You don’t need to suffer a cold RV. Instead, try using an RV-safe space heater to stay cozy no matter the weather. Let’s learn more about space heaters and which ones are best and safest for RVs.
Table of Contents
Why Use a Space Heater in an RV?
Space heaters are a great way to quickly and evenly heat a small space. You can get one that stays on continuously, providing constant heat. Most RV furnaces shut off when they reach a certain temperature, and the RV gets cold. Space heaters can also be much quieter than furnaces.
Using a space heater can help you save money as well. RV furnaces typically run on propane, which can be expensive. If your campground fees already include electricity, a space heater will be cheaper to run than your furnace.
What Makes a Space Heater Safe for RVs?
Adhere to safety guidelines when using a space heater in your RV. Always read the heater’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and safety. Keep the heater at least three feet from anything flammable. And make sure that children or pets are never left alone when the space heater is on. These are a few ways to make whatever brand you own the safest RV space heater possible.
Types of RV Space Heaters
There are four types of space heaters. We’ve broken down what they are and how they work.
Ceramic Space Heaters
A ceramic RV space heater runs on electricity. It uses a ceramic heating element to warm the air as it passes over it. Most of the heater is plastic and metal.
Infrared Space Heaters
Infrared space heaters tend to be more energy-efficient than other heaters. Instead of heating the air, they emit infrared radiation that warms objects it touches. They’re safe because they don’t have heating coils that can become extremely hot.
Oil Filled Space Heaters
An oil-filled space heater runs on electricity. The oil in the heater is a heat reservoir that stores and releases energy over time in an energy-efficient manner.
Micathermic Panel Heaters
A micathermic panel heater delivers heat differently than other space heaters. It has a mica stone warmed by the heating element. When the stone heats up to a certain temperature, it emits electromagnetic rays. The rays warm up the area.
5 Best and Safest Space Heaters for Your RV
We’ve done the research for you to find the safest RV space heater. Check out this list of the five best heaters.
1. AeroHome Ceramic Oscillating Heater
About: The AeroHome ceramic space heater oscillates 60 degrees. It has an adjustable thermostat and 1500-watt, 750-watt, or fan modes. At just under four pounds, it’s portable and could sit on a shelf. The heater is ETL-certified for indoor use and packs 1500 watts of power.
- WARMTH - Keep Warm on Chilly Winter Days: This ceramic space...
- PORTABLE - Take Your Space Heater With You: This compact electric...
- QUIET - Enjoy Low Decibel Performance: The low-hum fan of this...
Warmth Meter: Heats up to 300 square feet.
2. De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater
About: The De’Longhi Mica Thermic Panel Heater can rest on the floor or get mounted to a wall. It has an adjustable thermostat with multiple settings. It’s a little heavier at nearly 15.5 pounds but can manage 1500 watts of heating power.
- FULL ROOM WARMTH: Packs 1500 watts of heating power for full room...
- SLEEK LOOK: Whether set on the floor or mounted to the wall, this...
- PERSONALIZED COMFORT: Adjustable thermostat and multiple heat...
Warmth Meter: Heats up to 300 square feet.
3. Dr Infrared Heater
About: The Dr Infrared Heater is another RV space heater that manages 1500 watts of power. It has an auto energy-saving model and high or low modes depending on the size of the room. The dual heating systems won’t go overboard, thanks to the timer that automatically shuts it off after 12 hours. It’s a bit heavy at 24 pounds but can handle larger rooms.
- Can heat up a large room with Auto Energy Saving Model With High...
- Dual Heating Systems featuring infrared quartz tube + PTC with...
- IR Remote Control, High Pressure Low Noise Blower with Noise...
Warmth Meter: Heats up to 1,000 square feet.
4. Ontel Handy Heater
About: The Ontel Handy Heater offers 350-watt energy-smart heating. Even while tackling up to 249 square feet, the exterior will stay cool to the touch. It has a digital temperature display and a 12-hour timer. The compact design and very low weight of about one pound make it easy to take RVing.
- EASY TO USE: The Handy Heater is made for your convenience....
- DIGITAL TEMPERATURE DISPLAY: The Handy Heater features a digital...
- COMPACT DESIGN: Have warmth and comfort wherever you like to...
Warmth Meter: Heats up to 249 square feet.
5. Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater
About: The Lasko ceramic tower space heater has high, low, and auto settings with a built-in timer. It oscillates and has an adjustable thermostat with a digital display. The space heater comes with a remote control. Safety features include overheating protection and a cool-to-the-touch exterior.
- ✅【2 QUIET SETTINGS】 This electric space heater features 2...
- ✅【REMOTE CONTROL】 Use the multi-function remote control to...
- ✅【ADJUSTABLE TIMER】This tower space heater features an...
Warmth Meter: Heats up to 300 square feet.
Alternatives to RV-Safe Space Heaters
If a space heater isn’t for you, there are alternatives. Electric blankets are a great option to keep you warm on cool nights. Or what about a wood stove? Believe it or not, you can put a wood stove in an RV. For example, take a look at Cubic Mini Wood Stoves.
You don’t need to be cold because you’re traveling in an RV. Consider your space and needs, and you can easily find the safest RV space heater for your setup.
How do you keep warm in cold weather? Leave us a comment below.
Become A Mortons On The Move Insider
Join 10,000+ other adventurers to receive educating, entertaining, and inspiring articles about RV Travel Destinations, RV Gear, and Off-Grid Living to jump-start your adventures today!
Read More from the Mortons:
Dalton Bourne
Sunday 13th of February 2022
This RV heater from Handy works really well for the camper. I bought it to plugin but my plug was a little low in my teardrop so I decided to mount it up a bit higher and use a 3 foot 10amp ( 16 GA) extension cord. I tested the unit and it pulls under 4 amps on high speed then drops to under 1 amp when only the fan is blowing. The controls are easy to use. My camper is only 15X7 and it heats it up very quickly. The heater is very lightweight. The unit pulls airflow from the bottom thus it is designed to plug directly into the wall. Also, the plugin the back rotates in case your outlet is upside down or sideways, the heater could still be positioned vertically.
Gregg Goebel
Monday 14th of June 2021
When boondocking , using a catalytic heater ( Camco Olympian Wave 3 or 6 or 9 ) are safe , silent and use no electricity. Keep window or two cracked , which should be done anyway for moisture mitigation. We have found the Wave 3 very helpful in our Lance model 1995 TT.
Randy J
Saturday 12th of June 2021
Check out the Vornado heaters. We’ve used these for years in our 35’ 5th wheel and they are great!
Cool to touch, amazing heated air circulation, super quite, and 5 year warranty!
https://www.vornado.com/product-category/heaters/whole-room
Mortons on the Move
Sunday 13th of June 2021
Thank you for the space heater recommendation! :)
Meli
Friday 11th of June 2021
I have an infrared heater that heats my entire travel trailer quite nicely. I moved to CO at the end of Feb. so there were still some very cold nights with lows in the 20s and it kept it nice and toasty in here. I got my infrared heater at Walmart for about $70.
Mortons on the Move
Sunday 13th of June 2021
That's great! Infrared heaters are a popular choice for RVers because of the safety factor.
Marc Stauffer
Thursday 10th of June 2021
We have a couple of heaters. First, we installed a cadet electric wall heater. It is as efficient as the portable types and keeps us warm when plugged into shore power. Second, we have a wall mounted Dickenson Newport, marine grade stainless wood/coal stove. It is very efficient and uses twigs and small chunks of wood. It will also use hardwood lump charcoal. Heats the trailer up nicely.