Winter RVing, when done right, can be a wonderful experience. Stunning landscapes, fewer crowds, reduced entry fees, clear skies, and fewer bugs are just some of the perks of camping in winter.
But the cold hard fact is that RVs and chilly temperatures are not ideal companions. Most rigs offer little insulation and have plenty of gaps for cold air to sneak in. So, if you’re camping in your RV during winter or at high elevations where you may encounter freezing conditions, you’ll want to invest in an RV electric heater.
Electric heaters for RV are a great way to quickly and evenly heat a small space, helping you stay toasty warm.
This post will take a deep dive into the best electric heaters for RV in 2021.
When RVing in chilly weather, your first line of defense against the harsh cold is the built-in RV furnace. However, RV furnaces typically run on propane, which can be expensive. Using a heater will help you save on the considerable expense of propane since electricity is included in the cost of most RV hookup stations.
Furnaces can also be very loud, disturbing the peace when you want to relax or sleep. So, RVers camping in the winter will need another alternative. And an RV electric heater is the best choice when you need some additional warmth.
An RV heater is made explicitly for heating small spaces without draining as much energy. Apart from keeping you warm and cozy, it protects your rig’s systems from cold weather damage, and some are portable, allowing you to use them in other spaces such as your home.
Here are the top electric heaters for RV.
The Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater has a slim build, making it the perfect RVing companion. Measuring under 6 inches wide and 16 inches high, it won’t take up a lot of real estate in your camper. It has two quiet settings, including high, low, and auto, along with a built-in timer.
One of its best features is the LCD display and push design. This screen allows you to control the oscillation effortlessly, set the exact temperature, and adjust the 8-hour timer.
It also comes complete with a multi-function remote so you can control the settings without having to get out of bed. Built-in safety features include overheating protection and a cool-touch encasing.
This heavy-duty electric heater throws off a lot of heat for a small machine. The Dr. Infrared Heater generates up to 1,500 watts at its highest setting and can heat an area of up to 1000 square feet. It uses a dual heating system to heat your RV Space fast and evenly.
The main drawback is that this unit is relatively heavy, weighing 24 pounds. If you aren’t planning to move it often, the weight won’t be a problem. Its state-of-the-art blower delivers ample heat while staying whisper quiet. Built-in safety features include tip-over shut off, overheat protection, and cool to the touch exterior.
Despite its smaller size, the Heat Storm Phoenix Infrared Space Heater packs quite the punch. You can mount it on the floor or remove the feet and mount it on a wall. The manufacturer says the unit uses HMS technology, which combines the heat generated with the humidity to produce a safe, soft warmth without impacting the humidity or the oxygen in the room.
This heater has a thermostat to set the room temperature as desired, has an eco-mode feature to save energy and money, and you can access and change the temps using your phone. If you accidentally touch the unit when it’s full blast, it won’t burn you.
If you’re looking for something small for a tiny camper or cramped floor space, Handy Heater Wall Heater is the best electric heater for RV you can lay your hands on. It Measures just 6.2 inches high and just 3.3 inches thick.
It can heat up 250 square feet of room, yet its power consumption is hardly noticeable, drawing a mere 350 watts. The unit easily plugs into any wall outlet, features a digital temperature display, high and low settings, along with a 12-hour timer. The device also remains cool to the touch when in use.
The Broan NuTone 6201 is an impressive-looking electric RV heater, crafted with a metal casing, while its edges are made of thick plastic to prevent it from tipping and serve as an insulator. It’s 6 inches cubed, meaning it doesn’t occupy many acres inside your rig. It has high, low, and fan-only settings, uses 1500 watts for fast warm-up, then you can switch to 1200 watt setting to maintain warmth.
In terms of safety, it automatically shuts down when it overheats or tips over and comes with an integrated carrying handle made of thick plastic to protect you from burns when you want to move it. The only issue is that it can be pretty noisy compared to other heaters.
Weighing at just over five pounds, the Caframo True North is one of the best electric heaters for small mobile abodes. One of its main selling points is the anti-freeze setting, which automatically turns the unit on when the weather drops below 38-degrees Fahrenheit.
You’ll be pleased with its five adjustable settings for controlling fan speed and heat output, plus the built-in thermostat to monitor and report the exact temperature. The device is built to last, its unique shape makes it impossible to tip over accidentally, and it promises to be whisper quiet.
The onset of cold weather doesn’t have to mean it’s the end of the camping season. Invest in a quality electric heater for RV and start enjoying year-round camping. These small and portable units are powerful enough to heat up the whole vehicle, helping you stay toasty warm while also protecting your RV’s sensitive systems from the freezing temps.