Adding Fireplace heater

[Colo_Native]

Has anyone added a fireplace heater? Thinking of doing it in my MH I have room under the TV I just don't if it worth the $500 or so price tag. I would have to run a dedicated 15a outlet but that shouldn't to big of issue or should I just stick to a ceramic space heater?

[myredracer]

The question of installing a fireplace vs other options was just asked in the General RVing forum: fireplace vs 1500 watt heater and in the TT forum here: ceramic heaters vs what?

Using a portable space heater in an RV has significant risks associated with it and they should not be left unattended, even when sleeping and should only be used for supplemental heating. Rather than do a bunch more typing here, I posted a bunch of info. in the thread in the TT forum. It's far, far safer to install a fireplace or other permanently mounted heater instead (if you have the needed clearances).

There are alternatives to installing a fireplace. You could install a fan driven recessed wall heater for example (much cheaper too). I'm just installing 2 King pic-a-watt heaters in our TT. These are extremely quiet due to the squirrel cage blower. A kickspace heater is another option and I am installing one just below the stove in our TT. Electric fireplaces can be noisy too. We have one upstairs in our house and I hate the direct noise it makes plus it also transmits a low rumbling sound through the structure (and it's a quality brand).

The NEC (or CEC) should be referred to for wire and breaker size. The code may require a different wire rating than the breaker supplying the circuit ( for ex., 15A wire and 20A breaker). The code changed the requirement for heating circuits in recent years.

I realize that ceramic cube heaters and other portable space heaters are inexpensive and convenient, but safety should be the first concern.

[mbrower]

I put a dimples fireplace under my TV. I had to modify the cabinet slightly and had to build a frame for it. I use the same receptacle my TV plugs into until I can run a separate receptacle. I use it on 750w now. I like it and it keeps the den warm and cozy. Wife likes it a lot.

[Playtime_II]

You can get them with lower watt draw and use on a 15a circuit...

[AllegroD]

We love ours for the ambiance as well as heat. I would look behind the wall to see what (wires & plumbing) you have to contend with. If all you want is heat & not ambiance, get a space heater.

[Dandy_Dan]

When I put ours in, I got is from Menard's(big box store) for around $150. Easy to install. I think the name was Dimplex. Good luck and Happy Camping.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Run #12 and do a 20 amp. I'd stick with a heater. My favorite for this application would be a radiant type.

[MitchF150]

I have a Duraflame infrared for my HOUSE and it works great!

If you can fab that into the space, that would be awesome.. It only needs a standard 120v outlet and if you can run a dedicated line to it, all the better.

Good luck!

Mitch

[Merrykalia]

We started to install one, but decided on the Duraflame infared heater from Sam's Club.

I found one that I think is just like it at Northern Tool. They no longer have them at Sam's Club.

This keeps our entire fifth wheel warm, even down into the 20's. I also use one to supplement our heat pump in the house. It is kept in the hallway by our bedrooms.

[haydoracin]

I installed one last year after removing the old style TV which was installed in the dash. Found one that was correct width for the opening but was too tall. I had to dismantle the wooden cabinet and eliminate the open space above the fireplace unit for storage. Our MH is only 30A and I used the outlet previously used for the TV. The heater part of the fireplace is either 750 or 1500 watts and did an adequate job of keeping the MH warm in Florida and Texas last February. Note: we do not have slides. Really worked well with a small low speed fan sitting on top of the fireplace to circulate the warm air. We then used a 32" LCD TV sitting on the dash on the passenger side which we stored in the bedroom when traveling. Worked well for us and added a little ambiance.

[Oldme]

The most important part:
"DW really likes it. So all is good."

Many of us understand that.

[BB_TX]

I installed one in a cabinet under the TV we did not really use. It is fan forced and does put out pretty good heat. And DW really likes it. So all is good.

my fireplace mod

Measured the opening and bought it from electricfireplacesdirect.com.

[TakingThe5th]

We use ours quite a bit and enjoy the look as well. And a ceramic heater is probably more versatile and takes up less space. It's all a matter of preference.

[Colo_Native]

donn0128 wrote:
If your willing to loose the storage space,have 50 amp service, have room for a dedicated 20 amp breaker, and can run 12/3 wire to the location, go for it.

donn128 there is no storage under it is just a void

[donn0128]

If your willing to loose the storage space,have 50 amp service, have room for a dedicated 20 amp breaker, and can run 12/3 wire to the location, go for it.

[aslakson]

If you're looking for heat, stick to the ceramic. RV fireplaces are largely decorative, IMHO.

al