Best Portable Space Heater for RV

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Hi Rider

I'm sure there already is a thread for this question, but I can't find it anywhere. My question is: "What is the best portable space heater." I've used a radiator-type in the past but want something smaller for my Class C motorhome. Thanks.

Without a doubt it is the Wave Heaters by Camco. I have a Wave-6 the middle size and it is awesome. They sip propane, use a tiny amount and heat up a large area. I put a T fitting in the line to my stove and ran a quick disconnect with a 10 foot hose from it. Gives lots of flexibility and the heater is awesome. Can be used inside with no problem.

Camco 57341 Olympian Wave-6 6000 BTU LP Gas Catalytic Heater
check it on Amazon

[Kimber45]

I went with the basic least expensive one I could find on the shelf at Lowes. Spend to much cash on one and you might as well be burning propane. The whole idea of using the electric heater was for when im not paying for the electric.

[mlmay12]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

I went with the basic least expensive one I could find on the shelf at Lowes. Spend to much cash on one and you might as well be burning propane. The whole idea of using the electric heater was for when im not paying for the electric.

Very good point, I forget sometimes that not everyone likes to exclusively boondock and thats my reason for the propane.

[Gidyupgo]

HiRider, wife wanted the ambiance of a fireplace so we picked up a portable one that just fits between the cab seats on our Class C. The few months that we need it, it is on an HD extension cord through a slide seal out to the pole so we don't have to watch usage of microwave, air fryer, etc.

[Islander]

While we're camping (spring or fall) with full hook up we use electric for heat.
To take the chill off in the main area we use the blower one (see picture) which has 3 heat levels (plus fan only) also I use it during winter lay-up set at 'frost setting' where it comes on around 4 degrees above freezing.... just to help keep things dry and air movement.

At night (while camping) we use a radiator style that keeps us warm and is "quiet" and we often will use it through the chilly days so we don't have to hear the hum of the fan heater.

For up forward we use a cylinder shaped heater that has a very good thermostat, 2 heat settings...best thing about this one is the heat comes out around the sides 360 degrees and is fairly quiet, stands about 12" tall.

Many to choose from...sure you can bye cheap throw away ones but quality heaters , with care, will last longer and give better service IMO.

Good luck

Islander

[Cypressloser]

Not sure if this one is available in the US.
All metal construction, thermostat that actually works, 3 power settings 600 Watt - 1500 Watt, 38 deg. F frost protection setting and fan only function.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Islander

Many to choose from...sure you can bye cheap throw away ones but quality heaters , with care, will last longer and give better service IMO.

Good luck

Islander

My cheap, throw away, Walmart heaters (2) are celebrating 23 years of service so far. Only service they've ever needed is an annual blow out with compressed air to keep them from filling with dust or hair.

[LafIN]

We have used this heater for several years when we dont want to light the furnace. It is great, cool to the touch ( all over) , heat is 360 degrees , hard to tip over but has a tip over cutoff switch and fairly inexpensive, 2 heat settings,and a fan only setting and a continuously variable thermostat ,small and light weight. Admittedly we have a small trailer but I could see using 2 for a bigger trailer . Also it is ( or was for the last several years ) available at walmart. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Honeywell-...White/15063191

We actually have used it in our screen room with all the windows zipped up to have a comfortable extra room, in 40 degree temperatures.

[EYEMAN]

I took the doors off the 7 inch deep entertainment center storage and added an electric fireplace. The small depth storage was useless and cut down the doors and used them for better access to dining bench seats.

[JArry]

I have found the basic fan-forced (with wire coil) to be most effective, especially for the speed of initially heating the interior. Ceramic is okay but slower. I definitely don't have space for a radiator, and those are not well suited to the major temp fluctuations that occur when I open and close the trailer door.

If the temps are in the high 30s or above, I much prefer to use the built-in Cool Cat (heat pump).

[BuckW]

I like the Dr. Heater Infrared Heater.

[NJKris]

Nobody mentioned the Mr. Heater Buddy or Big Buddy heater. I bought the Big Buddy for home emergencies and heating my garage or for winter cabin camping. Propane fueled by one pounders or with a 20b tank adaptor. Rated for indoor use, but I wouldn't sleep with it on, even though many people take that chance.

[JArry]

Love the Mr. Buddy for dry camping, but I can't imagine why anyone would want to use one when using "free" electricity!

[bigred123]

Originally Posted by pdqparalegal1

I googled ink bird but can’t find “this” model snd it looks like what I want. Do you have a model # and supplier?? Thanks. 👍👍

I have a few of these too...same thing if you cant find bird...
Lux WIN100 Heating & Cooling Programmable Outlet Thermostat

[NJKris]

I can't imagine why anyone would want to use one when using "free" electricity!

OP never mentioned what electricity source was or whether it was free, but I agree! I have a couple small cheapo space heaters I can plug in if connected to shore power that will heat my little GeoPro I'm sure. On the other hand, I can't imagine my trailer's little furnace would use that much propane to take the chill out of the air. We like it cool when sleeping, and our new rig will have a heated mattress in case it's too cool. Just need a little heat in the morning to take the chill off.

[rockfordroo]

Bottom line: Don't get fooled into buying some super-whamo-dine electric heater. The largest they come in is 1500 watts. This is because 1500 watts is about 12.5 amps, about the most current you should run long-term through a typical 15amp 110VAC outlet. 1500 watts is about 5100 BTUs of heat. So it doesn't matter if you bought a $20 heater or a $200 heater, it's only going to put out 5100 BTUs. So the bottom line is buy one with the features you like for the money you're willing to spend.

Features usually involve multiple heat output selections (750 watts/1500 watts, 500 watts/1000 watts/1500 watts, etc), multiple fans speeds, oscillation, built-in thermostats, etc. The oil filled ones claim smoother temperature control because they have a hot "mass" of fluid that will continue to give off stored heat for awhile after they've shut off. The ceramic ones seem to not have a "red hot wire." But they're still only 5100 BTUs.

I always laugh at the ads for the "Amish fireplace." Comes in a fancy wood case, costs you about $300, but has the same 1500 watt heater in it as you can buy at Walmart for $20.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news...h_heaters.html

[bigred123]

Food for thought....did anyone ever notice how hot the power cord gets on these heaters when run on full power for continuous periods....especially the plug and the wall outlet. Plastic plug gets nice and soft and mushy and wire gets nice and warm. That is why I never run mine at more than 750 watts. Also, anyone ever take a look at the inside of a travel trailer 15 amp outlet where the #14 wires connect? Not the kind of connection you want to run at full load. Not trying to scare anyone....just a word of caution.

[NJKris]

Lot of amps going through skinny wire = heat generation, the whole premise of electric heaters. The resistance creates heat. Plugs and wires may get warm from that, but should not get HOT. That would be a problem.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by bigred123

Food for thought....did anyone ever notice how hot the power cord gets on these heaters when run on full power for continuous periods....especially the plug and the wall outlet. Plastic plug gets nice and soft and mushy and wire gets nice and warm. That is why I never run mine at more than 750 watts. Also, anyone ever take a look at the inside of a travel trailer 15 amp outlet where the #14 wires connect? Not the kind of connection you want to run at full load. Not trying to scare anyone....just a word of caution.

You mean these pieces of crap?



They call them "speed outlets" because they're CHEAP and QUICK to install. So they use them.

[larry2c]

We've had a Coleman Black Cat catalytic heater for years that we use when dry camping (DW calls it the glowing Orb). It is supposed to be sae for indoor use and we've never had our carbon monoxide alarm go off (nor the propane alarm) when using this. I took a quick look on Amazon and I'm not sure they make them anymore - the one listed there was $199 and I think we paid < $50. Could be a sign...