Convection heaters use what are known as convection currents to heat up spaces; however, this does make them quite slow. If you are looking for a replacement furnace for your motorhome, Suburban NT-30SP is a fine choice. Although it will use up electricity, it will get rid of the burning chemical smell and you can be assured of breathing clean air. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Did you ever consider PROPEX HEATSOURCE? Being portable, I can also take it to my tent whenever I decide to camp out. If one feels hotter than it should, turn it off and unplug it. Portable space heaters that run on propane are great for those situations … If it was all that simple, everyone would run the electric heaters in their pickup truck caps, though the issue here is that they use a ton of power, which is difficult to get in mobile situations. September 12, 2019. Electric heaters are great for saving money if you’ll be camping somewhere with electric hook ups included in the camping fee. Power or Fuel consumption – how much fuel or power does it need to heat up your space? What I don’t like about this particular RV heater though is its noise. HS2211 Furnace There is absolutely no disadvantage to having a heater in your motorhome. We have a portable electric ceramic heater for just such an emergency where going to an RV park and plugging in is our best line of defense for weathering a storm. One of the biggest downsides of this heater is it does not include a tip-over kill switch. If you want to heat up your RV with an effective electric heater, consider the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater. You can mount this heater on the floor, or remove the feet and mount it on a wall. Since full-range gas heaters are built into the home, it seldom becomes a fire hazard unless there’s a leak in the tank. The company began as a small shop located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, more than 100 years ago. Propane is a man-made gas stored in a tank. However, it’s important to choose the right one that fits your needs. Anything more than that, you would need to use a fan and crank it up at the highest setting. Wood stoves in an RV are also not recommended for families with small children as it can be a safety hazard. The final electric campervan heater in our top 4 list is the good old electric fan heater such as this Warmlite Portable Fan Heater . Best RV Washer and Dryer Combos: Keep Your Clothes Clean and Fresh, Wash your clothes no matter where you are with this high-quality RV washer and dryer combos, Best RV Water Hoses: Clean Drinking Water On Demand, Experience better drinking water with these top picks for the best RV water hoses, Best RV Water Pressure Regulators: Protect Your Plumbing, Protect your RV’s plumbing and appliances with an RV water pressure regulator, Best RV Backup Cameras: Enhance Your Field of Vision, Get a better view of blind spots when reversing your RV with these backup cameras, Best RV Covers: Keep Your Camper Safe From Sun, Dust, and More, Keep your RV in good shape and protect it from the elements with these best RV covers. Contrary to popular belief, propane heaters that make use of ducts and vents still use electricity, albeit minimally. Let it run for a few hours or maybe even a day. Locating one that is capable of heating up instantly is the best way to stay warm, but you can also find less expensive heaters that take a few minutes to reach appropriate temperature. But all in all, I believe this is one of the best choices for RV heaters. One downside is it can be a bit on the loud side due to the fan noise and also with clicks and hums. Nothing fancy, but better than digital displays that you have to set every single time. I left it on a high setting for about 20 minutes and my trailer got very warm indeed, similar to what a full furnace could have done. I have been using them for 3 years now. I just purchased a 400/800 watt Comfort Zone® Flat Panel Halogen Heater from Amazon for $44. It’s easy to use and straight to the point. Essentially, an electric current passes through a resistor, which converts electricity to heat. One knob has three modes: high heat, low heat, and fan. You can switch the settings to heat, anti-freeze, and fan only, which provides a number of ways to control the temperature. I estimate its propane usage to be 1 pound for 5 hours at the lowest setting. Mr. Heater is actually a household name, and it’s wonderful that they have released this portable propane heater. However, they are more reliable in smaller spaces where they are able to warm the air more quickly. Based in Ontario, Canada, Caframo develops and designs high-quality fans and heaters, including the Caframo True North Heater. It is equipped with five adjustable settings and 1,500 watts of power to give you a steady flow of hot air to effectively heat a camper. When it comes to flexibility and power, I can honestly say that The Lasko Ceramic Tower belongs to the top of the list. The space saving HS2211 furnace can be mounted externally underneath the truck camper floor. This might end up using more propane though. Agreeably, it does not heat a space up as fast as other heaters, but what I love about this device is that it can maintain the comfortable temperature for a long time. If this is the only heater you’ll be using, it’ll take two to three hours to heat up your motorhome. The inclusion of the anti-freeze setting automatically allows it to turn on when the weather drops below 38-degrees Fahrenheit. Designed to mount on your dash or beneath your console. You can install a centralized furnace or you can use portable heaters. Entering our 7th season of /DRIVE on NBC Sports, and with millions of YouTube and Facebook followers, The Drive is a leading authority of all things automotive. I believe the Broan NuTone 6201 is the safest space heater for RV because of its stable build and its safety features. It can also be disadvantageous if you actually want to heat up your entire motorhome. If you are worried about the power supply in your RV, the Camco Olympian will heat up your space without consuming a single volt of electricity. Find out more about how to choose the best RV air conditioners, best RV roof vent fans, best RV vacuums and best RV grills with our reviews and ratings. It comes with a remote control to adjust the settings. And for how long? The lowest temperatures we’ve camped in are the mid-30s.” While some heaters will begin to warm up shortly after you plug them into a power source, others can take several minutes before reaching the desired temperature. It is 6.2 inches high and 3.3 inches thick and enclosed in a metal casing. This can be dangerous since the fuel being used is highly flammable. This Lasko heater was built well. When you look at it, you might feel doubtful that it will heat up your space, what with its small size of 6 inches cubed. One extra safety features is a built-in overheating protector. The handle is made of thick plastic as well, which I think is a good thing because you can easily transport the device without getting worried about being burned. You can bring it anywhere as long as there’s a plug or an outlet. I also find the remote control reliable when I am sleeping; I didn’t have to get up just to re-adjust the settings or turn off the unit. Furthermore, please take a look at the best RV dehumidifiers, best RV thermostats, best RV washer dryer combo and best 12 volt refrigerators, to buy the best one for your RV appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Can a beginner maintain the unit with ease or do you need to be an expert? All in all, despite its noisy feature, I would still recommend this RV electric heater to anyone looking for a reliable and powerful heater. One drawback is that this RV catalytic heater only uses HD-5 propane gas. The “Q” in NT-16SEQ actually stands for quiet. Fan-forced heaters circulate heat by pushing air through a heated electric element. One of the best ways to ensure everyone inside is comfortable is with an electric heater. Another benefit that I tremendously enjoyed about this RV heater is that it doesn’t make much noise. The buttons are easy to access on the top of the machine. You will need to keep it somewhere secure so you don’t run the risk of knocking it over. To prevent the heater from being knocked over, keep it out of the way of where people will be walking. There are battery-powered heaters available, but they are small and for personal use. I was disappointed that it does not have a tipping safety feature. How to setup a tiny 200 watt ceramic space heater and add a simple plug in thermostat to heat a small space in your camper, RV, van or car. If you want to use it overnight, I suggest buying the adapter and connecting it to a propane tank of at least 5 pounds (lbs) as it burns up a lot of fuel. This little heater packs quite the punch and will genuinely help you stay warm on those cold nights. Another important benefit that I liked about this product is its self-regulating feature. The NT-16SEQ is a ductless heater, so it is quite easy to install. If you have kids and pets running around, this heater can become a safety hazard. This can include auto-shutdown when tipped over, or fuel valve closes when the pilot light goes out (for propane heaters), or has built-in CO and CO2 sensors. The advantage of RV propane heaters is that it does not release harmful gases when it burns. It warms up objects, walls, floors, and people first, instead of the air, so you will immediately feel the warmth. If you don’t want to use propane, you can use natgas or natural gas heaters. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater, 9. But this pop-up camper isn’t a full-size motorhome, and it also comes with a 124-mile range before it needs to charge. … Caframo is a manufacturing company founded in 1955 by Hans Heidolph Senior. It also may not heat up large spaces very well and may take a bit of time to properly warm-up. It’s also equipped with a cool-touch exterior feature. I’ve tested it and it works great on solar powered 12-volt DC battery. Its design is made up of a solid steel housing, making it quite durable. These compact and lightweight units can be stowed away in the RV and are powerful enough to heat up the whole vehicle. Some may remain hot for between 15 and 30 minutes. Rock solid heater, Agree with you, but it’s not available right now. This is a conveniently sized heater that has an LCD display that shows ambient temperature. It may have a safety feature that protects it from overheating but it cannot prevent an accident from happening once it is tipped over. You will need to have your own thermostat or temperature gauge to determine the exact heat inside the RV. I can say that this heater totally packs a punch. The nice thing about this particular product, is that you can use it hot or cold. You can position it on the floor or you can also mount it on the wall. This 2-speed electric portable fan heater is a little … You can also make use of an RV wood stove, but this not advisable if you don’t know how to properly maintain one as it can cause fires. As a truck driver and user of many diesel heaters (air or liquid heat exchanger), if I had the choice for a heater I would definitely pick a gas/propane heater! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So, if you have it on at night while sleeping or you are sensitive to noises, you may be kept awake by the machine. RV Web Network is reader-supported. However, if you are a solo camper or just traveling with your partner, a portable heater can save you a lot of money. I am a little bit concerned about its vibration though, which is probably caused by the fan. One thing to remember about an electric heater is that you can only power up one space at a time. Although HD-5 is the most common type of propane gas distributed in the US, you should be careful about not accidentally using HD-10 (which is common in California). You can touch the heater, even on the grill, and it does not burn or injure. 99 5% coupon applied at checkout Save 5% with coupon If you maintain it properly, this durable furnace can last you 30 years or more! Suburban NT-30SP Electronic Ignition Ducted Furnace, What to Look for When Buying an RV Heater, RV appliances, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, RV Appliances, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. If you have a very big motorhome with several rooms, this heater is definitely for you. If it’s a full-range centralized heater, then you can, of course, expect it to be priced $500 and above, depending on the brand and extra features. Safety is a valid concern for people hesitant to use a space heater in their RV. A crucial factor concerning RV heaters is finding one with proper safety features. Propane space heaters. The other knob is for the thermostat. Even though this is only intended to be used as a secondary heat source, it works great in a motorhome as it provides 4,200 to 8,000 BTU. One major benefit of these heaters is that they are capable of heating things rather quickly. If you have already tried the Suburban NT-16SE, you would be happy to know that this is almost the same, except for one improvement – it’s inaudible! It also has an overheat protection system that shuts the system off when it reaches a certain temperature in its components. The Broan NuTone 6201 is an impressive-looking electric heater. It’s a propane heater but makes use of electronic ignition to turn the heating cycle on. Also, the handle is properly designed that allows you to safely move the unit from one place to another while being operational. This heat is released through the open vent with the help of a blower. This usually happens in most heating and cooling devices that are brand new, but some brands are able to significantly reduce this smell. Does it turn on and off frequently, or can it maintain the temperature for a long time? It can be a pain. If you have a big RV that accommodates your entire family, a centralized heater would be best since family members are usually scattered around and not sitting in one place. Some people would complain about the chemical smell when first turning it on, so make sure you turn it on outside first. This can war… The same happens when the pilot light goes out. The first thing that I like about the Camco Olympian is its capability to heat up my RV fast. Natural gas, on the other hand, releases greenhouse gases. Portable propane heaters are also available in case you want to heat up just a small space. Much like the previous Suburban we reviewed, this also makes use of electric ignition. Some people love them while others prefer the more immediate heat provided by a model with a fan. This small and lightweight electric heater comes with a built-in thermostat to monitor and report its exact temperature. It can fit in small spaces and cannot be tipped over due to its compact shape. Pros: 1. These are powered by 12 volt DC connections and can run on your house battery. Solar panels may not be an attractive feature on peoples’ roofs, but they serve a … You can use portable propane heaters for this purpose, such as Mr. Heater F232000. If you are sleeping in the middle of the night, you might wake up because of the sound coming from the unit’s fan. This can be an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. You can also choose oil-filled radiators like the DeLonghi EW7707CM, but this type takes a while to heat up your space. This medium-sized RV heater may be smaller in size compared to furnaces and other heaters, but I’m telling you its performance is beyond spectacular! You can just place the portable heater wherever you are; you can even bring it with you to your tent. When a campground offers free electric with a campsite, using an electric heater will save you money. One knob is for the three modes: fan, low and high heat. You can either select a specific temperature or hit a few buttons to control the range of heat. I got a deal which was 2 for $19.99, now that price is for one. A: Some heaters are equipped with an automatic shut-off timer to prevent them from reaching dangerously hot temperatures. It can be advantageous to you if you want to save power (and money) and only focus on areas you need heated. Lasko designs a wide variety selection of fans, heaters, air purifiers, and humidifiers, with one of its most popular heaters being the Lasko Ceramic Portable Space Heater. They don’t heat a room quickly, but once heated, the room will stay at a more consistent temperature. Also, the remote control may not be strong enough. This is the least popular heater type among the three, though. This unit uses propane as its main source of power.The first thing that I like about the Camco Olympian is its capability to heat up my RV fast. If you are traveling on a winter or you are visiting a place that is unusually cold as compared to what you are used to, you would need a heating system that will allow you to stay warm and comfortable. The other controller gives you more control over how warm you want your room to be (essentially, it’s a thermostat). An ignition (commonly a pilot light but can also be electric) fires up several burners located in the combustion chamber. The casing is made of metal, while the edges are lined with thick plastic mold to prevent it from tipping. The size of this ceramic space heater makes it extremely portable, so moving it around the RV is a breeze as is heating up any room. Camco 57351 Olympian Wave-8 LP Gas Catalytic Heater, 4. It’s important to know this so you won’t run out of gas right in the middle of the camp with no nearby store to purchase propane from. I’ve read a lot of Broan Big Heat reviews which inspired me to actually try one. The cover is made from top quality fiberglass that allows you to touch it without getting burned. A dependable, efficient and affordable space heater, ideal for smaller truck campers. One of the best ways to ensure everyone inside is comfortable is with an electric heater. You can actually enjoy a good night’s sleep without being awakened by some weird noise. Lasko Designer Series Ceramic Space Heater. Think about it turning off in the middle of the night and you have to get up and manually input the settings. The heat produced by these burners then flows to the heat exchange chamber, where it builds up and heats the air inside, effectively raising the temperature. This makes for a much more slower and comfortable release of heat. It has high and low settings and you can program it for up to 12 hours. If you are using a portable heater, it only releases warmth in the area where the heater is located. There is also very little safety issues with this device; no burning gases and minimal possibility of tipping over. But all in all, this is a great heater for its size. This unit uses propane as its main source of power. It has 6 levels of heat, so I would recommend setting it to the highest level (6) at night, then going down to around 3 or 4 during the day. However, an electric heating system does not make use of ducts and vents, so dispelling heat can sometimes be slower. Electric RV heaters will eliminate the need to burn up your propane supply, and they do not emit potential dangerous carbon monoxide. It’s best to use a different heater to heat your space up fast, then turn it off and use the DeLonghi one to maintain the temperature. Electronic ignition is more efficient than conventional pilot lights in a sense that it does not need to always be on. I ran the inline heater using my home waterline and watched the water flow and rise to 44-degrees Celsius (110-degrees Fahrenheit). An RV heater basically keeps your motorhome warm, therefore preventing you and your family from freezing up in cold climates. Most RV heaters that are sold in the market these days have digital settings controller; Lasco CD09250 is going against the tide by utilizing knobs. A: This depends on the heater and the space provided. Once I have everything up and running, I can adjust the settings without having to stand up or stoop down just to get the temperature right. The Handy Heater is one of the smallest heaters I’ve seen. Let us discuss the difference and how they work: A gas heater makes use of combustion to provide heat. Those who like it old-school will be fond of this heater. That’s definitely more bang for your buck. If you only have 10 lbs of propane, for example, how long will it last when your heater is running continuously? RV heater. However, it is still a very good choice for a portable RV heater. It takes about ten minutes to reach and maintain our desired inside temperature of 65 degrees. This week’s Question of the Week is, “What devices do you use to keep your truck camper warm in cold weather?” “We use a 1500W Vornado electric heater. Check out the best RV heaters to consider for your future travel excursions. There are plenty of RV heaters that may be working well, but if left working for long hours may overheat. How to heat a camper without electricity? It’s very little but it’s one more thing to always remember. 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