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"Cheap Heat system"

Any experience with RV solutions "cheap heat" electric heat add on system?
Is an electric heat option to allow electric heat/ propane heat through existing furnaces.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #1 –
No knowledge of the product mentioned, but why complicate things?  A few small electric ceramic heaters spaced around the coach seems to work well for us.  They are quiet, inconspicuous and inexpensive, plus they allow "zone heating" of different areas of the coach.  Granted, we don't camp in sub-zero conditions, but if we did, THEN we would use the very effective original propane heaters (with the attendant fan noise).

But, as always, you should DWMYH (Do What Makes You Happy)
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #2 –
We've used these in three coaches, including some pretty cold temps! :
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
A few small electric ceramic heaters spaced around the coach seems to work well for us.  They are quiet, inconspicuous and inexpensive, plus they allow "zone heating" of different areas of the coach.
I looked at that system a few years ago. I can't remember exactly why I didn't go that route. There some issue with fit IIRC.

Since then we have used small electric 1500w heaters. One in front and one in the bath. They work great down to the 40ºs. I leave the propane furnace on about 68º. That way if the electrics can't keep up the propane kicks in.

The heaters also saved our butts during a winter in Denver where the low hit -9º overnight. Moved one into the wet bay when the cube heaters we were using couldn't cut it.

As Chuck says DWMYH.

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #4 –
I use a Mr. Heater propane heater because I'm rarely plugged-in but I also have a "Milkhouse Heater" which works great if I am plugged in. I use a lamp with a 40 watt bulb plugged into a Thermo Cube (powered by my small inverter) under the couch to prevent the water pump and pipes from freezing up if it ever gets that cold. You could do the same thing in the basement to keep your pipes from freezing up.
*I earned early on that the RV furnaces are propane and power hogs and put an undue strain on my house batteries -- especially in a series of cloudy days around the winter solstice.

Utility 'Milkhouse' Style Electric Space Heater #DQ1702 - Walmart.com

TC-3 Cold Weather Thermo Cube Thermostatically Controlled Outlet - On at...
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #5 –
I've used ceramic heaters myself,  and it worked fine with little investment.
 Was thinking that with the furnace blower and furnace thermostat the temperature would be more even. Park,  plug in,  flip a switch to "electric" and let 'er rip!
 But they run for $750 + install and that'll pay for a ton of ceramics.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #6 –
Unvented catalytic heaters get the most from each propane BTU and produce very little CO. Not as safe as the OEM blower noise heaters but they don't waste about 40% out the exhaust either.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Moby –
RV Comfort Systems - The CheapHeat System - YouTube
Lol. ONLY $995 -- plus installation.
A Milkhouse heater and a Thermo Cube will cost you a total $38 and you can go get them at Walmart and plug them in in a seconds.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Unvented catalytic heaters get the most from each propane BTU and produce very little CO. Not as safe as the OEM blower noise heaters but they don't waste about 40% out the exhaust either.

Pierce

I have a "Little Buddy"  catalytic heater that I used in a previous 5th wheel.  I agree, they are very efficient.  Puts out lots of heat, but also puts out lots of water vapor that condenses on ever cold surface.
40ft 1997 U320

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
Lol. ONLY $995 -- plus installation.
A Milkhouse heater and a Thermo Cube will cost you a total $38 and you can go get them at Walmart and plug them in in a seconds.
I know. Like I said,  lots of ceramic heaters for that.
I just like the idea of being able to choose my heating method, like the hot stick does for water.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #11 –
10K BTU Blue flame from Northern, blows you out of the MoHo, with no electric loss.
Window cracked, with vent cracked, no worries.
Removed the drawers in the lower side of hutch, because we never used them. Goes right in there when not in use.Can move it around.
On 10' quick disconnect LP hose, Teed in below at Water heater LP line.

Cheap as chips:

Mr. Heater Propane Vent-Free Blue Flame Wall Heater - 10,000 BTU #MHVFB10LP...
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #12 –
Just a cautionary note: I had a problem getting the furnace to light in my 1st (1981) Foretravel. I got that fixed easy enough but in the process I found that the exhaust pipe was totally rusted through. It could have burned the coach down or killed me with CO.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #13 –
Check your model and serial number as there are a number of recalls on furnaces/water heaters.

P
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #14 –
We use the oil filled heater like Mike, plug it in at the front of the coach under the dash that's the coldest area. Camped at 9,000 ft with 3" of snow and temps down to 20 we had the heater set at medium heat no problem toasty all night.
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #15 –
We put our little electric heater up front, a small 12V fan blowing toward the back of the coach up near the ceiling, and open any cupboards that have water lines in their bottoms. Works great and no problems at all---except when the door latch froze while at Potter's Creek one year. Hairdryer took care of that.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #16 –
On an ORED the front propane furnace ducting runs next to the water lines under the sofa and feeds into the valve compartment in front of the water tank.  The furnace heat keeps the water lines and water tank from freezing. 

If you look closely you will see the water lines are not against the side walls.  Less chance of freezing.

Would recommend you keep the front furnace on somewhat if you are using a ORED in below freezing temps for any extended length of time.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #17 –
Rather than turning on the front furnace we propped the couch open with a soda pop can just so air would circulate under the couch and on the lines.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD
 

Re: "Cheap Heat system"

Reply #18 –
The back side of the "L" shaped water tank is against the front firewall.  The front furnace ducting turns and ends  in the "well" where the "toe" of the water tank connects to the drain/fill valves.

Extended real cold weather may  require some heat to the tank IMO. 

Plus warmer water extends the water heaters ability to produce hot water
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4