[PJ-PJ]

FWIW
videos from David Mcluckie
He may even run diesel through it, because that's what he does.
Of note, it uses the exact same pump as the diesel versions, so maybe the pump doesn't need diesel lubricating properties after all.
No elevation testing, fyi.
Velit heater test and review

Velit heater tear down

I am seriously considering one of these vs Espar. The altitude adjustment is critical for me - I live at 5,000 feet and regularly spend time at 7,000-8,000 which is no special trip ... basically out the back door.

I've done a bit of research on the "altitude" aspect of these heaters. You mention "elevation testing" so I wanted to share a thought. I've seen people say their heater started up at X,XXX feet no problem, or ran overnight no problem. That is important, but not the real critical aspect of elevation adjustments. Without adjusting various factors (eg. fuel flow, etc.), the heaters do not have the right fuel/oxygen mixture at elevation so they burn "dirty." Not noticeably disgustingly dirty, but enough that they build up soot/carbon inside very quickly.

Long story shorty - any type of "elevation testing" really needs to be running for 100-300 hours and then opening them up to check for soot deposits. Without elevation adjustments, they will fail more quickly and need to be cleaned/serviced far more often. That doesn't show up after only a couple of days or a week. Here is a good little video showing altitude adjusted vs. non-adjusted performance of the exact same model (a Webasto):

.

 

[SteveSS]

I am seriously considering one of these vs Espar. The altitude adjustment is critical for me - I live at 5,000 feet and regularly spend time at 7,000-8,000 which is no special trip ... basically out the back door.

I've done a bit of research on the "altitude" aspect of these heaters. You mention "elevation testing" so I wanted to share a thought. I've seen people say their heater started up at X,XXX feet no problem, or ran overnight no problem. That is important, but not the real critical aspect of elevation adjustments. Without adjusting various factors (eg. fuel flow, etc.), the heaters do not have the right fuel/oxygen mixture at elevation so they burn "dirty." Not noticeably disgustingly dirty, but enough that they build up soot/carbon inside very quickly.

Long story shorty - any type of "elevation testing" really needs to be running for 100-300 hours and then opening them up to check for soot deposits. Without elevation adjustments, they will fail more quickly and need to be cleaned/serviced far more often. That doesn't show up after only a couple of days or a week. Here is a good little video showing altitude adjusted vs. non-adjusted performance of the exact same model (a Webasto):

.

The Velit and Bison (and a few others) monitor barometric pressure to automatically adjust the fuel/oxygen ratio for elevation, likely via changes to pump and fan speeds. My cheapo Chinese diesel heater also has that capability, albeit manually. I can't speak for those other brands, but I opened mine up recently and found only a light dusting of soot inside.

 

[MsNomer]

Given that this is the first winter for the VeLit, you’re gonna have to wait a bit for those 300 hours at altitude. What we know for sure is that the Webasto will NOT perform satisfactorily for you, no matter how it is adjusted. Espar may if you don’t exceed 9,600 or so. What we are pretty darned sure of by now is that the VeLit will.

 

[PJ-PJ]

Given that this is the first winter for the VeLit, you’re gonna have to wait a bit for those 300 hours at altitude. What we know for sure is that the Webasto will NOT perform satisfactorily for you, no matter how it is adjusted. Espar may if you don’t exceed 9,600 or so. What we are pretty darned sure of by now is that the VeLit will.
View attachment 102998

Those are great details! I especially appreciate the exhaust CO testing and checking for carbon buildup.

I agree that Webasto is off my list due to altitude issues - even a version sold with "altitude adjustment" is only rated for 6,400'. Espar might work - but I could get almost 3 VeLit heaters for one Espar! I appreciate the product history, support, etc. for Espar, but at some point that is just a huge premium.

I'm hoping for great success for VeLit's heaters because the gasoline versions from Webasto and Esper are $$$.

 

[MsNomer]

VeLit Support is stellar.

 

[LanVan]

I had a very rocky start with my Velit heater. I got it shortly after @MsNomer got hers but didn't install it until months later for various reasons. I took the time to install the aftermarket fuel pickup in an effort to guarantee high elevation operation but the heater didn't work well. It would frequently fail to start, or run for brief periods and shut down without any error codes. The heat output was variable and the often smelled of unburned gas while operating.

Over the course of the first two months I had to install a new controller, three new ECU units, and a new pump. At every turn Velit was responsive but I will admit to feeling like an unpaid beta tester. Before installing the replacement pump I also improved the pump mount and shortened the fuel line from the pump to the unit, which had been about 30 inches, to about 15 inches. The heater worked a bit more reliably but still overheated about ⅔ of the time. The final piece I installed was a new ECU which appears to have been a solution to the overheating problem, as it has not recurred.

Now, all that time and worry later I have a heater that appears to work properly and has done so from temps as low as -10ºF. It does a very good job of heating up my moderately insulated van and even at -10ºF in windy conditions I am able to get comfortable in the van. I have not tested it at altitude yet but here in MN it's been flawless since the ECU replacement.

I am confident based up on my interactions with Velit support that they have the bugs ironed out. The pump and firmware are now solid. The controller works well. Exhaust is clean and almost odorless, there is no sign of soot at the exhaust pipe after an estimated 100 hours of use. I give Velit support high marks for working to make things right without hesitation even if us early adopters got units that were not ready for release.

If you decide to get this heater, and I do recommend it, be careful of pump angle and make sure that the fuel line from the pump to the heater unit has a continuous upward curve, with no dips or flat spots. A few minutes of installation care will pay off with reliable operation.

 

[Jing]

I too have a Velit that has had issues. I installed it this last summer and test fired it and it seemed to work as it should. Then this Fall as the weather cooled we started to use heat, the heater worked fine but we really only used it 6 or 8 times. Then on our coldest night (18F) and highest altitude (5100ft) the heater wouldn't start and showed an error code of 07. Several tries to start had the same results.

We came home after that trip and the heater would start and run at home which is at 3100ft. I contacted support and they said I needed a new pump which the promptly shipped. I am not looking forward to spilling gasoline when I change out the pump, but I will be soon because we are leaving on a trip Tuesday. Hopefully the pump takes care of the issue.

Velit support might be good, but I would prefer a product that requires no support.

 

[RV8R]

I too have a Velit that has had issues. I installed it this last summer and test fired it and it seemed to work as it should. Then this Fall as the weather cooled we started to use heat, the heater worked fine but we really only used it 6 or 8 times. Then on our coldest night (18F) and highest altitude (5100ft) the heater wouldn't start and showed an error code of 07. Several tries to start had the same results.

We came home after that trip and the heater would start and run at home which is at 3100ft. I contacted support and they said I needed a new pump which the promptly shipped. I am not looking forward to spilling gasoline when I change out the pump, but I will be soon because we are leaving on a trip Tuesday. Hopefully the pump takes care of the issue.

Velit support might be good, but I would prefer a product that requires no support.

I hear ya @Jing

If I build a 3rd van, I will consider the Velit as it has show promise. I for one appreciate your, @MsNomer & @LanVan & Others “Beta Testing”.

There can be issues with all of these heater & reliability is high on my list. Even “FOR” who love their Webasto have (or had) a Propex as a 2nd or backup heater. I had to mess with the regulator for my most recent Propex for higher altitudes - around 7500’ .

Here is hoping VeLit has sorted out their “teething issues” & it is smooth sailing for all for now on. Keep the reports coming as it really helps tye next DIYer decide. 😁👍

 

[JimbobNY]

Maybe I have a

I had a very rocky start with my Velit heater. I got it shortly after @MsNomer got hers but didn't install it until months later for various reasons. I took the time to install the aftermarket fuel pickup in an effort to guarantee high elevation operation but the heater didn't work well. It would frequently fail to start, or run for brief periods and shut down without any error codes. The heat output was variable and the often smelled of unburned gas while operating.

Over the course of the first two months I had to install a new controller, three new ECU units, and a new pump. At every turn Velit was responsive but I will admit to feeling like an unpaid beta tester. Before installing the replacement pump I also improved the pump mount and shortened the fuel line from the pump to the unit, which had been about 30 inches, to about 15 inches. The heater worked a bit more reliably but still overheated about ⅔ of the time. The final piece I installed was a new ECU which appears to have been a solution to the overheating problem, as it has not recurred.

Now, all that time and worry later I have a heater that appears to work properly and has done so from temps as low as -10ºF. It does a very good job of heating up my moderately insulated van and even at -10ºF in windy conditions I am able to get comfortable in the van. I have not tested it at altitude yet but here in MN it's been flawless since the ECU replacement.

I am confident based up on my interactions with Velit support that they have the bugs ironed out. The pump and firmware are now solid. The controller works well. Exhaust is clean and almost odorless, there is no sign of soot at the exhaust pipe after an estimated 100 hours of use. I give Velit support high marks for working to make things right without hesitation even if us early adopters got units that were not ready for release.

If you decide to get this heater, and I do recommend it, be careful of pump angle and make sure that the fuel line from the pump to the heater unit has a continuous upward curve, with no dips or flat spots. A few minutes of installation care will pay off with reliable operation.

I wonder if mine has an updated ECU. After installation, I did get error 07. I called Velit and they sent out a new pump instantly saying they knew those were problematic. The new pump is noticeably quieter than the one that came with my kit. I’ve had no problems since. I didn’t lose more than a couple drops of fuel in doing the swap.

 

[LanVan]

Maybe I have a

I wonder if mine has an updated ECU. After installation, I did get error 07. I called Velit and they sent out a new pump instantly saying they knew those were problematic. The new pump is noticeably quieter than the one that came with my kit. I’ve had no problems since. I didn’t lose more than a couple drops of fuel in doing the swap.

I would say that the proof is in the pudding. My ECU was causing overheat codes (05, I think?). Try running your heater on highest output continuously for an hour or two. If it overheats, shoot a note to Velit as it's the fault I had. Mine overheated when in the highest output mode and in the ramp-up period using thermostat mode. It works great now.

 

[MsNomer]

My ECU was replaced for the intermittent E05. My understanding from Will is that the first batches of ECU and pumps had flaws that weren’t detected until the units failed in the wild. Will confirms that the replacement ECU I was sent in August is the one tested in Colorado, so they must have dialed in the settings pretty darned well.

 

[Jing]

My ECU was replaced for the intermittent E05. My understanding from Will is that the first batches of ECU and pumps had flaws that weren’t detected until the units failed in the wild. Will confirms that the replacement ECU I was sent in August is the one tested in Colorado, so they must have dialed in the settings pretty darned well.

If they had known defects it seems they should have been more proactive and contacted customers and recalled components.

 

[LanVan]

If they had known defects it seems they should have been more proactive and contacted customers and recalled components.

No question that is a valid point. But it should be in the past and the heaters work well at a good price now that the involuntary beta testing 😏 is over.

 

[JimbobNY]

If they had known defects it seems they should have been more proactive and contacted customers and recalled components.

Mine sat in the box for 4 months before I installed it

 

[Pierre O]

If they had known defects it seems they should have been more proactive and contacted customers and recalled components.

Great point. My impression is this is quite a small company; in my experience often these companies don't have the systems in place to allow for traceability to the individual component or lot level.

 

[GaryBIS]

Great point. My impression is this is quite a small company; in my experience often these companies don't have the systems in place to allow for traceability to the individual component or lot level.

There are some pretty large companies that seem to have the same problem

Gary

 

[Pierre O]

There are some pretty large companies that seem to have the same problem

Gary

For sure - traceability is one of the most complex aspects of electronics manufacturing, especially when the supply chain is global. It was not meant to be a criticism - this is something startups usually learn when they have to deal with their first recall or when a large customer imposes it.

 

[Jing]

So, I just installed the new pump, spilled less gas than I thought it would. Got it back together, fired it up, all good. Ran for 32 minutes and I get the 05 error. Now waiting to hear back from support.

 

[MsNomer]

I recall that the roll-out was seriously delayed by Covid issues.

 

[Jing]

New ECU on the way, too bad I'm leaving for a month on Tuesday.