{"product_id":"diesel-water-heater","title":"Apollo C1 Diesel Engine Heater — 5KW for RV, Truck and Boat","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarms engine and cabin at the same time — no separate heater needed for each\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull heat output in 20–30 minutes from a cold start\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWorks down to -40°F (-40°C) — Kyocera ceramic glow plug starts reliably in extreme cold\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoose 12V or 24V — fits cars, trucks, RVs, and boats on either system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCE, RoHS \u0026amp; FCC certified — third-party tested, not a self-certified Amazon brand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eSpecification\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVvkb\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApollo-C1\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuel Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiesel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5KW (17,000 BTU\/hr)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVoltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12V or 24V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorking Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.5–15V (12V) \/ 18–32V (24V)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFuel Consumption\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.30–0.61 L\/hr (partial to full power)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectric Draw\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18–28W (excluding pump)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e214 × 106 × 168mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNet Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.9kg (6.4 lb)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMin. Coolant Volume\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4 liters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbient Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCertifications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCE, RoHS, FCC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWarranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Not the Cheap \"Water Heater\" — and Why Not the $1,500 Webasto\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost cheap diesel \"water heaters\" on Amazon are air heaters with an improvised water heat exchanger bolted on. They were not designed for coolant circulation from the ground up — the heat exchanger corrodes, the pump fails, and the combustion calibration was built for heating air, not liquid. You get a product that pretends to be a coolant heater.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Apollo C1 is purpose-built as a coolant heater. The combustion chamber, heat exchanger, circulation pump, and fuel delivery system are all engineered together for one job — heating coolant reliably at -40°F (-40°C), year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Webasto Thermo Top EVO does the same job at $1,200–$1,700. That premium buys you a European dealer network and factory-fit options. The Apollo C1 carries \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vvkb.com\/certifications\/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"CE, RoHS, and FCC certification\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eCE, RoHS, and FCC certification,\u003c\/a\u003e uses a Kyocera ceramic glow plug and Tyco automotive-grade connectors — at $869 with free shipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat's in the Box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything needed for a standard installation is included in the box:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain components:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApollo-C1 heater unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater circulation pump with bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuel pump (metering pump) with bracket\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital controller with remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWiring harness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation accessories:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3m coolant hose (φ18mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStainless steel exhaust pipe (φ24mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAir intake pipe (φ25mm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExhaust muffler\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuel filter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuel standpipe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElbow connection fittings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting brackets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClamps, nuts, and hardware\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConnect the fuel line to your existing diesel tank — nothing else to buy for a standard installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: start;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"Vvkb Apollo C1 5KW diesel engine heater — complete kit with water pump, fuel pump, controller, coolant hose, and hardware\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1623\/1847\/products\/vvkb-hydronic-coolant-heater-5kw-liquid-parking-heater-for-car-caravan-boat-water-heater-151020.jpg?v=1715842403\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eInstallation Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Apollo C1 installs in 2–4 hours with basic mechanical skills. These four points are specific to this model — read them before you start.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse the included PA12 fuel tubing — not standard rubber hose.\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard rubber degrades with diesel over time. Keep the run from your tank to the fuel pump under 1.2m; the pump-to-heater run can be up to 5.8m.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYour coolant circuit needs at least 4 liters of fluid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Smaller circuits can cause the overheat sensor to trip during startup. Check your coolant volume before installation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Apollo C1 can tilt up to 30° and rotate up to 90° on its axis.\u003c\/strong\u003e This gives you flexibility in tight engine bays. The one position to avoid: do not mount it with the exhaust outlet facing forward toward the direction of travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrime the fuel line before first ignition.\u003c\/strong\u003e The heater runs three automatic start attempts. If it fails all three, a fault code appears — this is normal on first startup when the fuel line is empty, not a defect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatch the full installation walkthrough: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/qfdi9rSsda4\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eApollo C1 installation video\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMy heater attempts to start three times but doesn't ignite — is it defective?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003elmost certainly not. On first installation, the fuel line is empty and needs priming. The Apollo C1 runs three automatic ignition cycles to build fuel pressure — this is normal behavior, not a fault. Wait 5 minutes, then restart. If it fails after 3–4 attempts, check for air leaks in the fuel line between the tank and the pump.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat do the Apollo C1 fault codes mean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe Apollo C1 uses a binary flash system — the status light flashes in groups of 5, where a long flash = 1 and a short flash = 0. The three most common codes are: 01101 (failed to ignite — usually air in fuel line on first use), 11110 (overheating — check coolant level and flow rate), and 10010 (glow plug circuit open — inspect the connection or replace the glow plug). The \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vvkb.com\/vvkb-heater-fault-solution\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003efull fault code guide\u003c\/a\u003e is on the Vvkb website, and the complete table is in the installation manual included in the box.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHow long does the glow plug last and when should I replace it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWith regular use, plan for replacement every 2–3 years. Carbon buildup is the main cause of early failure — running the heater at full power for 5–10 minutes before shutdown burns off residue and extends glow plug life. Replacement glow plugs (Part No. 9812HD50P005) are available directly from Vvkb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWill the Apollo C1 work with my existing cabin heater and dashboard controls?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eYes. The Apollo C1 heats your coolant to 140–176°F (60–80°C) and feeds it through your existing cooling circuit. Your cabin heating — dashboard controls, blower fan, vents — works exactly as it does when the engine is running. The Apollo C1's controller manages the burner; your vehicle's existing controls handle air distribution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCan I run it on biodiesel or winter diesel blend?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter diesel blends work with no adjustments. For biodiesel, the Apollo C1 supports blends up to B10 (10% FAME biodiesel). Pure biodiesel is not compatible — it affects the air-to-fuel calibration and causes ignition failures. If switching between fuel types, run the heater for 15 minutes to flush the fuel lines before switching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eHow does the Apollo C1 compare to a Webasto Thermo Top at $1,200+?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth deliver 5KW and connect to your vehicle's cooling circuit the same way. The Webasto has a longer dealer network and more factory-fit options for European vehicles. The Apollo C1 carries CE, RoHS, and FCC certification, uses Kyocera ceramic glow plug technology, and is priced at $869 with free shipping — roughly half the cost. Replacement parts ship directly from Vvkb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWill 5KW pre-warm a diesel engine enough to prevent cold-start damage at -40°F?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eYes, for most passenger vehicles and light trucks. The Apollo C1 heats coolant to 140–176°F (60–80°C) — the same operating temperature your engine reaches under normal conditions. This eliminates the oil thickening and cylinder wear caused by cold starts. For engines above 6 liters, or heavy trucks and equipment, the \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rvheater.com\/collections\/vvkb-hydronic-coolant-heater\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e12KW Apollo C3\u003c\/a\u003e handles the larger coolant volume.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vvkb","offers":[{"title":"12V","offer_id":37189805835,"sku":"","price":869.15,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24V","offer_id":37189805899,"sku":"","price":902.57,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1623\/1847\/files\/vvkb-apollo-c1-diesel-engine-heater-5kw.jpg?v=1778217251","url":"https:\/\/www.rvheater.com\/products\/diesel-water-heater","provider":"Vvkb","version":"1.0","type":"link"}