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Old 09-26-2018, 10:10 AM   #1
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Best Portable Space Heater for RV

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.
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Old 09-26-2018, 10:33 AM   #2
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I just use an electric 1200 W with 2 heat levels and tip over shutoff. I have heard that the radiator ones work well also.

Here is one of many threads on the topic:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...rs-149445.html
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Old 09-26-2018, 10:41 AM   #3
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When a furnace failed on me during a trip I picked up a couple of small heaters like this:

https://smile.amazon.com/andily-Heat...l+space+heater



Nice and small so they don't take much room to store. Have tip-over and overheat protection to minimize fire hazard. Also have power selector so I can run one at max output or put two online at lower power settings. This allows me to have some heat in the bathroom as well as living area without overloading the electrical system.

The oil filled radiator types are nice but for someone with a smaller RV they are way too large and hard to store.

Both of mine fit in a small space at the bottom of a closet and combined are about the size of two shoeboxes.
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Old 09-26-2018, 10:53 AM   #4
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I have two of the radiator-type heaters from Walmart ($35).

Sure they take up some space, but I find that they heat much better than the forced-air-fan type heater since they continue to heat even when the element is not powered up.

Between the two of these they can keep my 33-foot 5'ver pretty warm inside.
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:03 PM   #5
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I too use similar heater except I put the heater temperature control to high and plug the heater into a digital thermostat controller that plugs into the power outlet....provides nice percise repeatable temperature control...
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:03 PM   #6
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We bought a small electric ceramic heater that oscillates back and forth. Has 750W and 1500W setting. Small enough sits on top of dresser and blows heat thru whole bedroom. Tip over shutoff switch. Works great. We also bought seat cushions from Walmart for $5 each that we put up in the roof vents. Creates extra insulation and we are always nice and warm. Use this in northern MN all the time.
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:10 PM   #7
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We use two Vornado AVh2 plus's. They do a great job in our 35 rig. One in the bedroom and one in the main area. They also work great as a fan on warmer days. They work in a manner that is very unusual but they work great. Take a look at their website, it is worth looking into them. Someone else told me about them and I now swear by them.
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:38 PM   #8
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DeLonghi TRN0812T Portable Oil-Filled Radiator

these are terrific - we have been using two of them front and back for years.... much better than forced air on/off all the time

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G1CXZI/

Great when you're on shore power
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:39 PM   #9
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Lasko Stanley model 675919. I’ve found this to be the best and pushes the heat throughout the rv. 1500w and 750w settings w/thermostat. Most of the time the furnace is not needed. Check it out.
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Old 09-26-2018, 01:44 PM   #10
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Don't know if there is a best.

We got one that's cool to the touch (cause I'm a total klutz), has an internal thermostat, and can operate as a fan only with a two speed fan, and shuts off automatically if tipped over.

The one we bought isn't available, but similar ones are usually available at Walmart or online at under $50.
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Old 09-26-2018, 02:05 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnD10 View Post
I have two of the radiator-type heaters from Walmart ($35).

Sure they take up some space, but I find that they heat much better than the forced-air-fan type heater since they continue to heat even when the element is not powered up.

Between the two of these they can keep my 33-foot 5'ver pretty warm inside.
I mentioned "space consumption" because lots of people have TT's that measure in the lower "20's" for length. Space is at a premium.
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Old 09-26-2018, 02:22 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by TitanMike View Post
I mentioned "space consumption" because lots of people have TT's that measure in the lower "20's" for length. Space is at a premium.
I prefer functionality...

One of those radiator heaters on high would probably keep that little camper almost too warm, but they won't have to listen to the annoying fan running constantly or worrying about a pet's tail torching up on the ceramics because they supply a constant even heat...not just when the fan and ceramics are firing!

Or popping a circuit each time it kicks on.

Plus, there are smaller, much more portable versions of them, although they are much more expensive.
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Old 09-26-2018, 02:32 PM   #13
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We use the same ones that Titan Mike has a picture of. We got them at wal mart for $18. They work really well for our 35ft rig.
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Old 09-26-2018, 04:31 PM   #14
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We have been really happy with this Comfort Zone CZ448 Oscillating Ceramic Heater. $24.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.
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Old 09-26-2018, 04:43 PM   #15
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I got a small Sunbeam ceramic heater. It's just a tiny little cube, but it cranks out an amazing amount of heat. If I needed a new heater, I'd probably start with something similar to what I have now.

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Old 09-26-2018, 04:51 PM   #16
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Oil filled radiator type.
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Old 09-26-2018, 06:53 PM   #17
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Ink bird

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigred123 View Post
I too use similar heater except I put the heater temperature control to high and plug the heater into a digital thermostat controller that plugs into the power outlet....provides nice percise repeatable temperature control...
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. 👍👍
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Old 09-26-2018, 07:06 PM   #18
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We use the “TitanMike” solution. Usually buy them in the spring for about $6-9 on close out at Walmart. What I have found is that they don’t last if used a lot like every day in the house. What happens is the internal circuit breaker keeps popping. They last a lot longer on low, so we tend to use both on the low setting.Even then for $6 you get 2-4 camping seasons out of them! Jay
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Old 09-26-2018, 07:07 PM   #19
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I use the thermostat below from Amazon. As for heaters try to get one that uses ceramic elements vs resistance wire. Also try to get two heat levels 750/1500W. The low setting comes in handy if you have limited service.


https://www.amazon.com/Lux-Heating-C...mostat+digital
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Old 09-26-2018, 07:07 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by jbrosecity View Post
these are terrific - we have been using two of them front and back for years.... much better than forced air on/off all the time

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G1CXZI/

Great when you're on shore power

Yes - and I connect to shore power that is separate from the RV power system. 600 watts does great. I also cut an inside access panel to the water pump to keep it warm.

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