If you are wondering if using a space heater in an RV is a safe idea, the answer is no. You aren’t going to find any posts that tell you this is a good idea. Instead, they will give you all the evidence as to why you shouldn’t use one.
The NFPA has a report on fires caused by heaters, and space heaters are pretty dangerous. They do, however, have a checklist of rules to follow if you decide you are going to use one. (at your own risk, of course)
- Keep flammable things at least 3 feet from the space heater.
- Always watch children near portable heaters.
- Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Install and regularly check detectors for smoke, carbon monoxide, and propane.
- Don’t leave a space heater running while asleep or away from your camper.
- Only use heaters that automatically turn off when tipped over.
- Place the space heater on a solid, flat surface.
- Inspect the heater for defects and don’t use a damaged heater. Especially look for loose or broken cords and plugs.
- Only use fuel-burning heaters in rooms with adequate ventilation (we don’t recommend these in a camper).
- Don’t plug a space heater into an extension cord or a power strip (more on this later).
When the temperatures drop, and you find yourself on a chilly camping adventure, a space heater can be a real lifesaver (just remember to be safe if you decide to use one).
As with any electrical appliance, using a space heater in a camper requires some real careful attention to safety. In this post, we will walk you through everything you need to know about using a space heater in an RV.
Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or new to the lifestyle, these tips will help keep you warm and secure during your adventures.
Picking the Right Space Heater for Your RV
Before diving into the specifics of safely using a space heater in your RV, choosing the right one is essential. Not all space heaters are suitable for recreational vehicles.
There are some key factors to consider when selecting a space heater for your camper. Look for models designed for small spaces, with safety features like tip-over protection and overheat sensors.
You will also want to think about how your camper is wired. Most fires start from overheated wires. A typical space heater will have two settings: low and high. The low setting will use around 700 watts, and the high setting will use 1500 watts. If your camper is 30 amp, the max it can handle is 3600 watts.
A 50 amp camper can handle 12000 watts. With other appliances running, you can easily handle a space heater, but you will need to be careful with a smaller camper.
You also want to consider the age of your rig. The older it is, the wiring might not be able to handle overload from a space heater.
Where to Put Your Space Heater
If you decide to supplement with a space heater, you need to make sure you put it in the right spot. We have a popup camper, and we keep ours in the very center of the floor. We make sure there is nothing within 3 feet of it.
We also plug it directly into the outlet, and we make sure nothing else is plugged in and running. The purpose of ours is to knock the chill off, so I set the thermostat on the space heater to the lowest setting so that it won’t run continuously.
Powering Your Space Heater
RVs have unique electrical systems, and understanding how to power your space heater safely is crucial. Electric space heaters can start fires by causing cords, power outlets, and the wiring inside your walls to overheat.
We always recommend that you plug your space heater directly into the outlet on the wall. Don’t have anything else plugged in with it. You should also be mindful of the other outlets around it.
Most circuits will have a few outlets on the same line. You don’t want too many things plugged into the same circuit. It can cause the breaker to trip (hopefully…if not, you will have a fire).
Using a space heater in a camper can make your camping trips more comfortable during chilly seasons. However, safety should always be your top priority. By selecting the right space heater, placing it properly, understanding your RV’s electrical system, and following safety precautions, you can enjoy the warmth and coziness of a space heater in your camper without worry.
The Space Heater We Use
We use a Honeywell Space Heater. I like it because it has a thermostat and safety features that will shut it off when it gets knocked over. It also has thermal insulated wiring and 2x heat protection that will shut it off if it gets to hot.
Propane Option
You can use a Mr Heater Buddy propane heater as an alternative to electric heat. These run on the small propane tanks or you can get an adapter to connect it to a larger tank.
Do you have any additional tips or experiences to share about using space heaters in your RV? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below to join the discussion and help your fellow RV enthusiasts stay safe and warm on the road.