We use a small 1500W ceramic space heater that is not adequate. Today we looked a Lowes and saw a much larger heater, but is was also only 1500W. So my question is what kind of heater would be better. I know we could use the propane furnace, but prefer to not have to when we have electric hook-ups.

We use the oil filled radiator type. Although they're also 1500watts, they produce more heat than our ceramic heater ever did. They have 3 heat settings and a thermostat and the best thing is they're completely quiet except for a click when they turn on/off. We have 2 in a 31ft trailer and they'll keep it very comfortable down into the 30's.

I dumped my ceramic heater and got The VornadoI like the way it heats air in whole RV.

If you're a subscriber of KISS, this basic heater from Walmart is hard to beat. I have several.

I purchased this unit back in 2017 and it's been quite good. We've had our trailer down to the teens and woken up sweating because it managed to get it up to 80 (I've since learned that anything over about 3.5 dots will eventually get too warm, they are only to be used for initial heatup). YMMV based on a bigger trailer, more complex airflow, and perhaps worse insulation (though I doubt that, my unit is very entry level).

1500 watts is about the maximum allowed in an electric heater, all of them will put out the same amount of heat. When choosing the brand or style, you just decide how you want to direct heat. If one is not enough, buy another if you have adequate wiring and power available.

Space Heater | Good Sam Community

107 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Nov 15, 2019
cougar28 wrote:
So what’s the difference in running a heat pump that a lot of rv’s have today and people using a 1500 watt electric heater? I guess people with the heat pumps is not abusing the system and people using a space heater is?
Heat pumps generally move twice the BTU per kWh. Although this can vary depending on conditions.

1500w space heater puts 5,200 BTU in the RV.
1500w heat pump puts 10,400+ BTU in the RV.
bgum
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
What elect. People use to heat is offset by lower pool costs. Running a huge pump all swimming season and added chemicals is expensive. The cooler months the pump runs less if at all and the chemical costs go way down. Just in time for electricity costs to go up. Business owners keep what it costs to operate and charge accordingly.
GrandpaKip
Explorer II
Nov 15, 2019
junmy3 wrote:
We use a small 1500W ceramic space heater that is not adequate. Today we looked a Lowes and saw a much larger heater, but is was also only 1500W. So my question is what kind of heater would be better. I know we could use the propane furnace, but prefer to not have to when we have electric hook-ups.

I feel the same way and I do not think I am stealing electricity unless the campground specifically asks or says not to use electric heat. We use a small ceramic heater that we use in conjunction with the propane furnace when needed.
Most campgrounds we have stayed in do not have a price difference for 50 amp vs. 30 amp service. Usually the pedestal has both as well as a 15 amp outlet.
Obviously, if there was a problem, the owners would do something about it.
deltabravo
Nomad
Nov 15, 2019
cougar28 wrote:
So what’s the difference in running a heat pump that a lot of rv’s have today and people using a 1500 watt electric heater?

No real difference in my opinion.

Heat Pump upgrade I did last year on my truck camper. It will cook you out of the rig, as long as the outside temp is above 35-38 degrees or so. Below that, the heat pump won't work very well... which is normal for most heat pumps.
deltabravo
Nomad
Nov 15, 2019
Video I just found: Space Heater Nonsense
cougar28
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
For the most part I don’t think the people doing that with a 30 amp service is stealing. I think what there try to do is keep from tripping there 30 amp breaker at times. I know on my old 5th wheel it was a 30 amp. If the a/c was on and say the coffee pot maybe the water heater then someone used the microwave it would trip the breaker unless one was turned off for the time the microwave was used. I think the majority is just trying to prevent that from happening.
Huntindog
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
cougar28 wrote:
So what’s the difference in running a heat pump that a lot of rv’s have today and people using a 1500 watt electric heater? I guess people with the heat pumps is not abusing the system and people using a space heater is?

Not at all.
I think that whatever your 30 amp service can provide is justified.
But some seem the think that running another cord from a seperate outlet is OK.... I do not. Some even have gone to the trouble of adding a seperate way to get the power into their 30 amp unit... That in my eyes is theft. Often the park operator will just overlook it, as they do not want a confrontation. It is kind of like shoplifting. Everyone pays for it in the form of higher prices.
50 amp service generally costs more, as the park understands the electricity use will be higher
cougar28
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
So what’s the difference in running a heat pump that a lot of rv’s have today and people using a 1500 watt electric heater? I guess people with the heat pumps is not abusing the system and people using a space heater is?
MKirkland
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
We use the overhead AC with the heater unit added. It warms our 22' trailer just fine.
Huntindog
Explorer
Nov 15, 2019
time2roll wrote:
CA commercial rates are higher than residential. Closer to $6+ day. Still not going to break the bank.
Ummm, a park has many expenses, of which the electric is only one. Abusing the electric draw, could easily tip one from profitable, to unprofitable...

But Hey if you wanna brag how you got it for free... I guess that is the important thing.

I see things in realistic terms. Electricity costs money. Somebody HAS to pay for it.

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Space Heater

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