Forum Discussion

weathermeister's avatar
weathermeister
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014

Space heaters.

We have always been fair weather campers/RV'rs, but are now looking at the full time thing in the next few years.

Do any of you out there use portable electric space heaters to help conserve propane while you are in a park with full hook ups? We were "camping" in our driveway last week while we had company and were using a small space heater to keep the bedroom warm. It did fine if we kept the door closed, but of course the rest of the 5th wheel was cold.

I know if things get too cold, we would need the propane furnace to keep tanks and water lines from freezing.

Any help or suggestions would be gladly accepted.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    weathermeister wrote:

    ...Do any of you out there use portable electric space heaters to help conserve propane....


    Yes, regularly. Also, keep in mind that a $20 heater rated 1,500 watts puts out the same ~5,000 BTU as a $500 heater rated at 1,500 watts.
  • austinjenna's avatar
    austinjenna
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    I will use 2 of them. On one I will run a HD extension cord through the slide seal and plug into the pedestal. The other I will setup at the other end of camper and plug into the wall outlet, no propane
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Apr 09, 2014
    Hi,

    I use 1/2 size oil filled heaters, "magic electric carpets" and a couple of fan based heaters.

    I was able to heat 100% electrically this winter.
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Apr 09, 2014
    I have a small ceramic oscillator as well, it works pretty good when temps are in the 30s-40s. Below 25F or so, it runs constantly and keeps the bedroom in the 50s. As long as I'm not paying the power, I let it run. For sleeping at night, I need it a bit warmer so I also set the furnace to about 60. Over the night the two heaters would take turns running as their thermostats drift in and out of sync. Saving some propane for sure though.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2014
    We use a 1200W one that oscillates. It has about a 6" x 7" baxe x 24" tall. With the small base it takes up less closet room when not in use. Always get one that turns off if it turns over. It came from HD last fall.

    Bill
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 09, 2014
    After living for a winter in our fiver a 1500 watt electric heater is good for supplemental heat overnight and when temps are down around 45 degrees it will work for most of the day with furnace only running maybe three or four times in 24 hours.

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