Choosing the right auxiliary heater for a truck requires balancing heat output, power source, installation needs and cabin size. The table below summarizes five well-suited auxiliary heaters for truck cabs, UTVs and vans featured in this guide.
| Product | Type | Power/Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saihisday 12V Car Auxiliary Heater | Underdash Electric | 12V, 4-Port Fan | Windshield Defrosting, Compact Install |
| 13,000 BTU 12V Low Profile Cab Heater | 12V Forced-Air | 13,000 BTU | Universal Fit For Small-Medium Cabs |
| JEGS 28,000 BTU 260 CFM Heater | 12V Forced-Air | 28,000 BTU, 260 CFM | Compact High-Output Heat |
| JEGS 40,000 BTU 300 CFM Heater | 12V Forced-Air | 40,000 BTU, 300 CFM | Large Cab Or Faster Warm-Up |
| JEABONG 8KW Diesel Parking Heater | Diesel Air Heater | 8KW (~27,000 BTU Equivalent) | Long-Run Heating, Engine Preheat, Remote Control |
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Saihisday 12V Underdash Heater
This underdash compact auxiliary heater is designed for windshield defrosting, demisting and supplemental cabin heating. It features a powerful blower motor and four vent holes to spread airflow across the dash. The unit is 12V and draws approximately 8A from the power supply, and it requires a 5/8″ inner diameter water hose for integration with some systems (hose not included).
Installation notes include mounting under the dash and wiring the speed control switch (red wire to positive). Intended uses are defrosting and localized warming rather than heating large cabs. The compact footprint favors tight installations in trucks, vans and work vehicles where dash clearance is limited.
12V 13,000 BTU Low Profile Cab Heater
This low profile 12V auxiliary cab heater is marketed as a universal fit for tractors, trucks, buses, vans and UTVs. It delivers 13,000 BTU and typically includes an installation kit to simplify mounting and ducting. The compact, shallow housing is suited for under-seat or under-dash installations where vertical space is limited.
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Because of its universal design, the unit is intended for straightforward retrofits and replacements. The included kit generally covers basic mounting hardware and ducting accessories, but confirm which components are supplied for your application. The heat output is aimed at small to medium cab spaces for faster warm-up and defrost control.
JEGS 28,000 BTU 260 CFM Heater
The JEGS 12V auxiliary heater offers 28,000 BTU and a 260 CFM airflow, delivering notable heat volume for tighter cab spaces. The unit is built for limited-space mounting with a compact design and a long-lasting three-speed motor. Dual front vents focus warm air into the cab quickly for defrosting and occupant comfort.
Key features include a mountable switch and adjustable fan speeds for balancing performance and power draw. Intended applications include trucks, UTVs and small tractors where stronger airflow is needed without a large installation footprint. The unit emphasizes rapid cabin warm-up and durability in frequent-use scenarios.
JEGS 40,000 BTU 300 CFM Heater
This higher-capacity JEGS heater supplies 40,000 BTU with 300 CFM airflow, designed for faster warm-up in larger truck cabs or for users who need more robust heating. The housing uses injection-molded glass-filled nylon for strength and low weight. Multiple vents and a three-speed fan provide controllable airflow distribution.
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Use cases include large trucks, vans or agricultural cabs where quick defrost and sustained warmth are priorities. The higher airflow and heat output improve ambient temperature rise rates, while the three-speed fan supports power management to match battery or alternator capabilities.
JEABONG 8KW Diesel Parking Heater
The JEABONG diesel parking heater is a fuel-fired 8KW unit designed for continuous cabin heating and engine preheating. It uses vehicle diesel fuel, includes a 10L fuel tank and muffler, and offers a smart LCD display with remote control for scheduled or on-demand operation. The controller includes fault displays and protection features for safer operation across conditions.
Diesel heaters are often chosen for extended idle heating, rapid temperature recovery and engine warm-up prior to starting. This unit supports wide operating temperatures and an altitude-aware LCD module for tuning performance at higher elevations. Installation requires fuel and exhaust plumbing plus electrical integration, so planning for mounting and routing is necessary.
Buying Guide: Choosing An Auxiliary Truck Heater
Selecting the right auxiliary heater involves evaluating heat source, output, electrical load, installation and intended use. The following factors cover practical considerations for truck owners and fleet managers.
Heat Output And Airflow
- BTU And CFM Matter: Higher BTU and CFM ratings equate to faster warm-up and better defrosting for larger cabs. Choose higher output for large trucks or extended cold exposure.
- Match To Cabin Size: Small underdash units can effectively defrost and warm compact cabs. Full-size trucks often need 28,000–40,000 BTU equivalents or diesel heaters for consistent warmth.
Power Source And Electrical Load
- 12V vs 24V Systems: Confirm vehicle voltage. Many truck systems are 12V, while heavy-duty trucks may use 24V. Select a heater compatible with your electrical system.
- Alternator And Battery Impact: Electric forced-air heaters draw current from the vehicle. Check alternator capacity and battery health to avoid overloading during extended operation.
- Fuel-Fired Options: Diesel parking heaters run independently of vehicle alternators and are efficient for long-duration heating and engine preheating, but require fuel plumbing and exhaust routing.
Installation Constraints
- Space And Mounting: Measure under-dash or under-seat space. Low-profile housings and compact units suit limited-clearance installations.
- Ducting And Vent Placement: Consider vent positioning for effective windshield defrost and cabin circulation. Units with multiple vents distribute heat more evenly.
- Required Accessories: Verify what the manufacturer includes: mounting brackets, switch assemblies, ducts, hoses and hardware can simplify installation.
Control Options And Usability
- Fan Speeds And Switches: Multi-speed fans allow power/comfort trade-offs. Mountable switches help integrate user controls into the cab.
- Remote Timers And LCDs: Diesel heaters with timers and remote controls enable preheating from outside the cab, beneficial for scheduled warm-up.
- Fault Indicators: Units with diagnostic displays reduce troubleshooting time and improve safety for long-term use.
Durability And Materials
- Housing Materials: Injection-molded, glass-filled nylons and metal housings resist vibration and heat cycling. Choose robust materials for heavy-duty truck environments.
- Motor Lifespan: Fans rated for high duty cycles and static conditions perform better in frequent-use fleets.
Safety And Emissions
- Exhaust Routing For Diesel: Ensure exhaust from fuel-fired heaters is properly routed outside the vehicle to prevent fumes entering the cab.
- Overheat And Fault Protection: Look for controllers with built-in safety cutoffs and fault detection to protect vehicle electrical systems.
Maintenance And Serviceability
- Access For Repairs: Install units with serviceable access to replace fans, filters or heater elements without removing the entire assembly.
- Parts Availability: Prefer models and brands with documented replacement parts and local service networks for commercial use.
Comparison Perspectives
- Electric Underdash vs Forced-Air Units: Underdash electric units are simple and suited for defrosting; in-line forced-air units (higher BTU/CFM) heat larger spaces faster.
- Electric vs Diesel Heaters: Electric heaters depend on vehicle electrical capacity and are easy to install. Diesel air heaters provide sustained heat independent of the alternator and offer engine preheating but require fuel plumbing and exhaust.
- Output Efficiency: Evaluate real-world performance: a higher BTU rating may require more power or fuel; balance output needs with available electrical/fuel resources.
Use the above criteria to prioritize features important for your truck: compact fit, rapid defrosting, long-run comfort, or engine preheat. Proper measurement, electrical checks and installation planning will improve performance and reduce downtime.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.