Oil Filled space heater

[Rwake901]

Does anyone use those oil filled radiator space heaters in their RV and if so do you feel safe using them at night while sleeping? I'm thinking about buying one. Thanks

[Rwake901]

10forty2 wrote:
Having just spent Thanksgiving weekend in the RV at a state park with only 30amp service, and it being 28 degrees outside most of the weekend....the DW and I decided to make a quick trip to WalMart and picked up one of those Amish Heaters to supplement the LP furnace. I was skeptical when we bought it as to how much it would actually do....well, it only took about an hour and the RV furnace never came back on the rest of the weekend. It is fan-forced heat from infrared elements. I added a small floor fan to help circulate the heat better. Best part about it? The cabinet around the heater never even gets warm to the touch. As a long time Fire Prevention Official, I had no concerns going to bed with it running and we slept toasty-warm all night!

I had one exactly like the one in your picture. Had it two months probably used it three times. Took it out to my motorhome to use while it was sitting in the driveway . Happened to look over at it while I was working on something in the motorhome and smoke was pouring out the front of it. I quickly unplugged it and took it outside found my receipt and took it back to Walmart. That’s why I’m looking into buying one of the oil ones. Good luck with yours.

[pianotuna]

Hi 10forty2,

You got exactly the same amount of heat you would have had from a 1500 watt heater that cost $9.99. Just that the 9 buck unit is not quite as pretty to look at and takes up a bunch less space.

Be careful when doing all electric heat. The water systems may require the furnce to run at least some of the time. There are ways around that.

[10forty2]

Having just spent Thanksgiving weekend in the RV at a state park with only 30amp service, and it being 28 degrees outside most of the weekend....the DW and I decided to make a quick trip to WalMart and picked up one of those Amish Heaters to supplement the LP furnace. I was skeptical when we bought it as to how much it would actually do....well, it only took about an hour and the RV furnace never came back on the rest of the weekend. It is fan-forced heat from infrared elements. I added a small floor fan to help circulate the heat better. Best part about it? The cabinet around the heater never even gets warm to the touch. As a long time Fire Prevention Official, I had no concerns going to bed with it running and we slept toasty-warm all night!

[wa8yxm]

Bumpyroad wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

If you plan on using the full 1500 watts make sure to replace the receptacle in the RV with one that can take that sort of load. The OEM stab type are not suitable.

just discovered this AM an issue that confirms your post. the one in my bedroom had a singed outlet. this was NOT at the plug from the heater I had a duplex outlet into which I plugged a 6 outlet adapter, and into the adapter plugged some cheap 6 ft 6 outlet extension cords into which I had plugged in assorted devices, all low draw except for the heater. Mr. Rube Goldberg would have been proud. :s
where the extension cord from the heater plugged into the 6 outlet adapter was singed.
bumpy

You folks do not know how good it feels to me to read this post.. Now I know my name is John. But for years I've felt a bit like John the Baptist on this issue. (A lone voice crying in the desert).

IT is good to see people posting this.. OH, and I too had to replace one outlet and re-do a couple connections due to this issue, which is why I have now 3 circuits in the RV (Plus the washer/dryer line which likely CAN take the power) capable of a full 15 amp load. one can handle 20 amps. the other two are breakerd at 15 Plus some additional options as well.. And I used at least two heaters most of last night.

[Bumpyroad]

rhagfo wrote:

The multi tap extision cords are likely only 16 gauge wire, not designed to carry 1,500 watts.
You are also a poster child for how not to use extension cords.

sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me. 😛

bumpy

[rhagfo]

Bumpyroad wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

If you plan on using the full 1500 watts make sure to replace the receptacle in the RV with one that can take that sort of load. The OEM stab type are not suitable.

just discovered this AM an issue that confirms your post. the one in my bedroom had a singed outlet. this was NOT at the plug from the heater I had a duplex outlet into which I plugged a 6 outlet adapter, and into the adapter plugged some cheap 6 ft 6 outlet extension cords into which I had plugged in assorted devices, all low draw except for the heater. Mr. Rube Goldberg would have been proud. :s
where the extension cord from the heater plugged into the 6 outlet adapter was singed.
bumpy

The multi tap extision cords are likely only 16 gauge wire, not designed to carry 1,500 watts.
You are also a poster child for how not to use extension cords.

[Stim]

I just bought one for use in my home a month ago. (Lowe's $36. w/military disc)
I use it to keep my bedroom warm without running central heat. I leave the door open and it still keeps it comfortable.
It has safety tip over and over temp.
Instructions say at least 3' on all sides and I find that is sufficient.
I did see them at Olie's in Plataka Fl. for $29. so check around.
Very happy with it.

[cmcdar]

I am using one in my Hybrid Travel Trailer right now!!!!

Just drove south for the winter and am in Georgia. It is currently 37 degrees outside - 65 inside.

I choose to use the oil filled because we travel with pets (2 cats and one dog) and pets have a special talent for tipping things OVER!!!!!

[Bumpyroad]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

If you plan on using the full 1500 watts make sure to replace the receptacle in the RV with one that can take that sort of load. The OEM stab type are not suitable.

just discovered this AM an issue that confirms your post. the one in my bedroom had a singed outlet. this was NOT at the plug from the heater I had a duplex outlet into which I plugged a 6 outlet adapter, and into the adapter plugged some cheap 6 ft 6 outlet extension cords into which I had plugged in assorted devices, all low draw except for the heater. Mr. Rube Goldberg would have been proud. :s
where the extension cord from the heater plugged into the 6 outlet adapter was singed.
bumpy

[mtofell1]

Oil filled are the safest space heaters out there. Same heat across a larger area. They do take a long time to heat up (and cool down) but are silent which is nice. I have no problem sleeping with them on or leaving my RV with them running.

Just be sure to keep things away and monitor the cord and outlet to be sure they are in good shape.

As someone pointed out they do take up a lot of space. I found a smaller 750 watt one that is very compact and works great in the bedroom.

[time2roll]

Yes every 1500w heater is about 5200 BTU. Convection, radiant or forced air is your choice. Thermal energy is the same.

[Mile_High]

That's the beauty of the oil ones - quiet.

[Bumpyroad]

Dick_B wrote:
Get one with a fan to move the warm air around. They don't put out a lot of heat so use them as supplemental.

none of my oil filled ones have ever had a fan??? I set the one in the S&B bathroom over the floor register and that circulates some heat. they do put out the same 1500 watts of heat as any other heater.
bumpy

[Dick_B]

Get one with a fan to move the warm air around. They don't put out a lot of heat so use them as supplemental.