How To Heat Your Camper In Winter Months? Full Guide

camper heating in winter

If we live in a climate where we will have a lot of cold weather, not only do we need to take care of our body while outside, but our vehicles also require some extra attention! Many people think they don't have to worry about heating their camper because winter months mean no one wants to camp. But if you want to stay warm, you should know how to heat your camper properly. Follow these tips to keep yourself warm inside your vehicle.

Heating Options

There are three ways to heat your camper. You can use a propane furnace, electric heater, or wood stove. Wood stoves are great because they keep you warm without using electricity. However, they can get really expensive, especially if you're going to be camping for a long time. Propane furnaces and electric heaters are good options as well, but they both use gas, so they may not work if you run out of propane or electricity.

Wood Burning Stoves

These stoves produce smoke, so they're obviously great for cooking and heating as well as providing warmth. However, they can be expensive and require constant attention and maintenance. If you plan on using them, make sure you purchase a quality stove and pay close attention to how to use it.

RV Propane Furnace?

An RV propane furnace is a great way to heat your RV. These furnaces are extremely efficient and can provide your RV with heat without the use of a generator. However, not all propane furnaces are created equal. There are a lot of factors to consider when you are looking to buy an RV propane furnace. These factors include the size, amount of usage and the price. You should also examine the features and warranties. Many times, the features you get on the RV propane furnace you buy is going to dictate how well the furnace will work for you. If you are looking for a propane furnace, you should make sure that the furnace is compatible with the vehicle you want to buy it for. You should also make sure that it is going to be able to provide you with the amount of heat that you are looking for.

These systems are designed to provide warmth and comfort for those who live in RVs. You know what I'm talking about right?! Those who live in mobile homes, trailers, campers, or any type of vehicle that doesn't have electricity. So let's get started.

What Are The Pros Of A Propane Furnace In Your RV?

Here are some reasons why RV propane furnaces are great for people who live in their vehicles full time!

  • No Electricity Required.
  • Just fuel and venting.
  • Great for camping because you don't need electricity.
  • Warmth & Comfortable Living Conditions.
  • Convenient.
  • Affordable.
  • Portable.
  • Easy To Use.
  • Can Be Used Indoors Or Outdoors.
  • Very Versatile.
  • Fuel Saves Money (Compared To Electric).
  • Has Many Uses Outside Of Traveling.

Now here are the cons of having an RV propane furnace!

  • Not As Efficient As Other Heating Systems.
  • Needs Maintenance.
  • May Need Replacement Parts.
  • Requires Cleaning & Sanitizing.
  • Leaks Gas Into Room If Improperly Installed.
  • Takes Time To Heat Up.
  • Can Burn Out Fast.

Tips for Efficiency

  • Use fans to circulate air throughout your camper.
  • If possible, open windows at night and close them during the day. Also look for dark spots that collect heat.
  • Use blankets and sleeping bags to block off those spaces and try to sleep in a spot that's away from any vents.
  • Make sure your thermostat is set correctly because it's hard to feel comfortable when it's too hot or too cold.

Do You Need A Campervan Heater?

A camper van heater is a device that generates heat inside your vehicle using electricity. This could be useful for two reasons – firstly it may keep your car warm while parked outside, making it much easier to start your engine in the morning. Secondly it could help to keep you comfortable when travelling long distances in cold conditions.

Factors to consider when purchasing a camper or any type of rv

Size

The size of your RV is going to dictate how much space you have. If your RV is small, then you may not have enough room to store everything that you need. A bigger RV means that you have more storage capacity. There is no right or wrong answer here; just be sure that whatever size you choose fits your storage needs. Additionally, if you plan on traveling often, then you should make sure that you can fit all of your belongings inside of your vehicle.

Fuel consumption

When choosing a fuel type, make sure that it is something that you can afford. Diesel is slightly more expensive than gasoline, but it does cost less per gallon. Keep in mind that you will have to replace the diesel sooner than the oil in your car. Also, make sure that you know about the different types of gas. Regular unleaded is cheaper than high-performance gas, however, it doesn't provide as much power. Also, be careful of the octane level. Low levels of octane mean that your engine isn't performing as well as it could.

Features

You may want to look at features while purchasing an RV. Do you need air conditioning? Will you be using your RV for long trips regularly? All these factors play a role in deciding how big your RV needs to be.

Storage capacity

Depending on the amount of people and stuff that you will bring, you will need a certain amount of storage capacity. For example, if you decide to go camping with friends and family, then you might only need a smaller sized RV. However, if you want to camp alone and are bringing your dog along, then you will need a larger RV.

Price

Make sure that you are paying attention to the price of your RV. Depending on where you live and whether you already own a home, you may be able to purchase a brand-new RV for half the cost of a pre-owned one. If you buy used, try to do your research on the previous owner. Hopefully, they had a good experience with their RV and can give you some tips on how to maintain it. Also, think about the maintenance costs. If you don't own any pets, then you may be able to skip the yearly service visits, however, if you have a pet, then you will probably need to budget for them as well.

Durability

This goes hand-in-hand with the previous point, but you will definitely want to make sure that your RV is durable and will last you for years to come. Look for a model that is built tough and is backed by a strong warranty.

Insulation

What type of insulation do you need? An insulated camper keeps you warm in cold weather. You'll also want to insulate your bedding and sleeping area to make sure that you stay cozy and warm. RVs come in all kinds of insulation, ranging from fiberglass and foam to cloth. Fiberglass offers the best thermal insulation, but is heavy to transport and difficult to repair. Foam insulation can be compressed easily, making it lighter. Cloth insulation is affordable, durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.

Ventilation

Where do you want air vents located? Air vents are necessary for ventilation (cleaning) and cooling. They prevent stuffy rooms inside your camper. Usually they are placed along the bottom corners, near the ceiling, near windows, and above doors.

Floor Coverings in Campervans

You can find many different kinds of floor coverings used in campers. These vary between the various states and provinces, and are made specifically for the weather conditions they encounter. In general, however, there are usually two types of floor covering in campers; carpeted flooring and vinyl flooring.

Carpeted flooring comes in both soft and hard varieties, while vinyl flooring comes in either soft or hard varieties. Typically, vinyl floors are used in all-weather vehicles, while carpets tend to be used in vehicles designed for warmer climates. There are even some variations in these floor coverings, for example, carpeted flooring often comes in different colors than vinyl flooring, though it is not uncommon for them to share a color palette.

How Does a Diesel Heater Work?

A diesel heater is a small device that runs off of diesel fuel. It heats the inside of a van (or any enclosed space) using hot gases from the exhaust. When properly installed, it eliminates the need to use gas or propane heaters. A diesel heater works best with natural draft ventilation systems, which means opening vents or doors while burning the diesel fuel.

There are two basic options for installing a diesel heater

  1. One option would be to burn the diesel directly through a pipe that goes under the floorboards, and then run wires back from the pipe to a power outlet.
  2. The second way is to use an electric heater that plugs into a wall socket. Both options work effectively, though the direct installation method typically requires less maintenance.

Most models are built to fit under the dashboards of campers, though some larger models are also able to go above it. For safety reasons, I suggest checking out the manufacturer's instructions before buying a model. It's never fun having to install something without first knowing how it works.

Safety of Electric Heaters for Campervans

While diesel heaters provide many advantages over gas and propane heaters, they do present certain risks. Because they operate on an internal combustion engine, they create carbon monoxide when running. If you live near a busy road with heavy traffic or construction, a leak could cause serious problems including brain damage.

Electrical heaters also produce noise. While there are no complaints about the sound level, if you plan on sleeping in the caravan, you should consider whether it might disturb others nearby.

Another issue with an electrical heater is that its wiring harness can short out, causing a fire. To prevent this, make sure to disconnect the battery before switching on the heater.

The good news is that electric heaters are much easier to maintain than gas heaters. The bad news is that they don't last as long. If you decide to buy a diesel heater, it pays to make sure that it's the right size for your setup. Most manufacturers recommend that you get at least one meter away from the nearest wall to allow for proper air flow.

What is a diesel night heater?

A diesel night heater is essentially just a way to keep your rv warm at night time. However, there are pros and cons to using a diesel night heater.

Pros

Convenient: A diesel night heater may seem expensive initially, but after the initial cost you'll save money on gas each month. You won't have to pay for electricity either.

Quiet: Many people don't realize how noisy a traditional heater can be. But with a diesel night heater, you won't hear or notice any noise whatsoever.

Easy to clean: Most modern day heating systems require maintenance. One of the best things about a diesel night heater is that they are pretty much always cleaned out.

Noise-free: If you live alone or don't mind being around others, then a diesel night heater might be perfect for you. Since they are so quiet, no one else would know if something was wrong.

Cons

Can Be Costly: Just like anything else, purchasing a diesel night heater isn't cheap. Depending on what size unit you need, you could spend anywhere between $500-$2000.

Maintenance: Keeping your diesel night heater running smoothly can get expensive. You'll want to change oil filters regularly and possibly invest in a regular cleaning system.

Should I Purchase a Diesel Night Heater?

Most people who own them say they love their diesel night heater! Though we know that owning a diesel night heater isn't cheap, these little powerhouses are amazing. They're great ways to stay cozy at night and help reduce your carbon footprint.

Windows & Curtains

What window types do you want? Full width glass windows are ideal for letting in natural sun light. Side windows let in natural sunlight and reduce glare. Sliding windows provide privacy while not blocking in natural light. Fixed windows are useful for ventilating, but can be noisy. Double-pane windows offer the best protection from cold drafts. Curtain rods allow you to hang curtains inside or outside your camper.

Safety Of Electric Heaters For Campervans

It's no secret that electric heaters can be dangerous if not used correctly. Here's what you need to know about these items:

Air Flow

Electric heaters blow hot air at high speeds, often around 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit. That means they could easily burn skin if you're not careful. If you're using a fan heater indoors, make sure the fan pulls warm air out of the room rather than blowing cold air back in. A dehumidifier might be helpful as well. Just make sure you turn off the unit before plugging in the heater!

Heat Transfer & Thermometers

You should never leave any electrical appliance unattended and plugged in. While many fans have built-in thermometers, you still shouldn't rely on them alone. Always check the temperature of your space and adjust accordingly, especially if you've got plants near them. For those who use only one type of heater, a digital thermostat works great. But if you use two or three types of heaters, consider investing in a separate digital thermometer for each device.

Power Consumption

If you have several different heating devices running simultaneously, you'll want to keep tabs on their power consumption. Not only does it help you track how much electricity you're consuming, it also lets you determine whether you're burning through more battery life than normal. Most fan heaters run between $20-$60. Keep in mind that some models can cost up to $100+.

EMI/RFI

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) occurs when electronic equipment sends signals outside of its intended range. Electromagnetic radiation causes interference with radio-frequency (RF) circuits and is a potential safety problem. Radio frequency interference (RFI), on the other hand, comes from external sources. These disturbances occur when electromagnetic waves affect a computer or other electronic equipment. Both problems are caused by faulty wiring or by improperly grounded devices.

To prevent EMI/RFI, ensure that electrical cables are properly connected and operate in the proper ground. Also, try to avoid connecting multiple appliances to the same circuit. Make sure you protect sensitive electronics by wrapping wires in plastic tape or rubber tubing. Finally, be sure to ground yourself properly whenever working with electricity!

Safety Tips

Keeping everyone safe is always our top priority. Here are a few tips for safer and smarter usage of electric heaters:

  • Never leave children unsupervised with electric products. Unplug anything that doesn't belong in a child's hands.
  • Don't smoke while operating electric equipment. Nicotine is highly flammable and can cause fires.


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Conclusion

It is always best to know hoe to heat your camper. Hopefully this article gave you many options of how you can do just that. If you have any information on better options that are available, polease feel free to send us a message through our contact page.

About Author:

image of Kevin Pommells

Hi, I'm Kevin Pommells, a lover of camping and the great outdoors as everyone says nowadays. I'm also a passionate soccer fan and the proud owner of CamperRules.com, a website dedicated to helping campers and outdoor enthusiasts make the most of their adventures. With years of experience exploring the wilderness and a deep love for the sport of soccer, I'm always looking for new ways to combine my two passions and share my knowledge with others. Follow me for tips, tricks, and insights on all things camping and outdoor recreation.

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