The Greatest Campervan Heaters to Correctly Warmth Your RV [2024]

Searching for the very best campervan heaters? These are our high 8 picks for heating your van in 2024. 

Though we’re personally not huge followers of cold-weather tenting, there’s something lovely and serene about waking up surrounded by snow.

That’s, assuming you really slept via the evening and didn’t spend the entire time shivering!

Van life is all about journey – each huge and small. It opens us to the world by permitting us to stay in and discover all kinds of locations at varied occasions all year long.

And when you’ve possible packed away all the camper van necessities and your favourite out of doors gear, having campervan heating is important to with the ability to take pleasure in among the colder nights.

Many campers love to go to snowy locations in winter as a result of the crowds are considerably decrease at the moment of yr.

Locations like Banff, within the Canadian Rockies, Queenstown in New Zealand and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, are winter fanatics’ goals.

However for those who take pleasure in colder locations it’s a must to have a plan for staying heat. Each moveable and stuck campervan heaters are the right resolution for those who benefit from the cooler aspect of van life.

Nonetheless, choosing the proper heater just isn’t simple. There are quite a few components to think about equivalent to van measurement, gas value and consumption, security options and warmth output. Furthermore, there are several types of heaters: air heaters, fuel heaters, diesel heaters and wood-burning stoves.

Whenever you add up all the totally different choices, there are a great deal of campervan heaters to select from.

However don’t get overwhelmed. Despite the fact that we personally do our greatest to keep away from the chilly, we nonetheless have strategies of utilizing quite a lot of the merchandise we’ll describe under to maintain us heat within the occasion we simply can’t get away from the great thing about the mountains in fall and winter!

Be aware that as we dive deeper into the subject of staying heat inside a camper van, in case you are on the planning levels of your campervan conversion make sure you examine the significance of correct insulation in your van.

Not solely can it hold you hotter within the colder climates, but additionally you’ll keep cooler in the course of the hotter months.

However for those who’ve already correctly insulated your van, then let’s soar proper into our vote for the very best campervan heater.

Our Decide – Mr. Heater Moveable Propane Heater

A number of heater settings

Computerized shutoff when tipped over

Fueled by a number of propane sources

Greatest Campervan Heaters

Whereas there are many choices to select from, these are the very best camper van heaters we’ve discovered to maintain you heat on the street!

We’ve reviewed each to let you understand what we like and don’t like and assume you’ll be capable of make a greater buy resolution by the tip of this publish!

To be sincere, the considered a diesel heater or wood-burning range inside a campervan just isn’t completely interesting to us.

However we now have included the top-rated merchandise for every of those under. And we’re not specializing in the handfuls of choices for different forms of camper van heaters.

As an alternative, we’ve narrowed this listing all the way down to the 8 high suggestions for any form of van dweller in search of respite from the chilly.

Greatest Total: Mr. Heater Moveable Propane Heater

• Value Vary: $125 – $150
• Sort: Moveable Propane
• Energy/Gas Supply: Propane
• BTUs: 4,000 – 18,000

Mr. Heater might be probably the most versatile and greatest campervan heater on our listing. The small propane-powered heater can generate a stable 18000 BTU warmth which might warmth 450 sq. toes of space in minutes.

It has three warmth settings to manage the quantity of warmth generated – low, medium, and excessive – producing 4000 BTU, 9000 BTU, and 18000 BTU, respectively.

As a gas provide, you possibly can join two commonplace 1lb propane tanks. This makes Mr. Heater good for each indoor and out of doors utilization. Or you possibly can plumb it into your propane system or carry a bigger 20 lb propane tank for peace of thoughts.

The heater itself has high-quality nickel, metal, and plastic building. The heating floor has a porcelain coating for fast warmth era.

We expect this is a wonderful alternative as a result of it’s small and light-weight sufficient to be carried wherever on the campsite. Furthermore, the stable, grippy deal with retains your palms off the warmth.

So whether or not you need to hold your cozy tiny dwelling heat or care to share a little bit warmth and dialog with new associates on the street, that is your go-to on this regard.

So far as security goes, the heater has an computerized shut-off if the heater ideas over, when the oxygen stage is low and when the pilot gentle goes off. So you possibly can sleep simple understanding that you’re secure all through the evening.

On the draw back, tenting in excessive elevations just isn’t going to be nice as a result of it might not function over 7,000 ft. Furthermore, Mr. Heater just isn’t identified for gas effectivity and has comparatively excessive vitality consumption.

So, we suggest protecting an additional propane tank in case you are planning to cook dinner and run the heater on the identical tank. Or, in fact, for those who’ve created a fast join choice to your propane system then you definitely’ll be worry-free.

Greatest Diesel Heater: Eberspacher Espar Airtonic S2 D2

• Value Vary: Over $1,100
• Sort: Diesel
• Energy/Gas Supply: Diesel Gas Tank
• BTUs: 2,900 – 7,500

Eberspacher has been promoting high-quality heaters for over 40 years. The German firm is widespread for its van diesel heater which could be discovered in lots of European van fashions, such because the Mercedes Sprinter.

The Airtronic D2 is a dependable diesel heater producing 2.2kW or 7,500 BTU of peak warmth output. The operation is noiseless, due to its brushless motor and silent gas pump.

D2’s gas consumption is economical. It solely burns 0.1L to 0.28L diesel per hour. The regulating vary is between 2900 BTU and 7500 BTU adjustable via the useful EasyStart PRO. It additionally has a seven-day programmable timer.

Diesel heaters face difficulties at excessive altitudes, however Eberspacher Airtronic D2 will work completely at 3,000 m or about 9800ft. And you may add a high-altitude package for even larger journeys. All of the connectors and electrical harnesses come within the field.

We’re not large followers of including a diesel heater to a campervan as a result of many of the greatest campervan fashions within the US and Canada have gasoline and never diesel engines. However if in case you have a Mercedes Sprinter or one other imported European mannequin, chances are you’ll discover the effectivity of this diesel heater is tough to cross on contemplating you do not want a separate gas tank.

And you’ll possible additionally need to search the skilled assist of mechanical consultants in relation to putting in this diesel heater.

On the draw back, the value is kind of substantial. As a matter of reality, it’s the very best of any choice on this listing. And as we’ve talked about, a diesel heater will do you no good for those who drive a gasoline-powered van.

However it’s a worthy and safer funding for any camper touring via chilly areas.

Greatest Propane Furnace: Dometic DFSD 12111 Small Furnace

• Value Vary: Over $1,200
• Sort: Propane Furnace
• Energy/Gas Supply: Liquid Propane (LP)
• BTUs: 12,000

The Dometic DFSD 12111 Small Furnace is an electrical furnace camper van heater. The comparatively compact and light-weight heater quickly warms the whole van effectively.

At 7″ x 12″ x 20″, the small Dometic furnace conveniently suits just about wherever you need it to slot in the camper. It could possibly produce 12,000 BTU and begins on a 12v electrical provide whereas working on propane.

Additional, it may be mounted both horizontally or vertically, supplying you with a variety of choices for placement inside your camper van conversion.

We’re huge followers of this propane heater and we might have made it our high decide it wasn’t for the truth that many van dwellers are intimidated by the dimensions of the heater, the actual fact you want a comparatively massive completely put in propane tank and the set up requires that you just punch a gap someplace into your camper van.

Having used bigger variations of this Dometic furnace in varied bigger RVs prior to now, we might extremely think about deliberately making the area this extra compact model in any future campervan we personal. After all, to make it worthwhile we might even have to vary our touring habits to incorporate colder climates.

One other downside could be its weakly constructed physique. You’ll need to be sure that to depart area round it whenever you body it to provide it sufficient room to vent extra warmth via the vents. And regardless of what the official documentation says, you’ll need to put money into your personal ducting and thermostat to take advantage of this fuel heater.

Greatest Catalytic Heater: Camco Olympian RV Wave-3

• Value Vary: $350 – $400
• Sort: Catalytic
• Energy/Gas Supply: Liquid Propane (LP)
• BTUs: 1,600 – 3,000

The Camco Olympian Wave-3 is among the many greatest heating choices for a campervan. Catalytic heating could be very efficient because the fuel waste is nearly zero. However this makes it a barely dearer various to Mr. Heater.

There are two warmth ranges producing, 1600 BTU and 3000 BTU, consuming just one/15lb and 1/8lb of propane per hour. Fixed working prices are meager. A 1lb propane tank will hold 100 sq. toes heat for five to 12 hours.

Security options embody auto shut-off in case it tipped. Additionally, as a catalytic heater, it consumes propane and produces no carbon monoxide, so it’s a good choice for small campervans.

We’re huge followers of this mannequin due to its gas effectivity and the actual fact it requires no supply of electrical energy to run.

We love area heaters as a result of, like catalytic heaters, you possibly can direct the warmth the place you desire to it.

However area heaters require a 120-volt energy supply, whereas this Camco Olympian Wave-3 doesn’t.

On the draw back, the quantity of air flow required is big because it wants oxygen to function.

So you’ll have some warmth trade-off as an open window attracts loads of warmth exterior. Nonetheless, it’s a stable heater for a small campervan, pushing out between 1,600 to three,000 BTUs in as much as a 130-square-foot area.

Greatest Area Heater: Honeywell HCE200W

• Value Vary: $35 – $50
• Sort: Area Heater
• Energy/Gas Supply: 110V Electrical energy
• BTUs: N/A

The Honeywell Uberheat is an energy-efficient and inexpensive moveable ceramic heater. This small electrical heater is the very best for small to medium vans because it creates loads of warmth in a small area.

It options two warmth settings and an adjustable thermostat, though you need to be warned that the temperature regulation just isn’t correct. On thermostat mode, the heater basically simply shuts off as soon as it has run for therefore lengthy. Then it begins again up once more.

With its trendy minimalistic look and glossy black grill, it’s good for indoor and out of doors utilization.

Honeywell has not compromised on security. The compact heater encompasses a tip-over and overheating safety. Furthermore, all of the wires have high-grade silicone overlaying, and the plastic physique doesn’t warmth up. The heater will flip off if an object equivalent to a blanket or clothes will get too near it, additional stopping a fireplace.

We’re huge followers of this little heater and have traveled with ours since we left in our first RV in 2018. Though we depend on our Suburban furnace primarily as we spend most of our time boondocking with out shore energy, we nonetheless hold it round for the times once we splurge on a proper campsite, or once we are camped at a good friend or member of the family’s home.

The thermostat does work for us, to a point. However it isn’t as correct as of that on our furnace. We principally go to sleep with the heater working in thermostat mode after which get up someday later to the heater turned off. Then someday later we’ll hear it crank again on.

The draw back of this ceramic heater could be the wrong temperature management. There aren’t any temperature markings with the dial so it’s just about simply turned on or off. This heater additionally requires a 120-volt energy supply so you possibly can solely run it in case you are plugged into shore energy or have a generator powering your camper van. 

Runner Up: Andily Area Heater

• Value Vary: $20 – $30
• Sort: Area Heater
• Energy/Gas Supply: 110V Electrical energy
• BTUs: N/A

The Andily heater is one other nice ceramic campervan heating choice so near the Honeywell UberHeat that we needed to embody it as a runner-up on this class.

The heater has three warmth ranges producing 1500-watt, and 750-watt and the third one is the fan-only mode. The outside is gorgeous with two dials on high—one for the adjustable thermostat and the opposite for mode choice.

A ceramic warmth supply will get sizzling in simply two seconds and generates ample warmth output for a campervan. The heater is nice for small areas, so we suggest protecting them near the mattress.

Andily heater additionally has tip-over and overheating safety. Furthermore, the ETL certification ensures reliability and security. That is additionally powered by 120-volt electrical energy so that you received’t be capable of use it all over the place chances are you’ll need to journey. 

As talked about above, this was an in depth second decide to its Honeywell counterpart and we might say in case you are available in the market for a smaller heater you possibly can run on 120-volts then you possibly can simply flip a coin between the 2.

The Andily does are typically barely cheaper. So if you wish to save a number of {dollars} you possibly can go together with it.

Greatest Wooden Range: Kimberly Tiny Wooden Range

• Value Vary: Over $4,000
• Sort: Wooden Range
• Energy/Gas Supply: Wooden
• BTUs: As much as 40,000

The Kimberly tiny wooden range is a premium and trendy wood-burning range that is likely one of the extra distinctive heating choices in a camper van.

The EPA-certified campervan heater retains your tiny dwelling heat and comfy across the evening on one load of wooden.

The tiny wooden range produces loads of dry warmth, upwards of 40,000 BTU per hour. This enables it to effectively warmth a small campervan or bigger skoolie very quickly.

It’s among the many greatest camper van heaters for individuals who want dry warmth and have a gentle supply of wooden gas.

The wooden range doesn’t have any transferring electrical elements like a fan or blower. However wooden stoves are identified for doing an distinctive job of warmth distribution.

Kimberly’s tiny wooden range has probably the most pleasing design and look which compliments each kind of van inside.

As we talked about on the high of this publish, we’re not huge followers of wooden stoves in campervans. Whereas they’re boutique and catching on amongst these in van life, we really feel they don’t seem to be very sensible.

The price of firewood has elevated dramatically through the years, so except you intend to camp indefinitely in nationwide forests the place wooden is plentiful, the prices will add up.

Additional, you’ll want a devoted area away from the supply of warmth of this range. Area – the ever-elusive nemesis of van life!

One other draw back to think about is that the wood-burning range weighs a whopping 56 lbs. Furthermore, the hefty price ticket just isn’t going to attraction to each camper. But it surely does add a flare of dwelling and is a traditional for bigger vans.

Greatest Heating Different: H-Hour Electrical Blanket

• Value Vary: $30 – $50
• Sort: Electrical Blanket
• Energy/Gas Supply: 110V Electrical energy
• BTUs: N/A

Typically the very best campervan equipment aren’t as strong and fancy as you assume they need to be. Van Life is understood for inventive problem-solving options.

An electrical blanket is an inexpensive heating choice for van lifers. The H-Hour Electrical Blanket is a 12V car-warming blanket that has heating parts that hold issues heat beneath the blanket.

The delicate and heat blanket has a 100% polyester fleece building. It plugs into the cigarette outlet of the camper van or you should utilize an adapter to plug it in an outlet.

The blanket is supplied with a thermostat and has two-level warmth management. It’s massive sufficient to roll round an individual, making it an ideal companion for a solo camper.

We like the concept of utilizing this heating blanket as an alternative of investing in bigger, costlier campervan heating choices as a result of it does the trick after which packs away right into a small area whenever you aren’t utilizing it. However then once more, we want to go to colder climates for brief intervals of time the place this might work properly.

The H-Hour blanket is a good heating system for minimalists and people who don’t love to do something greater than dabble within the chilly. You may hold your self heat and pile on different blankets and layers of clothes if the chilly is insufferable.

Total an electrical blanket is an inexpensive various to a dearer campervan heating choice.

What to Search for When Selecting the Greatest Campervan Heaters?

When you haven’t already determined which form of campervan heater is greatest for you, we’ll provide you with a little bit perspective on this part on what it’s best to think about when procuring.

Many components like worth, working value, set up, gas kind, and gas consumption are taken under consideration earlier than selecting the very best heaters.

Sorts of Camper Van Heaters

There are a number of forms of campervan heaters and the sky is the restrict to various choices equivalent to layering your clothes, including further blankets, or just avoiding the chilly in any respect prices!

12v Electrical Heaters

Electrical heaters convert electrical energy into warmth. A 12-volt heater is usually small and might run in your van’s battery financial institution. The warmers don’t often emit any odor or fuel, so they’re secure for extended utilization.

12v heaters are a great choice for a small campervan as a result of they’re cheap, small, and produce sufficient warmth to maintain the van cozy.

Heated Blankets are one other type of 12v heater. They connect with the cigarette outlet and hold you heat across the evening with minimal energy utilization.

Keep in mind, when utilizing something 12-volt in your van it would be best to be sure to have an adequately sized battery financial institution and maybe a battery monitor for peace of thoughts understanding which you can go to sleep working your heater with out damaging the batteries.

120V Electrical Heaters

120V heaters are the large energy shoppers. They’re the higher performer however devour a loopy quantity of electrical energy.

Even if in case you have a massive battery financial institution and a sizeable inverter, working them with the van’s battery is a foul concept in case you are out for a very long time.

They devour a lot vitality that they may draw your batteries all the way down to unsafe ranges very quickly. Utilizing it with the shore energy is the higher alternative.

Propane Heaters

Propane heaters are a well-liked heating system for van lifers and campers. The working value of propane heaters is less expensive than {the electrical} heaters. Furthermore, propane fuel is abundantly obtainable and it’s possible you’ve already included a sturdy propane system into your campervan construct.

A propane heater makes use of radiant warmth to unfold the heat. Some heaters even have a fan for efficient and sooner warmth distribution. You may as well get a conveyable propane tank to make them extra versatile.

The warmers use correct combustion for heating, so the warmth output could be hazardous in some circumstances. So, it’s important to have a carbon monoxide detector and correct air flow to keep away from any mishap.

Diesel Heater

Diesel heaters are one other sensible choice for campervans. The heater is usually put in underneath the seat as a result of it connects on to your diesel tank.

Diesel heaters are nice as a result of diesel is often available and used within the automobile’s engine. Furthermore, they’re fairly vitality environment friendly. Typical diesel heaters solely devour 0.3L per hour.

The preliminary set up value of diesel heaters could be costly, however they’re a superb heating choice in the long term… so long as your van runs on diesel!

Wooden Stoves

Wooden stoves are nice for chilly climates. Relying on the place you journey, gas is affordable and available. You may even get it free in varied locations all through the US. Their warmth output is great and environment friendly.

Many issues about wood-burning stoves entice campervan homeowners. Their lovely look and the vibe of sitting in entrance of a wooden hearth in winter is outstanding. They will function in excessive altitudes with low oxygen as a result of they’re, properly, fires.

However the worth and value of set up aren’t pleasant to each van lifer. Furthermore, you’ll need some further issues like a chimney, vent pipe, heat-powered fan, and humidity monitor amongst different issues. And area – don’t neglect in regards to the area you’ll must hold secure for those who go for a wooden range.

Energy Supply

Initially, a heater’s energy supply is a vital consideration when purchasing for a camper van heater. As mentioned above, it may be electrical, diesel, propane, or wooden, relying on the selection you make.

Decide a tool that may completely suit your van. For instance, if the campervan doesn’t have correct air flow, then go for an electrical heater. If the air flow is nice, then you possibly can select between propane, diesel, or wooden range. However take note wooden heaters could be outsized for a small camper.

So, think about all elements of your van earlier than selecting a heater based mostly on its energy supply.

Ease of Use

How simple or arduous is it to make use of and preserve a heater? Can a beginner or an individual with a bit of information preserve the heater?

Propane and electrical heaters are simple to make use of and preserve, the controls are simple, and fault tracing just isn’t difficult. In distinction, diesel heaters are sophisticated to keep up as a result of these heaters are like mini engines.

And do you are feeling comfy working a propane heater via the evening? Or would you like the simplicity of an electrical blanket?

There are many issues to think about for every choice and we suggest that you just look again via the professionals and cons of any choice you might be contemplating.

Time to Warmth Area

How a lot time does it take to warmth the van? That is one other essential criterion to think about earlier than shopping for camper heaters.

You’ll not solely think about the time taken but additionally how effectively it could actually preserve a selected temperature.

For instance, the Kimberly Tiny Wooden burner can quickly warmth the camper van however sustaining a temperature is tough. Whereas electrical heaters will take a while to warmth the area, they will effectively protect fixed temperature.

Campervan Heating Security

There are various dangers related to camper heating methods. Heaters pose a big risk that van lifers ought to pay attention to.

Firstly, there’s nearly at all times a fireplace hazard if you find yourself coping with making a warmth supply. Hold the vents open and place the heater away from flammable objects. Furthermore, some van lifers put their moist socks or garments over the warmers or dangerously near them, which isn’t behavior.

There’s one other threat of tipping over, which might additionally begin a fireplace. Think about shopping for a heater with an auto shut-off choice and hold the warmers in a secure place.

Diesel and propane heaters also can trigger carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a tasteless and odorless fuel that causes suffocation. So, it’s vital to have a carbon monoxide detector and correct air flow for those who go that route.

Wrapping Up

Van life is filled with choices. That is very true in case you are planning a camper construct and you could assume via any home equipment, equivalent to heaters, which will require extra everlasting set up.

Though we’re huge followers of propane furnaces as a result of their warmth manufacturing, the actual fact we run different home equipment off of propane as properly they usually have a extra correct thermostat, the most suitable choice for anybody in van life is Mr. Heater.

Our Decide – Mr. Heater Moveable Propane Heater

A number of heater settings

Computerized shutoff when tipped over

Fueled by a number of propane sources

Gas it with two 1 lb canisters or a bigger container. Hold it indoors or share the heat with associates exterior when you benefit from the evening sky. By far the most well-liked and helpful heater choice for van life is Mr. Heater.

You may be hard-pressed to search out anybody in van life who spends any period of time in chilly climates with out this easy-to-use and cheap moveable heater.

Hook it as much as a 20 lb propane tank or moveable canisters and also you’re able to go.

With a number of warmth settings and an computerized shutoff within the occasion it ideas over, you possibly can relaxation simple having fun with the heat of your van whereas the winter world passes exterior you.

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