Heating and hot water - a brief comparison

Introduction — why choice matters in camping cabins

Pickup campers have very limited space, and every additional kilogram affects payload and driving comfort, so choosing a heating system always means a compromise between:

• heating power (speed of warming the interior),

• access to hot water (boiler capacity and heating time),

• fuel and electricity consumption,

• weight and dimensions of the devices,

• ease of installation and service,

• purchase and operating costs.

Below we present a comparison of these criteria for the two most commonly used solutions and a brief description of each.

Characteristics of heating solutions

Combi boiler

This is a combined air-water device powered by diesel and equipped with an electric heater. It integrates a heater and a 10-liter steel boiler.

The maximum heating power is 4 kW or 6 kW (depending on the model). The device is used to heat the cabin interior and to heat domestic water.

Webasto heater

In our cabins, we also use a compact air heater powered by diesel with a nominal power of 2.0 kW, characterized by low electricity consumption and a simple, reliable design.

It is a standalone air heater and does not have a water tank. An additional boiler is required to obtain hot water.

Boiler 6 / 9 / 10 L

An external, insulated boiler designed to work with air heaters. It is often equipped with a 12 V or 230 V heater and includes an internal exchanger that uses hot air from the stove to heat the water.

For a small 6 L boiler, the heating time is about 60–90 minutes, depending on the heat source used.

Heating power and efficiency of interior heating

Combi

In our pickup camper setup, we install a device with a power of 4 kW (diesel, 230 V, or mixed mode) which allows for very quick heating of the interior and heating of water. Thanks to the higher power, the device performs better in very low temperatures.

Webasto + boiler

We use a device with a nominal power of 2.0 kW, which is lower than that of the Combi. The Globe is very well insulated, and the heater of this power is sufficient to maintain a comfortable temperature during mild and moderate frosts. In severe frosts around -15 degrees, the stove turns on quite often, but there are no problems maintaining room temperature, although reaching the desired temperature takes longer and the temperature fluctuations are greater than with Combi-type solutions.

Conclusion: at temperatures around -15°C and lower, Combi has the advantage in power and heating speed. The Webasto stove is best suited for milder conditions and as a more economical solution in terms of purchase and operation.

Hot water — capacity and heating speed

Combi

In Globe, we use Combi-type solutions, which have a built-in 10 L tank. The relatively large boiler capacity provides enough hot water for showers for several people. The device offers full control of water temperature, quick heating, and high user comfort.

Webasto + boiler

In the cabins, we use a boiler with a capacity of 6 L, which is about 60% of the Combi tank capacity. It can be heated by air from the Webasto through an internal exchanger and/or a 230V heater with a power of 500 W.

The heating time is about 1 hour. The 6 L capacity is sufficient for a frugal shower for two or three people. The biggest disadvantage of this solution is the lack of automatic temperature control of the water. It is the user's responsibility to monitor the temperature, which depends solely on the heating time. In the case of prolonged heating, it can be very high, which is why we always install an additional mixing valve in our cabins.

Conclusion: Combi provides significantly more volume and higher comfort in using hot water. The Webasto + boiler solution means lower fuel consumption, less hot water, and no temperature regulation.

Dimensions, weight, and installation in a pickup camper

Combi

The "all-in-one" solution saves space, but despite the small size of the stove, distributing multiple air ducts in a small space is a challenge.

Webasto + boiler

The system offers greater flexibility in installation. The stove and boiler take up noticeably less space, allowing for better use of the cabin space. The biggest challenge is properly venting the exhaust and connecting the boiler along with valves that allow manual control of the flow of warm air so that the interior is not heated during the summer while heating hot water.

Summary

In our camping cabins, we use both heating solutions described, each of which is reliable and provides effective heating and hot water. The biggest difference lies in the comfort of use and the purchase costs of the device.

The Webasto system with an additional boiler is a lightweight, compact, and economical solution. It works very well in cabins, even at low temperatures, as long as the user accepts a longer wait for hot water and a smaller amount of it. This solution is particularly recommended for those who value simplicity and want to maximize the available space in their setup. For this reason, the Webasto heating with a boiler is standard equipment in the Globe model.

For customers expecting higher user comfort, known from trailers and campers, we offer the installation of a Combi system. It provides greater heating power, faster interior heating, and significantly higher comfort in using hot water with full temperature control. This solution is especially recommended for families and individuals who prioritize having their own shower over camping offers.

In our offer, we have both Combi systems from renowned European manufacturers and alternative solutions from the Asian market. Both devices operate in a similar way, but differ in work culture, noise level, and price. European systems offer quieter and "smoother" operation, while Asian solutions provide an attractive price alternative with only a slight compromise in work culture.

The final choice of heating system should depend on the style of travel, usage conditions, and individual expectations regarding comfort and budget. If hot water is a nice addition in your cabin, then the Webasto heating + tank is a great solution. However, if you treat the shower in the cabin almost like a home one, then the Combi solution will work much better.

contact@idicamper.com

Phone: +48 606-166-300