What to look for on space heaters (Amp, Watts)?

[ador]

When looking for a space heater inside the RV (50 amp), what are we supposed to look for as far as amperage, watts, etc? I’m not familiar with electric/electronic load parameters. I don’t want to blow a fuse while camping.

Our ACE 33.1 is very cold towards the front area. We would like to have something to keep it warmer especially at night, when our son is about to go to sleep. Maybe even another unit in the bedroom.

Just want to ask what to look for regarding heater specifications (what NOT to exceed).

Thanks folks.

[ducksface]

110v heaters come as a maximum(generally) of 1500 watts.
Almost all heaters are at that wattage. Some have a low setting but the high setting will be 1500w.

And

We use electric blankets.
The inexpensive ones will work with echo, the digital ones will not.

And

Amazon search: heated toilet seat.
$35 to $300.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0128...b_b_asin_image


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001R...b_b_asin_image

We have these two types.

[JimOIB]

It boils down to a personal preference whether to go oil filled or ceramic heater. We went with a 120volt, 1500watt, 3 setting oil filled tower from Walmart for $60.00 - Lasko was the brand name. It has served us, and the cat, well.

[DavidEM]

As noted above, most electric heaters are 1,500 watts or about 12 amps at 120 volts. This is irrespective if they are oil heaters, ceramic heaters or whatever.

But if you want to run two heaters at the same time, you need to plug them in to two separate outlets served by independent breakers. The 15A breaker that typically protects outlets will blow with 24 amps from two heaters at the same time on it.

So plug in one heater and turn it on, then look for the breaker that serves it. Then find another outlet that is served by a different breaker for the other heater. 50A shore power will easily cover the total amperage of two heaters at once as long as they are on separate breakers.

David

[Pete'sMH]

I like oil filled radiator style heaters as they provide more even and omnidirectional heat. Whatever you get be sure to buy a quality device. Especially if you will be leaving it turned on while sleeping or you are away. I had a cheap ceramic cube catch fire for no apparent reason and it made a lasting impression on me.

[Bob Denman]

Pete is right: don't try to save money with a bargain priced heater that you can't trust.
Buy cheaper toilet paper instead!

[powerboatr]

we have a small cube octagonal one for the dash that blows warm air across the BIG windshield to keep the fog at bay

it runs right at 12 amps on full blast and 7 on low fan and low heat .


heat pumps take care of the rest with lp as back up when it gets frigggggggid, then we stay home

[Beau388]

I would make sure the heater has a tip-over switch and I prefer the type that osculate. Nothing beats a bedroom heat pump. The mach 8 heat pump makes so little noise when we watch TV I have to stick my hand up to a ceiling vent to make sure it is working.

[Lt Keefer]

I've been using two small cube type ceramic heaters from wally world. I bought four or five of them years ago and they keep on keeping us warm in the camper, workshop and home bathroom. As others have said, space heaters are regulated and a 1500 watt space heater will heat a 10 x 15 foot room.

[powerboatr]

i bet ours are 5 years old.


bedroom hp this trip got loud and rumbly have to climb up and see if something is loose

[Kickstand]

I know you said you aren’t electrically inclined so this would be beyond your personal skill, so maybe you could hire a pro to help, but I installed an outlet on my air conditioning circuit for my electric heater. By definition you won’t be running both at the same time. With 30amp service, I wanted the ability to run heat without worrying about other appliances. If you know what’s on each circuit, the advice above works fine, particularly with 50amp,service.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by Kickstand

I know you said you aren’t electrically inclined so this would be beyond your personal skill, so maybe you could hire a pro to help, but I installed an outlet on my air conditioning circuit for my electric heater. By definition you won’t be running both at the same time. With 30amp service, I wanted the ability to run heat without worrying about other appliances. If you know what’s on each circuit, the advice above works fine, particularly with 50amp,service.

I did he same and it works great. I can use the 30A outlet on the post and the 20A or the 50A with a 30A/20A adapter.

[ador]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. I already got my son a sleeping bag. That should help him sleep more comfortable in his front bunk. I will also head down to Walmart or Lowes to look at some space heater, now that I know what to look for.