Same applies when installing it under the lounge area. Sometimes there are other components in there but if nothing touches any components in the van, it will be fine.

    The key requirement is to ensure that there is no direct contact with the heater body, mounting plate, or ducting. Having components pressed against the heater can cause issues, particularly at the front of the unit where the combustion chamber is located and warmth is generated. The remainder of the heater housing stays cool, as this area contains the fan.

    For peace of mind, we recommend allowing approximately 100mm of clearance around the heater, although the most important factor is ensuring nothing is in direct contact with it or purchasing a main unit housing cover.

    Underneath the vehicle, special attention must be given to the exhaust system. The exhaust pipe and muffler become extremely hot during operation and must not touch any other components or surfaces other than being attached to the chassis. It is highly recommended that the exhaust is securely mounted and positioned well clear of anything that could be damaged by heat.

    The fuel line and air intake do not generate heat and can safely be installed alongside other components such as water pipes or electrical systems, provided they are properly secured.

  • 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.