Traveling in a campervan means freedom, but also the need to ensure proper thermal comfort, whatever the season. A good heating solution allows you to face both cool spring nights and cold winter weekends in the mountains.
In this article, we analyze the best options and help you choose the most suitable stove or heater based on the season and your travel style.
Winter heating: when maximum power is needed
In winter, campers face the most challenging conditions: sub-zero temperatures, humidity, and condensation require reliable, high-performance solutions.
🔥 Integrated gas stoves (Truma, Brunner )
- Ideal for: frequent travellers, mountains, medium and large sized campers
- Pros: fast heating, reliable, often combined with boilers
- Cons: high gas consumption, ventilation required
🔥 Diesel heaters ( Webasto , Eberspächer , Autoterm )
- Ideal for: free parking, extended winter trips, campervans
- Pros: Powered by the vehicle's tank, low maintenance, excellent cold performance
- Cons: More expensive installation, possible noise
🔥 Wood-burning stoves for campers
- Ideal for: long-term stays and off-grid enthusiasts
- Pros: unique atmosphere, no gas or electricity consumption
- Cons: bulky, dedicated installation, not very practical for dynamic travel
➤ Recommended choice for winter: diesel heater for autonomy and performance.
Mid-season: spring and autumn
In these periods, great heating power is not needed, but a convenient system to remove humidity and maintain a pleasant temperature.
🔶 Low-power electric heaters
- Ideal for: campsites with electrical hookups
- Pros: economical, easy to use, saves on gas
- Cons: Limited power, dependent on current
🔶 12V / 230V thermal fans
- Ideal for: quick or localized use
- Pros: Compact and lightweight
- Cons: Not very effective for large spaces
➤ Recommended choice for the mid-season: electric heater if you have 230V, or moderate use of the gas heater.
Summer: not just heat… but also humidity
Those who frequent the mountains know that even in summer nights can be cool. In these cases, a light heater is all you need.
☀️ Compact portable heaters
- Ideal for: occasional use and cool evenings at altitude
- Pros: Lightweight and quick to use
- Cons: only suitable for sporadic needs
☀️ Anti-condensation (Dew-Heaters)
- Ideal for: reducing humidity and condensation rather than heating
- Pro: Mold prevention
- Cons: They don't really heat the room.
➤ Recommended choice for summer: small portable heater only when needed.
Which solution should you choose based on your travel style?
- If you do a lot of free parking: diesel heater
- If you always go camping: electric heater
- If you go to the mountains all year round: gas + diesel combination
- If you have a campervan: compact diesel heater
Final tips for safe use
- Check gas systems and pipes annually
- Uses CO and gas sensors
- Ensure minimal ventilation even in winter
- Avoid heaters not approved for use in campers
- Improves the thermal insulation of the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption
With the right stove or heater, your camper will be comfortable in all seasons!