During the scorching midsummer heat, who has the time or inclination to ponder firing up a heater? Chances are, you’re likely overworking your air conditioner, maybe even contemplating installing a second unit.
Just as you meticulously plan your road trip routes, it’s essential to prepare for the impending cold season. Summer seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, the back-to-school rush will be upon us, and it’ll be time to winterize your RV.
Running your air conditioner or heater for extended periods in your trailer can quickly become a costly affair. These units consume energy or fuel, and frequent usage depletes their resources, necessitating costly refills.
Most RV and camper heaters rely on two primary fuel sources: gas or electricity, with some units utilizing both. Propane is also a commonly used fuel source, all of which can drain your wallet.
If you’re tired of constantly shelling out cash to keep your vehicle warm, there are alternatives worth considering. Perhaps you’re contemplating a switch from your current electric or gas setup to something more economical.
All it takes is a bit of ingenuity. In this article, we’ll explore four unconventional methods for heating your camper. As the warm days of July give way to cooler temperatures in August, why not give these alternative heat sources a try? If they suit your needs, you can rely on them throughout the autumn months.
1. Enhanced Insulation
The initial suggestion for warming your camper originates from an RV enthusiast determined to eliminate reliance on propane. Their solution? Augmenting the insulation within their trailer to maximize heat retention.
While investing in DIY insulation (or hiring a professional) can yield substantial long-term savings, it does necessitate an upfront financial commitment. Moreover, it’s a moderately time-intensive endeavor and requires periodic inspection every few months.
Should you opt for insulating or re-insulating your camper independently, directing attention to two primary areas is imperative: windows and vents. These spots are notorious for allowing cold air infiltration. Even the tiniest fissures or gaps in the sealant, glass, or vents can result in persistent chilliness.
Additionally, doors are susceptible to ushering in cold drafts. Once more, any minute perforations in the sealant or weatherstripping can translate to discomfort during colder days and nights.
Here’s a breakdown of how to insulate these critical zones.
Windows
Invest in reflective insulation specifically designed for windows. This material typically appears as a silvery metallic sheet and is available for purchase at prices ranging from $45 to $70 per roll. It boasts an R-value ranging from R-3.7 to R-21, indicating its effectiveness in trapping heat within a space. As a quick reminder, the R-value indicates how well insulation can retain heat, with higher R-values indicating better performance.
To insulate your windows, thoroughly cover them with the reflective insulation, ensuring complete coverage of all glass surfaces. While this approach may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, the resulting warmth is undeniable, particularly beneficial for areas like bedroom nooks with windows.
Vents
Whether it’s hatch vents, roof vents, or wall vents, it’s crucial to cover them all. Opt for vents with thinner plastic material, as they are easier to work with.
There are two primary options for insulating vents. The first option is to invest in a vent insulator, such as the one offered by Camco, available for $15 on Amazon. This insulator typically consists of a sizable piece of insulated foam, sometimes featuring a reflective surface. It effectively maintains the warmth inside your camper during colder seasons and helps trap cool air during the summer. However, ensure that you select the appropriate size for your vents; for instance, the Camco insulator is designed for 14-inch vents. If your vents are larger or smaller, you’ll need to explore other options.
Alternatively, you can use Styrofoam as insulation for your vents. Place it underneath the vent covers to block cold air from entering your vehicle. It’s essential to cut the Styrofoam to fit precisely and may require securing with tape or another adhesive for proper insulation.
Doors
Chances are, you already have plastic wrap lying around at home, right? If so, grab it, because you’ll need it for insulating your camper doors. This DIY project also requires cleaning solution or alcohol, a hairdryer, double-sided tape, and a razor blade (handle with care!).
Start by thoroughly wiping down your door to ensure it’s clean. Next, apply double-sided tape along the edges of the door. Then, cut a piece of plastic wrap large enough to cover the entire door and adhere it to the tape. Don’t worry if there are wrinkles or air pockets; those can be smoothed out later.
Now, plug in your hairdryer and set it to medium or high heat. Begin by applying heat to the edges of the door to secure the plastic wrap in place. Once the edges are secured, gradually move the hairdryer over the rest of the door, but be sure to do so in short intervals to avoid damaging the plastic wrap. By the time you’re finished, there should be no visible wrinkles or air pockets.
Surprisingly, once heated and applied to the door, this insulation method looks better than you might expect. The plastic wrap will stay firmly in place but can be removed if necessary.
2. Solar Heating
While solar panels might not be the most visually appealing feature on rooftops, they serve a practical purpose by harnessing renewable energy from the sun. Solar panels generate photons when exposed to sunlight for extended periods, which can then be converted into electricity, providing warmth for your camper.
For those seeking a rewarding DIY project, Mother Earth News offers a solution: building your own solar heating window box, perfect for smaller-scale applications like camper usage.
According to Mother Earth News, assembling your own window box, known as a Heat Grabber, can cost as little as $35. This budget-friendly solution promises significant long-term benefits for your camper.
For this project, it’s recommended to acquire Celeotex Thermax TF-160 insulation board, specifically designed for the Heat Grabber. This thin board, ranging from 3/8 inches to 1 7/8 inches in thickness, is constructed with aluminum foil and glass fibers. You’ll also need:
- Black paint (Rustoleum preferred)
- All-metal aluminum foil duct tape
- Three pieces of single-strength glass
- 16 No. 8 finishing nails
- Panel adhesive
So, how does the Heat Grabber function to warm up your camper? Essentially, it’s a weather-tight box insulated on the bottom and sides, topped with glass and featuring a lipped insulated divider. Positioned over a windowsill at a 45-degree angle, it captures sunlight. The aluminum foil and black-painted divider absorb sunlight, heating up the air around the Heat Grabber, which then circulates throughout your vehicle.
With an open section for drawing in cold air, the warm air rises, passes through the divider, and can be reheated by sunlight, creating a continuous cycle of warmth.
While the Heat Grabber offers an economical heating solution, it’s worth noting that the area closest to the Heat Grabber will likely be the warmest. Additionally, its effectiveness relies on frequent sunny weather, making it less practical for continuous heating while driving. For optimal results, it’s advisable to keep your camper stationary when utilizing the Heat Grabber.
3. Wood Stove
While a Class A RV might have space for a full-sized fireplace, fitting one into your camper is likely out of the question due to limited space. However, that doesn’t mean you have to abandon the idea of a wood-burning heating source altogether. You just need to explore alternative options, quite literally thinking outside the box.
A wood stove offers a compact solution suitable for your camper. If space is a concern, consider exploring the offerings from Canadian manufacturer Cubic Mini Stoves, known for their mini wood stoves designed specifically for vehicles like yours.
There are several models available, ranging from those that can sit on a shelf to those mounted on the floor or wall. Here are the specifications for a couple of these stove models:
- The Cubic “Cub” CB-1008 measures 11 inches wide, 12 inches tall, weighs 27 pounds, and can burn pressed fire logs, charcoal, and wood. It features a door opening measuring 6×4 inches.
- The Cubic “Grizzly” CB-1210-BR is 13 inches wide, 15 inches tall, weighs 34 pounds, and shares the same fuel compatibility as the Cub. Its door opening is slightly larger at 7×5 inches.
Both the Cub and the Grizzly are available in wall-mount and floor-mount versions. According to Cubic Mini Stoves, their wood stoves can help reduce camper humidity and are considered safer than propane and diesel heaters.
Despite concerns about emissions, Cubic Mini Stoves are designed to be environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. With heat output ranging from 6,000 to 14,000 BTUs, you’ll experience a noticeable increase in temperature almost immediately. While installation is required, the manufacturer assures that it’s straightforward. Constructed with laser-cut steel plates, these stoves are built to last, promising years of warmth and comfort in your camper.
4. Electric Heater
The final recommendation for innovative ways to warm up your camper involves using an electric heater. Similar to a space heater commonly found in households, electric heaters are designed to heat small rooms or specific areas within your vehicle. Placing an electric heater in a central location, especially in smaller campers, can effectively warm up the entire space.
One of the key advantages of electric heaters is their portability. If a passenger feels particularly cold, they can easily relocate the heater closer to them for temporary warmth.
Electric heaters typically contain a resistor, which serves as the heating element. When activated, the resistor generates heat, which in turn produces warm air that circulates within the heater and throughout the camper.
A popular choice among camper trailer owners is Lasko’s ceramic heater. This compact heater can be conveniently placed under a desk, on a shelf, or atop a tabletop. Available in silver or black, it’s priced around $32 on Amazon.
Equipped with a carrying handle, the Lasko ceramic heater offers easy transportation from one area to another. Its automatic overheat protection feature ensures safety by preventing the heater from becoming too hot.
Featuring a fan-only setting for mild warmth, the heater operates at 900 watts on low and 1,500 watts on high. The built-in thermostat allows users to adjust settings according to their comfort preferences.
What sets Lasko’s ceramic electric heater apart is its quiet operation. This feature is particularly appreciated by camper and RV owners, as it ensures peaceful rest without disruptive noise during overnight stays at campsites.