I really don't begrudge paying what I did for a diesel heater. Yes the gas ones are really cheap and I'm sure they are very good. Would I like to use one in a vehicle with a gas bottle? Only if there was no safer option.
I use to use a zodi hot tap heater with the gas stored outside the van while the unit was alight. I was never keen on it, but it was a means to an end.
Now I can leave my heater on whilst I'm driving if I want (safe) to pre-heat my tank if need be. I don't bother as I only use it on-demand whilst I'm cleaning the windows, cladding or whatever. I can leave it on for hours if needed whilst in use. If the unit should overheat, it will automatically cut out and there's no need for me to run back to the van and worry about the heater being damaged, just re-set the trip switches. Peace of mine.
If my heater packed up and I had to buy another heater I would still buy another diesel heater. It's a bit like the difference between an SL-2 and an extended Harris pole. Both poles will do the same job but they are so different in comparison.
cant knock the mans logic diesel or gas its bit like ladders or wfp
suppose its how you value your safety.
somebody mentioned gas and caravans yep it is used in them but
everything is installed by professionals and majority of sites now insist
on a gas check at least once a year by again a professional so it is covered on the sites insurance
makes you wonder what would happen with if one of these
home made systems came a cropper how you would stand with your insurance