Some years ago, we bought a Autoterm 2D diesel heater with a waterproof box. This heater actually needs an external 12V power supply (or a 24V power supply, depending on the model you buy). Until now, we always connected this to one of our 12V leisure batteries. That meant we always had to carry a long 12V extension cable with us. Not any more …
Since we had such a good experience with our mobile shower via USB-C that originally also runs on 12V, I went looking for more devices with a 3A @ 12V power requirement. And according to the data sheet Autoterm 2D just is such a device. The manual states a power requirement from 10W (min 800W heating power and 34m3/h) to 29W (max, at 1800W and 75m3/h).
So, I got myself a Baseus 100W Power Bank 20Ah from Aliexpress that can deliver the required power. With this unit the diesel pump can be powered for approx 2.5h at full capacity and approx 7.5h at minimum capacity.
Actually, any power bank with USB-C PD that delivers 3A @ 12V could be used. And if you take a power bank with a higher capacity the heater will certainly run longer.
Connecting the heater to the power bank is done in the same way we connected the mobile shower. Again, with the help of Aliexpress: USB C PD Type C Male to 12V Car Cigarette Lighter Socket
In my opinion, the advantages of this approach are:
- Flexibility: we can carry the power bank along with the heater and do not need to keep a 12V power source (leisure battery or else) nearby. An option to power a power bank is probably easier to find than a 12V source. Especially true for our trailer with a 24V battery.
- Price; power bank is around 51CHF and the converter 5CHF (and the battery 1700CHF) . Compared to the other heater we have, the Profidurium Mobile-Heater 2kW, this is much cheaper. The additional battery with charger costs an additional hefty 970CHF (on top of the 2300CHF for their heater).
- Weight: 400g for a power bank is a neglectable additional weight compared to a full blown battery.
Our Journey to Scotland 