Inside ITR Heat: Where Every Hydronic Heating System is Built to Perfection
Text & Photos by Anita Lien, Director, Marketing & Communications
When I stepped into the ITR Heat facility in Richmond, British Columbia, I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a manufacturing operation that completely changed my understanding of what it means to build a premium RV heating system.
An All-Hands-On-Deck Operation
The first thing that strikes you about International Thermal Research is the culture. This isn't a factory where products move along an anonymous assembly line. Instead, it's an all-hands-on-deck environment where every team member is deeply invested in the quality of each unit that leaves the building. Founded in 1984, ITR has spent four decades perfecting the art of diesel-fired burner systems, accumulating over 40 patents along the way.
Walking through the facility, you can see this commitment in action. The OASIS Hydronic Heating Systems—ITR's flagship product for the RV market—are designed, tested, and manufactured entirely in-house. There's no outsourcing of critical components, no cutting corners to save costs. Everything happens under one roof, where quality can be monitored at every step.
Research First, Products Second
During my visit, I had the opportunity to speak with Vic Johnson, VP of OEM Relations and Business Development, who has been with ITR for 15 years. His path to the company is as unique as ITR itself—Johnson came from the scuba diving industry, where he worked in product research and development. His connection to ITR began with a chance meeting with the current owner about patents, a conversation that would ultimately lead to a career at one of the most innovative companies in the heating industry.
Vic Johnson, VP of OEM Relations & Business Development
"We're foremost a research company," Johnson explained. This isn't just company positioning—it's the DNA of the organization. With over 40 patents and counting, ITR continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in diesel-fired heating systems. That commitment to ongoing research and development, rather than simply refining existing products, is what keeps ITR at the forefront of the industry.
Johnson's background in scuba diving R&D brings an interesting perspective to the heating world. Both industries demand products that must perform flawlessly in challenging environments where failure isn't an option—whether you're diving at depth or heating an RV in sub-zero temperatures. That cross-industry experience informs ITR's approach to reliability and innovation.
A Heating System Born from Military Precision
What makes ITR's approach unique starts with the technology itself. The OASIS systems are built on a proprietary low-pressure burner platform—a patented design originally created to meet rigorous United States Military requirements. This isn't marketing speak; it's engineering that had to prove itself in the most demanding conditions imaginable, from Arctic deployments to desert operations.
This military-grade foundation translates directly to reliability in the RV world. Whether you need the powerhouse OASIS NE-S for a luxury coach or the compact SCH33 for a smaller rig, you're getting technology that's been battle-tested in environments far harsher than any camping trip.
The Most Impressive Part: Zero Shortcuts on Quality
Here's what really took me aback during my visit: every single unit is subjected to extensive testing prior to shipment.
Let that sink in. In an industry where many manufacturers rely on statistical sampling or batch testing, ITR tests 100% of their products. Each OASIS system must prove it can perform to specification before it's allowed to leave the facility. This isn't just a quality control measure—it's a quality guarantee.
This meticulous approach means that when an OASIS system arrives at an RV dealership or manufacturer, it's already been through the wringer. It's been fired up, monitored, and validated to ensure it will operate reliably in real-world conditions. No surprises. No defects slipping through the cracks.
Why This Matters for RV Owners
In a world of mass production and outsourced components, ITR Heat does things differently. Every OASIS system benefits from decades of R&D, military-grade engineering, and that comprehensive testing protocol that ensures your heating system will work when you need it most.
That all-hands-on-deck approach I witnessed isn't just about efficiency—it's about pride in craftsmanship. And when you're depending on your heating system in the middle of nowhere, that's exactly the kind of company you want building your equipment.