Hopping into your RV and hitting the road can make for a perfect winter vacation- but when the temperature drops, you need to have the inside of your RV toasty warm. That is where RV furnaces come in. However, not all RV furnaces are effective – that’s why we’ve compiled our top picks for RV-friendly heaters powerful enough to throw out plenty of heat.
In this elaborate guide, we will outline some of the critical aspects to consider when purchasing your RV furnace and provide a review of the best RV furnace choices out there.
Source: carbibles.com
Buying Guide
For starters, here are some of the things you need to understand before purchasing a furnace for your RV.
- Heating needs: The size of space you want heat matters. For instance, do you need a furnace that heats your entire RV, or are you looking for one with more localized heat?
- In what climates you mainly operate in or inhabit your RV?: If you mainly inhabit your RV in colder climates, you require an efficient heater with a high enough BTU to keep the spaces within your RV heated. It is even critical if you are in areas where it is perpetually cold since this will need more heat, thus increasing your reliability on your unit.
- Size does matter: If you need a standard suburban RV furnace, you are required to stick to specific dimensions. Whereas if you opt to go for an electric model, you are not as limited in space. The bigger the furnace, the more area/heat it is likely to cover as well.
- Conduct the necessary scrutiny: You need to identify whether your RV has any built-in air vents, pipes, or other determinants that may affect the kind of heater you need to buy.
- Our recommendation: We recommend that customers look for furnaces that have additional features that suit your specific needs and increase the level of comfort of your living space. Some of the best include environmentally friendly units and ones fitted with PTC/NTC thermistors. Moreover, be sure to buy a furnace that is not likely to produce carbon monoxide or cause fires.
Buying Recommendations
Budget RV Furnaces
Check out our top picks for budget-friendly Furnaces
1. Handy Heater Wall Heater – Editor’s Pick
BTUs: 12,500-BTU/h
Product Dimension: 4.5 x 5.7 x 7.8 inches
Noise Level: fair
Expected lifespan: durable
- Heavyweight durable construction
- Makes a good amount of heat
- Swivel plug for upside-down use
- Is fairly quiet for a heater
- It has sort of a plastic smell
- EASY TO USE: The Handy Heater is made for your convenience. Simply plug in the Handy Heater into any outlet for quick and easy heat instantly!
- DIGITAL TEMPERATURE DISPLAY: The Handy Heater features a digital temperature display where you can adjust to your ideal temperature. It also features a programmable 12-hour timer.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Have warmth and comfort wherever you like to relax - the Handy Heater’s compact design allows to travel with you wherever you’d like to keep warm.
2. Lasko CD09250 Ceramic Heater
BTUs: 5,118 BTU/h
Product Dimension: 5.7 x 3.7 x 9 inches
Noise Level: fairly noise, but the longer it runs the quitter it gets
Expected lifespan: durable
- Automatic overheat protection
- The controls are straightforward to operate
- Very portable and can be strategically placed where you need it most
- Does not automatically shut-off when tipped
- ✅【3 QUIET SETTINGS】Including high heat, low heat, and fan only make this electric space heater ideal for warming up an area in your home or home office. Combined with an adjustable thermostat This personal space heater is great for small areas.
- ✅【ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT】Allows you to adjust the heater's 1500 watt ceramic heating element. With 11 different temperature settings you're sure to find a comfortable setting. Simply turn the dial to the heat setting you desire and enjoy comforting heat.
- ✅【CONVENIENT CARRY HANDLE】The built-in handle makes it easy to move the space heater. Thanks to the heater's compact Size and convenient carry handle you can easily move the heater from the kitchen, to the bedroom, or under the desk.
Premium RV Furnaces
These furnaces are our premium picks
1. Camco 57351 Olympian Wave-8 LP Gas Catalytic Heater – Editor’s Pick
BTUs: 8,000 BTU/h
Product Dimension: 23.4 x 17.6 x 5.7 inches
Noise Level: quiet
Expected lifespan: durable
- It doesn’t burden your electricity supply
- Has an auto shut-off valve
- Can be wall-mounted, so you don’t have to stoop down when you have to regulate heat levels
- No thermostatic control
No products found.
2. Bovada USA 166648 Ceramic Space Heater
BTUs: 5,120 BTU
Product Dimension: 10 x 6 x 6 inches
Noise Level: noisy
Expected lifespan: durable
- The ceramic heating disperses the heat remarkably well
- The manual dial settings are straightforward to use
- Portable
- Powerful for its size
- Very compact and lightweight
- Very noisy
No products found.
Electric RV Furnaces
Check out our top picks for electric-powered furnaces
1. DeLonghi Oil-Filled Radiator – Editor’s Pick
BTUs: 5120 BTUs
Product Dimension: 5.9 x 13.8 x 24.9 inches
Noise Level: Quiet
Expected lifespan: durable
- Able to sustain a nice warm temperature with the aid of its ComforTemp feature
- Very efficient and saves money when used correctly
- Makes no vibration or sound
- Can run continuously for weeks or days on end without any issues
- Takes a while to heat space up
- Simple Controls allow you to easily adjust power level and temperature.
- Up to 20% more efficient* deploy the ComfortTemp feature to automatically maintain the optimal temperature and power levels. *versus using the same unit thermostat at max setting without ComfortTemp
- Exclusive thermal slot design maximizes heat flow into the room while maintaining a low surface temperature
2. Multifun Ceramic Space Heater
BTUs: 4095/5120 BTU/hr.
Product Dimension: 5.00 x 5.00 x 5.00 Inches
Noise Level: fairly quiet
Expected lifespan: durable
- Made of long-lasting materials
- Automatically shuts down when tipped over
- Small, compact size
- Heats space fast in the maximum setting
- Vibrates when running, perhaps because of the fan
- Releases a chemical smell when utilized for the first time
- 【ETL & UL CERTIFIED SPACE HEATER】This portable space heater is made from flame-retardant materials. With ETL and UL certification, this space heater is safe and reliable. The ceramic heater has OVERHEAT and TIP-OVER protection, it will automatically shut off if the temperature exceeds the limit value or is knocked over accidentally and back to work once it gets to a safe temperature inside or stands safely again.
- 【2 SECONDS WARM-UP】With PTC ceramic heating technology, 1500W output, and high-speed fan, this electric heater put out tons of heater to heat up 108 sq. ft. in seconds and produces no red light or flame. Angled legs make heat distribution wider and allow air to blow upwards. It's quiet enough to use in a bedroom while sleeping. Your ideal personal heater to keep your room cozy and get good sleep through the harsh winter.
- 【ADJUSTABLE THERMOSTAT】This small space heater features an adjustable thermostat control dial, easily preset the thermostat within the range of 41°F - 95°F. Always keep your room temperature at the most optimal level and reduce your power consumption. The electric heater is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, studies, offices, garages, etc.
3. Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater
BTUs: 2,559 BTU
Product Dimension: 7.2 x 8.6 x 23 inches
Noise Level: virtually quiet
Expected lifespan: durable
- Has three settings: High heat, Low heat, and Auto where the thermostat is utilized
- Features a programmable digital thermostat
- The furnace runs very quietly
- Distributes warmth quickly
- Its oscillation mode is distinct- a striking feature during the heating process.
- Has a timer functionality
- Comes with an automatic temperature control
- When the heater is turned on, it has its default settings on high heat mode
- No safety shut in case the heater is tipped over
- ✅【2 QUIET SETTINGS】 This electric space heater features 2 quiet heat settings (high heat and low heat), plus an adjustable thermostat that will maintain the temperature in the room. The optional widespread oscillation feature on this heater evenly distributes warm air throughout the room.Cord Length: 6'.
- ✅【REMOTE CONTROL】 Use the multi-function remote control to turn the heater on/off, set the timer, turn the oscillation on/off or adjust the thermostat. For an added convenience, there is storage for the remote control on the back of the heater so it won't get lost.
- ✅【ADJUSTABLE TIMER】This tower space heater features an auto-off timer function. Set the timer from 1-8 hours (in 1-hour increments) and the heater will automatically turn off after the selected timer.
Gas/Propane RV Furnaces
Check out our top pick for gas/propane furnaces
1. Mr. Heater MH9BX F232000 Buddy Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater – Editor’s Pick
BTUs: 4,000-9,000 BTU/h
Product Dimension: 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches
Noise Level: makes no noise
Expected lifespan: durable
- Heats your space up in just a few minutes
- Automatically shuts off when tipped over, or when the oxygen level is low, or when the pilot light goes out
- You can effortlessly carry it with you, even when switched on
- Does not vibrate and makes no noise
- Takes a while to heat your living space, but since it is a radiator, that is anticipated
- PORTABLE HEATER: Portable propane heater designed for emergency heat, tents, campers, job sites, porches, decks, garages, tailgates, barns, sheds, ice fishing, hunting blinds, and more
- HEAT SPACE: Perfect for heating enclosed spaces up to 225 square feet
- PROPANE GAS: For use with propane gas; Runs off a 1-pound cylinder of propane and can connect directly to a 20 pound cylinder with optional hose and filter
2. Suburban 2453A Dynatrail NT-30 RV Furnace
BTUs: 30,000 BTU/h
Product Dimension: 24.4 x 14.6 x 14.6 inches
Noise Level: quiet
Expected lifespan: durable
- Makes use of electric ignition
- Can heat all the rooms in a large RV
- Durable and can last for 30 years or more
- Automatically closes the gas valve when no flame is detected
- More expensive than portable heaters
- Can be intimidating to install for a beginner
- Not portable
- Electronic ignition
- Vent assembly included
- Ideal replacement furnace
3. Suburban NT-16SEQ 2438ABK Furnace
BTUs: 16,000BTUs
Product Dimension: 23.7 x 13.7 x 11.5 inches
Noise Level: Fairly quiet
Expected lifespan: Can last thirty to forty Years
- Easy to install (ductless)
- Utilizes electronic ignition
- Can warm the entire RV
- Durable
- Automatically shuts the gas valves when no flame is detected
- Expensive
- Not portable
- Electronic ignition
- Vent assembly included
- Ideal replacement furnace
Final Thoughts
There is no disadvantage to installing an efficient furnace on your RV. However, it is essential to choose one that fits your needs. There are several factors involved when selecting the right furnace, but keep in mind that safety should always be your first concern.
Check out our list of the best RV furnaces (both electric and gas/propane powered) above and we’re sure you won’t regret your choice.
Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API