Electric heater(s) in Ace - Have you used one?

[JRS950]

We have used a Holmes eco smart tower style ceramic electric heater for a year now. Last year when we followed the Mississippi River up to Illinois in December, it kept us warm and comfortable. It has a remote and auto shut off. We just had to be careful to out it on its own circuit. Will use it again this winter shortly. Doesn't take up much room.

[Mr Sunshine]

We also use a small ceramic heater. Always careful to keep it in a clear area where anything, like a blanket or trash can, can't get near it. We use the same unit in our bedroom at home when it gets chilly in Florida, so we can turn the house thermostat down.

[ScottACE]

I noticed your post. We are new RVers. Just got a Thor ACE 29.3 Last year. We just de-winterized it because we are leaving for Florida in a little over a week. NOW it is supposed to drop into the 20's this weekend and possible snow. I have it in the driveway plugged into the house with a Dogbone adapter into a 15 amp house outlet. Can I use a space heater like you suggest if not plugged into a 30 amp if nothing else is running in the RV? I just do not want to use the propane furnace if a I don't have to. The tanks have heating pads under them too. I have flushed the fresh water tank and purified it - but currently have no water in the tank. I know there is probably some in the water heater and i have turned on all faucets to get all water out of the lines. Just worried there is still water somewhere that could freeze. Thoughts?

[Brown Ace]

15 amp..... use the furnace ! !

[SuperD]

You should be just fine if your extension cord is heavy enough and not to long.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by ScottACE

I noticed your post. We are new RVers. Just got a Thor ACE 29.3 Last year. We just de-winterized it because we are leaving for Florida in a little over a week. NOW it is supposed to drop into the 20's this weekend and possible snow. I have it in the driveway plugged into the house with a Dogbone adapter into a 15 amp house outlet. Can I use a space heater like you suggest if not plugged into a 30 amp if nothing else is running in the RV? I just do not want to use the propane furnace if a I don't have to. The tanks have heating pads under them too. I have flushed the fresh water tank and purified it - but currently have no water in the tank. I know there is probably some in the water heater and i have turned on all faucets to get all water out of the lines. Just worried there is still water somewhere that could freeze. Thoughts?

If you have an air compressor blow the lines out with air.

[mcr1010]

Originally Posted by ScottACE

I noticed your post. We are new RVers. Just got a Thor ACE 29.3 Last year. We just de-winterized it because we are leaving for Florida in a little over a week. NOW it is supposed to drop into the 20's this weekend and possible snow. I have it in the driveway plugged into the house with a Dogbone adapter into a 15 amp house outlet. Can I use a space heater like you suggest if not plugged into a 30 amp if nothing else is running in the RV? I just do not want to use the propane furnace if a I don't have to. The tanks have heating pads under them too. I have flushed the fresh water tank and purified it - but currently have no water in the tank. I know there is probably some in the water heater and i have turned on all faucets to get all water out of the lines. Just worried there is still water somewhere that could freeze. Thoughts?

First you have to know the amps or wattage of your heater. I have a 1500 watt heater that keeps the Vegas warm and it draws IIRC, a little over 12 amps. I'm not sure how much the tank heaters draw.

There are a lot of ifs on keeping your water from freezing in those out of the way low points in pipes or tubing. If you open as many drawers and inside access panels as possible so the warm air can circulate, you may be safe.

Another factor also is how long the outside temps will be below freezing. If the temp is just going to dip down into the 20's and then back up the next day, you would probably be ok. You should be ok with the fresh water tank, since it has mass and open area. I have read where some folks put light bulbs in remote areas and outside near the tank valves which keeps temps ok. The waste tanks have mass also and it is usually the valves and fittings that freeze first and crack.
Maybe some members with more cold climate tips will chime in.
Good luck and happy trails.

[mrw]

I second SuperD comment. We use two ceramic heaters. Use different circuits. Keeps warm til temp gets in teens

[W5hjs@aol.com]

Well in the deep south OK close to New orleans, I have never drained and tanks in any of my three class a since 2000...I do, open all inside cabinets that have anything to do with a water line, keep water heater on, put the two small electric heaters blowing into cabinets where water lines are, put a 25 watt light bulb near any outside lines I worry about..But.. at this time I'm in the house , not living in rv. And Remember we very seldom get to 17 degrees for more that an hour or two....But I have the tools and stuff I need to drain tanks, and blow lines out.....now own hurricane 29m..