Double the Warmth: Maximizing Heat Sources in Your RV
Winter camping in an RV can feel downright magical—watching snowflakes swirl outside your windows while you sip hot cocoa, bundled up in cozy blankets, and taking in the hush of a quiet campground. But let’s be real: cold air has a way of sneaking into every nook and cranny of your home on wheels, especially if you’re braving below-freezing temperatures. If you’re ready to tackle cold climates without flying through tank after tank of propane gas, you’ll love this solution: adding an electric heat source to your setup.
Hi, we’re the McCartys! After our first season of winter camping, we learned the hard way how quickly a propane furnace can burn through fuel when the temps outside dip into the 20s (or teens). The colder months became a constant game of balancing the thermostat, monitoring our water heater, and flipping between the built-in furnace and a portable propane heater. By spring, we decided enough was enough—newer models of RVs might handle it better, but we needed to adapt fast. So, we explored electric heaters, discovered an electric blanket, and integrated an electric fireplace to supplement our propane furnace. It made a huge difference in both our comfort and our propane budget.
In this post, we’ll dive into the best ways to double your warm air sources in cold weather, keep heat loss in check, and finally enjoy those winter nights without dread. From selecting the type of heater to practical tips for optimizing energy efficiency, you’ll find everything you need to stay toasty in your home on wheels.
Why Consider Electric Heat for Colder Months?
Winter RVing in a colder climate is like stepping into a beautiful snow globe—but it can quickly turn frigid if you rely on just one propane furnace. While gas furnaces in RVs do a good job of pumping out hot air, they can guzzle propane like it’s going out of style. That means frequent trips to refill tanks, especially if you enjoy dry camping or you’re parked far from a cheap propane station.
Adding a second heat source—like a portable electric space heater, a mounted electric fireplace, or even electric heat pumps—lets you harness shore power (when it’s available) to keep a comfortable temperature without draining your precious propane. Plus, if you stay at an RV park with electrical hookups, you can offset your heating costs by using electricity you’ve already paid for in your campsite fees.
Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To RV Winter Living
Adding an electric heat source to your RV’s arsenal is a great way to double the comfort, reduce propane furnace usage, and maintain a comfortable temperature even in cold weather.
How an Electric Heat Source Saves Propane (and Sanity!)
Doubling Your Warmth
Once temperatures drop to cold temperatures (or lower), your existing propane furnace might struggle to distribute warm air throughout the entire rv, especially if you have a larger rig or older rvs with minimal insulation. Electric heat is a great way to pick up the slack. It can trap heat in your living area more evenly, reducing cold spots near rv windows or the base of your rv.
Cutting Fuel Costs
Propane isn’t cheap. In freezing conditions, you’ll burn through it much faster as your rv furnace works overtime. By letting an electric heater or electric fireplace handle part of the load, you stretch the life of each propane fill-up. Good news for anyone tired of mid-blizzard tank swaps!
Avoiding Constant Refills
Nobody wants to run out of propane at 2 a.m. during a cold snap. Trust us, we’ve been there. With a robust electrical system or solar power setup (if you’re the adventurous type!), you can ease that worry. Electric heat means fewer frantic trips to refill propane gas. And if you have shore power or a generator, you’re well on your way to a toasty night’s sleep—even in winter weather.
Choosing the Right Electric Heater
You have multiple types of heater options, each with its pros and cons:
Portable Electric Space Heaters
Ceramic heaters or fan-driven units are common in colder climate settings. They’re an easy way to warm a small area, like the seating zone.
Look for safety features like tip-over protection, cool-touch exteriors, and auto shut-off.
Good idea if you want something that can move around with you—bedroom at night, living area by day.
Electric Fireplace
If your new rvs (or even some older rvs) come with a built-in electric fireplace, you know how cozy it can get. This is a great way to add ambiance while generating radiant heat.
Check the electrical system in your rig to ensure you have enough amps to run both the fireplace and other appliances without tripping breakers.
Electric Heat Pumps
Common in certain newer models, these can run on electric hookups when you’re at an rv park. They provide steady, energy-efficient heat and can also act as air conditioners in warmer months.
They’re an efficient heat source if you want to cover the entire rv. However, they can be pricier to install if not included from the factory.
Hydronic Heating System (Less Common)
Some travel trailers and coaches have advanced hydronic heaters that run off diesel or electricity, distributing hot water through radiators.
This can be the most effective way to get consistent, even heat, but it’s usually more complex and costly to maintain.
No matter which route you choose, make sure you consider your water pump and water tanks if you’re in a cold climate. The last thing you want is freeze damage in your vehicle’s water system.
Recommended Gear Box
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Portable Ceramic Heater
Offers focused heat in a small heater footprint; look for safety features like tip-over shutoff.Electric Fireplace Insert
A cozy addition to your main living area if space allows. Helps reduce heat loss around the front of your rig.Heated Mattress Pads or Electric Blanket
An easy way to stay warm overnight in colder months without running a furnace all night long.Vent Covers
Foam or insulated covers for roof vents keep cold wind from sneaking in during winter. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature.Reflective Insulation
Stick it around your rv windows or under your rv floor insulation to combat heat loss in cold weather.
Read More: Top Amazon Products You Need for RV Winter Living
Tips for Efficient Winter RV Camping
1. Insulate and Seal
Prevent cold air from creeping inside by checking for drafts around windows, doors, and slides. Adding foam board insulation or thermal curtains is a good idea to improve energy efficiency. Don’t forget a little extra love around your window pane—especially if it’s single-pane glass.
Read More: Stay Warm and Dry: Extra Insulation Tips for your RV
2. Circulate Warm Air
Use small battery-operated or plug-in fans to push warm air from your electric fireplace or propane furnace around the entire RV. This stops heat loss pockets in corners or near the base of your rv.
3. Mind Your Water Systems
A heated water hose can keep your connection from freezing if you’re hooked to city water. Wrap pipes with heat tape for an added layer of protection. If you can, fill your freshwater tank and rely on it instead, so the lines don’t stay exposed to cold temperatures all night.
Read More: Winter RV Living: How to Keep Your Water Pipes from Freezing
4. Skirt Your Rig
RV skirting (or RV skirts) around the bottom of your trailer or motorhome helps trap heat underneath and blocks out cold wind. It’s especially helpful if you have holding tanks or a water heater that could freeze in a colder climate. Even cheap DIY skirting with foam board can make a huge difference.
Read More: How To DIY Your Own RV Skirting
5. Stack the Layers
Besides an electric blanket or heated mattress pad, bring out the heavy sleeping bag if it’s truly an extreme cold scenario. Extra blankets and thick rugs keep your feet cozy and reduce the chill from the floor.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Heated Blankets For RV Winter Living
Keeping Warm Air In and Cold Air Out
Older RVs or new RVs, it doesn’t matter: proper insulation is key to surviving winter RVing. Even with multiple heating systems, you’ll struggle if your rig leaks cold air at every turn. Here are a few more best practice measures:
Double-Pane Windows
If you have the option, upgrading from single to double-pane windows can cut down on heat loss significantly.Vent Covers
Roof vents release humidity, but if left open in winter months, your warm air flies right out. Use insulated vent pillows or covers to keep the cold snap at bay.Check Your Doors
A little bit of foam board insulation or weatherstripping around the door can seal out drafts. The gap near the bottom is often a big offender!Monitor Propane Gas and Electricity
Keep an eye on your fuel levels if you’re splitting usage between a vent-free propane heater and an electric fireplace. Balance the load so you don’t blow a fuse—or freeze because you forgot to top off propane.
FAQ: Electric vs. Propane and More
Q: Do I still need my propane furnace if I add electric heat?
A: Most RV enthusiasts find it best to run both, especially in truly cold climates. Your propane or gas furnaces can act as a backup if you lose shore power or want faster, more widespread heat.
Q: Is an electric blanket enough for below-freezing temperatures?
A: An electric blanket or heated mattress pad is great for sleeping comfort, but they’re not the most effective way to heat your entire RV. Combine them with a portable space heater for best results.
Q: Can I use a portable propane heater indoors?
A: Some are rated for indoor use, but make sure it’s a vent-free propane heater designed for RV or home usage. Always maintain proper insulation and ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide issues.
Q: What about solar power?
A: Solar panels can help offset your electrical system usage, but running high-draw items like an electric fireplace or multiple electric heaters might exceed what your panels can produce in low-sun winter months. Use solar for smaller items, lights, or battery charging, but rely on shore power or a generator for heavy heating demands.
Q: Should I worry about my water lines or black tanks freezing?
A: Absolutely—freeze damage to your water pipes or holding tanks can be costly. Insulate them, consider tank heaters, and keep an eye on your water pump if you’re running water in below-freezing temperatures.
Next Steps
Adding an electric heat source to your RV’s arsenal is a great way to double the comfort, reduce propane furnace usage, and maintain a comfortable temperature even in cold weather. From portable electric space heaters to a full-on electric fireplace, you have countless ways to battle the chill—just remember to check your electrical system capacity, keep an eye on safety features, and seal up drafts so you don’t lose that precious warm air.
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Trust us: once you experience a toasty interior while icy winds swirl outside, you’ll never want to do another winter trip without that extra electric boost. Here’s to warm air, lower propane bills, and endless rv adventures—no matter how frosty it gets!