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How To Heat A Camper Without Electricity: Find A Different Approach

November 24, 2020 by Canberk Koksal Leave a Comment

Do you know that the resources in the world are limited and at the pace, we are using the non-renewable resources, they are only going to last only another 100 years at max? Knowing that you must be encouraged to find an alternative for anything that runs on electricity generated by using fuel, right?

If you are an owner of a recreational vehicle or RV, you are familiar with the fact that in the winter season, you can’t live without heating your camper. And, the good news is that you can heat your camper even without electricity.

Yes, we are going to tell you how to heat a camper without electricity. There are many different ways, so let’s look at each of them in detail.

Table of Contents
  • Is Heating A Camper Necessary While Camping?
  • Disadvantages Of Electric Heating Systems
  • How To Stay Warm Inside A Camper Without Electricity
    • 1. Car Battery
    • 2. Self-Insulation
    • 3. Wear Warm Clothes
    • 4. Hydronic Heating
  • Replacement For Electric Heaters
    • Propane Heaters
    • Kerosene Heaters
    • Solar Heaters
    • Installing A Furnace
    • Wood Stove
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Final Conclusion

Is Heating A Camper Necessary While Camping?

To answer this question, let me tell you about the winters here in the US. The average temperature throughout the country on a wintery night in 30-degree F while in some parts, it falls up to 8-9-degree F as well.

In this climate, if you don’t use a heater inside your camper, there is only one thing that can happen and that is you catching hypothermia. So, it is best for you, even without electricity, to use some other method to heat the interior of your camper.

Disadvantages Of Electric Heating Systems

Electric heaters are very good for campers, and they are very commonly used by a lot of campers, but there are some demerits to an electric heater.

  • Slow Heating. Electric heaters are slow in initially heating up. No doubt they can provide you with a lot of comforts over time, but after starting you will have to give it 20- 30 minutes to heat up.
  • Ineffective. When you think of a very large camper in cold weather, electric heaters aren’t as effective as other heaters.
  • Need for electricity. This is a big drawback because a constant supply of electricity isn’t feasible all the time, particularly if you are going off the grid.
  • Extra Space. One electric heater isn’t sufficient for a camper, so you will have to take 2 or 3 campers. Now, more heaters mean more space occupied inside your camper.
  • Environment Factor. There is always the environmental factor with using electricity and it is best to use an alternate source of energy.

Keeping all the demerits in mind, it will come in handy if you have some alternatives to electric heaters for you. So, we won’t make you wait anymore, and let’s see what are the options available to you.

How To Stay Warm Inside A Camper Without Electricity

Let us check out what methods you can use to keep your camper warm and heated in the winters without electricity:

How To Heat A Camper Without Electricity

1. Car Battery

First of all, is a method which doesn’t require any extra accessory. You can turn on your vehicle and turn the heater of the vehicle as high as it can get. You can keep it for about half an hour and then switch it off and turn off your vehicle.

This should be enough to keep your camper heated for the night, given that it is properly insulated.

This method is more of a backup plan for emergencies because it isn’t feasible to use it all the time.

It eats up your fuel and your vehicle has to be insulated properly.

You can look for the best car camping heaters on 7 Best Car Camping Heaters: Stay Cozy Warm On The Go.

2. Self-Insulation

There are two ways of keeping a camper warm. Either you generate heat, or your keep the heat that is already inside insulated. The above method is of a generation of heat, but it still won’t be effective, if this method isn’t used. You have to insulate your camper and to do that you can follow some steps.

a) Insulating The Exterior:

You can insulate your camper’s exterior by covering it with tarps or clothes of thick material. You can also use blankets and taping them but it becomes more costly then.

You need to make sure that the tarp you will be using should be waterproof. Otherwise, the water will start seeping inside and carry away all the heat from the inside. Also, always try to paint your camper in some dark color during the winter season, as dark color absorbs heat and makes the interior warmer. 

b) Insulating Walls:

In campers, the walls are quite thin and they don’t do a good job of insulating the interior. That’s why you need to use curtains even if there is no door or window. Having dark colored curtains help, because they absorb the heat and keep it trapped.

c) Insulating Windows And Vents:

Windows and vents are two places that are most likely to bring in air from the outside and make your camper cold. For that, you need to ensure that the windows and vents are covered properly. You can use plastics, tarps blankets, etc., and try to use any means possible to stop air from coming in through the windows and vents. 

d) Insulating Ground:

So, after taking care of the exterior, interior, roofs, vents, and windows, only one thing remains that is the ground. This is also a key area of any camper, that needs to be properly insulated.

For grounds, you can use foam mats. Lay them as they are very comfortable to step on and the best thing is that they trap heat and will keep your camper warm. 

3. Wear Warm Clothes

So, what you don’t have electricity in your camper and you can’t use a heater because of that. You can always try to use means that are in your hands.

You should try to pack as many sets of warm clothes as you can and carry blankets in extra. If your camper is insulated from outside and you have warm clothes, you can easily get through the night.

In a camp, you should wear warm clothes in multiple layers, always have blankets to cover yourself, and it is better to have a warm sleeping bag to tuck into.

While inside the sleeping bag, have a bottle of warm water with you and it can generate heat for your body.

4. Hydronic Heating

If you are thinking of buying a new camper, keeping in mind the value of comfort, you can look for the feature of hydronic heating. It is like the system of refrigeration except that it’s for the opposite thing, i.e., heating.

It is made of a system of pipes running throughout your camper and it uses the heat generated by the engine. Water and antifreeze liquid mixed, flows through this channel of pipes, gathering heat from the engine and then through convection gives out the heat to your camper. 

When your camper is parked, it has a boiler system installed that heats the flowing water instead. This is a utilization of the extra heat of the engine and if installed already, is a very good option for heating your camper.

This means although effective can be costly because it will use up your car’s battery and if the camper doesn’t already have a hydronic system inbuilt, it becomes very costly to install one.

Replacement For Electric Heaters

With electricity, heating of a camper becomes very easy, as you can just install an electric heater. But there are heaters, just as effective, that can run without electricity as well.

Replacement Pf Electric Heaters

Propane Heaters

Propane heaters are the most commonly used heaters in a camper, especially in popup campers. Before going to camp, you can just fill your camper with propane from the gas station and stay warm throughout the trip.

If you have a propane heater, you will need to install a tanker for storing propane. Propane heaters are quite cheap, very easy to install and take up less space.

However, propane heaters, if used for a while can be harmful to you. It emits carbon monoxide which is deadly for humans. That is why there has been an effort to reduce the use of propane heaters these days.

You can check out our article on how to replace a propane heater, just click on How To Heat An RV Without Propane: 6 Best Alternatives.

Kerosene Heaters

 Kerosene heaters are cheap and take up a small space. They can easily replace your electric heater. As you can probably guess, it produces heat by burning kerosene. It is best suited for isolated places, particularly in the open, but you can also use it inside a camper.

When it works, it produces a smell of kerosene, which if you aren’t used to can be quite irritating. It also emits carbon monoxide but in lesser quantity.

If you are using a kerosene heater, always keep ways for ventilation, by opening windows or vents because otherwise, they may be a shortage of oxygen inside your camper. 

None the less, kerosene heaters are quite popular and despite the drawbacks, can work fine for a small camping trip.

Solar Heaters

The best alternative and in fact the best way of heating your camper, especially a caravan is by using solar heaters. It is the most environment-friendly heater out there in the market. They are operated by a renewable source of energy in solar power or sunlight.

The mechanism is similar to a hydronic heating system with water flowing through pipes for heating and running of your camper but it is run by solar energy.

You will have to install solar panel grids over your camper for this purpose. You can also use solar energy for other things inside your camper like running TV or fans. 

The solar heaters are a bit difficult to use on rainy days, however. Also, the initial setup cost is a bit expensive but keeping the environment in mind it is good to switch to a solar heater.

Installing A Furnace

So what, you can’t use an electric heater, you can use the method that was used before heaters, burning a fire inside a furnace. You can have a furnace installed in your camper at a very low price.

For fuel, you can use diesel in your tank and collect some fallen branches or cut out wood that you can pick up on the way to your campsite.

If you worry about electricity and gas, a furnace is an excellent option. Even in extremely cold conditions, a furnace is capable to keep you warm. But you have to check for the proper ventilation of the smoke and the disposal of ash.

Wood Stove

It is similar to a furnace, but here you will be using a stove. It is simply the burning of wood inside the stove. You will likely get a lot of scrap wood in your journey or you can even buy wood from markets.

For all the superiority of heaters and heating systems, they are expensive and if you can’t afford to spend so much on a heater, you can use a wood stove. 

You can easily open it for loading wood and set it to burn and it will keep your camper warm and comfortable, but just like a furnace, you will have to take care of the smoke and burned residue of wood. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I keep my camper warm?

There are various ways to heat a camper. You can use electricity for that, you can use propane, kerosene or any other kind of fuel. You can install a furnace or solar heaters. Some campers even have an inbuilt heating system installed. So, it is up to you how you want to heat your camper and you can choose anyone as per your requirement and preference.

Do RV heaters run on electricity?

No, RV heaters that come installed with the RV run on fuel, most commonly propane. The fan and other small parts work on the battery and finally for the part when the camper is off, the residual heat of the engine is used.

Should I cover my camper for winter?

Yes, it is a very good idea to cover your camper for winter. Covering it will insulate the interior from the outside and then the heat generated inside your camper can stay inside and not escape. If you are covering, it is best to use a dark-colored cover because then it will retain the heat falling on it from the outside as well.

How does a heater work in a camper?

Different heaters work differently in a camper. If you are using an electric heater, it makes use of resistance to current resulting in the release of heat to heat your camper.
In a hydronic system, heat is used to make the water warm. This warm water then passes through the camper and by convection, your camper gets heated.
But most common of all is the forced air method, in which hot air is blown into the camper through the vents and the hot air is generated by burning of propane.

What is the best heater for a camper?

From our experience, we feel that having a solar heater is the best option because you will be helping the environment. Also having a wood stove just for backup is also good.
But if you want to know about the best car camping heaters, you can check out here.

How do I make my camper winter-proof?

You can make your camper waterproof by insulating it from the outside. You can use foam for insulating the walls and have covers for windows, vents, and doors. You should check and seal any opening through which air can come inside. Finally, you can paint your camper in dark color and your camper will be winter-proof.

Final Conclusion

It is best to stop using fossil fuel and depending on it for every little thing. As you have seen there are a number of options available for you to use to heat a camper that doesn’t involve electricity.

We advise you to have a minimum of two options for heating your camper so that even if one fails, you have a backup option with you. For us, we find the solar heating system the best because apart from being the need of the hour, it is also very effective.

You can also share your camping experience in a camper and tell us how you keep your camper warm and cozy, through the comment section below.

Happy Camping!

Filed Under: Guides, Camping Heater

How To Heat An RV Without Propane: 6 Best Alternatives

November 6, 2020 by Canberk Koksal Leave a Comment

Do you own an RV? Then you must know how important it is to keep the RV heated because it can get quite cold inside. Especially in the winters here in the states, the temperature can be quite low and sometimes falls below 15-degree F. At that time, a heater is the only way to survive inside an RV.

The most common type of heater is the propane heater but there are many problems associated with it. Because of that, we have listed out some alternatives to look at for How To Heat An RV Without Propane.

  • Portable heaters
  • Hydronic Heating
  • Trapping heat
  • Solar Heating
  • Wood Stoves
  • Heat Pumps
Table Of Content
 [show]
  • Disadvantages Of Propane In An RV
  • Heat An RV Without Propane: 6 Alternatives
    • 1.Portable Electric Heaters
    • 2. Hydronic Heating
    • 3. Trapping Heat
    • 4. Solar Heating
    • 5. Wood Stove
    • 6. Heat Pumps
  • Some Tips To Stay Warm In RVs:
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  •  Final Verdict

Disadvantages Of Propane In An RV

An RV can be heated by using propane-fueled heaters and they are the most common type of heater available. You can use a propane heater, they are good in general because they are efficient and economic, but they have some big flaws because of which it is better to have an alternative to propane heaters which can be very helpful. 

RV should be all about comfort, and that is why you need to know all that may cause you trouble while using propane heaters:

  1. Tank Maintenance. You need to keep the tank in check by regular inspection and it takes up a lot of your time.
  2. Availability of Propane. Propane is not largely available. Only a few of the gas stations have propane available that you can buy.
  3. Leakage. Leakage of propane is the reason for almost 15 persons dying every month in the US.
  4. Carbon Monoxide. CO is a very poisonous gas that is released into the environment because of the leakage of propane. It causes harm to your body, poses a threat to your life, and also affects the environment around in a drastic manner.

Of all the problems, you may overlook three of them, but the fourth one posing a treat to your life is too dangerous and that’s why you should switch from a propane heating system to some other alternative. Let’s look at a few alternatives that you can use.

Heat An RV Without Propane: 6 Alternatives

How to Heat An RV Without Propane.

1.Portable Electric Heaters

There are different types of portable heaters that you can use for heating your RV, especially during winter. The portable heaters are small in size and are quite cheap. They are usually driven by electricity, although sometimes they may also be fuel driven.

(a) Space Heaters:

Space heaters are small portable heaters that are good for heating small packets of space like a room in a quick time. They are a cheap alternative to propane heaters and you can buy multiple space heaters for your RV. 

But keep in mind that they are more likely to catch fire, so they should be kept at a safe distance from the walls or flammable things.

(b)Radiant Heaters:

Radiant heaters are just like regular heaters but they release heat in a straight path instead of circulating the air around it. So, you can use them like campfires to keep yourself warm. They also cost very less and are less likely to catch fire. 

You can use them in places like your bedroom for directing the heat towards one area.

(c) Oil-Filled Radiant Heaters:

You can get the space heater or radiant heater as a temporary solution for your RV, but in winter, you want your RV to stay warm all day and night for long periods. In that case, the previous two becomes ineffective and you will need this type of heater. These are radiant heater filled with oil to act as space heaters and they can heat your RV for a long time.

It takes 15 to 20 minutes for them to heat up or cool down, but once heated your RV can have a pleasant and warm temperature for a long time. It is a bit difficult to find a good oil type radiant heater and it is also a bit expensive than the other two.

Portable heaters run on electricity and using them for long takes a toll on the battery of your RV. So, as fellow owners of RV, we can tell you to carry a fuel-based generator to run these portable electric heaters. 

2. Hydronic Heating

If you are thinking of buying a new RV, keeping in mind the value of comfort, you can look for the feature of hydronic heating. It is like the system of refrigeration except that it’s for the opposite thing, i.e., heating. It is made of a system of pipes running throughout your RV and it uses the heat generated by the engine. Water and antifreeze liquid mixed, flows through this channel of pipes, gathering heat from the engine and then through convection gives out the heat to your RV. 

When your RV is parked, it has a boiler system installed that heats the flowing water instead. This is a utilization of the extra heat of the engine and if installed already, is a very good option for heating your RV.

But just like the moon has spots, hydronic heating has its drawbacks. If your RV doesn’t have a hydronic heating system installed, then installing it is very expensive and troublesome. Also, the boiler system needs to be maintained from corrosion and breakdown.

But overall, it is a very effective and smart way of keeping your RV warm.

3. Trapping Heat

RVs are made of light material and so they give out the heat inside it easily. If you can’t generate heat inside your RV, to keep it warm, what you can do is keep the existing heat trapped inside. For that, you will need to do a series of things incorrectly manner.

(a) Insulation Of The Exterior:

 The first thing that comes to mind when you think of trapping heat is insulating, and for RVs, it is also the same. You can insulate your RV’s exterior by covering it with tarps or clothes of thick material. You can also use blankets and taping them but it becomes more costly then.

You need to make sure that the tarp you will be using should be waterproof. Otherwise, the water will start seeping inside and carry away all the heat from the inside.

(b) Insulating Walls:

In RVs, the walls are quite thin and they don’t do a good job of trapping the heat inside. That’s why you need to use curtains even if there is no door or window. Having dark colored curtains help, because they absorb the heat and keep it trapped.

(c) Windows and Vents:

Windows and vents are two places that are most likely to bring in cold air from the outside. For that, you need to ensure that the windows and vents are covered properly. You can use plastics, tarps blankets, etc., and try to use any means possible to stop air from coming in through the windows and vents. 

(d) Ground:

So after taking care of the exterior, interior, roofs, vents, and windows, only one thing remains that is the ground. This is also a key area of an RV that needs to be properly insulated.

For grounds, you can use foam mats. Lay them as they are very comfortable to step on and the best thing is that they trap heat and will keep your RV warm. 

4. Solar Heating

So far you have known about ways of heating your RV by using electricity or fuel. But there is a better alternative to heating your RV, one that is presently being promoted in all sectors and that is the solar heaters.

They are operated by a renewable source of energy in solar power or sunlight. The mechanism is similar to a hydronic heating system with water flowing through pipes for heating and running of your RV but it is run by solar energy.

You will have to install solar panels over your RV for this purpose. You can also use solar energy for other things inside your RV like running TV or fans. The initial setup cost is a bit expensive but keeping the environment in mind it is good to switch to a solar heater.

5. Wood Stove

What most RV owners use as an alternative to propane heaters is a wood stove. It is simply the burning of wood inside a stove. You will likely get a lot of scrap wood in your journey or you can even buy wood from markets. For all the superiority of heaters and heating systems, they are expensive and if you can’t afford to spend so much on a heater, you can use a wood stove. 

You can easily open it for loading wood and set it to burn and it will keep your RV warm and comfortable, but you will have to take care of the smoke though. 

6. Heat Pumps

So afar we have talked about ways of generating heat inside the RV or keeping heat inside the RV but there is a way to pump heat from the outside to the inside and they are called heat pumps. They use air conditioning to pump heat from the outside.

They run on electricity but uses less power than electric heaters. They are quite noisy and if you are going somewhere extremely cold, heat pumps don’t work because there is no heat outside at that time. Also, they are quite expensive.

But usually, they work two ways of heating or cooling depending on your choice which makes it a good option for your RV.

Some Tips To Stay Warm In RVs:

We have talked about all the systems, but there are some things you can do from your side to keep yourself warm inside an RV. Let us tell you.

           1. Warm Clothes: First of all, you can start by wearing warm clothes or wearing multiple layers of clothing. This will keep your body insulated be it inside the RV or stepping outside it. You can further wear gloves, socks and cover your head with caps made of woolen or warm materials to keep yourself protected from cold from head to bottom.

           2. Blankets: Carrying an extra set of blankets is always helpful whenever you are on a trip with your RV. You can use multiple blankets for sleeping, covering yourself, or sometimes insulating the RV from inside.   

           3. Painting of RV: This is a simple tip that we can give you that always use dark colors when you pain your RV. Dark colors have the property of absorbing heat and keeping the interior of your RV warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I heat my camper without propane?

You can use portable heaters, hydronic system, solar heating system, or wood stoves and by insulating you RV.

How can I heat my camper without electricity?

You can use different methods for that, like using your vehicle’s heater, insulating, campfires. etc.

How much propane does it take to heat an RV in the winter?

By 1 gallon of propane, you can heat your RV for 3 hours, but this is just an approximate value though and it depends on the size of your RV.

How do I keep my RV warm at night?

Several types of heaters are available, one of which you can choose to keep you RV warm at night.

Can a candle heat a room?

Yes, a candle can heat a room but you will need a large number of candles and as with candles, it runs out after a while.

 Final Verdict

So, you don’t have to worry about filling up on propane anymore to heat your RV, right. There are so many other ways to do so. Some are generic while others are a bit complex and require installation.

But in any case, comfort comes first, and thinking of the freezing wind of the winters, it is good to keep options when it comes to heating your RV.

We prefer the solar heating system simply because of the environmental factor, but you can pick out which one you like and enjoy your winters comfortably.

Make sure to tell us about your trips and the heaters you used through the comment section below.

And yes, Happy Camping! 

Filed Under: Guides, Camping Heater

7 Best Car Camping Heaters: Stay Cozy Warm On The Go

November 6, 2020 by Canberk Koksal Leave a Comment

Camping is no less a tradition but that does not mean you need to compromise comfort completely and shake hands with the cold. All you need to beat the chill is portable car camping heaters.

Stay warm, cozy, and safe with the right choice of heaters from this comprehensive best car camping heaters list that covers every point for a guided purchase.

Table Of Content
 [show]
  • Quick Overview of Best Car Camping Heaters
  • 7 Best Camping Water Container
  • Now, What’s A Car Heater?
  • Safety Tips To Safely Use A Heater In A Closed Space:
  • Buyer’s Guide – Best Car Camping Heaters
  • 7 Best Car Camping Heaters: In-Depth Review
    • 1. Caframo Limited True North Space heater
    • 2. Zerostart Interior Car Warmer
    • 3. RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater
    • 4. Back Seat Heat Plus
    • 5. Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater
    • 6. AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater
    • 7. ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Quick Comparison Of Best Car Camping Heaters
  • Final Verdict

In A Hurry?? – Quick Overview of Best Car Camping Heaters

Best Overall

Caframo Limited True North Space heater

Caframo Limited True North Space heater Review
Check Price

Great Value

Zerostart Interior Car Warmer

Zerostart Interior Car Warmer Review
Check Price

Most Popular

RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater

RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater Review
Check Price

7 Best Car Camping Heaters

  • Caframo Limited True North Space heater
  • Zerostart Interior Car Warmer
  • RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater
  • Back Seat Heat Plus
  • Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater
  • AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater
  • ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater

Quick Comparison Of Best Car Camping Heaters

ProductPowerWeightPrice
1. Caframo Limited True North Space heater1500 Watt5.25 poundsCheck Price
2. Zerostart Interior Car Warmer900 Watt3.04 poundsCheck Price
3.RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater300 Watt0.01 ouncesCheck Price
4.Back Seat Heat Plus300 Watt6 lbsCheck Price
5. Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater200 Watt1 poundCheck Price
6. AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater500 Watt1.43 poundCheck Price
7.ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater150 Watt16 ouncesCheck Price
7 Best Car Camping Heaters: Stay Cozy Warm On The Go

Now, What’s A Car Heater?

Car heaters can either be ones that run independently when connected to the power source or ones that supplement the car’s main heater and improve the circulation of hot air. The power source for car heaters is either the car’s cigarette lighter or the car’s main battery. 

Cigarette lighters in a car have the potential of 12 V and circuit breakers of cars fuse at 10-15 amps. So the maximum energy that the heaters can draw is 180 watts (V*amps=W). Know these specifications before buying and using a car heater to prevent a short circuit or even an electrical fire.

From the above lines of knowledge, one thing is certain that the power output of car heaters isn’t that much and is generally for personal/spot heating and won’t satisfy much if you expect it to warm an entire cabin. It also helps to know the initial power surge of your heater. 

Electrical equipment runs at a constant V (potential) but when they are started/switched on, they might take up a little more V. Knowing this initial power surge would help to know whether or not you are under safe limits. 

Some heaters require AC power but cars only produce DC voltage. For this, you might need a car power inverter. 

Safety Tips To Safely Use A Heater In A Closed Space:

1. Be careful while using your heater when asleep. 

2. Ventilation- to avoid moisture buildup.

Buyer’s Guide – Best Car Camping Heaters

Here’s everything you need you to know about car camping heaters before you decide to buy one:

Buyers Guide Best Car Camping Heaters

Heater Type 

Heaters could be either conventional fuel ones or modern electric ones. Since we are talking about car camping heaters, this buyer’s guide will be focused on electric heaters. The heaters specifically made for the car and car camping plugin directly to the main car battery.

Electric heaters have one of the three heating systems- convection, radiation, and fan-powered. Convection heaters are for whole room heating, radiation and fan-powered ones are for spot heating. Fan-powered heaters employ a heating element across which an internal fan blows air. 

Heating Capacity 

The heating capacity of combustion heaters is measured in BTU (British Thermal Units) but electric heaters are measured in wattage. It helps to know the wattage of the circuit breaker/fuse box.

To heat each square foot of your space, 10 watts of heat energy is required. So a 300-watt personal heater would cover 30 square feet of space. This obviously should not be used as a primary heating source and should be used to supplement the car’s main heater.

Size & Weight

All car camping heaters listed here aren’t that big in size to term unmanageable but it still helps to keep size and weight a factor when choosing a car camping heater because large heaters usually give out more heat and thus also consume too much energy. When you are camping, you might want to conserve every bit of energy, especially your car’s battery.

Durability 

Even if you are camping for a day or two, consider investing in durable heaters especially those that employ ceramic interior, exterior, or both and a firm stand/handle. Cheap ones are tempting but might fail you on your much-awaited camping trip. 

Safety Features 

There are some safety features that we would recommend you look for before buying a heater in hopes to help you avoid a tragedy:

  • Tip-over protection- when the temperature in your car would reach a certain limit, it would automatically stop and start only when the temperature drops again. This keeps the heat in check and doesn’t make you sweat through the night.
  •  Thermostat- it helps to know the temperature of the air that the heater is heating.
  •  Large bases– that prevents the heater from falling over.

Noise Level

Electric heaters can be pretty noisy. It might get even louder when dust accumulates on the inside or on the fan. Be sure to check the decibel level before buying, if the company enlists that.

7 Best Car Camping Heaters: In-Depth Review

Best Car Camping Heaters

1. Caframo Limited True North Space heater

Caframo Limited True North Space heater Review
Check Latest Deal Price

Best Customer Rated Car Camping Heater

Heat capacity

98%

Durability

98%

Size and Weight

95%

Safety Features

90%

Key Features

  • 1500 watts
  • Built-in adjustable thermostat
  • 5 settings
  • Dual overheat protection
  • 5-year Warranty
  • The anti-freeze setting comes on at 38°F / 3°C
  • rugged 
  • Weight- 5.25 pounds
  • solid steel body construction
  • approved to US and Canadian standards
  • Compact size
  • Good for heating a small space or a single room
  • Easy to use

Technical Specifications

Weight5.25 pounds
Power1500 watts

Our Opinion

The Caframo Limited True North Space heater is a portable car camping heater that has a power of 1500 watts. We found the body rugged indeed given the solid steel body and minimalist design that could be stored when not in use without much damage.

The dual heat protection system protects the body of the heater from overheating by dissipating or absorbing heat. The fan forces the air outside that helps distribute the heat faster, further, and more evenly.

In our experience, the noise level of the heater was much lesser than many other forced-air heaters. The compact size and easy to use characteristics make it easily portable and highly user friendly. The system’s flexibility and adjustability factor help prevent unnecessary circuit breakers.

A longer warranty period is telling of the company’s trust and confidence in a product of their making and this is exactly what we see with the 5- year warranty card that comes with this product.

One undeniable flaw is the fair share of power it eats up. We got around that by turning off other high energy appliances when we were using this heater. Nonetheless, Caframo Limited True North Space heater is the best customer rated for a reason. 

What We Like

  • Built-in adjustable thermostat
  • Rugged body
  • 5-year warranty
  • Portable
  • Dual-heat protection
  • Flexible enough to avoid unnecessary circuit breaker

What We Don’t Like

  • Draws a fair bit of power
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2. Zerostart Interior Car Warmer

Zerostart Interior Car Warmer Review
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Safest Car Camping Heater 

Heating capacity

95%

Durability

93%

Size and Weight

90%

Safety Features

98%

Key Features

  • Weight- 3.04 pounds
  • Potential- 120V
  • Power – 900 Watts
  • Easy to install
  • Mounting bracket included
  • Automatic high-temperature safety sensor
  • Extreme high-temperature permanent safety cut-off
  • Compact size

Technical Specifications

Potential120V
Weight3.04 pounds
Power900 Watts

Our Opinion

The Zerostart Interior Car Warmer is a winter car camping heater that has a power of 900 Watts. We found the system easy to install given the mounting bracket that made it possible to be either placed on the dashboard or elsewhere.

The body was compact too which helped in portability. We also used it to defrost windows before starting to drive which increased visibility. The heater employs an automatic high-temperature safety sensor which makes the device automatically shut off when it reaches 158° F (70° C).

The device is designed to restart after a 15 minute cool down period. It also hosts a permanent high-temperature safety cut-off sensor that automatically shuts the device down permanently when the temperature reaches 286° F (141° C). The heater will no longer be in use after that. This made the heater extremely safe for our use.

Being a 900-watt power and warming the area well makes the heater energy efficient. One limitation we experienced was the lack of a thermostat but this can be overlooked to get your hands on the Zerostart Interior Car Warmer, the safest car camping heater.

What We Like

  • Portable
  • Extremely safe
  • Easy to install
  • Energy efficient

What We Don’t Like

  • No thermostat
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3. RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater

RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater Review
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Most Customizable Car Camping Heater

Heating capacity

93%

Durability

90%

Size and Weight

95%

Safety Features

90%

Key Features

  • Weight- 0.01 ounces
  • Ceramic body
  • Durable
  • Switch from heat to cool settings
  • Direct hook up to your vehicle battery
  • Power- 300 watts
  • Adjustable fan speed
  • Removable swivel stand
  • The red indicator light for heat
  • Compact
  • Extra-long cables included
  • Easy to install
  • Requires a 30 Amp In-Line Fuse (Not Included)
  • Uses 12V DC
  • 25 amp rating

Technical Specifications

Potential12V DC
Weight0.01 ounces
Power300 Watts

Our Opinion

The RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater is a 12V heater for a campervan that has a power of 300 watts. The ceramic build made the body durable while also being lightweight. The compact size and lightweight dress serve portability.

It could easily be switched from hot to cold setting with the flip of a switch. The adjustable fan speed, removable swivel stand, and extra-long cables made it customizable. The heater could be placed anywhere in the cabin given the long cables. The device was also found to be easy to install. It could be directly linked up to the vehicle’s main battery.

The fact that the heater uses 12V DC and has a power of 300 watts makes the heater not the best to warm up an entire room but is highly efficient for small spaces. The air volume output was less but given the amount of power it uses, doesn’t come across as a limitation after all. Get the most customizable car camping heater, the RoadPro 12V Direct Hook-Up Ceramic Heater.

What We Like

  • Transparent body
  • Easily cleanable
  • Bag does not balloon out even when full
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Protection against mold and bacteria

What We Don’t Like

  • Less air volume output
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4. Back Seat Heat Plus

Back Seat Heat Plus Review
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Most Energy-Efficient Car Camping Heater

Heating capacity

95%

Durability

90%

Size and Weight

85%

Safety Features

90%

Key Features

  • Uses 12V DC
  • 25 amp rated
  • Power- 300 watts
  • In-line 30 amp fuse included
  • 20 ft wiring harness included
  • Supplementary to the vehicle’s existing heater
  • Weight- 6 lbs
  • Ceramic body
  • Durable
  • High-temperature cut-out limit switch
  • Energy efficient
  • 2-year warranty
  • Links up directly to the main battery
  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Mounting Bracket Included
  • For Heater Operation: Alternator must produce 45 to 40 amps

Technical Specifications

Power300 Watts
Weight6 lbs
Potential12V DC

Our Opinion

The Back Seat Heat Plus is a 12V camping heater for a campervan that has a power of 300 watts. We found the body durable given its ceramic build which also made the outer housing to stay cool to the touch. It had an adjustable thermostat that let us control the heat and the fan speed.

This heater is not designed to run by itself and needs to be directly linked up to the main battery of a 12V vehicle and is meant to supplement the vehicle’s existing heater. It also hosts a high-temperature cut-out sensor that automatically shuts the device off when the temperature reaches a certain limit and gets switched back on after a brief cool-down period.

We found the system easy to install because we could mount it anywhere and it only relies on the already available equipment to work.

The system draws much less power than a hairdryer but the heat output is efficiently warm. Get yourself the most energy-efficient car camping heater on this list, the Back Seat Heat Plus. 

What We Like

  • Adjustable thermostat
  • Energy efficient
  • High-temperature cut-out sensor
  • Durable
  • Easy to install

What We Don’t Like

  • We couldn’t find any!
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5. Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater

Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater Review
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Most Compact Car Camping Heater

Heating capacity

84%

Durability

88%

Size and Weight

90%

Safety Features

90%

Key Features

  • Compact size
  • Personal heater
  • No assembly required
  • Energy efficient
  • Ceramic interior
  • Portable
  • 200-watt power
  • Weight- 1 pound
  • 3 year limited warranty
  • Overheat protection
  • Fan-powered delivery

Technical Specifications

Power200 Watt
Weight1 pound

Our Opinion

The Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater is a portable car camping heater that uses 200 watts of power. We found the body durable given its ceramic build which also kept the exterior cool to touch. This heater was found effective for spot heating only and would not stand to heat up an entire cabin.

The compact size and lightweight dress made it easily portable. The long cords supported the movement and so the heater could be placed anywhere. The system was overheat protected and would turn off automatically when a certain temperature was reached and resumed after a brief cool-down period.

The system used low power to run while still giving a good heat output which made the system highly energy efficient. The fan-powered delivery ensured that the air is forced faster, further, and more evenly.

One limitation felt was the absence of a thermostat. The system was easy to use, no assembly was required, and came with a 3-year limited warranty. Get your hands on the most compact car camping heater, the Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater. 

What We Like

  • Portable
  • Durable
  • Overheat protection
  • Energy efficient
  • Cord long enough to support the movement

What We Don’t Like

  • No thermostat
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6. AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater

AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater Review
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Most Portable Car Camping Heater

Heating capacity

85%

Durability

80%

Size and Weight

85%

Safety Features

90%

Key Features

  • Weight- 1.43 pounds
  • 500-watt power usage
  • Compact
  • Tip-over protection
  • Fast heating ceramic coils
  • Personal heater
  • Sturdy base

Technical Specifications

Power500 Watt
Weight1.43 pounds

Our Opinion

The AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater is a personal space heater for car camping that has a power of 500 watts. We found the heater to be compact and lightweight which favored portability.

This heater was a personal space heater and would not prove efficient to warm up an entire cabin. The system was overheat protected (tip-over protection) and would turn off automatically when a certain temperature was reached and resumed only after a brief cool-down period.

The system used low power to run while still giving a good heat output which made the system highly energy efficient. The ceramic coils would heat up fast which ensured consistent and even flow of warm air.

It had a sturdy base that prevented the heater from tumbling down. One major shortcoming was the exposed ceramic coils which could be “accidentally” brushed against. If you could trade this limitation for high energy output at low power usage then get your hands on the most portable car camping heater, the AmazonBasics 500-Watt Ceramic Personal Mini Heater. 

What We Like

  • Fast heating ceramic coils
  • Tip-over protection
  • Portable
  • Energy efficient

What We Don’t Like

  • Could accidentally brush against the coils.
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7. ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater

ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater Review
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Least Energy-Consuming Car Camping Heater

Heating capacity

80%

Durability

80%

Size and Weight

88%

Safety Features

80%

Key Features

  • Weight- 16 ounces
  • Power- 12V, 150W
  • Easy on/off control 
  • Compact size 
  • Energy efficient 
  • Low noise level
  • Hot and cool settings
  • 3-outlet design for faster heating/cooling
  • Easy to install/use
  • Connects to the cigarette lighter

Technical Specifications

Power150 Watt
Weight16 ounces
Potential12V

Our Opinion

The ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater is a portable car camping heater that uses 150 watts of power. We found the system to make the least noise as compared to all the heaters on this list. The heater was energy efficient given the compact size and low power consumption.

The system was lightweight and portable. We found the device usable throughout the year given its hot and cool settings which could be changed with the flip of a switch. The 3-outlet design ensured faster heating/cooling.

We used the system to defrost the windows and warm up the engine before starting it to prevent engine abrasion because of hypothermia. This system was connectable to the cigarette lighter outlet. One limitation was the low air volume output as compared to other heaters on this list.

Given the low energy consumption and the faster heating system, this limitation can be overlooked. Get your hands on the least energy-consuming car camping heater, the ROYADVE 12V Portable Car Heater.

What We Like

  • Low noise level
  • Energy efficient
  • Portable
  • Both hot and cool settings
  • Faster heating/cooling

What We Don’t Like

  • Low air volume output
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the max voltage a car battery can handle?

Any voltage higher than 15 V can cause electrical system and/or battery damage.

Why did my heater become noisier?

Sometimes when dust gets accumulated in the interiors of the heater can make it noisy.

Why is my heater not working?

A possible coolant leakage or a broken thermostat might be the factors you would want to check.

When do you unclog the heater core?

When the heat output seems to drop then unclogging the heater core by flushing should help.

How long do heater cores last?

Heater cores last as long as 10 years. Unless your heat output is dropping or you suspect a possible coolant leakage, your heater core is just fine.

When does your heater seem to blow hotter air: when driving Vs when idle?

When driving. When your vehicle is in motion, the engine coolant temperature tends to get hotter on the engine before it gets to the radiator, so the heater will naturally heat up more when driving around.

Final Verdict

Let us help you knock off the upcoming camp from your to-do list by providing you with just the right gear. Beat the chill even when you aren’t home by clicking the links provided to shop the best deals. Get ready to stay cozy warm on the go!

All products on this list are great for camping but our personal favorite is the Caframo Limited True North Space heater that is also the best customer rated on amazon. 

If portability coupled with energy efficiency is what you are looking for then get your hands on the Lasko 100 MyHeat Personal Ceramic Heater.

Did we miss something? Any other product that you think should be on the best car camping heaters list?

Do leave your comments below in the comments section so we know if we got your camping needs right.

Don’t forget to tell us about your experience with a listed product.

Happy Camping to you!

Filed Under: Reviews, Camping Heater

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