Electric heating options when on shore power?

[ricks99]

NOOB heating question...

What are the electric heating options when on shore power? Our HTT has propane heat, but when it is cold (as it was this past weekend), it can run A LOT. Seems like an easy way to burn through the tanks rather quickly. I did remember to switch to the electric water heater at least!

Do y'all use small electric space heaters? Is that preferable to running the onboard gas heater all the time? I assume that if I'm on full 30amp shore power, the draw from the heater(s) should be OK?

TIA

[ScottG]

Just keep in mind that all electric heaters, regardless of price, are very nearly 100% efficient.
So choose the style of your choice but dont be fooled by crazy expensive heaters thinking they will give more heat. They wont.

[nineoaks2004]

We use a ceramic heater, and have done so with all out units over the years it works good for us and we usually have to turn it down because the TT gets to hot

[RoyB]

I too use the OIL FILLED electric heaters when on shore power.

I found the LOW PROFILE type that are only around 17-inches tall. They are also perfect sitting on the floor and placing one of those AC/DC O-2-COOL fans behind them if you want to blow aorund the heat some... Perfect match haha...




Google images

When at camp ground shore power we like to run an extension into the trailer from the campground 20AMP service just for the electric heater. Doesn't take away any current from the 30AMP side...

Roy Ken

[rhagfo]

Well I gave up on portable heaters, now have "Cheap Heat" system, can use furnace on gas or electric. On a 30 amp I can run 1,800 watts of heat.

[azrving]

I have used a cheapo $20.00 electric space heater and set it on the open oven door or other non combustible surface.

[wildtoad]

Anytime you run the heater on high you will want to watch what else you may have on such as microwave, fridge, toaster, curling iron, coffee pot.

[Dutch_12078]

Typical 1500 watt electric space heaters pull around 12 amps. One heater should be ok, but two will severely limit what else can be used at the same time. Like your water heater...

[llr]

yes, electric space heater in out current trailer, fireplace in new one. the electric is much quieter and more even heat in addition to saving propane

Keep in mind if it is below freezing and your trailer has heat vents to protect your water from freezing then you need to run at least some propane heat.

[cmcdar]

Yes, I camp in northern Florida for 4 months in the winter. It can get quite cold there (in the 20s) at night.

We travel with two cats and one dog. For safety reasons we use one of those oil filed space heaters that I do not have to fear one of the cats tipping and starting a fire.



It has worked GREAT!

[cbshoestring]

ricks99 wrote:


Do y'all use small electric space heaters? YES

Is that preferable to running the onboard gas heater all the time? YES

I assume that if I'm on full 30amp shore power, the draw from the heater(s) should be OK? PROBABLY...as long as you are not running other things on that circuit.

TIA

Some campgrounds prohibit the use of electric heaters, but I am a law breaker who assumes what they don't know won't hurt them. A single, well placed heater, can save a LOT of propane.