Electric Space Heater

Tour 931

Tour 931

Ranger
I have been using an electric space heater for my camper but the 750/15000 watts produced too much heat and constantly went on and off.

I bought this small one today and will try it out this weekend.
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What I don’t like about it is it doesn’t have a thermostat and is always on unless turned off.
 
I have an old one from West Marine that is made for boats and can go to really low temperatures (to just above freezing if necessary). I've only used it on one weekend and found that it worked ok - the problem being that the area below the ceiling is about 30 degrees warmer than the bunk. I purchased a small USB powered clip on fan to circulate the warmth. I'll try it out the weekend of the 9th -11th of November while camping down at the Shenandoah River State park with electric (hoping it is dry that weekend!).

This weekend I'm doing some boondocking (no hook-ups) in western Maryland and will try using water bottles. I have a couple that are about 1.5 quarts each and made of silicon. I put them inside of a fleece bag to slow down the heat transfer. I'll put those under the covers and was thinking to try a gallon jug above the covers. I'll heat water up to near boiling for this. I'm seeing temps of 34 Saturday night so should be a good test.
 
I’ve used hot water bottles while mountaineering many times. They work great but it takes time to heat the water and a lot of fuel.
 
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Just got back from using this same Honeywell in the low 30's and damp weather while leaf-peeping. Its exactly the right size to get the interior up to a comfortable temperature over a couple hours while you're setting up and making dinner, but only with the windows and vent completely closed. Once you crack them for sleeping or watching a movie to allow for adequate O2 flow and condensation control (even the smallest amount, ) then the modest amount of heat that is being generated only matches what is leaving, and you're stuck with cabin temps not as far above ambient outside temps. as you would expect, or prefer. It did however take the edge off, and relegated the condensation accumulation to just the windows, but that's about it. YMMV, particularly if you wish to stick with just nominal window venting and keep the roof vent completely closed.

I picked up a ceramic 750/1500 instead and will try it in the spring. It seams quiet enough even if it does have to cycle on and off.
 
Tour 931 said:
I’ve used hot water bottles while mountaineering many times. They work great but it takes time to heat the water and a lot of fuel.
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I plan to bring my 5 gallon propane tank this weekend which should allow me to heat water with abandon - also going to bring along a portable propane fire pit to warm things up at the campsite. If we can scrounge dry wood we'll make a real fire as well but with the rain we're having we might not find enough dry wood. Sorry about the hi-jack of the thread - we were discussing electric space heaters.

I have thought that a small generator running the space heater at 750 watts would be a nice option while boondocking but I'm not sure it's worth the hassle to purchase and maintain the equipment for as infrequently as I'd use it.

I think years ago the West Marine cabin heater was mentioned. It's a lot more pricey than your typical big box ceramic heater but I can attest that it fits well into the lower shelf area and has been durable for me. I kept it on the floor of a cabin boat for several winters with the thermostat just above freezing. It's relatively quiet. Here is a link: WEST MARINE Portable Cabin Heater | West Marine
 
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Ben said:
I plan to bring my 5 gallon propane tank this weekend which should allow me to heat water with abandon - also going to bring along a portable propane fire pit to warm things up at the campsite. If we can scrounge dry wood we'll make a real fire as well but with the rain we're having we might not find enough dry wood. Sorry about the hi-jack of the thread - we were discussing electric space heaters.

I have thought that a small generator running the space heater at 750 watts would be a nice option while boondocking but I'm not sure it's worth the hassle to purchase and maintain the equipment for as infrequently as I'd use it.

I think years ago the West Marine cabin heater was mentioned. It's a lot more pricey than your typical big box ceramic heater but I can attest that it fits well into the lower shelf area and has been durable for me. I kept it on the floor of a cabin boat for several winters with the thermostat just above freezing. It's relatively quiet. Here is a link: WEST MARINE Portable Cabin Heater | West Marine
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When I said it take s a lot of fuel that was relative to mountaineering where you had to haul the fuel on your back. If it’s in the truck the amount isn’t important.

Your comment on non electric heat is actually in line with the intention of this post. Plus I’ve never been one to think threads need to be kept on tract so even if it wasn’t it would be okay.
 
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You probably already know this but if you like to pre-heat your cabin before bed, fold your covers down so as much of your mattress is exposed as possible. Otherwise, all the heat is on top of your covers and it's chilly willy climbing in between the sheets.
 
adrianneross said:
You probably already know this but if you like to pre-heat your cabin before bed, fold your covers down so as much of your mattress is exposed as possible. Otherwise, all the heat is on top of your covers and it's chilly willy climbing in between the sheets.
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I thought of that last night as I pulled the covers back.
 
Boondocking last night in Green Ridge State Forest in Western Maryland, the temps dipped into the high 20s. I used both of my hot water bottles which I tucked in a couple of hours before going to bed. It made for a comfy nights sleep. I splurged last year on a 2 person Rumpl Down blanket and this definitely helps keep everything comfortable when it's cold outside. It's nice to be able to cold weather camp without electric around here as most of the campgrounds have closed for the season.
 
The little heater won’t really heat the trailer but it is good at keeping it warm once the bigger electric heater has warmed everything.its also a lot quieter.

So while not an all time heater it does have its place.
 
A66AFC19-4B18-47C1-BA6E-87BEA059A3A6.webp I thought I would do a follow up on the heater. It has been plugged in and on ever since I returned. The heater is in the trailer and the trailer is inside the garage. I also have a dehumidifier going 24/7. Right now it’s is just over 50 degrees in the garage and the relative humidity is around 55%.
 
They were out of one but I bought two of the second 350 watt heater. I will be using them in two walk-in closets.
 
Gents, came here looking for a small electric unit for colder days while we on the road. Not in hurry, but would like to check my options before taking a leap. Unfortunately, can't find the same Honeywell as OP mentioned.
Does anyone have a Pro Breeze? Though their mini heater could be a good option, but it doesn't have a thermostat as well. Maybe there are better options?
Thanks in advance.

Tour 931 said:
I have the propane furnace also but like to use electric heat whenever I get the chance.
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Sorry to ressurect this, but how do you deal with humidity? I heard propane ones increase RH a lot so it could damage the trailer.
 
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