Furnace or Heater

[Bob Denman]

Amen...

[blw2]

Just this past weekend we were out using a little 1500 W ceramic heater I found my garage that I'd forgotten about buying...still new in the box. Had the price tag where I'd bought it from the clearance rack at Target for $9
worked well too. even had an oscillating feature. I don't remember the brand, & I personally don't think it matters all that much...small, cheap, with a fan.... 1500 watts of heat is pretty much 1500 watts of heat. they're all going to have the same basic tipover safety as far as I know, and they'll all probably have multiple speeds and a thermostatic control.

Also used the furnace a bit for quick warm up in the AM

if boondocking, look at the Camco Olympian Wave. I've never used one, but I understand that's a good way to go using LP and no electric

[Chance]

If interested, you can find electric heaters in lower power ratings, although 1,500 Watts seems very common because it’s the highest that can run off a 15-Amp plug. I’ve seen a few in the 400~750 Watt range which may work well in small spaces or for localized heating.

Basically, they are all essentially 100% efficient from thermal standpoint, although they may vary on comfort due to air movement. I’ve had a 1500/1000 Watt unit for over 10 years that can heat our camper van on low (1000 Watts) unless temperatures drop below freezing. We don’t do much winter camping so haven’t used 1500-Watt setting more than a few times over the years.

[rudyhehn]

We use one spacer most nights and two if it's really cold. 30 amps is not a problem. To be on the safe side we can turn off the heater when running multiple appliances such as a toaster and microwave. We use a cheap Wal Mart brand with a small fan. Rarely use the furnace. Beware though that if it gets really cold your under cabin plumbing and storage areas are not well protected Your furnace usually has a register in the storage areas whereas space heaters only work by heat transmission through the floor.

[alarmingfriend]

I agree save the gas for the Grill. Electric heater when the electric is free since you paid for it.I do cheat some days when its extra cold and kick on the gas but the blowers in the heater and fireplace keeps us pretty warm. Was 36 degrees last night and was pretty toasty this morning.

[High plains thor]

I have a 29 foot class a daybreak when hooked up we use a small ceramic heater we bought at Walmart for 20 bucks it warms the entire rig to comfort not toasty warm but it keeps the chill off. Where were camping right now it's been getting down to 30 degrees. For us that's cold

[Lt Keefer]

Another fan of cheap ceramic heaters from any big box store. We use 2 cheapies from wallyworld. They keep our coach comfortable. Only use the propane heater for short bursts in the morning.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Originally Posted by rudyhehn

We use one spacer most nights and two if it's really cold. 30 amps is not a problem. To be on the safe side we can turn off the heater when running multiple appliances such as a toaster and microwave. We use a cheap Wal Mart brand with a small fan. Rarely use the furnace. Beware though that if it gets really cold your under cabin plumbing and storage areas are not well protected Your furnace usually has a register in the storage areas whereas space heaters only work by heat transmission through the floor.

During my factory tour earlier this month I found it interesting that 100% of all the plumbing in my coach was above the floor and inside of the insulated walls. The entire coach is insulated with foam board...floor, walls and ceiling...and the water tank is under the bed, above the floor. It would have to get pretty cold inside the coach for the water lines to freeze.

[Bob Denman]

Amen...

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

Another fan of cheap ceramic heaters from any big box store. We use 2 cheapies from wallyworld. They keep our coach comfortable. Only use the propane heater for short bursts in the morning.

I used a cheap ceramic heater for about two years. One day it caught fire (well actually it just started smoking and set off the smoke detector). Fortunately it was during the daytime and we were right there. Now I use a slim oil filled floor model heater. It works better and does not make noise in convection mode and is quieter even with the fan on. It cost about $110 but I have no reservations about keeping it on even while we are sleeping.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Smoke detector wouldn't alarm me...my wife uses it for a cooking timer.

[Strait331]

Originally Posted by RichS

Hi all,

I was wondering if more people use the furnace or a small electric heater. I have a 30 amp system in a 28 foot Class C. If electric heaters are being used does anyone have any suggestions on a safe unit. I camp in Florida on the weekends during the winter. I am always hooked up to power.

I appreciate any suggestions

Thanks

Rich

Propane heating buddy.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

Smoke detector wouldn't alarm me...my wife uses it for a cooking timer.

I didn't know that your Wife and My Missus were Sisters...

[rudyhehn]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

During my factory tour earlier this month I found it interesting that 100% of all the plumbing in my coach was above the floor and inside of the insulated walls. The entire coach is insulated with foam board...floor, walls and ceiling...and the water tank is under the bed, above the floor. It would have to get pretty cold inside the coach for the water lines to freeze.

My water pump,storage tank, and the lines from the water intake to the pump are exposed in the under floor storage area. The walls are sheet metal and are not insulated.

[abba12210]

Do use heat pump if you have it, though it only works down to about 40 F

[Bob Denman]

Only 40 degrees? That's a good thing to know: Thanks!

[knucklehead]

Everyone is spot on this one. Use electricity when possible, heating the air, water, ect. You just need to manage the amperage. Many forced air heaters have High/low settings and I've found you can have 2 set on low or one set on high and place where it works for you. Always turn them off when not in the coach of course...

[EVMIII]

My ACE's plumbing allegedly is heated by ducts from my furnace. If it's cold enough to freeze things, like the next couple nights in South Mississippi, I run the furnace. If it's just cold, but not freezing, I use a small ceramic electric heater that warms the rig up pretty nicely.

[Yaktop]

We use the pelonis and works well 50+. Went down to 39 in Palm Coast last night. Worth the propane 😊

[Yaktop]

Originally Posted by abba12210

Do use heat pump if you have it, though it only works down to about 40 F

And struggles. We use only when it’s 45 or above.