If you love camping all year round and you’re looking for the safest space heater for RV use to stay warm during the cooler months, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve looked at many different space heaters to find the ones that offer the best safety features and are most efficient at keeping your RV warm in winter. Read on to discover our list of the best RV space heaters and our buyer’s guide to help you find the best option for you.
As the colder weather begins to settle in, getting the best space heater for your RV is critical. It can actually turn those bitter cold nights into a cozy atmosphere that will provide the perfect amount of heat in your RV throughout the upcoming nights.
We dove deep into the research needed for finding the safest space heater for your RV, and below you will find our top choices for the best portable heater for RVs.
Our Recommendations: Portable Space Heaters
- Heat Storm Radiant RV Space Heater (Best electric heater for RV)
- Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater (Best heater for RV boondocking)
- Webasto Diesel Heater RV (Premium Option)
- Caframo Electric RV Space Heater (Best portable RV heater)
- Camco RV Catalytic Heater (Best RV propane catalytic heater)
- MaXpeedingrods 12V Air Diesel Heater (Best Diesel heater RV)
- Andily Space Heater (Best small RV space heater)
Quick Answers: Space Heaters
Let’s take a look into the most important factors for purchasing a portable space heater and find out which space heaters are going to give you the biggest bang for your buck and keep you and your loved ones safe and warm in your RV.
1. Heat Storm RV Heating System
Best electric heater
The Heat Storm Space Heater is a great heater because it simply uses 110 volts and the infrared system is incredibly energy efficient!
The HMS dual-wall technology and the smart Wi-Fi technology allow you to control the temperature of your space heater right from your phone regardless of where you are or where you go!
What we liked most:
- Control Everything From Your Phone
- The Grill Is Safe To Touch, No Need To Worry About Your Kids Or Pets Getting Hurt!
- Cord Can Be Hidden When Installed Over An Outlet
- Option To Mount On Your Wall
- Easy To Move – Portable And Lightweight
- Automatic Shut-Off If Tipped Over While Running
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly space heater with great safety features and that’s really efficient, you should take a look at the Heat Storm Infrared Space Heater.
We found this one to be the best electric heater because all you need to do is set the temperature you want and it maintains that temperature by automatically shutting off and back on when needed.
We were very happy with this function because we never had to get up and adjust the heat and it maintained the perfect temp inside our camper the entire time.
The only downside is that even if the Heat Storm is considered energy efficient, this is not the best option while camping off-grid because it’s hard on your battery with its high amp draw.
Overall, this is is our favorite electric heater because it’s super-efficient and is really easy to adjust from a distance. If you do most of your camping on powered sites, then you won’t go wrong with this one.
>>You can find the Heat Storm Space Heater on Amazon.
Specs
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 15.8 x 7.2 Inches
- BTU: 5200
- Power Source: Electric
- Draw: 1500 watts/12.5 amps
- Adjustable: No
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted Option: Yes
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer
2. Mr. Heater Big Buddy Heater
Best Heater For RV Boondocking
No electricity? No problem! With this big buddy, you can go completely off-the-grid and still keep your RV toasty warm! The Mr. Heater Buddy is a reliable portable heater with great heat output and it’s perfect for winter RV camping!
What we liked most:
- Suitable for indoor/outdoor use. Safety features include auto shut-off in event of a tip-over, if the pilot light goes out, or if low oxygen is detected.
- It has a fold-down handle for easy transport and stowing.
- Keeps you warm for up to 8 hours when running off the two 1 lbs. propane tanks and 200 hours on two 20 lbs tanks!
We really like the Mr Heater Buddy because it produces amazing heat for an area up to 450 sq. ft. We think this propane heating system is perfect for most winter RV camping needs and a great option for boondocking.
>>Grab the Mr Heater Buddy on Amazon.
Specs
- Weight: 16 lbs.
- Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 17.8 Inches
- BTU: 4000 – 18000
- Adjustable: Yes
- Power Source: Propane
- Battery Required: Yes (for fan)
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted: No
- Warranty: 1 Year Limited Warranty
3. Webasto Diesel Heater RV
Premium Option
If you’re looking for the top-of-the-line safest space heater for your RV, then our Premium Pick the Webasto Diesel Heater comes with all the bells and whistles!
With its impressively low level of diesel and electric power consumption, you can almost hear a needle drop because of how quiet it is. Ok, I may be exaggerating here because you do hear it run but it’s still pretty quiet for a diesel heater.
It’s the most compact Webasto heater with an output of 2 kW but it’s powerful enough to keep you comfy and cozy on a cold winter night.
What we liked most:
- Low-Level Diesel Consumption
- Temperature Controlled Rheostat
- Everything Included To Set It Up Professionally
- Standard Electrical Harness And Connections
- Easy To Install Instructions
- Includes Secure Standard Floor Mount Plate For Additional Safety
- Webasto 24 Months Warranty
This is a great option for larger RVs because the power of heat that this Webasto Diesel Heater RV premium pick provides will keep you toasty all night long. We loved how efficient and how simple it was to use and how comfy and cozy it kept us through the night.
Being that this model is on the higher end – it’s much more professional looking and probably needs space to get it some of its own appeal and character. This wasn’t an issue for us because our warmth far outweighed the appearance!
Specs
- Weight: 5.99 lbs.
- Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 12 Inches
- BTU: Air Top 2000 STC
- Adjustable: Yes
- Power Source: Diesel
- Battery Required: No
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted: Yes
- Warranty: 2 Year
4. Caframo Electric Space Heater
Best small space heater for RV
The Caframo Limited True North space heater is really lightweight and comes equipped with five different settings to choose from. There are so many cool things about this heater, from the adjustable power to the forced heat – this is a great compact choice!
We were super impressed with the Caframo Electric RV Space Heater, we found it to be the most compact Space Heater.
What we liked most:
- Multiple Settings – Up To Five Different Settings
- Kept Us Safe With Its Dual Overheat Protection
- At 38°F / 3°C – The Anti-Freeze Setting Is Activated
- Compact Size And Easy To Use
- Five Year Warranty
- Portable And Can Be Easily Placed In Most Open Areas
The Caframo is one of the safest space heater options for RVs. This electric heater has great safety features, a very useful built-in adjustable thermostat. With its compact and durable design, we think it’s the Best Space Heater for small spaces.
It may be small but it did keep our RV warm and cozy on colder nights. Plus, we loved the convenience of the compact size and that it was pretty straightforward to set up and use.
>>You can find the Caframo Space Heater on Amazon.
5. Camco RV Catalytic Heater
Best propane catalytic heater
This is an extremely efficient space heater and is one of the best space heater for safe use in an RV. It produces enough heat to warm 230 square feet of space.
The Camco comes with the option for wall mounting to save room on the floor or can be used as a portable heater anywhere you choose to use it.
What we liked the most:
- Safety Shut-Off Valve
- Can Be Used In Both Your RV And Or Home
- Low-Pressure HD-5 Propane Gas For Being Efficient And Safe
- No Battery Or Electrical Drain
- Produces ZERO Harmful Amounts Of Carbon Monoxide
- Portable Or Mountable
- Adjustable Heating Temperature
The Cameo Olympian RV Wave-6 LP Gas Catalytic Safety Heater is unlike other flame type heaters wasting up to 45% of all the heat produced – this RV propane heater comes with incredible catalytic heating that is 99.98% efficient!
One of the hidden features this best overall space heater offers is how quiet it is – with no fan or blower noise, you won’t be annoyed by any additional sounds at night while sleeping. We slept like babies all night long and rarely heard it during the day.
Overall, we were really impressed with the Camco RV Catalytic Heater because it gave us the heat we needed while feeling super safe in our camper! Plus, the built-in automatic electric Piezo sparker can last for as long as 20,000 starts!
>>Get the Camco RV Catalytic Heater on Amazon.
Specs
- Weight: 14 lbs.
- Dimensions: 21.25 x 15 x 5 Inches
- BTU: 6,000
- Adjustable: Yes (From 3,200 to 6,000)
- Power Source: Propane
- Battery Required: No
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted Option: Yes
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturer
6. MaXpeedingrods 12 V Air Diesel Heater
Best Diesel Heater RV
If taking your RV off the grid gets your adrenaline pumping, then this Best Heater For RV Boondocking is the way to go! With being an impressive 12V 5KW Air Diesel Heater for RVs, you won’t need to worry about those chilly nights.
It comes in a sturdy metal and plastic combination that is ready to use within minutes.
What we liked most:
- Low Power and Fuel Consumption Rate
- Safe Portable Unit
- Automatic Temperature Control with Pre-Set Capabilities
- Extended Engine Life with Independent Heating
- Diesel Operated
- Super Quiet Operation Through the Night
- With No Electrical Drain or Battery Connection – It’s The Perfect Solution For Boondocking!
We thoroughly enjoyed using the LCD dynamic display to check the running state and temperature coming out of the heater, it made our camping trip super comfy.
With the low fuel consumption and the heater exhaust making this an exceptional environmentally worthy product, you can’t go wrong with this 12 V Air Diesel Heater – the Best Heater For RV Boondocking!
>>Get the MaXpeedingrods 12 V Air Diesel Heater here.
Specs
- Weight: 23.4 lbs.
- Dimensions: 415mm x 180mm x 415mm
- BTU: 5KW (Heat Power)
- Adjustable: Yes
- Power Source: Diesel
- Battery Required: No
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted: No
- Warranty: 1 Year
7. Andily Space Heater
Best Small Portable Space Heater
Don’t let the small size of this Andily Small Portable Space Heater, with its compact design – this ceramic heater is one of the Best Portable Electric Heaters we’ve seen. It gives a big punch for such a small device, heating up your RV fairly quickly.
What we liked most:
- Three Different Heating Modes, Including Fan Only Option!
- Ceramic Heater Elements
- Small Size And Portable – Carrying Handle For Easy Transport
- Awesome Thermostat System – From Heating Up The Whole RV, To Just Keeping Our Feet Warm, Perfect In Every Way!
If you’re looking for the safest space heater with an automatic overheat protection system that’s easy to move around, then the Andily Small Ceramic Space Heater is worth looking into.
We were really pleased with how lightweight and easy it was to move from one area to the other when we needed more warmth in our bedroom before going to bed at night.
We really enjoyed how fast this portable electric heater worked in warming up our RV.
>>Grab the Andily Space Heater here.
Specs
- Weight: 2.42 lbs.
- Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.74 x 8.3 Inches
- BTU: 750W / 1500W
- Adjustable: Yes
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Battery Required: No
- Battery Option: No
- Wall-Mounted: No
- Warranty: 1 Year
Safest Space Heater For RV – Buying Guide
Types of RV Space Heaters
Here are the three main types of portable heaters that you can use in an RV.
Electric Heaters
Depending on your experience and comfort level, you may prefer using an electric RV heater.
It requires less upkeep and doesn’t constitute a suffocation risk as it doesn’t produce any toxic emissions which in turn keeps the air cleaner.
Electric space heaters are generally easier and safer to run than gas heaters.
There are four main types of electric space heaters: convection heaters, fan-forced heaters, ceramic heaters, radiant heaters, and infrared heaters. The main difference is their method of producing heat.
- Convection Heaters
Convection heaters use convection currents to maintain spaces at high temperatures. The currents circulate throughout the body of the appliance and across its heating elements.
The good thing about convection heaters is that their surfaces don’t get too hot making them a safe choice in RVs.
- Fan-Forced Heaters
Fan-forced heaters work by using a fan to pass air over heated coils and out into the air. Fan-forced can heat your RV quicker than a heater without a fan but they are of course, noisier.
- Radiant and Infrared Heaters
Radiant heaters transfer the heat they generate directly to people and objects nearby. They’re slower than fan-forced heaters but are really effective at keeping a space warm.
They’re an ideal choice in smaller campers where people can remain in direct line of sight of the heater.
Another benefit of this type of heater is that they don’t get as hot to the touch as other electric heaters.
All in all, electric heaters are a great option to keep your RV warm. However, since they do draw a lot of power, these are ideal if you have a powered site.
RV Gas Heaters
Something to consider before purchasing a heater for your RV is whether you will have access to electricity or not. In the event you’re not near a plug-in, a propane or diesel heater is likely the more reliable choice.
Gas heaters can heat up small spaces really quickly. They’re easy to use and can provide heat over long periods. As an example, the Mr Heater Big Buddy space heater runs for 4 hours on high and up to 8 hours on low setting on two 1-pound propane canisters. With a 20-pound propane tank, it can provide up to 100 hours of heat.
If you understand that heating an RV with a gas heater requires some ventilation and you follow the manufacturer’s safety measures, you shouldn’t encounter any issues with this type of RV heater.
How To Choose A Safe Heating System For Your RV
Safety is always the first thing to keep in mind when choosing a portable space heater for your RV. So when considering purchasing a new space heater for your RV, there are a few factors you should take into consideration.
Of course, price is always a factor and you need to look at the options that fit your budget, but here are a few other things to consider:
Electric Versus Gas Or Diesel
Some people prefer electric over fuel, and that really boils down to personal preferences because there are plenty of options for the safest space heaters for RVs using both of these options.
When looking at our Best pick above for the safest space heaters for your RV, the Mr. Heater Big Buddy is the most efficient choice and the safest one we’ve used with an RV propane heater.
However; if the electric is your preference – then definitely check out the Heat Storm Space Heater above for the Best Electric Heater for your RV simply because it uses 110 volts and the infrared system is incredibly energy efficient!
The Size Of Your RV Space That Needs To Be Heated
The safest space heaters for RVs will vary in different sizes and watts. So be sure to take this into consideration when thinking about buying one.
Our premium pick above, the Webasto Diesel Heater RV is great for the larger RV’s – it can heat up your entire RV and then some, yeah, it’s that powerful! So if you like it toasty inside your RV, you’ll definitely want to check this one out!
Kid And Pet Friendly
Let’s face it, some of us want to make sure our kiddos and or furry best friends aren’t in harm’s way if they happen to bump into or touch our space heater. If you are traveling with either, then you will want the safest space heater for your RV.
The Heat Storm Space Heater above was our pick for the Best Electric Heater for your RV for a lot of reasons, including being kid and pet friendly! Nothing more important than keeping your loved ones safe while keeping them cozy and warm.
How To Reduce Your Risks When Using An RV Heater
We want you to be warm, comfortable, and SAFE when using a portable space heater in your RV. So below are a few things you can do to get yourself prepared and make your experience memorable for the sights, not the problems you might encounter if you don’t follow some important guidelines.
7 Tips For Reducing Risks While Using an Portable Space Heater
- Read that instruction manual (twice if you need to) and then follow the instructions to the tee. Don’t take shortcuts, these often end up being unnecessary risks.
- Location, Location, Location! Be sure to place or install your space heater out of the way from pets and children. It should also not be in a heavy traffic area, just look for an open space on level ground that is out of the way.
- Now you need to make sure the one you purchase has safety measures that include automatic shut-off when being knocked over.
- Make sure you plug your space heater directly into an outlet – do NOT use extension cords and be sure to keep any flammable items at least 3 to 5 feet away from your RV space heater.
- It is absolutely mandatory to have adequate ventilation when using any fuel-burning space heaters and to follow the instructions of the manufacturer on how to install any additional pipes or tubes for assisting in the ventilation process.
- Make sure your RV has proper detectors installed that can detect harmful things like carbon monoxide, smoke, and gas. These can be a lifesaver, don’t skimp on these!
- Perform check ups before each trip to make sure that your space heater is working properly (including the CO sensors) and be sure to look at the cord and plug to make certain that they are still in perfect working condition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are RV Space Heaters Safe?
In a short answer, yes, RV heaters are safe to use when following the manufacturer’s instructions.
And with all the choices available today, the standards and regulations have made it very safe to use an RV heater.
In fact, the electric heaters are super-efficient and don’t have any odors that some of the fuel space heaters tend to give off. But there are also fuel heaters that have no smell and have been proven to be super safe as well.
However, remember that just because there isn’t a flame doesn’t automatically mean there isn’t a risk – there is always a risk when using an external heat source.
Be sure to know what amount of electrical current your RV can support if choosing to use an electric space heater.
And it’s important to know what your plug receptacles can handle – the amps can vary and you need to make sure yours will support whatever space heater you should choose to buy.
2. How Can I Heat My RV Without Electricity?
There are other options for heating your RV without using electricity, in fact, gas propane and diesel options are highly recommended to use for the best space heaters for RV usage without consuming electricity!
Check out our Best Heater For Boondocking – the 12 V Air Diesel Heater! You can go off the grid with this incredible space heater and not have to worry about finding a power source for days!
3. How Do I Keep My RV Warm In The Winter?
Just choose the safest space heater for your RV and allow it to warm up your RV on the coldest winter nights! The best space heaters for RVs can be used both during the day or night – whenever you feel a chill, just turn your space heater on!
Want to control the temperature from your chair? Then check out this cool modern design with remote control – Lasko Electric Space Heater For RV, where convenience meets comfort!
4. How To Choose The Right Size Heater For My RV?
You will need to know the approximate living space you are wanting to heat in your RV before deciding which space heater for RVs will work best for you.
Of course, the portable modules will offer more flexibility than the mounted or fixed spaced heaters in your RV. If choosing the best electric space heater for your RV – you have a lot more options of where you want to move it and plug it in.
When choosing gas propane or diesel space heater for your RV, then you want to know the surface that needs to be heated and buy one according to your needs.
5. Can You Leave A Propane Heater On All Night?
First, it is always recommended to sleep in cooler temperatures for better sleep and improved health. But okay, some nights can be extremely cold and you might want some extra heat.
So, in this case, we suggest checking with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines because some propane heaters are equipped to run through the night when certain safety measures and conditions are met.
However, be mindful of how these will affect the oxygen levels in your RV, and make sure the one you choose has support for allowing fresh air to come in through an attached hose or fixed pipe.
Note: Make sure you have installed all the necessary detectors for keeping you and your loved ones safe: carbon monoxide, smoke, and fuel detectors are recommended.
6. Can You Get Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From A Propane Heater?
When using a propane space heater properly, the risk is greatly reduced. However; it’s important to know that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can happen within minutes and can be deadly.
It’s imperative to make sure that your RV propane heater is set up accordingly and kept in the best working condition at all times. Regular maintenance should be performed to avoid any risk of malfunctioning parts.
Be sure to always consult the manual and follow all the safety setup instructions completely to avoid any additional risks.
7. Is It Cheaper To Heat With Electricity Or Propane?
It has been proven that propane heat is more economical and much more efficient than using electricity to heat your RV. This also will depend on the National fuel prices as well, however; you will almost always find that propane is cheaper than electricity.
Now if you are staying somewhere with un-metered electricity, then by all means go for the electric heater and plug in all your extra appliances since you won’t be absorbing any of the costs.
But if you are going to wing it and stay as you go on your road trip, then perhaps an RV propane heater would be most cost-effective and the best option if looking to cut costs.
If you will be staying at an RV park most of the time, then it would be best to check with the property to see what the cost is per kilowatt of power at their establishment and then do the math to see which one would be more cost-effective for you.
Note: Boondockers would benefit from propane for a number of reasons, but mainly because they don’t typically have the means to ‘plug up’ whenever needed.
Worth Mentioning: If you plan on buying your propane from the park or having it delivered – you will pay the highest prices and it will not be cost-effective at all!
8. Does Mr. Buddy Heater Produce Carbon Monoxide?
Mr. Buddy heaters normally come with a low oxygen sensor that will shut off automatically if it senses too little oxygen in the air, avoiding that carbon monoxide is being produced at a dangerous level.
Nowadays, many of the other propane or gas heaters also have sensors that can be used to shut off automatically as well for the same reason.
If considering the best space heater for your RV and you are thinking of getting either a propane or diesel space heater – be sure to check with the manufacturer on how they are preventing the production of carbon monoxide.
Note: It is extremely important to make sure the sensors are kept clean and working at all times for them to work accordingly.
In a Nutshell
If you’re like us, then you love taking a road trip in the winter with your RV and spending a few days, weeks, or even months exploring the mountainside or the coastal lines. But you also know that some nights the temperatures can fall very quickly leaving your RV a bit chilly!
This is why we took the time to research and test some of the safest space heaters for RVs and came up with our reviews for the Safest Space Heaters For RVs. We wanted to see which ones were the best space heaters for RVs and share what we found with you.
We personally love the Heat Storm Radiant Space Heater because it’s energy-efficient, you have the option to mount it on the wall and you can control it from your phone anywhere you are. The Mr Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater is also one of our favorites because you don’t need power to run it which makes it perfect for camping off-grid.
There are definitely pros and cons on all sides of the coin for the best electric heater for RV’s, best diesel heater for RV’s, and the best RV propane heater – but what really matters the most is what YOU are comfortable with using it.
We don’t want you to lose sleep worrying about carbon monoxide or the idea of sleeping with a propane heater on all night, so if that seems like it would weigh heavy on your mind – then go with one of our picks above to find the best electric heater for your RV.
Now that you are ready to heat up your RV, it’s time to plan the perfect road trip to test the waters, unless you are planning on doing this in your backyard, and that’s perfectly fine too!
Stay warm and cozy this winter with the very best portable space heater!
