We put the Sunster HTB1 diesel heater through a real-world test, and the results surprised us. This budget-friendly heater delivered 31 hours and 23 minutes of continuous runtime on a single tank of fuel while running overnight in pouring rain without any issues.

At $169, the Sunster HTB1 brings some genuinely useful upgrades to the budget diesel heater market. The new screw-on exhaust and muffler design makes installation cleaner and more secure than the typical push-fit/clamp connections. But the standout feature is the built-in cleaning mode that helps prevent soot buildup – a common problem that kills cheaper diesel heaters.

In this review, we cover:
– Setup process
– Real-world runtime test results (31 hours 23 minutes on one tank)
– Overnight rain test performance
– Noise levels compared to other budget heaters
– Fuel consumption and efficiency
– Build quality and new design improvements
– Bluetooth App functionality
– What we like and don’t like about it

TESTING CONDITIONS:
We ran this heater overnight during a heavy rainstorm to see how it handles moisture and real trail conditions. No issues whatsoever. The exhaust system stayed sealed, and the unit maintained consistent heat output throughout the test.

RUNTIME RESULTS:
31 hours and 23 minutes on a single 6-liter fuel tank. That’s exceptional efficiency for a budget diesel heater and means you can run it multiple nights on a weekend trip without refueling.

NEW FEATURES THAT MATTER:
The screw-on exhaust and muffler connection is a significant improvement over cheaper units. No more worrying about exhaust pipes popping off on rough roads. The cleaning mode runs a high-temperature cycle to burn off carbon deposits, which should extend the heater’s lifespan considerably.

IS IT WORTH $169?
For overlanders and Jeep owners who camp in cold weather, this represents solid value. It’s not the quietest heater on the market, but the runtime, weather resistance, and maintenance features make it a practical choice for weekend warriors and occasional cold-weather campers.

BOTTOM LINE:
The Sunster HTB1 diesel heater delivers where it counts – reliable heat, impressive runtime, and features that address common failure points in budget heaters. If you’re looking for an affordable way to stay warm on the trail without breaking the bank, this is worth considering.

Get the Sunster HTB1 Diesel Heater: https://amzn.to/3LzyTw7

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
09:01 – Overview and specs
01:25 – What is unique about this unit
03:29 – Screw in exhaust and muffler
04:38 – Ground clearance issue
05:47 – External Fuel Tank
06:39 – Early production issues
07:39 – Comparison to 2024 TB10 model
09:03 – Rain Test
09:30 – App functionality
10:05 – Run time test
14:41 – Final Verdict and Recommendations

GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO:
Sunster HTB1 Diesel Heater: https://amzn.to/3LzyTw7

RELATED VIDEOS:
I Made My Diesel Heater Whisper-Quiet (Here’s How): https://youtu.be/Q8Hl1fPJVlw
Hcalory Toolbox Max Diesel Heater Review: https://youtu.be/NLDx4N4GDp8

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We provide honest, real-world gear reviews for Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, and 4×4 enthusiasts. Every product we test gets put through actual trail conditions across the Western US. No sponsored fluff – just straight talk about what works and what doesn’t for overlanding and off-road adventures.

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Kerry Garrison

Kerry is the creator and host of the TrailTraveler YouTube Channel. He and his wife, Kateryna, create all of the content and do all of the videos on the channel.