The Best RV Heater

Using an RV heater is important if you want to keep an ideal temperature in your recreational vehicle in the chilly months or when in cold locations. Using it, you can also prevent appliance damage due to freezing. But then, what’s the best RV heater?

Shopping around for one is certainly confusing if you don’t know what to look for when comparing your options. For this reason, we’ve created a buying guide outlining the things to look for, reviews highlighting different products with pros and cons and a FAQs section answering commonly asked questions about RV heaters. If you’re ready, let’s begin and later decide which recreational vehicle heater or furnace is right for you.

Best RV Heaters

1. Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Portable Space Heater

This model is the best space heater for RV because of its durable construction and complete package. It is a portable space heater that already includes an adjustable thermostat, which makes it my top choice when it comes to RV heaters on the market.

One thing I liked about the unit is that it comes with three adjustable and quiet settings. Based on our preference, we can select among low heat, high heat or fan only. Whether it is used for a home, an office or in a mobile home like our recreational vehicle, it can effectively warm a space especially in the cold season. With it, we don’t have to use a bulky heater if we want to keep a warm temperature in our RV room and other small areas.

Another thing I liked about the Lasko CD09250 is that it has an adjustable thermostat that lets us adjust its ceramic heating element with up to 11 settings, allowing us to use whatever temperature is ideal for us. It is also simple to use that we can just turn the dial in order to achieve the desired temperature.

I would also like to recommend this unit for its convenient carry handle that makes it portable when moving from one place to another. We can conveniently carry it around and place it under our desk in the bedroom or living room.

In addition, I liked that it has safety features that protects the unit from overheating even when left for a long time. It is also safe for children because of its cool touch exterior surface. With this feature, you can also be sure that it will stay cool even when the temperature is set on a high.

One more thing I would like to recommend it for is that it comes fully assembled and ready to use. We just have to plug it, and then choose thermostat and heat settings.

2. Camco 57331 Olympian Wave-3 Gas Catalytic Heater

Another top choice you should not miss when shopping around for a good space heater for your RV is the Camco 57331. It is powerful yet compact and portable. It is the ideal choice for those looking for a reliable secondary heating source for their RV. One thing I love about the unit is that it can produce heat that is sufficient for up to 130 sq ft, effectively heating a large space yet it is small in size. In addition, this model is operating on a LP gas that is affordable. Another thing I would like to recommend it for is that it is easy to install and mount for use as a portable device.

In addition, I would like to note that this device has safety features, including a shut off valve. This safety feature is one of things that you will like the unit. It also has the Piezo electric sparker.

This component can work for up to 20,000 starts. With the unit, there is no worry about a battery connection or an electrical drain. This unit conveniently allows for adjustable heat settings between 1600 and 3000 BTU per hour. One more thing I liked about the Camco 57331 is that it is efficient, and that’s thanks to the catalytic heating technology it uses. It is unlike other units on the market that waste much heat they produce. So without even saying, it is also giving us a low cost heat for its better efficiency.

It is also the ideal heater for recreational vehicles because it is compact and does not take much space. Another thing I liked about it is that it runs on a low-pressure gas, which makes it versatile for wall mounting aside from being a portable unit. Depending on the condition, this heater is rated for up to 100 square feet.

3. BOVADO USA Portable 166648 Ceramic Space Heater

Another space heater we should not miss on this list is the BOVADO USA Portable 166648 because of its solid and compact features that make it the ideal choice for recreational vehicle owners looking for heating up a space in their RV to make it more comfortable and cozy especially in the winter months.

The model is also portable for its small dimensions of 10 x 6 x 6, making it easy to transport and bring from one room to another without any hassle. It is the ideal unit for offices, homes, yachts and mobile homes. I also liked that it is very easy to use. We just have to turn the dial to our desired heat settings. You can turn the dial for low heat, high heat or fan only.

And when it comes to adjusting the temperature for comfort, we can simply turn the other dial. In addition, the unit also has a power indicator light, showing us when the unit is turned on.

This unit is making use of the Temperature Coefficient heating system. It works with the ceramic heating discs, which improve heat transfer in small RV spaces. I also love that the portable heater can save us some bucks on heating cost. With it, we don’t need to crank up the thermostat when we just have to warm a specific room or space. So when it comes to seasonal energy bills, those using this device for their homes can save money.

One of the leaders when it comes to space heaters, Comfort Zone’s latest offering is one of the finest choices if you’re looking for a product designed and made to meet your needs. Their products pass global quality standards, such as ETL and UL.

It also comes with a carrying handle that makes it even more portable. Overall, the ceramic space heater is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a personal warming fan that comes with an adjustable thermostat.

4. Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV Portable RV Propane Heater

Whether you’re looking for a big or a small propane heater for camper, you might want to take a second look at the Mr. Heater F274830 MH18BRV. It is a reliable space heater used by many RV owners for its power and efficiency. I would like to recommend this unit because it is powerful to provide between 4,000 and 18,000 BTU. Users can depend on it for heating up enclosed spaces, including cabins, homes and mobile homes for up to 450 square feet.

One more thing I liked about the device is that it comes with a fan, which works effectively in heat dispersal. This fan is also able to increase the heating capacity of the portable heater. In addition, the model is one of the best when it comes to combining convection and radiant heat style, making it a great choice for recreational vehicles looking to get the best of both worlds.

I also liked the Big Buddy space heater because it has two swivel regulators, offering us the ability to matching its usage from disposable cylinders to a remote supply of gas by buying a filter and single hose.

I would also like to recommend this unit for its clean burning feature that makes it a good choice even for indoor use. In addition, it can be used for outdoor adventures, too. It is almost also 100% efficient.

It is also built with safety features, including its auto shut-off function that works if the unit detects low oxygen levels, if the pilot light goes out or if the unit is tipped over. This unit is also adjustable for low, medium and high heat level by simply turning the control knob.

5. Brightown Ceramic Space Heater

If you’re looking for a popup camper heater, you might want to take a second look at the Brightown space heater that comes with an adjustable thermostat, giving you the freedom to adjust it based on your preferred heating settings.

I also liked that the unit is designed and constructed with safety features, including an overheat protection, that protects the heater from damage even when left for an extended period of time.

The unit also offers three settings, including normal cool blow fan, low heat of 750 watts or high heat of 1,500 watts. With these settings, users can choose based on their preferred level of comfort. You will also like it offers soothing radiant heat, which works ideally for medium sized rooms.

I would like to recommend the space heater because it is also top performing and versatile. You can use it for bedrooms, dormitories, offices and other medium-sized spaces.

It is designed with a ceramic heating element that works effectively when it comes to delivering comfortable and convenient warming for medium sized living spaces. The unit is also portable to carry around and place from one room to another.

This unit also comes with a fan that disperses heat more effectively. One more thing that I should not forget to mention is that it is a certified quality product for it is EL listed. In addition, the portable unit can also heat up a specific space especially helpful when trying to lower heating costs. With it, you don’t need to set your home thermostat to high settings, helping you lower your energy bills.

6. Lasko Model 100 MyHeat Personal Space Heater

When comparing RV propane heaters or any other types of space heaters for the recreational vehicle, you should look for one that has a compact size so that it can be ideal for the desk, in the bedroom, around the home or office, among other medium-sized living spaces.

One of the things I liked about the Lasko Model 100 is its quick heat dissipation that can effectively heat up a space. It also has a fan for the fast delivery of the heat. You can also use it for the counter, kitchen, desktop and other places because it is compact in size and does not consume much space.

It is also designed and made with a ceramic heating element that makes it a top choice for many recreational vehicle owners. Another thing I liked about the device is its quiet operation, yet it delivers warm air efficiently. Using it, you don’t have to turn up the home thermostat when you just want to heat up a single room, saving you on energy bills.

I would also like to recommend it because it is compact in size, making it versatile to position in small spaces, such as counters and desks. This unit is only six inches tall, which makes it handy for the home office, house or mobile home.

It also effectively warms a space for its 200 watts of warmth power. It is also an energy-efficient unit that comes in a small package. I would also like to note that the space heater for the RV is made with safety features, including an overheat protection. This feature ensures that the device won’t be damaged when left for extended periods of time.

One more thing I would like to mention is that the Lasko Model 100 has a cool to the touch exterior that makes it safe even with pets and kids around.

7. Handy Heater RV Heater

If you’re looking for a plug-in personal space heater, you should not miss the Handy Heater RV electric heater. It is a simple and easy to use device that works out of the box to provide you with that level of warmth desired especially in the winter.

The unit is a handy heater that you can simply plug into a wall outlet. When you just want to heat a specific room or space in your RV, you can always rely on the model for the easy and quick heat dissipation.

For that level of comfort, I liked that the handy heater is not just simple to operate but also offers digital control that lets you set it based on your desired settings. I also liked that the heater is programmable for up to 12 hours.

When it comes to safety features, this unit is equipped with an auto shut off that protects it from damage, making sure you can use it for a long time. In addition, the space-heating device offers 350W energy smart heating power for all RV owners looking for an efficient unit.

I also liked that it is versatile that it can be used for campers, garages, dorms, cabins, dens and offices, among other small sized living spaces. This portable heating device can heat up to 250 square feet of space, making it ideal for different small spaces. This unit also stays cool to the touch. It is also a portable device that only measures 3.31 X 4.96 X 6.22 inches.

This space heater also works quickly when it comes to dissipating heat. In addition, you will appreciate that it comes with an adjustable thermostat. Overall, the space-heating device is a decent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and durable RV space heater.

8. DeLonghi EW7707CM Portable Oil-Filled Radiator

When shopping around for a small vented propane heater or any other types of room heaters, you might want to consider the DeLonghi EW7707CM. This unit is able to supply up 1500 watts of heating power, making it perfect for medium and large sized rooms, which might require constant heating in the winter.

Using it, you can lower your energy bills because you don’t have to crank up the thermostat when just trying to heat up a specific room. In addition, the unit is versatile that it can be used in dorms, cabins, yachts, offices and homes. One of the things I liked about the model is that it is designed and made with a steel assembly that makes it durable, giving you a longer-lasting use.

This product is also designed with a sealed reservoir for oil that does not require refilling, adding to its convenience of use. I also liked that temperature button, which can be used to help us cut our energy cost s through maintaining an ideal room temperature.

In addition, this unit comes with adjustable thermostat settings along with three heat settings, which lets us customize our heating needs. The product also comes with wheels but do not require assembly.

I also liked that the device has patented thermal slots, which can help in maximizing the heat flow while still keeping a low surface temperature. In addition, the device comes with safety features that protect it from damage. It is designed with anti-freeze setting and thermal cutoff setting, which can prevent freezing pipes.

9. Suburban 2438ABK NT-16SEQ RV Furnace

If you’re looking for a good secondary heating source, you can take a look at the Suburban 2438ABK that won’t give you a hard time when it comes to RV heater troubleshooting because it is durable and high quality. One of the things I liked about the unit is its vent assembly that is included in the purchase.

You might also want to choose the unit if you’re looking for a furnace replacement for its top and reliable performance. It also does not consume much energy because of its low amp draw. This unit is also effective in heating up rooms for its 16,000 BTU capacity.

If you’re looking to improve comfort in your RV, you might want to choose the device that works best in heating up single rooms, dorms, offices and other living spaces. As it also has a small built, it does not take up much space. You can position it in the counter, under the desk, in desktop and other small spaces.

Trying to improve comfort, you can rely on the replacement furnace, which works efficiently in keeping an optimal temperature. Using the unit, you can also save on energy bills because you don’t have to crank up your home or office’s thermostat if you just want to warm one room. It will also extend the life of your home’s heating system.

Overall, the Suburban RV Furnace NT-16SEQ is a top choice for recreational vehicles because it is easy and convenient to use. It is also complete with vent assembly and with electronic ignition that works for thousands of starts.

10. Suburban NT-30SP Electronic Ignition Ducted Furnace

If you’re looking for a furnace replacement, you might want to take a second look at the Suburban NT-30SP. It is complete with all you need to assemble and set it up, including a vent assembly. It is also great that it works with an electronic ignition that last long when it comes to starting for thousands of times. You will also like that the unit offers a low amp draw, which makes it energy saving.

I also like that this product offers a reliable performance to RV owners looking for an efficient unit. It is also a ducted furnace that has 30,000 BTU. Having a ducted furnace for your RV is one of the essentials you will need if you want to keep an optimal temperature in your space especially during the winter months when the temperature can be too cold. If you want to have a cozy and comfortable indoor temperature, you will need the ducted furnace.

This unit is also an ideal replacement furnace available at an affordable price, yet it has a high quality that makes it a top rated product in the category. In addition, the ducted furnace is also made of durable materials, ensuring it can be used for a long time.

Overall, the replacement furnace is offering solid and reliable performance that makes it the ideal furnace for RV owners looking for a high quality product.

11. Suburban New SF-35FQ Gas Furnace for RV

If you’re looking for a trailer furnace that can offer you a solid performance, you might want to take a second look at the Suburban SF-35Q. It is also a top choice to install in your RV aside from the best electric heater for RV. This Furnace Dynatrail Quiet SF Series model is one of the best choices when it comes to looking for a replacement furnace. It runs on a low-pressure gas that makes it ideal for recreational vehicles.

In addition, the motorhome furnace is ideal for small spaces, such as cabins, travel trailers, campers and recreational vehicles. It is also powerful at 35,000 BTU per hour, which is ideal for an RV.

The Suburban’s SFQ can offer maximum heating performance, but it is only seven and a half inches high. You can easily install it in an area that you’re not using in your RV. There are also choices available for the duct connection. In the series, you can also choose models that work for an interior or an exterior installation. When it comes to the design flexibility, the SFQ series models are also ideal for most RVs especially for medium and large ones.

This product also offers a direct spark ignition that offers quick starting of the device. While it is more expensive than portable space heaters, it is longer lasting. The problem is that it is not portable. But if you’re looking for a permanent installation, then that won’t be an issue. Just remember that you cannot take it with you in a tent.

12. AmazonBasics Oscillating Ceramic Space Heater

If you’re shopping around for a ceramic heater for RV, you should not miss this offer from AmazonBasics. The oscillating space heater is very convenient and portable that you can rely on when you need to take it from one place to another. The space heater is one of the coolest choices around for it also comes with an adjustable thermostat that lets you choose your preferred settings.

The AmazonBasics 1500 Watt model is the perfect solution for the office or home, too, because it is powerful enough to make your living space more inviting and comfortable, especially in the winter.

I also love that it is an efficient unit that can lower our heating cost. It is a good choice as a secondary heating source. With it, we don’t have to crank up our thermostat for the entire house if you just need heating in a single room. Another cool thing I love about the unit is its easy transport handle.

One more thing I would like to note about the ceramic heater is its oscillating function that makes heat dispersal in multiple directions better than other models on the market do. In addition, the device comes with three different output options, fan only, high heat or low heat.

I also appreciate that it has a power indicator light that lets us know that it’s plugged in. When it comes to safety features, I liked that it has a tip-over switch along with overheat protection and auto shut off. One more thing that makes the device a good choice is that it is ETL listed.

You can also choose from two different colors – silver or black. Finally, I liked that it is backed up by a one-year warranty.

Why You Should Trust Us

You should trust us if you’re looking for an RV catalytic heater or any other types of RV heaters because we make thorough reviews, such as Broan big heat reviews. We want to help you select the right RV space heater, which can suit your needs and offer your loved ones with comfort and coziness when having a winter adventure with them. We have compared the top picks, reviewed each of them and highlighted the pros and cons of choosing them.

We are also RVers that have been caravanning and camping with our recreational vehicles for years. Using our combined experience and skills in RVing, we’re able to figure out and use appliances, such as the best RV televisions, inverters, converters and solar panels, to name some.

With our firsthand experience using different RV gears and accessories, we’re able to determine what features to look for when shopping around for them. For example, when reviewing the best heaters, we’ve factored in some considerations, including efficiency and price. We did it so that we can make a thorough review that will eventually help you pick the right space heater or furnace for your vehicle.

By trusting us, you can be sure that you’ll be able to decide better when looking for a camper heater. We do hope that you can select the right one for you by referring to our buying guide and reviews.

What Is An RV Heater/ How Does It Work

In the winter months, the temperature can be punishing and cause discomfort for us and our loved ones. If you’re looking to improve comfort inside your RV during the cold season, you should consider using the safest space heater for RV.

It’s a special heating device that can keep your loved ones feeling cozy and warm in your RV. Usually, such a heating system is making use of a centralized heating element, such as ceramic, to produce heat.

For example, it can be in the form of a propane heater, which has several vents and ducts positioned in different places in your motorhome. These ducts and vents are what release heat throughout your vehicle. This furnace is ideal for those looking to install a heater permanently. Another upside of this heater is that it can last longer than portable types. However, you should take note that this is more expensive than the latter are.

On the other hand, there is also the portable space heater, which can be used in effectively dissipating heat in a specific area where it is placed. So in this case, it can heat up a small to medium space but it requires to ductwork. This portable unit can be brought from one place to another.

As it is portable, it can be brought to the office, basement, garage and other places without any hassles because it is not permanently installed unlike an RV furnace. So if you’re planning to use the RV heater in other places not just in your vehicle, you might want to go for the portable type.

Types Of RV Heaters

Before shopping around for an RV heater, you should know that there are certain types to choose from and use depending on your preferences. In the following, let’s talk about the two common types – the gas types and the electric types.

Gas-operated RV heater

In order to provide heat, this unit is relying on combustion or burning. It is designed with either an electronic or a pilot light for the ignition. This ignition component is what will fire up the burners, which are on the heater’s combustion chamber.

These burners produce the heat, which then flows to what’s called the heat exchange chamber, the place where the heat is building up and heating the air inside the chamber. When this happens, the temperature inside the chamber then rises.

So when the ideal temperature set is achieved, following is the hot air being blown out the vent, or through the ducts if using a central heating system. The warm air will then be released through the vents, warming your recreational vehicle.

On the downside, a gas heater requires gas refilling if you’re constantly using it. Also, gas can emit a chemical smell especially when there is leak in the tube or tank. It might also increase fire hazard, as gas is flammable.

Electric RV heaters

These heaters are another common types of heaters used in an RV. One works by converting electrical energy into heat energy. At the very least, it works with an electric current passing through a resistor that then converts the electric power to heat, which is then released through the unit’s open vent through a blower or a fan.

Electric heaters are chosen by recreational vehicle owners that want a safer alternative than a gas heater. However, take note that it does not have vents or ducts, which can make it slower when it comes to dissipating heat. In this case, RV owners are using fans in order to spread the warm air inside the recreational vehicle.

On the downside, you can only use an electric powered heater to warm a single space because of the absence of ducts and vents. However, it can also be a more advantageous choice for RV owners that plan to use their heaters in different places because the unit is portable and lightweight versus the gas-powered heater.

The portable RV heater is also for those that want to save on energy bills and power because this unit can be used in an area where they want the heat to focus. However, it might not be for those that want to heat up their entire RV.

However, electric heaters might also pose hazard when it is tipped over, as it can cause fire. Worry not though, as many of the models available now come with an auto shut off valve.

Oil RV furnace/heater

The oil filled heater for RV works just like a gas heater. It is burning oil in a sealed cavity, increasing the temperature in the chamber. When the temperature inside the plenum chamber reaches an ideal temperature, what follows is hot air blown through the ducts and out of the vents. The oil furnace can heat up fast like a gas-powered heater. But then, oil is not consumed as quickly as gas. Oil-operated heaters are also safer than gas because oil isn’t combustible and doesn’t produce carbon monoxide. However, the heater isn’t commonly preferred for a heater but for a radiator.

Why Do You Need An RV Heater

You might be asking what the benefits of using an RV heater are. The main advantage of using the heater is that it can keep the temperature inside your mobile home warm especially in the freezing winter season. Having it onboard is also important because it can protect your appliances from damage due to condensation and cold temperature. Using it, you can also be certain that you can enjoy camping and adventures even in places with cold temperatures and during the winter.

How We Picked

There are certain things to consider when shopping around for an RV heater so that you can come up with a great decision that will give you satisfaction regarding the use of a space heater or furnace in your recreational vehicle. A few of the things we consider include the following:

Noise level: Another thing to consider when shopping around for a space heater or an RV heater is its silence in operation. You should be able to compare the different units based on their noise level when running.

Power: You should also take power into consideration. It includes the current, voltage and wattage it consumes. You should also check if these are compatible for your recreational vehicle.

Efficiency: One of the most important considerations looking for an RV heater is its operation. If it is not, the unit will consume more power when running. If using an electric heater, you might want to find one that offers the highest heat possible while not consuming too much energy.

Safety features: In addition, you should be looking for a heater that comes with safety features to prevent fire, for instance. You should be looking for one that has auto shut-off valve and overheat protection.

Also, you must find one that has a cool touch surface and those that offer a safer operation. You might also want to search for a heater that has an inside switch. In addition, it would be helpful if you would find one that has an overheat function.

Technical details: Remember, the heater to choose should be one that will help you compare the features of one unit to another. The technical details will also give you an idea of the efficiency functions/features of the device, such as the electricity rating and British thermal unit. BTU represents the energy level needed to warm up or heat a lb of water at 39 by 1 degree F.

Price: Just like when shopping for any other RV devices, appliances or gears, such as the best RV GPS, you should also be able to narrow down your choices based on the cost you’re willing to spend on the heater. Narrowing down your choices will also help you save effort and time in comparing different heaters available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are good RV heater brands?

A: Some of the best brands we have found when reviewing different RV heaters, whether portable or not portable, include the Lasko, Camco, AmazonBasics, BOVADO USA, Mr. Heater, Brightown, Handy Heater, DeLonghi and Suburban. You can rely on these brands if you’re looking for a reliable heater for your motorhome.

Q: How to choose the right size? 

A: You can start by first determining what can work for the size of your recreational vehicle. More so, you can refer to the spec sheet of different heaters and compare them based on what will suit your RV’s size. Finally, you might want to check the heating capacity of the heater, which can be expressed in square feet – the range as to how much area it can cover and heat up.

Q: How does an RV furnace work?

A: It works like the home furnace, usually having a central heating system that can heat up the air. When it reached the ideal set temperature, the hot air will then flow through the ducts before being blown through the vents strategically located in different parts of your RV.

Q: How can I heat a motorhome in winter?

A: There are two ways you can do that. In order to keep your RV warm in the winter, you might want to use a portable heater or install a furnace. Some of those to choose from include the ones we’ve reviewed here.

Q: How can I heat a motorhome without propane?

A: Some RV owners don’t prefer propane, so they make use of natural gas heaters. On the other hand, some of them just go for portable electric heaters, which can effectively warm up a specific space, such as a bedroom.

Q: How can I heat a motorhome without electricity?

A: If you want to heat your RV without electricity, you can go for portable gas-operated heaters. They’re good alternatives for RVs that do not have electricity. On the other hand, you can also use a stove, but take note of safety hazard as it can cause fire.

Conclusion

There you have what to know about the best RV heater and our top picks in the category. If you’re looking for the right one for your motorhome, camper, office or cabin, you can start comparing your options by referring to our reviews. And to make the right decision, you might also want to check out our buying guide for the factors to consider when buying this RV heater. Enjoy shopping!

Arthur

Except when sleeping, Arthur cannot keep camping out his mind. He loves RVing that he spends most of his time in his recreational vehicle and on the road. Arthur knows that this might change once he got married to the love of his life, Amanda. But the two have no problem, as Amanda also loves camping. In fact, the both of them are excited to have kids that would also love RVing.