Ceramic electric heaters

[majaross]

Being as we're about to head out into lower temperatures, we're curious about small ceramic electric heaters as a way to save propane. Has anybody used one? Any comments or advice? Where do you put it the trailer? A clerk in Home Depot today showed me a little -- really tiny -- heater that weighs less than three pounds and claims 1500 watts/12 amperes. He said it should be a foot away from anything. However, the fine print on the box says three feet away is required -- so, would a person sleeping in the front end of a 17A put it on the dinette table, centred, and it would be okay?

Grateful for any comments.

[JeffZ]

We use a ceramic heater.. You'll be amazed how quickly they heat up the trailer..If you have electricity we always use it over the furnace (ours has it's own thermostat ..).

[escape artist]

Hi: All...We have used one since our days in a 13' Boler. Ours has 3 heat settings( we always use low) and put it on the floor in the middle of the trailer blowing towards the bed area. It does a good job...sometimes too good!!! I like a cool sleep my wife likes it hot and that's not always bad Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie p.s. the heater is on the stove cover in this pic.

[Donna D.]

I use some no-name brand with an automatic cut-off switch if it's knocked over. I feel that feature is the most important, especially if leaving the trailer unattended. If you're in a campground and hooked up to power, it's financially smart to use the electric power to heat the trailer rather than propane. I mean, you've already paid for the electricity in the site fee.

At night, I prefer to keep the heat shut off and sleep under an electric blanket.

YMMV

[Hokie Escape]

At night, I prefer to keep the heat shut off and sleep under an electric blanket.

And just hope you don't have to get up in the middle of the night? Because by that time, the seat will really be cold (brrrrrrrrrr).

[gbaglo]

I've got a very small oil-filled radiator. Not as compact as that ceramic but takes little space and it is silent. I used it last winter to keep the temp in the trailer above freezing. I think it's 800W.

baglo

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by HokieEscape

At night, I prefer to keep the heat shut off and sleep under an electric blanket.

And just hope you don't have to get up in the middle of the night? Because by that time, the seat will really be cold (brrrrrrrrrr).

hahahaha yeah, and make the trip quick and getting back under the blanket so much more appreciated. Actually I'm a wimp, don't camp too often down to freezing temperatures. Twice a year October/April is enough for me.

[gbaglo]

I re-read previous thread about ceramic heaters and bought a Honeywell 1,500 watt at London Drugs. Turned it on and it turned me off. The fan was way loud. The fan runs at a constant speed, no matter the heat setting. I suppose that's better than having the fan turn on and off, repeatedly waking you up.

So, I'll take it back tomorrow. The oil-filled radiator I already have is only 800 watts and quite a bit larger, but it is silent.

I plan to test the efficiency next weekend when the trailer becomes the guest bedroom for the sister-in-law. Overnight temps are approaching zero so it should be a pretty good test...

baglo

[escape artist]

Hi: gbaglo... I sure hope you have a positive test result. Otherwise you might get the "Cold shoulder" in the morning!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[gbaglo]

Especially, if I unplug the extension cord to the trailer . . .

baglo

[escape artist]

Hi: gbaglo... Now thats downright.....brilliant Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Hokie Escape]

[quote=gbaglo ]
Yep, I'd say that will be a pretty good test!

[escape artist]

Hi: All... I remember the first electrick heater we tried. It was like sleeping with the setting sun...all night long; in a 13' Boler!!! 8).
At my age I don't need to sleep with the light on!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie