Propane Heaters for Camper Trailers—Ideal for Wintertime Travels?

Are you keen on travelling aboard your recreational vehicle during the winter, heading straight for the milder temperatures of Florida or California? To make it, you’ll definitely need an effective heating system. Propane heaters made for travel trailers have all the advantages you need.

Why choose propane to heat your camper all winter? What are the characteristics that make these systems so effective and reliable for travelling? Discover the advantages of propane heating to fully benefit from your wintertime adventures with complete peace of mind.

What Are the Advantages of a Propane Heater in a Travel Trailer?

The advantages of propane heating for campers centre around the fuel itself.

Propane is:  

• Safe

• Cost-effective

• Easy to transport

• Energy efficient

• Functional, even when the temperature dips below 0°C

• Sold everywhere

However, be careful as not all RV manufacturers build their campers with a propane furnace. Some opt for gas oil heaters, for example.

Do your research before buying, and opt for the model that best meets your needs. 

When Should You Pick Propane Heating Over Another?

If you plan on only travelling across Canada and the United States during the summertime, propane heating will get the job done. Indeed, propane cylinders and fittings are the same across the continent. 

However, during the winter and in mountainous regions, propane heating has one downside: its autonomy is lower than other heating systems (gas oil, for example). The cylinders need to be changed more often and be on the lookout for a propane gas retailer nearby.

Why Is an RV Propane Furnace the Best Choice? 

• Propane is the cleanest fuel-burning energy source

• Propane works year-round (unlike butane, which freezes)

• Propane heating is maintenance-free

• It’s fitted with a thermostat, allowing for even temperature control

In more detailed information, note that propane freezes at temperatures below -42°C. So even during the harshest of winters, there’s still a bit of leeway.

Next, camper propane heaters can be used until the very end of their lifespan, unlike gas oil heaters, which need upgrades (burner replacement, etc.).

Lastly, propane heaters are equipped with a thermostat, acting as a token of comfort. Amongst high-end systems, a digital control panel makes setting the temperature down to a specific degree a possibility.

Is It Safe to Use a Propane Heater in a Camper?

Beware of carbon monoxide! Denis Quintal, Entretien Universel, mentioned that “Using a propane space heater in a camper isn’t recommended,” given the carbon monoxide released by the heating system. Poor ventilation can have fatal consequences. (Quote translated into English by RenoQuotes)

Once released inside a non-ventilated camper, carbon dioxide builds up inside the dwelling on wheels. If inhaled, carboxyhemoglobin forms inside the blood, which is a combination of hemoglobin and carbon monoxide. Normally, for non-smokers, there’s 3% found in blood and 10% for smokers. From 15% upwards, it becomes toxic. Autopsies performed on campers exposed to this gas revealed levels of up to 30%. 

How Do Different Propane Heaters Work?

There are different types of furnaces, or propane heaters, designed for campers: 

1. Fan-forced heater

Most modern campers are now equipped with a propane-fueled, fan-forced heating system. Air is forced inside the camper with a fan connected to 12 volts of power. 

Downside: The power used to fuel a fan-forced heater can suck your batteries dry by morning. It won’t matter as much when parked at a campground or rest area but if you’re boondocking, it can be a real cause for alarm.

2. Hydronic heater

This is the most efficient heating system for recreational vehicles. Hot water flows through hoses that run along the inside of the motorhome. 

If you have one of those RVs with a shower or decently-sized bathtubs, a hydronic heater can heat your bathwater too.

The downside is its price point, as it’s the most expensive system on the market. 

3. Heat pump

In some RVs, this sort of air conditioning system is installed right out of the manufacturing plant. Based on the motor’s rotation, the heat pump can produce cool air, guaranteeing comfortable temperatures, summer through winter, or nearly so. Heat pumps have two characteristics that limit their use in motorhomes: 

1. Works on an alternative power source

2. Temperatures below zero weaken their efficiency

4. Propane catalytic heater 

Catalytic heaters aren't the worst idea, there are definitely worse decisions to make out there.

If most campers are sold with a gas-fueled system, it’s because the manufacturer made sure the vehicle’s ventilation system was worthy and paired with an exhaust pipe. 

Using a propane space heater inside your RV forces you to open windows, thus allowing cold air inside when you're looking to do just the opposite.

How to Use Propane Heating in a Motorhome 

When handling this type of fuel, use the same preventive measures as you would gas, given that it has the same very unique characteristics. It’s: 

• Flammable

• Prone to leaks

• Sealed under pressure

As a result, to use your propane heating safely, check your system before every trip. Each fitting must be intact. 

How to Check for Leaks

Have your gas hose and fittings checked periodically, or carry out an inspection yourself. To do so, combine one part soap with five parts water. Grab a paintbrush. Open the gas valves and brush the fittings with the soap and water mixture over the areas that appear damaged. Where there's bubbling, there's a leak.

How to Store Propane 

Place the gas cylinders in a storage block (or propane locker) that’s sealed from the rest of the camper van.  

Can You Travel with an Open Gas Cylinder?

Unless your recreational vehicle is equipped with a secured regulator and a secured gas lyre, don’t do it. If so, in case the hose ruptures, the gas supply will be cut off.  

How to Manage Gas Levels 

The lifeblood of travelling in an RV is energy. Being able to see your gas level can spare you from spending the night in cold temperatures, and eating canned food. 

Luckily, there are devices made just for that, allowing you to know exactly how much you can dedicate to your heating system or if you should lower the temperature.

The most accurate propane gauges are wireless, or even scales, that can give you an accurate level of the propane left in your tank directly on your smartphone.

Pricing Examples for Camper Van Propane Furnaces

Air-Water Heater

This type of heater warms your RV’s air and water simultaneously. These systems are especially popular in Europe and are now slowly making their way onto the North American market.

Below are the characteristics unique to the Wolf 6000AW combi heater by General Components: 

• Height: 11.9 in. (30 cm) 

• Width: 17.7 in. (45 cm) 

• Length: 20 in. (51 cm) 

• Power: 6,824–20,472 BTU (2–6 kW)

• Weight: 34.39 lb. (15.6 kg)

• Thermostat: not specified

• Price range: $2,500–$3,500

• Note: Must be placed in a compartment that’s at least 22 inches (56 cm) wide, 20 inches (51 cm) deep, and 14 inches high, with an air vent that’s at least 25 square inches (63 cm²).

Propane Furnace for RV Use

If you’d rather equip your RV with two separate systems, one to heat water, and the other to warm up the air, you can turn your attention to Truma, a German brand specializing in camper van furnaces. 

Truma propane heaters for RVs are now available in Canada.

Below is the Vario Heat product description:

• Height: 11.18 in. (28.4 cm)

• Width: 4.84 in. (12.3 cm)

• Length: 15.74 in. (40 cm)

• Power: 4,700 to 11,500 BTU (1.4–3.4 kW)

• Weight: 17.6 lb. (8.0 kg) 

• Thermostat: not specified 

• Price: ≈ $2,000   

• Note: Quiet propane furnace

Suburban Manufacturing Propane Furnace

On the North American market, Suburban Manufacturing has been a reliable manufacturer since 1979. Albeit not as aesthetically appealing compared to its competitors, General Components and Truma, their propane furnace is nonetheless super effective. 

Below is the Suburban NT-16 RV propane furnace product description:

• Height: 9 ½ in. (23 cm) 

• Width: 22 ½ in. (56 cm) 

• Length: 9 ⅜ in. (23 cm)

• Power: 16,000 BTU (4.6 kW)

• Weight: not specified 

• Thermostat: not specified

• Price range: $450–$1,000   

• Note: quiet propane furnace

The Perfect Portable Space Heater for Your RV

Propane heaters for recreational vehicles are great options for wintertime travels, offering heat and comfort, even in the coldest of conditions. The system’s reliability and capacity to work independently from power sources make it a favoured choice for those who enjoy road trips, year-round. However, proper system maintenance is of utmost importance, and so is following the manufacturer's safety guidelines to enjoy your wintertime travels in total comfort and peace of mind.

FAQ

What is the best propane heater for RV boondocking?

The best portable propane heaters when dry-camping in cold temperatures are Mr. Heater and Camco Olympian. However, use the necessary precautions when using propane indoors.

What is the cheapest way to heat a travel trailer?

The cheapest way to heat a motorhome is by using a portable heater and gearing up your RV's interior insulation as well as you can.