Best Auxiliary Truck Cab Heater for Cold Cabs

Auxiliary cab heaters add heat and comfort to trucks, tractors, UTVs, and vans when the main HVAC or engine heat is inadequate. The table below summarizes five top auxiliary cab heaters chosen for variety in voltage, BTU output, and installation style to help match different vehicle types and power systems.

Product	BTU / Airflow	Voltage	Brand
13,000 BTU Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater	13,000 BTU	12V	American Cooling Solutions
JEGS 40,000 BTU 300 CFM UTV Heater	40,000 BTU / 300 CFM	12V	JEGS
17,000 BTU Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater	17,000 BTU	12V	American Cooling Solutions
20,000 BTU Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater	20,000 BTU	24V	American Cooling Solutions
Upgraded 12V Under‑Dash Heater With Speed Switch	Undercab Multi‑port, Speed Control	12V	Sallurmose

13,000 BTU 12V Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater

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This 13,000 BTU low profile heater is designed as a universal auxiliary cab heater for trucks, tractors, buses, vans, cars, and UTVs. The unit includes an installation kit for under‑dash or compact mounting and is intended to supplement vehicle heat when engine heat is limited.

Key features referenced by the manufacturer include compatibility with multiple vehicle types and a compact form factor suitable for limited spaces. The low profile housing supports installation in tight areas and is typically connected to the vehicle electrical system for 12V operation.

Use cases: drivers needing supplemental heat in cold starts, operators of off‑road vehicles that lack integrated HVAC, and systems where modest BTU output is sufficient for small cabs.

JEGS 40,000 BTU 12V UTV Heater

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The JEGS Auxiliary UTV Heater delivers 40,000 BTU and up to 300 CFM airflow for rapid warming of small to medium cabs. It operates on 12V and features a three‑speed fan motor with a mountable switch for in‑cab control.

Manufacturer features include a compact design for limited space, long‑lasting glass‑filled nylon construction, and multiple airflow speeds. The elevated BTU and high CFM make this model suitable for larger UTV cabs or situations that require faster heat delivery.

Use cases: operators who need higher heat output and airflow, applications where quick cabin warm‑up is critical, and vehicles with robust 12V power supply capable of supporting higher current draw.

17,000 BTU 12V Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater

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The 17,000 BTU low profile auxiliary heater balances compact installation with a step up in heat output compared to smaller models. It fits tractors, trucks, buses, vans, cars, and UTVs and includes an installation kit for straightforward mounting.

Manufacturer notes highlight its universal fit and low profile housing, making it appropriate for installations where space behind the dash or under seats is limited. The higher BTU rating supports warming slightly larger cabs or maintaining heat during prolonged operation.

Use cases: drivers seeking mid‑range heat output without moving to a much larger heater, retrofitting vehicles that need improved cabin comfort, and fleet applications requiring a universal, serviceable auxiliary heater.

20,000 BTU 24V Low Profile Auxiliary Cab Heater

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This 20,000 BTU unit is delivered in a 24V configuration to match heavy‑duty trucks, buses, and equipment with higher voltage electrical systems. The low profile casing and included installation kit enable flexible mounting for larger commercial cabs.

Manufacturer features emphasize compatibility with tractors, trucks, buses, vans, cars, and UTVs when a 24V supply is present. A 24V auxiliary heater is often chosen for commercial vehicles to reduce current draw while providing ample heat output.

Use cases: Class 6–8 trucks and heavy equipment with 24V systems, operators wanting mid‑to‑high heat output on a lower amperage platform, and fleets standardizing on 24V accessory equipment.

Upgraded 12V Under‑Dash Heater With Speed Switch

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This under‑dash style heater is an upgraded, energy‑saving unit intended for underdash installation in trucks, minivans, excavators, and harvesters. It includes mounting brackets and a speed control switch for adjustable airflow.

Manufacturer features list multi‑port airflow (typically 4 vents), support for underdash mounting, and an included speed switch that allows drivers to manage airflow and noise. This style is often chosen for localized cab heating with a neat, OEM‑style appearance.

Use cases: compact cabs where discreet under‑dash mounting is needed, equipment operators who prefer adjustable fan speeds, and vehicles where distributed vents are desired for more even cabin heat.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Auxiliary Cab Heater

Selecting the right auxiliary cab heater requires matching BTU output, voltage, installation style, airflow, and power availability to your vehicle and use case. The following points explain the key considerations and tradeoffs.

1. BTU Output And Cabin Size

Match BTU to cab volume. Small cabs or enclosed UTVs can be warmed effectively with 10,000–20,000 BTU. Larger truck cabs, buses, or cold environments may need 20,000–40,000 BTU to achieve comfortable temperatures faster.

2. Voltage And Electrical Capacity

Confirm vehicle voltage: most passenger vehicles use 12V, while heavy trucks and some equipment use 24V. Higher BTU units increase current draw, so verify alternator and battery capacity. Choosing the correct voltage reduces wiring complexity and overheating risk.

3. Airflow (CFM) And Fan Speeds

Airflow measured in CFM affects how quickly heat circulates. Units with multiple fan speeds allow balance of heat output, noise, and power consumption. For faster cabin warm‑up select higher CFM models; for low noise and economy choose lower CFM or variable speed units.

4. Installation Location And Profile

Low profile heaters fit behind dash panels or under seats. Under‑dash multi‑port units distribute air through several vents for even heating. Consider available mounting space, duct routing to vents, and whether the kit includes fittings, brackets, and hardware.

5. Materials, Durability, And Serviceability

Look for corrosion‑resistant housings and durable fan motors. Injection molded nylon or reinforced plastics offer weight and durability benefits. Check accessibility for future servicing and whether replacement parts are available.

6. Controls And User Interface

Simple on/off switches are common, but models with multi‑speed switches, thermostatic control, or remote mounts provide better in‑cab management. Evaluate how easy the controls will be to reach and operate while driving.

7. Safety Features And Standards

Verify that the unit includes overheat protection, proper electrical fusing, and conforms to applicable safety expectations for vehicle accessories. Proper wiring, fusing, and routing of fuel lines (if applicable) are critical to safe installation.

8. Fuel Source And Compatibility

Most auxiliary cab heaters in this list are electric and draw from the vehicle battery/alternator. If considering fuel‑burning heaters (not in this selection), evaluate fuel lines, exhaust routing, and ventilation requirements carefully.

9. Noise And Comfort Tradeoffs

Higher airflow fans often produce more audible noise. If quiet operation is a priority for long drives or sleeper cabs, prioritize units with multiple speed settings or lower CFM that still provide adequate heat.

10. Installation Kit And Included Hardware

Check whether the heater includes an installation kit, brackets, ducting, and wiring. Units that include a complete kit reduce installation time and the need to purchase additional parts.

Comparison Perspectives

• Small Cab / Low Power Availability: Choose compact low profile 12V units (13k–17k BTU) or under‑dash 12V models with moderate CFM.
• Fast Warm‑Up / High Heat Need: Higher BTU and CFM units like the JEGS 40,000 BTU model provide rapid heat but require sufficient electrical capacity.
• Commercial / Heavy Equipment: Prefer 24V heaters to lower current and match onboard systems (20k–32k BTU range common).
• Discreet OEM Look: Under‑dash multi‑port units offer distributed vents and a more integrated appearance.

Installation And Maintenance Tips

• Always disconnect the battery before wiring and follow vehicle OEM grounding practices.
• Use appropriately rated wiring and in‑line fuses sized per manufacturer recommendations.
• Route ducts and wires away from moving parts and high heat zones to prevent damage.
• Verify heater mounting is secure and vibration isolated when installed on equipment or off‑road vehicles.
• Periodically inspect fan motor, wiring, and ducts for debris buildup and wear.

Final Selection Checklist

• Confirm vehicle voltage (12V vs 24V).
• Estimate cabin volume to determine BTU needs.
• Check alternator/battery capacity for electrical heaters.
• Decide on mounting style: low profile vs under‑dash multi‑port.
• Ensure inclusion of necessary installation hardware or plan to source missing parts.