Susan,
To answer your question, yes there are a number of portable propane heaters commonly used by RV'ers.
- The Buddy heaters are probably the most common and least expensive, but......you really need to be careful with them. They are not only physically hot, but they also generate combustion by-products. So I would not recommend leaving one on when you are asleep (some folks do though). And, unless you connect them to your propane tanks (hose and connectors available for some models, but expensive), using the little 1 lb bottles that they are mainly designed for will quickly add up.
- The next up in cost and popularity is probably the Olympian Wave series. These heaters don't run as hot (they are radiant so they warm objects in the room rather than the air) so IMO are safer from a fire standpoint. However, they are not quick to warm up a room either, so you will probably have it on for longer periods of time. I also feel that they are safer (than the Buddy heaters) to use in an enclosed space like a RV ... though there are folks here who would disagree with this. Since they need a source of propane, there will be some installation required (pretty minimal though if you just run a LP hose out a window to an extra tank),
Note that both of these heater require a cracked open window and an open ceiling vent to be "safe".
- There are other, more permanent type heaters, that don't need open windows and vents, but it doesn't sound like this is what you are looking for.
As for a place to live:
- You might check with some of the farm and ranch suppliers as there may be ranches and vineyards in the region that would want someone living on the property as a caretaker.
- You mentioned Bakersfield so it doesn't sound like you are too tied down. If this is the case, maybe you would be better off heading further south where it is warmer and you can camp for free on public lands (desert in SE California and SW Arizona)? Yes, there is public lands in SLO county, but you will still be dealing with the cooler weather. Places such as Quartzsite or the Slabs might be possibilities for you to consider (you may still want/need a propane heater though). And there are plenty of folks here can better advise you on these (and other similar) locations down there. Then, in the spring, just pull up stakes and move back up north. Maybe even find a campground (not RV park) that needs a host where you can work for your space.
Whatever you choose to do, I believe that you already know what you should do about your current living situation.
Again, good luck.
