A small red infrared heater

What Are the Most Effective Substitute Heat Sources for RVs?

Those who live in RVs during the colder winter months need strategies to conserve heat and stay warm without draining power.

Propane heating can help keep your pipes from freezing, but if you’re not connected to an electrical hookup, it’s best to choose lower-energy alternatives.

Here are some ideas that should be suitable for most rigs, but consider carefully which ones will work best for your individual setup.

Having backup options like these is always a good idea, even if you plan on relying mainly on your RV heater.

Portable Space Heaters

A portable space heater is an ideal solution for RVers looking to warm up small enclosed spaces.

These come in several forms, including electric, oil, and radiant heaters.

Depending on the size of your RV, you can choose one or multiple heaters to help keep your floor plan warm.

Remember that the heaters need to be powered by electricity to run, so take stock of your RV’s power capacity when choosing a model.

#1 of 3: Electric

Electric space heaters are great options for RVers who want an affordable, efficient, and compact way to keep their vehicle warm.

The Andily Space Heater Electric Heater is a highly popular model that fits the bill perfectly.

It can provide enough warmth without taking up too much electricity or hassle due to implemented safety features.

Sale
andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office Ceramic Small Heater with Thermostat, 750W/1500W
32,311 Reviews
andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office Ceramic Small Heater with Thermostat, 750W/1500W
  • SMALL HEATER MEASURES: 6.2″ X 4.74″ x 8.3″ . Manual controls. Fully Assembled. Carrying handle for easy transport….
  • THREE MODES HEATER WITH FAN: 1. High Heat (1500-watt), 2. Low Heat(750-watt ), 3. Fan Only. The power indicator light…
  • CERAMIC HEATER ELEMENTS: Ceramic space heaters are fast to heat, produce abundant heat without open coils, and are…
  • SPACE HEATER WITH THERMOSTAT: The thermostat system can according to the thermostat setting let your room remain at a…
  • FOR SAFETY: 1. An automatic overheat system will shut the unit off when the parts of the heater overheat. 2. TIP-OVER…

#2 of 3: Oil

Oil heaters are still a great alternative source of warmth for RVs, even though they are not as widely used.

They produce ambient heat, which makes them safe to use and provides a steady and reliable live source.

However, the downside is that there are fewer models available, with some of them relatively large in size.

A good option for RV owners is the Kismile 1500W Oil-Filled Radiator Heater.

Sale
Kismile 1500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater, Portable Electric Heater with 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Overheat & Tip-Over Protection, Oil Heaters for indoor use (Black)
1,269 Reviews
Kismile 1500W Oil Filled Radiator Heater, Portable Electric Heater with 3 Heat Settings, Adjustable Thermostat, Overheat & Tip-Over Protection, Oil Heaters for indoor use (Black)
  • 【SUITABLE FOR PERSONAL SPACE】Our Oil Filled Radiator with size of 13.9″ X 9.4″ x 26″. On a cold winter’s day, the…
  • 【PORTABLE AND CONVENIENT HEATER】The stylish Heater can be placed anywhere in the room, And the heater comes with…
  • 【SMART THERMOSTAT WITH 3 MODES】Press the power switch button to either“I” (Low heating/600W) or“II”(Medium…
  • 【ALWAYS KEEP YOUR SAFE】 1. Built in Automatic overheat Protection system will shut the unit off when the parts of…
  • 【KEEP YOU AWAY FROM THE COLD】Simply set the heating power and temperature, start the thermostat, wait for the heater…
  • ⚠️Note: The indicator light is a power indicator that will continuously lit as long as power is plugged in. For…

#3 of 3: Radiant

Radiant heaters are an effective yet potentially dangerous way to heat an RV.

They can generate a lot of heat in a short amount of time, but they need to be treated with caution and respect.

Invest in safety features so they won’t overheat or cause a fire and make sure to keep flammable materials away from them.

There are plenty of models to choose from, depending on your budget and needs.

With the right one, you can stay warm and safe during the cooler camping months.

Electric Blankets

Although utilizing a heater can effectively warm a room, it may not be enough to keep you cozy at night.

An electric blanket is an environmentally friendly and safe way to remain comfortably toasty when the temperatures drop.

A great option is the EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket Electric Blanket Throw which is a weighted blanket that traps and strengthens your own body heat.

There are numerous options like this one for anyone looking to stay snug.

Sale
EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket Electric Blanket Throw - Heating Blanket with 5 Heating Levels & 4 Hours Auto Off, Soft Cozy Sherpa Washable Blanket with Fast Heating, 50 x 60 Inches, Grey
3,064 Reviews
EHEYCIGA Heated Blanket Electric Blanket Throw – Heating Blanket with 5 Heating Levels & 4 Hours Auto Off, Soft Cozy Sherpa Washable Blanket with Fast Heating, 50 x 60 Inches, Grey
  • Fast Heating: Available in 5 heating settings (85°F-110°F), fast heating within 10 mins, which allows you to get out…
  • Safety Ensured: The high quality heating wire is evenly distributed in the heated blanket throw and designed for…
  • Machine Washable & Dryer Safe: EHEYCIGA electric blanket throw can be both hand and machine washed and dried safely…
  • Soft & Warm: EHEYCIGA heating blanket throw is made of reversible fleece and sherpa which is fluffy and warm. Both sides…
  • Care Instructions: EHEYCIGA electric blanket throw is easy to care. Remove the detachable heating controller carefully…

Wood Stove

For those lucky enough to have space for a wood stove in their RV, this can be an excellent option for staying warm.

However, there are some important safety considerations and additional chores associated with this option before you commit to it, and frankly speaking, it’s not a realistic option for most of the folks reading this.

If you’d like more information about wood stoves, click here.

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Video (Alternative Heating Sources)

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