
Heating a camper without electricity can be challenging, especially during the colder months. Here are some effective ways to keep your camper warm:
- Use a portable space heater: Propane, electric, or diesel heaters are popular options. Ensure proper ventilation and follow safety guidelines to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Insulate your camper: Cover windows with blankets or reflective insulation, use thick rugs on the floor, and seal drafts around doors and vents.
- Use your RV's built-in heater: Run your vehicle's engine and heater for short periods to warm up the camper, but be mindful of fuel consumption and noise considerations.
- Stock appropriate bedding and clothing: Use warm materials like flannel or fleece sheets, down comforters, and wool socks to retain body heat.
- Install a floor-mounted vented furnace: This permanent solution provides efficient heating and ventilation, exhausting unwanted air outside while limiting carbon monoxide exposure.
- Utilize solar power: Consider portable solar panels or Jackery power stations to charge devices and run small heaters.
- Other options: Include wood-burning stoves, diesel heaters, and RV propane heat sources.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Use an RV propane furnace | Mr. Heater Big Buddy |
Use a portable space heater | Mr. Heater MH9BX, Dreo Space Heater |
Insulate your camper | Reflective insulated panels, thick rugs, rolled towels or blankets at doorways |
Use warm bedding | Flannel sheets, thermal sleeping bags, hot water bottles, down comforters, disposable heating pads |
Install a wood stove | Cubic Mini Wood Stoves |
Install a vented furnace | Suburban 2438ABK Nt |
What You'll Learn
Insulate your camper with rugs, blankets, and window coverings
Insulating your camper with rugs, blankets, and window coverings is a great way to keep the heat in and the cold out. Here are some tips to help you insulate your camper effectively:
- Cover the floor of your camper with thick, plush rugs. They will make the floor feel warmer and cosier and also act as an extra layer of insulation.
- Use blankets or rugs to cover your windows. This will help prevent heat loss and keep your camper warm. You can also use reflective films or bubble insulation for better insulation.
- Place rolled towels or blankets at the bottom of doorways to prevent drafts from entering and sucking out the heat.
- Regularly replace the caulking on your camper to prevent drafts. When the caulking starts to dry rot or crack, replace it to maintain a good seal.
- Maintain the weather stripping on your camper. If it starts to degrade, replace it to ensure your camper is well-sealed.
- Cover your windows with reflective insulated panels. These foil panels help retain heat and make your camper feel warmer due to their reflective qualities.
By following these tips, you can effectively insulate your camper and create a cosy and warm environment, even in cold weather.
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Use a portable space heater
Using a portable space heater is one of the easiest ways to heat a camper without electricity. These heaters are small and can efficiently heat a space without needing to be plugged in as they run off propane gas.
One popular option is the Mr. Heater MH9BX, a propane radiant heater rated as indoor-safe. Another is the Mr. Buddy heater, which comes in different sizes, with the smaller unit designed to heat small spaces like tents, and the larger units designed to heat more square feet, like RVs.
When using a portable propane heater, it is important to follow safety guidelines to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Here are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.
- Keep the heater away from flammable materials such as fabrics, papers, and other combustibles.
- Never leave the heater running unattended, especially when people are sleeping or away from the camper.
- Have fire-suppressing equipment, such as a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket, easily accessible and in working order.
- Make sure your camper is well-insulated to retain heat and reduce the need for prolonged heater use.
By following these precautions, you can safely use a portable space heater to keep your camper warm and comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
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Wear warm clothing and bedding
When camping in cold weather, it's important to wear warm clothing and have suitable bedding to stay comfortable. Here are some tips to help you stay warm in your camper without electricity:
- Wear layers of clothing to trap body heat and keep yourself warm. This includes wearing a beanie or hat to prevent heat loss from your head, as well as wool socks to keep your feet warm.
- Choose the right bedding to stay warm throughout the night. Opt for flannel or fleece sheets, which retain heat more effectively than regular cotton sheets. You can also use a down comforter or a thermal sleeping bag to further conserve body heat.
- Use a hot water bottle to warm up your bedding. Fill a non-insulated water bottle with hot water and place it in your bed to act as a safe and makeshift bed warmer. Alternatively, you can use hot rocks, which hold heat for a longer period of time.
- Electric blankets and mattress pads can provide direct warmth if you have access to a 12-volt power source. Just be aware that these can quickly drain car batteries.
- Mylar blankets are designed to reflect heat. You can wrap yourself in a wool blanket and then a Mylar blanket to reflect your body heat back to you.
- If you're using a sleeping bag, make sure it's rated for colder climates. A good sleeping bag can render any other winter gear you might wear to bed useless.
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Insulate windows with reflective films
Insulating your camper van windows with reflective films is a great way to keep the heat in during winter and block out the sun's heat in the summer. This is especially important given that most camper vans come with single-pane windows, which do little to keep the cold out or the heat in.
Reflective films, such as Reflectix, are an excellent way to trap heat inside your camper van during the colder months. They are easy to install, can be cut to size, and can be affixed with tape, Command Strips, or Velcro. While they do block out light, they are a cheap and effective way to regulate the temperature in your camper van.
For those who want to keep their windows visible, there are other options available. Shrink film window insulation kits, for example, provide decent insulation and still allow you to see outside. They can be time-consuming to install, requiring double-sided tape and a hairdryer to smooth out wrinkles, but they are a good alternative to reflective films.
Another option is to use bubble wrap. Cut to size and lightly sprayed onto the window with water, bubble wrap can act as a form of insulation while still letting light in. It won't provide a clear view of the outside, but it is much easier to install than shrink film.
If you want to let light in and still be able to see outside, you can make DIY vinyl window covers using clear plastic shower curtains or vinyl from a fabric store. Simply cut to size and attach to your windows using hook-and-loop Command Strips. These covers can also be removed if you want to open the window.
For those with motorhomes, an insulated windshield cover is a great way to keep the heat in and block out unwanted sunlight. These covers are relatively inexpensive and easy to put up and take down.
Finally, if you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can upgrade to double-pane windows. These offer better temperature control, reduce outside noise, and provide more structural integrity. However, they can be expensive, and there is a potential for broken seals, which could lead to irreparable damage.
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Install a floor-mounted vented furnace
Installing a floor-mounted vented furnace is a great way to heat your camper without electricity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Choose the Right Furnace
First, you need to select an appropriate furnace for your camper. Consider the size of your camper, the climate you will be camping in, and the fuel type you want to use. Propane furnaces are the most common, but diesel and gasoline furnaces are also options. Calculate your camper's heat loss to determine the size of the furnace you need.
Step 2: Prepare the Location
Decide where you want to install the furnace. It should be close to the wall where the combustion air will be vented. Plan the cabinet or space where the furnace will be placed, ensuring there is enough clearance for the furnace and any necessary ductwork.
Step 3: Install the Furnace
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the furnace. This typically involves connecting the furnace to a propane tank or fuel line, attaching a vent for combustion air and exhaust, and wiring the furnace to a 12-volt DC circuit to power the blower and electronics. You may also need to install a separate fuse for the furnace.
Step 4: Test and Adjust
Once the furnace is installed, test it to ensure it is functioning properly. Adjust the thermostat to your desired temperature and ensure the furnace turns on and off accordingly. You may need to experiment with different settings to find the ideal temperature for your camper.
Step 5: Maintain and Troubleshoot
Regularly maintain your furnace to ensure its longevity. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, checking for gas leaks, and inspecting the vent for any blockages or damage. If you encounter any issues with the furnace, refer to the troubleshooting section of the manual or contact a professional for assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to heat a camper without electricity. You can use a propane or gas-powered heater, insulate your camper, use your vehicle's heater, or invest in proper bedding and clothing to retain body heat.
To insulate your camper, you can cover windows with blankets or rugs, use reflective films or bubble insulation, seal vents with reflective films or Styrofoam, and place rolled towels or blankets at the bottom of doorways to prevent drafts.
Yes, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when using propane or gas heaters to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Additionally, keep flammable materials away from heat sources and have a fire extinguisher readily available.
Some recommended products include the Mr. Heater MH9BX propane radiant heater, the Dreo Space Heater for indoor use, and the Suburban Furnace with Black Grill (Model Nt-16Seq 2438ABK).
In addition to the methods mentioned above, you can use a portable gas heater designed for boondocking, mount a vented furnace, or camp in temperate climates to avoid extreme cold weather.