The LF Bros 5kW diesel heater is a 12V split air heater for vans, caravans, boats and workshops. It gives 1.4–5kW of adjustable heat (4,770–17,000 BTU) and warms a space of around 20–25 m².
The 10L tank runs for 19–55 hours per fill on 0.18–0.53 L/h. An LCD controller and wireless remote handle the settings. The 24-hour timer can warm the space before you wake up.
It has two heating modes and protection against overheating, short-circuits, overcurrent, overvoltage and reverse polarity. The unit measures 37.8 x 15 x 14.1cm and works from -40℃ to 40℃. The fuel tank, exhaust parts and wiring harness are in the kit.
Adjustable 1.4–5kW heat output - What does that mean in real use? The heater runs anywhere from 1.4kW to 5kW (4,770–17,000 BTU). That suits spaces of around 20–25 m², such as a campervan, cabin or workshop. One owner switched it off because their workshop got too warm.
10L fuel tank - How long does one fill last? Fuel use is 0.18–0.53 L/h. That gives roughly 19 hours on full power and up to 55 hours on the lowest setting. Longer runtime means fewer refills on a long stay and less time spent handling diesel.
24-hour timer with remote - Can you heat the space before you get there? Yes. The timer lets you schedule heating ahead of waking up or returning to the vehicle. The wireless remote adjusts settings from a distance. One German owner reported a range of 30 metres or more.
Two heating modes - Power Mode keeps the heater at your chosen power level. Variable Frequency Mode heats until the set temperature is reached. It then drops to the lowest power to hold that warmth. This helps you match output to the size of your space and the weather.
Built-in safety protections - What happens if something goes wrong? The heater has overheat, short-circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage and reverse-polarity protection. The 12V system also guards against wiring mistakes. The exhaust must be fitted outdoors and downwind. One reviewer also advises fitting a carbon monoxide detector.
Installation kit included - The kit contains the heater unit, fuel tank, air duct, exhaust parts, combustion air intake, LCD controller, remote and wiring harness. Mounting hardware is also in the box. Is it easy to fit? Several owners paid for professional installation because the fuel line and exhaust need careful routing.
The listing says it suits spaces of around 20-25 m². Output is adjustable from 1.4kW to 5kW (4,770-17,000 BTU). That covers most campervans, motorhomes, caravans, truck cabs, boat cabins and small workshops.
Real results depend on insulation, outdoor temperature and how well it is installed. One reviewer fitted it in a workshop and had to switch it off because the room got too warm. Another said it heated their whole RV without trouble.
The 10L tank gives roughly 19-55 hours per fill. Fuel use runs from 0.18 to 0.53 L/h. The low figure applies at the lowest heat setting and the high figure at full power.
So what does that mean in practice? On a cold night at a low setting you could get through several nights on one tank. Running flat out will empty it in under a day. One reviewer said it used less diesel than their previous heater.
You pick the mode on the LCD controller. In Power Mode the heater keeps running at the power level you choose. In Variable Frequency Mode it heats until your set temperature is reached. It then drops to its lowest power to hold that warmth.
The second mode usually saves fuel and avoids overheating a small space. Note that this model has no separate thermostat. The Spro-5KW version does.
Yes. It has a built-in 24-hour timer. You can schedule it to warm the space before you wake, before you get back to the vehicle or before you set off. One owner set it for cold mornings and said it beat their gas heater.
The wireless remote also lets you change settings from a distance. A German reviewer reported the remote working at 30 m and sometimes further. A UK reviewer noticed a slight delay in the remote's response.
It is a split heater. The kit includes the heater unit, fuel tank, air duct, exhaust components, combustion air intake, LCD controller, remote control, wiring harness and mounting hardware. You still need to route the fuel line, exhaust, air intake and wiring yourself.
Reviewers were split. Some found it fairly easy. Others paid a professional because the exhaust needs a hole cut and sealed properly. If you are not confident with drilling and 12V wiring, get help. One owner mounted it through a 12.5cm cut hole on a turret plate. The unit measures 37.8 x 15 x 14.1 cm so it fits small spaces. A user guide is available.
It has five built-in protections: overheat, short-circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage and reverse-polarity. The exhaust gives off exhaust gas. The listing says the exhaust port must be installed outdoors and downwind so the gas clears properly.
One reviewer advised fitting a carbon monoxide detector for extra safety. That is sensible in any space where a fuel-burning heater runs while people sleep.
Most reviewers called it fairly quiet. One said it was a lot quieter than the heater they used in their works van years ago. Another noted the fan is relatively quiet. Nobody called it silent.
The fuel pump makes a low ticking sound at start-up. One reviewer said this fades once fuel reaches the burner. Another found the pump knocking more noticeable and built their own sound insulation. It also takes a few minutes to start and reach full heat.
This listing is the S3-5KW (model ER5.0). It works at altitudes up to 1500 m and in temperatures from -40°C to 40°C. The S1-2KW has a 6L tank and 1.1-2kW output. The Spro-5KW has the same output and tank but adds an upgraded glow plug, a silent oil pump, a thermostat and a plateau rating up to 5200 m.
If you camp at high altitude or want a thermostat, look at the Pro. The seller is LF Bros Official Store. The warranty is a 1 year limited manufacturer warranty. The brand says it has traded since 2003 and sells in over 20 countries. The listing shows 4.6 out of 5 stars from 25 ratings. Weight is listed as 8.5kg in the specifications and 7kg in the description.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | LF Bros |
| Manufacturer | LF Bros |
| Model name and number | ER5.0 |
| Size option | S3-5KW (split T3 5KW) |
| ASIN | B0D6FCCY4S |
| Start year | 2023 |
| Country of origin | China |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Power rating | 5,000 W |
| Thermal power | 1,400 to 5,000 W (1.4 to 5kW) |
| Heat output in BTU | 4,770 to 17,000 BTU |
| Fuel tank capacity | 10 litres |
| Fuel consumption | 0.18 to 0.53 litres per hour |
| Runtime per fill | Approximately 19 to 55 hours |
| Heated space | Approximately 20 to 25 m² (floor area 25 m²) |
| Dimensions (length x width x height) | 37.8 x 15 x 14.1 cm |
| Weight | 8.5kg (product description states 7kg) |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to 40°C |
| Maximum altitude | 1,500 m |
| Heating modes | Power Mode and Variable Frequency Mode |
| Controller | LCD display controller |
| Remote control | Wireless remote included |
| 24-hour timer | Yes |
| Built-in thermostat | No |
| Glow plug | Standard |
| Oil pump | Standard |
| Plateau model | No |
| Safety protections | Overheat, short-circuit, overcurrent, overvoltage and reverse-polarity |
| Energy efficiency class | A |
| Kit contents | Heater unit, fuel tank, air duct, exhaust components, combustion air intake, LCD controller, remote control, wiring harness and mounting hardware |
| Warranty | 1 year limited manufacturer warranty |
