Effective Camper Heating: Alternative Methods To Propane

Heating a camper without propane is possible, but it requires some creativity and preparation. Here are some ways to stay warm in your camper without relying on propane as a heat source:

- Use a Portable Space Heater: Portable propane heaters are an effective way to heat your camper without electricity. They are safe to use indoors and don't require an electrical connection. However, ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

- Insulate Your Camper: Proper insulation is key to retaining heat. Seal any gaps or holes with caulk or weather stripping, and consider adding an RV skirt to insulate the undercarriage. Upgrading the insulation in your floors, ceiling, and walls can also make a significant difference.

- Use Your Vehicle's Heater: If you're camping in a motorhome or a camper with a connected vehicle cabin, you can use the vehicle's heater to warm up the space. Start the engine, turn the heater up, and let it run for 10-15 minutes before turning it off.

- Wear Warm Clothing: Dress in layers to stay warm inside and outside your camper. Thermal underwear, sweatpants, polar fleece, and a down vest are great options. Don't forget warm socks and slippers!

- Use Electric Blankets: Electric blankets are a popular choice for many campers. They can save on propane and electricity and are especially useful when you have electric hookups.

- Passive Heating: Make use of natural sunlight during the day to heat your camper. Position your camper to maximise solar exposure, and use reflective panels on windows to amplify the heat.

- Wood Stoves: For a more unconventional option, consider installing a wood stove in your camper. While it requires a professional installation and regular maintenance, it can provide efficient and cosy heat.

- Other Heating Options: Hot water bottles, thermal sleeping bags, and disposable heating pads can also help keep you warm at night. Additionally, consider choosing the right bedding, such as flannel sheets and down comforters, to retain heat.

Wear warm clothing

Staying warm while camping in a camper is all about the clothing you wear and how you wear it. Here are some tips on how to dress when camping in the cold:

• Layering is key to keeping on top of your temperature control. Shed a layer when you are on the move so you don't sweat too much, and add it back on as soon as you become stationary. Layered clothing also creates lots of air pockets that warm up from the heat of your body and act as extra insulating layers.
• Merino clothing is a must for not only keeping you super warm but also for wicking away any moisture from your skin. If the moisture doesn’t get removed then it will cool, lowering your body temperature.
• Avoid wearing cotton. Cotton clothing is very good at holding water but useless at drying quickly. It becomes heavy when wet and will immediately lower your body temperature if you don’t take it off quickly.
• Don't wear restrictive clothing. Aside from the discomfort of restrictive clothing, having a little bit of space between your layers will help the air pockets to work as insulators. And if things are too tight, blood circulation can be an issue – especially around your extremities.
• Keep your midriff covered. There’s nothing worse than your midriff becoming exposed when bending over or stretching up. So wear long base layers and tuck them in.
• Choose down clothing. Although down doesn’t keep you warm when it’s wet, if you are in dry conditions you won’t get better instant insulation and cosy warmth than from a good quality down jacket. For maximal warmth, look for a jacket with a high fill weight as well as high fill power.
• Wear a hat. You can lose a lot of heat through your head, so a warm hat can help prevent this. It can also be removed if you find yourself getting too warm.
• Cover your neck. Your neck can also be a vulnerable area, so it’s a good idea to wrap it with a scarf or fleece neck gaiter.
• Wear cosy socks. Your feet will thank you if you cocoon them in cosy socks. Go for a wool or merino blend that will wick away any sweat.
• Keep your feet warm. A good pair of winter hiking boots will help prevent the cold of the ground from being transferred up through your feet to the rest of your body, especially when winter camping.
• Wear gloves. Keeping your digits warm is harder than you might think when camping. You’ll need to experiment with different combinations to suit you.
• Don't wear too many layers. This can cause excess compression on a down sleeping bag, making it less effective at keeping you warm. And if your sleeping bag is a good one, you’ll soon warm up once you’re tucked in. Too many layers may cause sweating, which will lower your body temperature.

Insulate your camper

Insulating your camper is a great way to keep the heat in and the cold out. Here are some tips to insulate your camper and improve heat retention:

Seal Your Camper

Use caulk or weather stripping to seal any holes or gaps in your camper that might allow cold air to leak in and warm air to escape. Pay particular attention to windows, doors, vents, and skylights. You can use pre-cut vent insulators or styrofoam to insulate your vents and skylights. For windows, consider covering them with reflective insulated panels or blankets for a quick fix.

Install a Skirt

An RV skirt insulates the undercarriage of your camper, preventing cold air and wind from entering and warm air from escaping. This can be made from various materials, such as plywood, foam insulation board, or even hay bales. Soft skirting can be purchased or made from vinyl or canvas, while hard skirting options are more permanent and durable.

Upgrade the Insulation

Consider revamping the insulation in your camper's floor, ceiling, and walls to improve heat retention. This may involve blowing foam insulation into hollow spaces or installing new insulation materials.

Use Rugs and Towels

Place thick, plush rugs on the floor of your camper to add an extra layer of insulation and make the space feel warmer. Additionally, use rolled towels or blankets at the bottom of doorways to prevent drafts and reduce heat loss.

Maintain Caulking and Weather Stripping

Regularly inspect and maintain the caulking and weather stripping on your camper. Strip out and replace old or degraded caulking and weather stripping to prevent drafts and heat loss.

By implementing these insulation methods, you can effectively reduce heat loss and keep your camper warmer for longer, even in cold climates.

Use a portable space heater

Using a portable space heater is one of the easiest ways to heat a camper without propane. Here are some tips for using one effectively and safely:

Choose the Right Heater

Select a heater that is designed for indoor use and runs on propane gas, such as the Mr. Heater MH9BX. This heater is rated as indoor-safe and can efficiently heat enclosed spaces. It is also small and portable, making it convenient for use in a camper.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

When using a portable propane heater, it is crucial to ensure your camper has adequate ventilation. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas that can be deadly if it builds up in enclosed spaces. Proper ventilation will help prevent CO buildup and keep you safe.

Follow Safety Guidelines

Always follow the safety guidelines provided with your space heater. Keep the heater away from flammable materials and objects, and never leave it unattended or running while sleeping. Regularly check your fire-suppressing equipment, such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets, to ensure they are in working order and easily accessible.

Insulate Your Camper

Insulation is key to retaining heat in your camper. Ensure the caulking and weather stripping on your camper are in good condition to prevent drafts. Use reflective insulated panels to cover windows, as they help amplify and retain heat. Thick rugs and rolled towels or blankets at doorways can also help prevent heat from escaping.

Use Warm Bedding

To stay warm at night without running a space heater, opt for flannel sheets, thermal sleeping bags, down comforters, and hot water bottles to trap and retain heat in your bedding. Disposable heating pads are another option to quickly warm up your bedding before you get into bed.

Use an electric blanket

Electric blankets are a great way to keep warm while camping without propane. They are indispensable for many RVers and can save on propane and electricity over the winter months.

The first thing to consider is whether you have electric hookups. If you do, an electric blanket is a good option. However, if you are dry camping, you will need to be mindful of the amount of power your blanket uses, as electric heaters require a lot of power and can quickly drain your batteries.

There are a few different types of electric blankets that are suitable for camping. The first is a 12V electric blanket, which has a cigarette plug that can be used in a car, van, or RV. These blankets are usually small, but they are very versatile and convenient. For example, the Stalwart 12V Electric Car Blanket is 59 by 43 inches and uses up to 50W of power, making it compatible with small portable power stations. It only has one heat setting, but it is very warm and will stay heated until unplugged.

Another option is a battery-powered electric blanket, such as the Cozee Battery Operated Heated Blanket. This blanket comes with a 96.2-watt-hour lithium battery that can also charge electronics via two USB ports. It has three heat settings and will stay on for about five hours, or longer if left plugged in. The blanket is machine washable and comes with a one-year warranty.

If you are looking for a larger electric blanket, the Vremi Electric Heated Blanket might be a good option. It comes in two sizes: 50 by 60 inches and 62 by 84 inches. It has an LCD display, six heat settings, eight timer settings, and a 10-foot power cord. It uses up to 100W and is machine washable. However, it only has a one-year warranty.

For those who would prefer a heated mattress pad, the Electrowarmth M60Fd Heated Mattress Pad is a good choice. It comes in several sizes and has low wattage usage, with each controller using a maximum of 126W. It has ten heat levels and a 10-hour automatic shut-off feature. The pad is machine washable and comes with a one-year warranty.

When choosing an electric blanket for camping, it is important to consider the power source, size, heat settings, and safety features. It is also crucial to follow the recommended guidelines for use and to never leave a heated blanket on unattended.

Install a wood stove

Installing a wood stove in your camper van can be a great way to keep warm, especially if you enjoy camping in arctic temperatures. The most well-known wood stove for RVs is the Kimberly™. Its inventor, Roger Lehet, created it after losing his home in the recession. He took refuge on a boat and built a small, safe, and EPA-certified wood stove to keep warm in the chilly Northwest.

If you're considering installing a wood stove in your camper, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Safety: Wood stoves can be a fire hazard, especially in small spaces like RVs. Make sure you follow all safety guidelines and install the stove according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Space: Wood stoves require enough space to be installed safely. You'll need an area in your RV that is clear of clutter and can be tiled with ceramic or metal.
• Ventilation: Wood stoves produce smoke and gases that need to be vented outside. You'll need to install ducts from the stove to the outside of your camper.
• Fuel: Wood stoves require a steady supply of wood to keep them burning. Make sure you have access to a reliable source of firewood or are able to store enough wood in your camper.
• Maintenance: Wood stoves need to be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure they are working efficiently and safely.
• Choose the right stove: Select a wood stove that is suitable for the size of your camper. The Grizzly 2.7 cubic ft. stove is a good option for spaces between 200 and 400 square feet. For smaller campers, consider the Grizzly's mini version, which is suitable for spaces between 100 and 200 square feet.
• Find the perfect spot: Determine the best location for your wood stove in your camper. Consider factors such as proximity to combustible surfaces, ventilation, and ease of use.
• Prepare the surface: Clear the area around the stove and cover it with a non-combustible material such as ceramic or metal. You may also need to install a heat shield to reduce the clearance between the stove and combustible surfaces.
• Install the stove: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the wood stove. Make sure it is securely attached and level.
• Vent the stove: Install the flue pipes and elbows to vent the stove to the outside. Use double-wall insulated pipes to reduce the creosote problem. Make sure the pipes are properly sealed and insulated to prevent heat loss.
• Test and adjust: Once the stove is installed, test it to ensure it is working properly. Adjust the airflow and wood type to get the desired heat output.
• Maintain and enjoy: Regularly clean and maintain your wood stove to ensure its efficiency and safety. Enjoy the warmth and coziness of your wood stove during your camping trips!

Frequently asked questions