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Heating in a Popup Camper | The Whole Truth

heating popup camper

Depending on the weather you are in, you might be wondering, "How does the heating work in a pop-up camper?" Luckily, popup campers have been designed with your comfort in mind. In this article you will find out how the heating system works and what you can do to make it more efficient regardless of whether or not you are in a warm or cold climate.

The first step is to realize there is a difference between three different types of heat inside your popup camper: The furnace, an optional heater core, and a propane furnace that serves as a backup if the other two systems fail. We will be going over each of these systems below.

But how exactly does heating work in a pop up camper?

Heating in a popup camper works by utilizing furnaces, either electrical or propane. Both systems work in the same way using air forced through aluminum coils which are then heated to produce warmth throughout the cabin of your vehicle.

Electric furnaces function by pulling air from outside via an intake vent and forcing it through heating coils inside the furnace. They also have side vents that allow room air into the system allowing for better heat circulation throughout the unit. A fan blows outside air over these coils to generate heat before sending it up through ducts which are located above you while you sleep. This allows for maximum comfort as cold molecules rise and warm ones sink down creating your perfect sleeping temperature.

Here are 5 way you can Heat up a Pop Up Camper

Below we will be going over the different ways you can heat up a pop up camper. Each way has their own advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to decide which way is the best for you.

  1. Space Heater

    2. A space heater is an easy way to heat up a smaller area.

    There are two main types of space heaters, vented and unvented.

    Vented units require an open window or exterior venting while unvented units do not need any sort of ventilation at all. Some newer models include a thermostat for easier temperature control . However space heaters are known to get very hot so it is important that you look into safety precautions before using this method.

    Try the Govee Space Heater from amazon. Within a small area like a pop up camper it's able to keep a constant temperature of around 68° to 77° F. The great thing about this unit too is that it also comes with a mobile app that allows you to control and view different temperatures. Below is a table of the features.

    Feature Specification
    Size 16 inches
    Controls APP &Voice &Digital
    Connection 2.4G WiFi &Bluetooth
    Oscillation 80°
    Noise 45dB
    Overheat Protection Yes
    Thermo-Hygrometer Support Linked

  2. Propane Heater

    3. A propane heater is another option for heating your pop up camper. Propane heaters work by creating an outside flame towards which an interior fan blows. These heaters take up the least amount of space and are typically easy to use, but they can be dangerous. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully and vent these safely as well.

    Another type of propane heater is a catalytic heater. Catalytic heaters do not create an open flame like propane heaters and instead channel the flames through ceramic pellets where it is then released as heat. These kinds of heaters do not need much elbow room nor ventilation so if you're looking for something that's compact and doesn't require major work on your part, this is a great option! However, just like with propane heaters, take care when using these as they can be harmful if used improperly.

    One awesome option that has many great reviews is the Ashley Hearth DVAG11L 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Heater. One user by the name of "L. Sallac" gave a good review as he had installed it in his van.

    First off Yes it is installed in my van, yes I move the stuff away from it and lean the seat forward.. The only part that gets Hot is the dark brown louvered part and the outside exhaust, THIS IS HOW ITS DESIGNED! The sides and top get warm but not so much as to start a fire.. The heater is equipped with a thermostat. On setting #1 it provided perfect amount of heat inside of van and when it warmed up it went down to pilot only, Outside temp was 9 degrees F.

  3. Furnace

    4. This type of heating is the most energy efficient. The furnace works by circulating warm air throughout the area which then goes through ducts to high and low areas of the camper. You can adjust temperature for different rooms or just have one temperature in the whole unit.

    The furnace is connected directly to a tank that holds either propane, butane, gasoline or kerosene. Placing this tank outside under a cover ensures safety from children or other possible hazards. It's also good practice to keep an eye on how much fuel you have left so you know when it needs replacing.

    You may want to check out the Suburban 2504ABK Nt-20Seq Furnace. It is a bit pricey but has many great reviews on amazon. There are people who have been using this unit for many years without problems. Just atke a look at some of the reviews on amazon before purchasing.

    Advantages of a furnace

    Having a furnace as your main source of heat is great. Below are 10 different advantages to owning a furnace for your pop up camper:

    • If the furnace has an oxygen depletion switch it will turn off when there is too little oxygen in the camper.
    • The propane or electric heater uses less power meaning your battery will work longer.
    • Being inside you have complete control of the environment with thermostat and vents.
    • Your clothes, bedding, towels, etc., dry faster because of the higher temperatures in here which also means that your pop up doesn't smell stale from dampness or mildew.
    • Furnaces are available as either gas or electric which means you have the option to run on propane, battery, or even AC.
    • There is no fuel preheating needed so there is less chance of carbon monoxide poisoning inside your camper.
    • The furnace does not take up much space so even if you don't have room for a separate water heater, you will still have the ability to heat your camper and keep warm and comfortable at night even in colder months.

    Disadvantages of a furnace

    Just like their are advantages to having a furnace in your camper, there are also some disadvantages to consider when you purchase a camper that is equipped with a furnace. Below is a list of disadvantages to using a furnace:

    • It is harder to install the furnace in your camper than it is to install other types of heating.
    • Produces less BTU's. So if you are looking for something that will keep your camper warm and cozy in the winter months, when temps drop below freezing, this may not be the best option for you when compared to other heat sources.
    • The noise level of the furnace is considerably louder than most other heating options in pop up campers; however, since it does not take up much space, you shouldn't have to worry much about it if you install it in the back of your camper.
    • As previously mentioned, the setup is more expensive than other heating appliances because it requires more parts (such as tubes) that are necessary for the installation process which can drive up costs until they are comparable to that of a full-sized furnace installed in a regular home.

  4. Insulation

    5. Using insulation is a next great way to heat a popup camper. There are a couple options for this. First, you can buy insulation from an outdoor store or through your local hardware store. You might have to check to see if they have the specific kind of insulation used in recreational vehicles as it's different than other types. If not, though, they will be able to find you something suitable for your needs.

    Another option is to use items that are already available in the camping unit such as old clothes and curtains etc. This method is easier but takes up more space and may not provide much warmth.

    Regardless of which type of heating system you decide upon , make sure it's safe and follow all manufacturer's instructions carefully. Heaters need vents for air flow so make sure they are also vented outside the camper. By doing this, you'll be able to preserve the air quality in your unit and avoid any harmful fumes.

    Option available

  5. Underskirting

    6. This might not seem to be an important feature but it's actually an excellent way to keep cold air out. Underskirting will seal your camper around the edges so that there are no open spaces through which cold air can easily get in. Underskirting will also prevent rain from running underneath your camper which can lead to extensive water damage. Underskirting will be especially useful if you are placed in windy areas as it will prevent air from rushing underneath the popup creating a wind tunnel effect.