Fireplaces

[donanddona]

Hi,

More and more I see fireplaces installed in all types of RVs either aftermarket or original from the factory. My question is, 1) Are they worth it (sacrificing storage space), 2) Is it propane or electric, 3) How much propane is being used (rate)., or increase efficiency in electricity. I'm retired and not technical any more so please keep it short & simple.

Thanks, Don

[Oakman]

The fireplaces are electric and work quite well as space heaters. I can’t help you on whether it’s worth the loss of space to you because it would depend on the size of the trailer and the floor plan you’re considering. In our case we have plenty of storage space so having the fireplace isn’t an issue and we use it all the time in chilly weather.

[Pirogue]

We love ours. It was original so I never had the storage space to miss. Total electric, no gas. We use it the whole winter here in southern Louisiana (both weeks) and it does a pretty good job of heating the whole 36' 5ver. We have only ran our furnace to test it and make sure it's ready if needed. Like if it gets "really cold" you know, like down to 38 or 39 degrees.

[M&K Hoffman]

They are electric and I felt they were dumb.....until I actually had one. We camped in early October and every morning I raised the inside temperature 10 degrees in 30 to 40 minutes running the fireplace. Ours in mounted in the entertainment wall right below the TV, so the space it takes up is not real usable anyway. BTW In most cases you pay the same no matter how much electricity you use.

[Papicamper]

Ours came with the RV but we had it on our "must have list" anyway. To be truthful the DW was a bit apprehensive at first but after having used it a few times now we're both completely sold on it. Nothing better than sitting down in front of a nice "fire" to warm you up...when you can't be outside. It's all about ambiance of course but it is sooo relaxing and just like home. We both totally enjoy and are glad we got it. BTW, you can run the "fire" without heat if you wish...how's that for ambiance!
Ours is electric. To my knowledge they are all electric. The effect is extremely realistic too. You can turn the heat down from 100% to no heat at all as I said. Also, the heater is approximately equivalent to a small space heater...nothing more...maybe 1000 to 1500 watts max. We use it to keep a little heat flowing in the living area as needed...and the dog LOVES it! Best of luck! Go for it...don't think you'll be unhappy you did!

[JonClark]

2014 320bhds have it and love it. Enough storage already and it's under the t.v. so no biggie. Haven't used the propane heat and temps were in the mid 20 s at night last weekend. Definitely a must have

[dcheatwood]

It will not warm up a cold (35-45°) camper enough for me but I use the furnace to warm up then the electric fireplace will maintain the temp quite nicely. Also has s timer and thermostat so the heat cycles on and off while the fake flame stays on. Flame can be dimmed or turned off and still get heat. We enjoy ours.

[heavynlori]

We love ours....friends were shopping for new camper this spring and commented how you cannot find many fivers without one

Told them they would use it more than you think and guess what? Yep they only used furnace once this year and loved the remote fireplace !!

The little bit of space should not be an issue....if it is for you then you just might have TOO much stuff you are trying to take 😄


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[Orion]

Love ours. As someone that can be woken easily there is a bonus of the furnace blower not kicking on when using the fireplace.

[armulle]

We loves ours too! I was at the Amana Colonies FRG rally in Iowa and the mornings were chilly so I flipped on the fireplace to warm up the 5th wheel. It took just a few minutes to warm the downstairs. I would recommend it.

[TeamPlumlee]

Love our fireplace. Helped out when we ran out of propane! lol

[dcheatwood]

Oh yeah. Worth mentioning here that some campground/RV parks are catching on and posting signs in their offices stating "no electric heater's." Or extra charge for elected heaters. Seems a little off since a/c compressors aren't used in cold weather.

[rockfordroo]

Since most of us carry electric heaters anyway, I'd think the fireplace means one less thing to pack. (I don't have one.)

[racerx]

Have one, use it, love having one and would not buy a new RV without one. Saves on propane use and is great for taking out the early morning chill. I have never heard anyone say, "I wish I did not have this fireplace"


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[deartruc]

Living up here in New England, our summers get hot and our winters get cold. So, in the summer it sits in the garage. In the Spring and Fall it looks nice and supplies plenty of heat in the camper. And in the Winter, it can be used to add that little extra heat when you don't want to turn up the thermostat at home. PS.. don't think I've been to a cg in NE lately that doesn't have a sign that they charge extra for a/c and heaters.

[Big Vic]

Fireplace heaters are mostly for looks (and some do look great) but put out no more heat than a typical small electric heater, which can be moved around to any part of the RV.

[rockfordroo]

Fireplace heaters are mostly for looks (and some do look great) but put out no more heat than a typical small electric heater, which can be moved around to any part of the RV.

True, but it's one less thing to have to find a place to store.

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Big Vic

Fireplace heaters are mostly for looks (and some do look great) but put out no more heat than a typical small electric heater, which can be moved around to any part of the RV.

I'm going to have to agree to disagree on that one.


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[JonClark]

I am seeing a difference of opinion on this topic. All I can say is I have a 32 ft camper and I camped in temps that were 26 degrees in the morning and with just the fireplace on the thermostat in the camper said 71 degrees. Didn't want it when we got it but love it so much more than running the propane heat.

[donanddona]

I got to say a great big thank you for all the positive feedback. Now I wish I would have pushed for one in my current 5r. Now its definitely on the list for the new one. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.