Eberspacher Motorhome Heating Systems | Company History

Eberspacher has been keeping people warm since 1865, when Jakob Eberspacher opened a small tinsmith's workshop in Esslingen, Germany. What started with watering cans and gutters turned into something far more significant. By the 1930s, the company had shifted focus to the automotive sector, developing both exhaust systems and vehicle heating solutions during the global economic crisis. That move into thermal management laid the groundwork for what Eberspacher does today. The business remains family-owned after 160 years, with direct descendants of the founder still involved, which explains the long-term thinking that runs through everything they make.

The motorhome and campervan market represents a core focus for Eberspacher's climate control systems. Their Airtronic and Hydronic ranges provide diesel-powered heating that runs independently of the engine, meaning you can heat your living space without idling the vehicle or draining the leisure battery excessively. These systems suit full-time motorhomers who travel year-round, weekend campers who need reliable heat in spring and autumn, and van conversion enthusiasts who want professional-grade equipment. The fuel-operated heaters draw from your existing diesel tank, which makes them practical for off-grid use where mains hookup isn't available. Commercial vehicle operators also use Eberspacher systems in HGVs, plant machinery, and marine applications, though the recreational vehicle sector has driven much of their recent product development.

Eberspacher targets people who take their camping seriously enough to invest in proper climate control. Their products aren't the cheapest option on the market, sitting above budget alternatives from less established brands. The systems require professional installation in most cases, particularly for the Hydronic water heating units that integrate with existing plumbing. Annual servicing is recommended after roughly 2,000 hours of use, and the heat exchanger needs replacing after 10 years, which adds to the total cost of ownership. But the reliability is well-documented, with some units still running after two decades. The company holds a strong position in OEM supply, providing heating systems to major motorhome manufacturers across Europe. Their control units now offer programmable timers and smartphone connectivity through the EasyStart system, bringing older technology into line with what modern users expect.

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Frequently Asked Questions


Who founded Eberspacher and when?
Jakob Eberspacher founded the company in 1865 in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany, initially as a tinsmith's workshop producing metal-framed roof glazing and everyday items before expanding into automotive heating systems in the 1930s.
What types of vehicles use Eberspacher heating systems?
Eberspacher systems are installed in motorhomes, campervans, caravans, commercial vehicles, HGVs, marine vessels, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and passenger cars. The recreational vehicle market represents a significant portion of their climate control systems business, with both OEM manufacturers and retrofit installations across Europe.
How do Eberspacher heaters work without running the engine?
Eberspacher auxiliary heaters are fuel-operated systems that draw diesel or petrol directly from the vehicle's fuel tank and burn it in a small combustion chamber to generate heat. They run independently of the engine using the vehicle's 12V or 24V electrical system, allowing you to heat the living space without idling the engine or depleting leisure batteries as quickly as electric heaters would.
What is the difference between Airtronic and Hydronic heaters?
Airtronic heaters are air space heaters that blow warm air directly into the living area through ducting, similar to a warm air central heating system. Hydronic heaters heat water that circulates through radiators or underfloor heating while also providing hot water for taps and showers through a calorifier, making them more complex but offering greater comfort and functionality for larger motorhomes.
How often do Eberspacher heaters need servicing?
Eberspacher recommends annual servicing for heaters used regularly, approximately every 2,000 operating hours, or every two years for occasional use. Servicing includes removing and cleaning the glow plug, checking fuel screens, inspecting ducting and electrical connections, and testing operation across all modes. The heat exchanger must be replaced after 10 years of service as a mandatory requirement.
Can I install an Eberspacher heater myself?
Installation requires drilling through the vehicle floor or wall for air intake and exhaust, connecting to the fuel tank with appropriate lines and filters, running electrical wiring with correct fuse ratings, and mounting the heater at the proper angle. While technically possible for someone with mechanical skills and the right tools, professional installation is strongly recommended to meet warranty requirements and local safety regulations, particularly for insurance purposes.
Are Eberspacher heaters suitable for year-round living in a motorhome?
Eberspacher heaters are designed for continuous use and provide reliable heating for full-time motorhome living. The fuel efficiency and independence from mains power make them practical for extended off-grid periods. The systems work effectively in sub-zero temperatures and maintain comfortable interior temperatures even in harsh winter conditions, which is why they are standard equipment in many expedition vehicles and commercial applications across northern Europe.
What warranty coverage do Eberspacher products have in the UK?
Eberspacher UK offers a 36-month warranty on heaters purchased through officially authorised dealers. This warranty is only valid when purchased from registered dealers and requires proper installation by qualified persons plus adherence to the recommended service schedule. Purchases made from unofficial dealers or grey imports do not qualify for Eberspacher UK warranty coverage.