Portable Salamander Heaters Diesel/Kerosene

I've never seen one that doesn't need 110 to run the fan or the ignitor. That being said they can be a life saver. Some people are sensitive to the fumes so pay attention to that.

 

You could always put a generator on your truck to run one.

You could run lights and whatever else you need too.

I have work lights that are not LEDs. They're halogens and they create a lot of heat if you put them near where you are working.

 

If you can box in the area somewhat they do a decent job. Nothing like being inside a shop but still a lot better than nothing. We've had a kerosene one for a while, harbor freight special that hasn't died yet

 

That one will require 120VAC. I did some digging to find a wattage rating to see if it could be run off a decent size inverter or suitcase generator (2000W), none published anywhere. Assuming it's made to plug into a common 15A socket, that's 1800W max, so should be less than that. How much less would dictate battery consumption or idling on inverter, fuel consumption on the generator.

My Honda eu2000 generator weighs in at 46 lbs and will store in the cab with no stink. The less expensive Harbor Freight model is 3 lbs heavier. Never used the HF model to say anything about it. Main downside: runs on gasoline. Probably not a big deal if not run all the time, eliminating the need to carry/fill a gas can. Runtime spec is 3.2-8.1 hrs on a tank, depending on load.

That heater weighs around 40lbs plus up to 13.5 gal fuel for possibly 95 more, so that's not nothing either.

Unless you're doing repairs like this a lot while on the road, this seems like a lot of hassle to stow and use for a just in case scenario.

 

I tarp the truck and use a propane/lpg heater. If the mechanic doesn't have time.

Diesel/kerosene heater fumes give me a headache.

I have used several different units, all of them needed electricity to operate.

 

We call it a Nipco heater or many call it a salamander heater. If you are working outside in the open yeah if you are very near it or in front if it you will be very warm. If not close you'll be cold again.