Heating basement in the winter

Another issue for Cheap Heat is that they can't be used at all with a 15 amp service. Whereas a stand alone heater can still be used to dramatically reduce propane consumption.

It is easy to add an additional auxiliary shore power cord. In my case I added two, so I can use the OEM 30, a 20, and a 15 amp. That means, if there are sufficient 15 amp circuits, I can have up to 5400 watts of heating available. Of that, I never use more than 1440 per circuit (80% continuous load).

The OP's question was about preventing basement freeze up. On a 30 amp service the Cheap Heat would prevent such a situation. But so will a $25.00 dual window fan. It is currently -3 c (26 f) where I am. It is taking 2500 watts to keep the RV at a toasty 21.5 c (71 f). That would mean having the 50 amp version of the Cheap Heat. The 30 amp version would not be adequate to the need.

My peak load in the coldest part of winter is about 7100 watts. Which means that even the Cheap Heat 5000 watt would be over matched.

I do realize that many folks don't camp in weather at extreme low temperatures. My best "guess" is the Cheap Heat 5000 watt can manage down to about -20 c (-4 f). After that--you will burn a LOT of propane. My own experience is about 100 lbs in 72 hours.

pianotuna wrote:
Another issue for Cheap Heat is that they can't be used at all with a 15 amp service. Whereas a stand alone heater can still be used to dramatically reduce propane consumption.

It is easy to add an additional auxiliary shore power cord. In my case I added two, so I can use the OEM 30, a 20, and a 15 amp. That means, if there are sufficient 15 amp circuits, I can have up to 5400 watts of heating available. Of that, I never use more than 1440 per circuit (80% continuous load).

The OP's question was about preventing basement freeze up. On a 30 amp service the Cheap Heat would prevent such a situation. But so will a $25.00 dual window fan. It is currently -3 c (26 f) where I am. It is taking 2500 watts to keep the RV at a toasty 21.5 c (71 f). That would mean having the 50 amp version of the Cheap Heat. The 30 amp version would not be adequate to the need.

My peak load in the coldest part of winter is about 7100 watts. Which means that even the Cheap Heat 5000 watt would be over matched.

I do realize that many folks don't camp in weather at extreme low temperatures. My best "guess" is the Cheap Heat 5000 watt can manage down to about -20 c (-4 f). After that--you will burn a LOT of propane. My own experience is about 100 lbs in 72 hours.

You really hate Cheap Heat don't you!

No, I don't hate Cheap Heat. It is not suited to my needs. It is great if you live in a mild climate, especially if it never gets below 0 c (32 f). They used to be quite pricey--but I understand they are much more reasonable cost wise, now.

I still believe they should have a fail over to propane as part of their package, should the shore power go down. Or at least offer fail over as an "upgrade".

Seven days ago, at my current location, the shore power was out for 5 hours. In seriously cold weather that is enough to freeze the fresh water lines and the water pump. Of course that would not happen to me as my electric heat does fail over to propane. Starting Oct 14, I'll be on a two week trip with no access to 30 amp let alone 50 amp power. I'll manage just fine on two 15 amp circuits.

Don't confuse reality with hate. Stating facts is not hateful.

Another low-energy option since you are diesel is the Eberspacher hydronic unit. The hoses would give off adequate heat for your peace of mind. Another brand is Webasto.It is a little more money,but less maintenance.

I solve the problem of keeping the basement warm by putting an electric heater along with a fan to circulate air in the basement near the dump valves. I then run a separate 110 extension cord to the heater and fan. Plug it in when needed and unplug when not needed. I also have a remote thermometer in the basement to monitor temp. Has worked for me since 2002 with my rig. Just another way to beat the cold.

Hope this helps you.

Arnold