Small Space, Big Heat: Electric Heaters For Camper Trailers

Electric space heaters are a popular way to keep camper trailers warm, especially in winter. They are small, portable, and can be plugged in wherever needed. There are two main types: electric and propane. Electric heaters are useful for reducing propane usage, but they require an RV to be connected to shore power. Propane heaters, on the other hand, are great for boondocking or long-term RV parks with expensive electricity. It's important to consider safety when using space heaters, such as keeping them away from flammable materials and ensuring they have automatic shut-off features.

Electric vs. propane heaters

Electric heaters are a great option for camper trailers, as they are versatile, safe, and easy to use. They are ideal for small spaces with limited ventilation, as there are no carbon monoxide emissions. Electric heaters can be placed in various locations, including tabletops, walls, or ceilings, making them a good choice for design-focused spaces. They are also relatively inexpensive to operate and can be controlled with a thermostat for added convenience and safety. Additionally, electric heaters have safety features such as tip-over protection and automatic shut-off to prevent accidents.

On the other hand, propane heaters offer powerful heating capabilities and are suitable for larger, well-ventilated outdoor areas. They can heat spaces up to 290 square feet and are often equipped with safety features like automatic shut-off valves. Propane heaters are a good option for those who want to conserve electricity or camp off-grid. However, they require tracking of propane supply and allotting extra space for fuel canisters. Propane heaters may also be less reliable at higher elevations, which is something to consider if camping in mountainous regions.

When deciding between electric and propane heaters for a camper trailer, it is important to consider factors such as space constraints, ventilation, safety, and personal preferences. Electric heaters offer flexibility, safety, and ease of use, while propane heaters provide powerful heating but require more maintenance and have some elevation limitations. Ultimately, both options can be effective, and the choice depends on the specific needs and constraints of the user.

Safety considerations

Using an electric heater in a camper trailer comes with several safety considerations that should be carefully observed to prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe. Here are some essential safety guidelines:

Spacing and Flammable Objects:

Always maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) between the heater and any flammable objects, including bedding, curtains, towels, or clothing. This will help reduce the risk of fires.

Tip-Over Protection:

Choose a heater with tip-over protection, a safety feature that automatically turns off the heater if it gets knocked over. This is crucial to prevent accidents and fires, especially in small spaces.

Overheat Protection and Thermostat:

Select a heater with overheat protection and a thermostat. The overheat protection will shut off the heater if it gets too hot, while a thermostat allows you to control the temperature and prevent continuous high power draw, reducing the risk of electrical fires.

Placement and Stability:

Place the heater on a solid, flat surface to ensure stability. Avoid placing it in high-traffic areas where it could be accidentally knocked over. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Auto Shut-Off and Cool-Touch Exterior:

Look for heaters with an auto shut-off feature when tipped over. Additionally, a cool-touch exterior is safer, especially if you have children or pets, as it prevents burns from accidental contact.

Direct Plug-In and No Extension Cords:

Always plug the heater directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords, as they may not be able to handle the power draw and could melt or cause a fire.

Turn Off When Unoccupied:

Remember to turn off and unplug the heater when leaving the room or going to bed. This not only saves electricity but also reduces the risk of accidents.

Outlet and Wiring Safety:

Ensure that your outlet, breakers, and wiring can handle the power draw of the heater. Consult a qualified electrician if you have any doubts or need adjustments.

Proper Use and Common Sense:

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the heater properly. Even with safety features, improper use can lead to accidents. Common sense and caution are essential when using any heating device.

Fire Safety:

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it. Regularly test your smoke detectors to ensure they are functional. Have an escape plan in case of a fire, and always prioritize safety over warmth.

Heating efficiency

Small electric space heaters are almost 100% efficient, as all the electric energy that goes into the unit is converted to heat. However, they are only effective for small spaces, such as a camper trailer, and are not suitable for heating an entire home or even a large room.

Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people within their line of sight. They are a more efficient choice when you will be in a room for a short period, as they save energy by heating only the occupant of the room and their immediate surroundings.

Convection Heaters

Convection heaters work by circulating the air in a room. The best types of convection heaters incorporate a heat transfer liquid, such as oil, that is heated by the electric element. The heat transfer fluid provides some heat storage, allowing the heater to cycle less and provide a more constant heat source.

Ceramic Heaters

Ceramic heaters are probably the most popular type of space heater. They are light and easy to move around, and powerful enough for larger-than-average-sized rooms. Forced-air or bladeless ceramic heaters can help spread warmth around a room more quickly and evenly.

Micathermic Heaters

Micathermic heaters use a combination of convection and infrared heating to warm a room. They produce both convection and radiant heat and are highly efficient, but their design choice is currently somewhat limited.

Factors Affecting Efficiency

The efficiency of a space heater will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the room, the quality of the insulation, the number of windows and doors, and the outdoor temperature.

Space heaters are generally more efficient for heating personal spaces or individual rooms, rather than an entire house. They are also useful for heating rooms that were added after the original central heating was installed, or for boosting the heat in one or more areas when you don't want to turn up the heat in the entire house.

Space heaters with adjustable thermostats and temperature settings allow you to save energy by not running them at full capacity all the time. Timers and interval settings also allow you to control the energy usage of your heater.

Safety Considerations

Space heaters can pose burn and fire hazards, so it is important to follow safety guidelines when using them. They should be placed on a solid, flat surface, away from foot traffic, and kept at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people. They should also be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed.

It is also important to choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection, and one that will automatically shut off if it is tipped over.

Cost-effectiveness

Small electric heaters are a cost-effective way to keep your camper trailer warm. They are a great alternative to propane heaters, which can be expensive to run and inefficient. Electric heaters are often included in campground fees, so they can be a good way to save money on heating costs.

Electric heaters are generally cheaper to run than propane heaters. Propane heaters require you to purchase propane fuel, which can be costly. Electric heaters, on the other hand, only require electricity, which is often included in campground fees. So, if you're staying at a campground with included electricity, using an electric heater can be a cost-effective way to stay warm.

Additionally, electric heaters are often more efficient than propane heaters. Propane heaters can be inefficient, sending a lot of heat outside and eating through propane quickly. Electric heaters, on the other hand, can quickly heat up small spaces and maintain a steady temperature. This means you're not constantly running the heater, which can save you money.

Another cost-saving feature of electric heaters is their safety features. Many electric heaters come with built-in safety features like tip-over protection and automatic shut-off, which can help prevent fires and accidents. This means you're less likely to have to deal with costly repairs or replacements due to heater-related incidents.

When choosing an electric heater for your camper trailer, it's important to consider the size and insulation of your trailer, as well as the climate you'll be camping in. If you're camping in extremely cold temperatures, you may need to supplement the electric heater with another heat source to keep your pipes from freezing. Additionally, if you're boondocking or camping off-grid, you'll need to consider your power source, as running electric heaters may require a generator.

Overall, small electric heaters can be a cost-effective way to keep your camper trailer warm, especially if you're staying at a campground with included electricity. They are generally cheaper to run than propane heaters and can be more efficient at heating small spaces. Just be sure to choose a heater with the appropriate safety features and consider your camping conditions to ensure you stay warm and safe.

Pros and cons of different heater types

Electric heaters are a great option for those who want to reduce their propane usage. They come in a variety of options: infrared heaters, ceramic heaters, oil-filled heaters, and micathermic heaters.

Infrared heaters emit electromagnetic waves that heat up objects in your camper trailer. They function effectively without an internal fan, although some models have one to speed up the heating process.

Oil-filled heaters provide consistent heat in a quiet and efficient manner. They take time to heat a room but once heated, the room will stay warm. They are tall and slender, similar to old-fashioned radiators, and are best for those who remain in one location.

Ceramic heaters generally use a small fan to circulate heat. They provide heat quickly but use more energy and are louder.

Micathermic heaters combine the heat quality of radiant heaters with the speed and efficiency of convective heaters. They are built with internal panels covered in sheets of mica, which emits electromagnetic waves when heated.

Gas heaters are more efficient and cheaper than electric heaters. They run off propane, which means you'll need to keep track of your supply and store fuel canisters. They are not as reliable at high elevations but are a good option if you're camping off-grid or want to conserve electricity.

Ceramic fan-forced heaters are one of the most popular electric space heaters. They are safe around children and pets because the outside stays cool while emitting heat. Some come with oscillation options, timers, and even remote controls.

Electric Heaters:

• Reduce propane usage
• Variety of options: infrared, ceramic, oil-filled, and micathermic
• Infrared heaters heat objects without necessarily needing a fan
• Oil-filled heaters provide consistent and quiet heat but take time to heat a room
• Ceramic heaters provide quick heat but use more energy and are louder
• Micathermic heaters combine the benefits of radiant and convective heaters

Gas Heaters:

• More efficient and cheaper than electric heaters
• Run off propane, so you need to monitor supply and store fuel canisters
• Not as reliable at high elevations
• Great for camping off-grid or conserving electricity
• Propane heaters are mighty and can easily heat an average-sized camper trailer

Frequently asked questions