Effective Ways To Keep Your Camper Trailer Warm

There are a variety of ways to heat a camper trailer, and the best method for you will depend on your power source, budget, and personal preference. If you have access to shore power, you can use electric heaters, which are safe, lightweight, and inexpensive. However, they draw a lot of power, so you may want to consider other options if you're boondocking or trying to conserve electricity. Propane heaters are a popular choice for vanlifers as they are affordable, effective, and do not require electricity. Just make sure your space is well-ventilated and has a carbon monoxide detector installed. If you're looking for a more aesthetic option, you can consider a wood-burning stove or heater, but be aware that this will require more maintenance and daily chores. Finally, if you're connected to shore power and want to heat a larger space, you may want to consider a diesel heater, which is commonly used in the trucking industry.

Insulation

First, seal your camper. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any holes in your RV that are letting cold air in. Next, install a skirt. An RV skirt will insulate the undercarriage of your camper and prevent cold air from seeping through the floor. Finally, upgrade your insulation. Consider installing more efficient insulation in your floor, ceiling, and walls to dramatically improve your heat situation.

For your windows, you can use spray foam insulation to cover any cracks or nooks on the walls surrounding them. Reflective insulators are typically more effective at keeping your camper warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Invest in insulated RV window covers and insulated curtains to keep your camper warm. Don't forget to install an RV skylight insulator and an RV windshield cover as well.

When it comes to vents, use RV vent insulator covers or Styrofoam to prevent cold wind from entering. Make sure to cover all vents, starting from the hatch vents and working your way down to the wall vents.

Your RV holding tanks are sensitive to cold temperatures, so they need to be insulated properly. Use heating cables and pads to ensure there are no blockages in the pipes. Wrap a heating blanket around your freshwater tank to keep it warm, or use an RV holding tank heater. You can also use RV antifreeze for your black and grey water tanks (but not for your freshwater tank).

If you're going to be in one place for a long time, improving your insulation is crucial. Skirting the bottom of your camper will help a lot, as the windows are usually single-paned and thin. At a minimum, tape plastic over them, and consider sealing a few completely with insulation board.

Propane heaters

Types of Propane Heaters

• RV propane furnace: This is a forced-air heater that uses a flame fed by propane and a blower fan to force hot air through the vents in your trailer. It is simple and easy to repair. However, it can be noisy and uses a lot of propane and battery power.
• Catalytic heaters: These heaters use a chemical reaction to produce infrared radiant heat. They are safe, efficient, and quiet but can be expensive. They also need to be well-ventilated as they use oxygen when burning.
• Ceramic heaters: These heaters use ceramic "bricks" or "plaques" that heat up and emit infrared radiant heat. They are popular and inexpensive but need to be used with caution as the area in front of the heater can get very hot.
• Blue flame heaters: These heaters use convection to heat the air rather than objects in the room. They are safe and provide a more even warmth but may not be as effective in very cold temperatures.
• Portable propane heaters: These small, portable heaters can be hung on a wall or placed on the floor. They are a good option if you want flexibility in moving the heater around your trailer. However, they may not be powerful enough to heat a large space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Propane Heater

• Cost: Propane heaters can be expensive to purchase and run, especially if you have to refill propane tanks frequently.
• Safety: Propane heaters can be a fire hazard if flammable materials are placed too close to the heater. It is important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Efficiency: Propane heaters can be inefficient, especially if they are not properly sized for your trailer or if they are not well-ventilated.
• Noise: Some propane heaters, like the built-in RV propane furnace, can be noisy.
• Usage: Consider how often you will use the heater and in what type of climate. If you only need occasional heating or live in a mild climate, a built-in propane furnace may be sufficient. If you boondock or camp in cold weather frequently, a portable propane heater or a catalytic heater may be a better option.

Electric heaters

There are a few different types of electric heaters that you can use in your camper trailer. Here are some of the most common options:

• Ceramic heaters: These heaters use electricity to heat a heating element, and then a fan pushes air over the element to warm it. The warm air is then blown out into the camper trailer. Ceramic heaters are typically small and can be easily moved around. They are also usually affordable, with a wattage between 500 and 1500 watts.
• Radiant heaters: These heaters use electricity to create heat within the heater, often by heating oil inside. The heat is then radiated out into the surrounding area. Radiant heaters are quiet but may not warm the air as much as ceramic heaters.
• Electric blankets: These are a good option for keeping warm in bed. They are safe to use indoors and emit no smell or CO2.
• Electric wall heaters: These heaters are installed in the wall of the camper trailer and can be used to replicate the results of a ducted propane system. They are more expensive than portable heaters, but they can provide consistent heat throughout the trailer.

When using electric heaters in your camper trailer, it is important to consider safety. Make sure that you do not place heaters near paper or fabric that could catch on fire. Additionally, be sure to keep flammable materials at least 3 feet away from the heater and never leave it unattended.

Gas and diesel heaters

When choosing a gas or diesel heater for your camper trailer, consider the size of the heater, the fuel type, and the control panel settings. Smaller camper trailers or vans typically require heaters with a capacity of 2KW to 5KW, while larger trailers or those used in colder climates may need a more powerful 8KW heater. If you plan on using your heater at high altitudes, look for a model with built-in altitude adjustment capabilities, such as the Webasto, Espar, or some Vevor heaters.

Some popular gas and diesel heater brands include Webasto, Espar, Vevor, HCALORY, and LF Bros. Webasto and Espar are known for their high-quality construction and durability, while Vevor offers a more budget-friendly option. When installing your heater, it is important to ensure that it is done properly and that all safety precautions are in place. You may need to hire a professional to do the installation for you, especially if you are unfamiliar with vehicle modifications or fuel systems.

In addition to their fuel efficiency, gas and diesel heaters offer several other benefits. They produce dry heat, which helps reduce condensation and prevents the buildup of mold and mildew inside your camper trailer. They are also very safe to use, as the fuel and exhaust components are completely sealed inside the heater, and there is no need for venting. This means you can leave them running unattended or through the night without worry.

Wood stoves

Installation:

• Consult local building codes and manufacturer guidelines: Before installing a wood stove, check your local regulations and the stove manufacturer's instructions for clearance requirements, installation procedures, and safety precautions.
• Choose the right stove size: Select a wood stove that is appropriately sized for your camper trailer. Smaller trailers will require a compact wood stove, such as the Grizzly Cubic Mini or Cub, while larger trailers can accommodate bigger stoves like the Hi-Flame Shetland or Pleasant Hearth models.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Install a stove pipe or chimney to vent smoke and gases safely. You may need to cut a hole in the wall or ceiling for the chimney, and ensure it has a heat-resistant insulating wrap where it passes through the exterior.
• Build a heat shield: Construct a protective barrier around the stove to prevent heat transfer to nearby combustible materials. This can include using cement board, installing spacers, or creating an air gap between the stove and surrounding surfaces.
• Consider an outdoor setup: If you're hesitant to install a wood stove directly inside your trailer, consider building an insulated, fire-safe room or shed outside the trailer and piping the heat in. This option provides more flexibility and reduces the risk of fire.

Safety and Maintenance:

• Use fire-resistant materials: Surround the wood stove with fireproof materials, such as Hardiboard or stone, to minimize the risk of fire hazards.
• Install smoke and CO2 detectors: Ensure your trailer has functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as a fire extinguisher, to alert you to any potential dangers.
• Regularly empty ash and stoke the fire: Wood stoves require regular maintenance, including emptying the ash and adding wood every few hours to keep the fire going. Be prepared for the daily tasks associated with using a wood stove.
• Manage moisture buildup: Propane-powered heaters produce wet heat, leading to moisture buildup and potential mould or mildew issues. Consider using a dehumidifier to control humidity levels in your trailer.
• Be cautious with flammable items: Keep flammable items, such as clothing, towels, or tissues, away from the stove to prevent accidental fires.
• Use proper firewood: Dry, seasoned firewood burns more efficiently and produces less creosote buildup than unseasoned wood.
• Maintain good insulation: Ensure your trailer is well-insulated to retain heat effectively. Seal any openings, install an RV skirt, and consider upgrading your insulation if necessary.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Frequently asked questions