Choosing between an internal or external heater installation depends largely on your vehicle's layout, available space, and how you plan to use your vehicle.
Internal Installation – Our Recommended Option
In most cases, we recommend installing the heater inside the vehicle using a turret plate. With this setup, the heater unit is mounted internally, while the exhaust, fuel line, and combustion air intake pass through the turret plate and exit beneath the vehicle.
This installation method offers the best protection for the heater, shielding it from the elements and helping to maximise its lifespan. It also reduces the risk of water ingress, corrosion, and damage caused by road debris.
On many vehicles, there is sufficient space beneath the driver's seat to accommodate both the turret plate and the Autoterm heater. Some vehicle layouts also allow installation beneath the passenger seat.
Volkswagen T5 & T6 Installations
Volkswagen T5 and T6 models are an exception. These vehicles were designed with an underslung heater location from the factory, making external installation a practical and well-supported option.
Our T5/T6 mounting bracket is specifically engineered to utilise this factory-designed space, allowing for a secure installation that sits within the protected section of the vehicle's chassis.
External Installation
For vehicles where internal space is limited, or where an external installation is preferred, an underslung installation using our stainless steel mounting box may be the most suitable solution.
While this can be an effective alternative, it is important to understand that an externally mounted heater is naturally exposed to harsher operating conditions. Water, road salt, dirt, stone impacts, and general exposure to the elements can all contribute to increased wear, corrosion, and the potential for water damage over time.
For this reason, external installations are generally recommended only when an internal installation is not practical.
Things to Consider
Before deciding on your installation method, consider the long-term operating environment of your vehicle. Internal installations provide the greatest level of protection and are therefore our preferred recommendation whenever possible.
Please note that damage resulting from environmental exposure, including water ingress, corrosion, or general wear associated with externally mounted heaters, is not covered under warranty. These factors should be carefully considered during the planning and design of your heater installation.
