Apollo GC5 Gasoline Water Heater | 5KW 12V | CE Certified
You already have a fuel tank. The Apollo GC5 runs on it — gasoline or petrol, no secondary tank needed. 5KW of hydronic heat, CE certified, rated to -40°F (-40°C).
Fuel: Gasoline / Petrol
Rated output: 5.2KW (full load) / 2.5KW (partial load)
Fuel consumption: 0.61 L/hr (full load) / 0.30 L/hr (partial load)
Power consumption: 28W (full load) / 18W (partial load)
Voltage: 12V DC (10.5V–15V operating range)
Operating temperature: -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C)
Coolant requirements: Min. circuit volume 4.0L / Min. flow rate 250 L/hr
Coolant hose inner diameter: 20mm
Exhaust pipe inner diameter: 22mm
Dimensions: 214 × 106 × 168mm
Weight: 2.9kg
CE, RoHS and FCC compliant
No Diesel Tank. No Compromise.
The GC5 taps your existing gasoline or petrol tank directly — no secondary diesel tank, no extra mounting space, no separate fuel to manage.
Most 5KW water heaters on the market run on diesel only. If your vehicle runs on gasoline or petrol, you’d normally need to install a separate fuel tank, find space for it, and keep it filled. You skip all of that.
One tank. One fuel type. Full 5KW hydronic heating from the fuel you already carry.
One Heater. Two Jobs.
Job 1 — Parking Heater
The GC5 heats your cabin and engine coolant while the engine is completely off. It connects into your vehicle’s existing coolant circuit and circulates hot coolant through your heater core. You get into a warm vehicle, clear windscreen, and a warm engine — before you even turn the key.
Job 2 — Engine Preheater
Cold starts are the leading cause of engine wear — oil is thick, metal is contracted, combustion is uneven. The GC5 pre-warms your coolant to operating temperature before startup. Your engine turns over in conditions closer to normal operating temperature, every time.
Automatic Temperature Management
The GC5 runs on a smart cycle: it reduces output at 172°F (78°C) and shuts off at 185°F (85°C). When coolant drops below 149°F (65°C), it restarts automatically. Set it before you sleep. Walk out to a warm vehicle in the morning.
Where the Apollo GC5 Works Best
RV & Motorhome
The GC5 is a direct fit for any gasoline or petrol-powered RV or motorhome. It taps your existing fuel tank and connects to your coolant circuit — no propane, no separate diesel tank. You get cabin heat and engine preheat from a single unit that runs while you sleep.
Campervan & Caravan
If you’ve converted a gasoline or petrol van, the GC5 solves your heating without adding a second fuel type. It connects directly to your van’s coolant system and mounts in any protected position. One less fuel to manage, one less risk on the road.
Pickup Truck
Truck drivers running cold-climate routes know the cost of idling — fuel burned, engine hours logged, fines in no-idle zones. The GC5 keeps your cab warm and your engine pre-warmed without the engine running. You stay warm. Your engine stays off.
Boat
The GC5 runs on the same gasoline your engine uses — no second fuel type on board. It’s rated to -40°F (-40°C) with a sealed combustion chamber that keeps exhaust completely separate from your cabin. Reliable heat in cold anchorages, without the complexity.
4WD & Overlanding
A cold engine at altitude in freezing temperatures is a serious problem. The GC5 pre-warms your coolant overnight so your engine turns over reliably at first light — rated to -40°F (-40°C), built for exactly these conditions. You wake up. You drive. No drama.
Why Not Buy the Cheap Version?
Most cheap gasoline water heaters on the market are diesel heaters with minor modifications — different air-to-fuel ratio, different ignition calibration, same price tag. You get reduced output, longer heat-up times, and fault codes you can’t diagnose. The GC5 is calibrated specifically for gasoline combustion from the ground up.
Then there’s the build. This is where budget units fail in year two:
Wiring: 2.5mm² throughout — undersized wiring causes voltage drops, random faults, and wires that run hot.
Connectors: Tyco brand — stays reliable under vibration and temperature cycling. Cheap connectors oxidize and create intermittent faults that are almost impossible to trace.
Fuel lines: PA12 material, rated for 5–8 years. Standard rubber lines last 2 years and shed debris that clogs your fuel pump.
Combustion fan motor: 9,000 RPM — competitors run at 11,000 RPM. Lower RPM means less wear, longer life, and quieter operation.
Fuel pump: every unit tested for 10 minutes before shipping — output verified against spec, not assumed.
Certification: CE, RoHS, and FCC — tested by accredited third-party labs, not self-declared.
What's in the Box
Everything you need for a complete installation is included in the kit.
Apollo GC5 heater unit
Coolant circulation pump
Fuel filter
Coolant hoses
Stainless steel exhaust pipe
Wiring harness with pre-fitted connectors
Hose clamps
Mounting bracket
Cable ties and fitting hardware
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a gasoline water heater and a diesel water heater?
The air-to-fuel ratio and ignition calibration are completely different between gasoline and diesel combustion. You cannot run a diesel water heater on gasoline and expect full performance — output drops and reliability suffers. The Apollo GC5 is calibrated specifically for gasoline combustion to deliver the full 5KW rated output.
Can the GC5 run on petrol?
Yes. “Gasoline” and “petrol” are the same fuel — just different names used in different regions. The Apollo GC5 runs on standard unleaded petrol exactly as it runs on gasoline. No modifications needed.
How does a water heater differ from an air heater?
An air heater burns fuel and blows hot air directly into your cabin. A water heater heats your vehicle’s coolant, which circulates through your existing heater core to warm the cabin — and simultaneously pre-warms your engine. A water heater does two jobs. An air heater does one.
How does the Apollo GC5 compare to Espar or Webasto gasoline water heaters?
Espar and Webasto are the OEM benchmark — 5KW, 12V, hydronic heating. The Apollo GC5 matches that core specification. The difference is price: OEM brands carry OEM margins. The GC5 is CE, RoHS, and FCC certified, uses PA12 fuel lines and Tyco connectors. You’re not buying a knock-off. You’re skipping the brand premium.
What vehicles is it compatible with?
The GC5 works with any gasoline or petrol vehicle that has a liquid-cooled engine — RVs, motorhomes, campervans, caravans, pickup trucks, boats, and 4WDs. Your coolant circuit needs a minimum volume of 4.0L and a minimum flow rate of 250 L/hr.
Is there a safety shutoff if ignition fails?
Yes. If the GC5 fails to ignite after three attempts, it locks out automatically and displays a fault code. You must manually reset it before it attempts to start again. This prevents unburned fuel from accumulating — a safety feature not found on budget heaters.
Do I need to turn the heater off when refueling?
Yes — always turn the GC5 off before refueling your vehicle. This is a standard safety requirement for any fuel-operated heater connected to your vehicle’s tank.
What is the difference between the Apollo GC5 and the Apollo G1?
The Apollo GC5 is a water heater — it heats your coolant to warm the cabin through your existing heater core, and simultaneously pre-warms your engine. The Apollo G1 is an air heater — it burns gasoline and blows hot air directly into your cabin. If you want cabin heat only with simpler installation, see the Apollo G1 Gasoline Air Heater. If you also need engine preheating, the GC5 is the right choice.
Does the Apollo GC5 heat water for showering?
No. The GC5 heats your vehicle’s coolant circuit — it warms your cabin through the existing heater core and pre-warms your engine. It does not produce domestic hot water for showers or taps. If you need an all-in-one solution that provides cabin heat and hot water for showering, see our Diesel Hot Water System.
Does the Apollo GC5 need regular maintenance?
Yes. Clean the combustion chamber and check the glow plug every 200 to 300 hours of operation. Coolant hoses and fuel lines should be inspected annually. Regular maintenance keeps startup reliable and extends the heater service life significantly.
Your Gasoline Vehicle Deserves Proper Heat
The Apollo GC5 ships complete. Everything you need for a full installation, from a manufacturer with 30 years of certifications to prove it.