Van heater installation cost

What does van heater installation cost right now

Heating a van efficiently comes down to the heater style, the quality of components, and the skill of the install. Air heaters that burn diesel or gasoline are the most common because they sip fuel, use little power once running, and vent combustion outside. For reputable brands, parts usually run 900 to 2000 depending on output and accessories. Professional installation is often 6 to 12 hours, which at typical shop rates can add 800 to 2000. All in, many owners see 1800 to 3500 for a complete diesel or gasoline air heater install.

Propane direct vent heaters appeal to travelers who already carry propane. Units often cost 600 to 1200, but you need a safe tank location, a regulator, hard lines, and a sealed through wall flue. That extra work puts typical installed cost around 1500 to 3000.

Hydronic systems heat a glycol loop and can also warm domestic water or even radiant floors. The payoff is quiet, even heat and hot showers, but complexity raises the bill. Expect 3000 to 7000 in parts depending on options and 20 to 40 hours of labor for clean plumbing, controls, and commissioning. Installed totals of 5000 to 12000 are common for a well executed hydronic package.

Budget air heaters exist at much lower part cost. While they can work, many lack certified fuel fittings, robust wiring, or trustworthy altitude compensation. If you factor added hardware to meet safety standards and additional labor to correct weak components, the final savings can narrow.

Parts, labor, and variables that change the price

Parts are more than just the heater box. A thorough kit includes a standpipe or fuel tap, stainless exhaust, combustion intake, clamps, heat shielding, ducting, wiring harnesses, and fusing. You may add a high altitude sensor, a silencer, or a mounting plate to keep the floor sealed and protected. For propane, count on a certified locker or exterior mount, proper venting, and leak tested lines. For hydronic, plan for pumps, expansion tank, insulated hoses, heat exchangers, valves, and a purge setup.

Labor is shaped by your platform and interior. A bare cargo van is faster than a finished camper. Penetrations through the floor need rust treatment and sealant. Routing the harness away from heat and abrasion takes time. Tapping a fuel tank on a modern van requires care and sometimes removing skid plates or trim. Mount selection also matters. Under seat locations can save cabin space but may require custom brackets.

Vehicle type affects complexity. Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster each have different fuel tank access and underbody layouts. Four wheel drive and long range tanks can add steps. Altitude matters too. If you camp above eight thousand feet often, a unit with accurate air fuel control and an altitude kit is worth the added spend.

Do not forget electrical capacity. Air heaters draw higher current at startup and while glowing to ignite, then settle to a modest amp draw. Proper gauge wiring, correct fusing, and solid grounds are non negotiable. If your battery system is undersized, you could add a house battery or DC to DC charger, which raises cost but protects reliability.

Operating cost, safety, and maintenance

Operating cost is modest for air heaters. Many sip roughly one tenth to two tenths of a gallon of fuel per hour on low to medium settings, which makes them efficient for cold nights. Propane usage depends on burner size and duty cycle, but a standard cylinder can last many nights if your van is insulated and you use a thermostat. Hydronic systems cost more to install but can be efficient when they provide space heat and water heat from the same burner.

Safety gear that belongs in every heated van

A carbon monoxide detector, a propane detector if you carry propane, and a smoke alarm are essentials. Exhaust routing must exit outside with a drip loop and proper clearance from doors and windows. Combustion air should be drawn from outside, and all penetrations should be sealed against water and fumes. Keep fuel lines protected, and shield any hot exhaust runs from wiring and plastics.

Maintenance and expected lifespan

Plan on cleaning or replacing air heater glow screens and inspecting intake and exhaust annually. Hydronic systems benefit from periodic coolant replacement and air purge. Quality brand units routinely run for thousands of hours if installed correctly and fed clean fuel. Poor installs shorten lifespan through vibration, soot buildup, or water intrusion.

When does a professional install make sense

If your layout is finished, your van is complex, or you value warranty support, professional installation is often the smart path. The upfront cost buys reliability, clean fitment, and peace of mind when you are camped far from help.

OZK Customs designs and installs heating as part of full and partial upfits, integrating fuel taps, sealed exhaust routing, and altitude aware tuning inside complete adventure builds. Explore our recreational van builds for platform ideas, see how our team handles full interiors in custom van build services, or review financing friendly platforms at mainstream vans that finance.

Ready for reliable heat in real weather

• Clear parts and labor pricing with no surprises
• Clean wiring, sealed penetrations, and tested operation
• Guidance on the right heater type for your travel style

Cold camps are optional. Share your van details and target temperatures, and our Fayetteville shop will quote the heater, parts, and installation window that fits your schedule. We build for weekend escapes, full time travel, and long miles between trailheads.