How often do I need to service the Air 2D or 4D RV Heaters from Autoterm?

Updated 09/03/2025 | Published 08/11/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Autoterm Air 2D Diesel Heater for Vans, Campers, Trucks, and Boats - 12v

$985.50

Autoterm Air 4D Diesel Heater for RVs - 12v

(1)

$1169.36

Question:

Do these diesel heaters need to be cleaned or tuned each year like generators or propane furnaces?

asked by: Rich

Expert Reply:

Not really. The Autoterm heaters are designed for low-maintenance use. No annual teardown required. Just run the unit on max power for 20 minutes once a month and use clean diesel.

Before winter, check the fuel and exhaust lines for debris or leaks. That’s usually it. They are very basic machines and don't have the same type of diesel engine maintenance as a generator.

The only wear and tear parts that may need replaced down the road are the filters, gaskets, glow plug screens, and fuses. I'd say you may need to replace a glowplug or glowplug screen, and maybe the fuel pump if it ever fails. I wouldn't worry too much about that stuff though.

Are you heating a small camper or a mid-sized or large camper?
If small, I'd go with the Autoterm Air 2D 12v Air Heater Kit # AU56MR, if larger, I'd go with Autoterm Air 4D 12v Air Heater Kit # AU96MR.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Rich

9/3/2025

That’s a relief, Andrew. If I end up running the heater almost every night all winter, should I plan on swapping parts sooner, like the glow plug?

Andrew N.

9/3/2025

@Rich Good thinking, Rich. Heavy, daily use can shorten the life of consumables like the glow plug or its little mesh screen, so you might see those need replacement every couple of seasons instead of many years down the line. Luckily, they’re inexpensive and easy to service with basic tools. A quick cleaning of the intake and exhaust lines at the end of the season will also help keep things running smooth.