RV camping should be an experience that you look forward to, and one way of doing this is by keeping yourself warm at night. So we find the best space heater for RV life so our cozy feeling never goes away even in freezing temperatures!
What are the best electric heaters for RV camping out there? What about the best heater for RV boondocking?
There are lots of options, from wall-mounted to portable space heaters. But for the sake of efficiency when camping, we are on the lookout for the best portable heater for RV life.
THIS ARTICLE MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. PLEASE READ OUR DISCLAIMER FOR MORE INFO. THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BY JILL GREISING-MURSCHEL, A FAMILY TRAVEL AND RV LIVING EXPERT.
Comparison Guide
What do we need to look for in our quest for the best RV heater? Here are some important features that you should check.
Want To jump ahead? - Click here to see our top pick of the best portable space heater for RV life.
Heat Output
How much heat a heater can generate is, of course, the first thing to look at. If you tend to camp in places with low temperatures (even before nighttime comes), it’s better to get a heater with high BTUs. If not, then the usual range of BTUs might be enough.
Heat Options
Are there heat options? Because you won’t always want maximum heat in your space. Portable heaters for campers are better when you can adjust the heat settings or they have low/high heat options.
Safety Features
Safety always comes first. For the heaters we list below, the power sources are either electric RV heaters or propane gas heaters.
With the advancement of technology and the process of manufacturing products like these, safety is not really much to worry about. But taking the extra step to be safer by buying space heaters for RV camping with safety features can still give you additional peace of mind.
Power Source
Personally, we think that electric heaters work best for RV heating, while propane gas heater are better for boondocking or dry camping. You might also have your own preference for this one, so remember to check the power source for the heater you want.
Run time
Yes, the heat output can be really high, but how long will it last? Keep this in mind as you decide what will work best for you.
Price
What we can’t forget in this list is the price. This is especially important if you are trying to stay within budget. Some RV space heaters are really great but tend to be on the more expensive side.
Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the best RV space heater within your budget. Because we found budget-friendly, yet powerful heaters to be discussed in detail later.
Comparison Chart
| Product | Heat Output (BTUs) | Adjustable heat settings? | Safety features | Power Source | Run Time (hrs) | Price |
| Best Portable Electric Space Heater | 2,500 to ~5,000 | ✅ | ✅ | Electric | As long as plugged in | $ |
| Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy | 4,000 to 9,000 | ✅ | ✅ | Propane | Low: 5.4 High: 2.4 | $$ |
| Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater | ~3,000 to ~5,000 | ✅ | ✅ | Electric | As long as plugged in | $ |
| Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B Propane Heater | 4,000 to 18,000 | ✅ | ✅ | Propane | Low: 11 High: 2.8 | $$$$$ |
What Is The Best Heater For RV Boondocking?
Electricity is pretty scarce during boondocking, so you’ll need one that’s powered by something else. The best alternative to electric power sources would be propane. It’s a cheaper alternative and propane is used in other aspects of camping like propane camping fire pits and also to run your stovetop.
We found the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy to be the best portable RV heater for boondocking in the market right now. And it’s no surprise that it’s a best-seller on Amazon. Or, click here to check out Camping World’s Mr. Heater supply.
Another good point is its price point being on the cheaper side in comparison to other top propane-powered heaters. So, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth (and probably more) with this product.
We’ll break down the features that make this product stand out:
- 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs with low and high heat settings
- Can heat up a 225 sq. ft. area
- Approved for both indoor and outdoor usage
- Long run time (5.4 hours on low heat setting, 2.4 hours on high heat)
- Has Advanced Safety Detection (ASD) Systems
What Is The Best Heater for RV Life?
Thanks to the genius invention that is generators, we can use electricity even when we’re living in a movable vehicle like an RV now. And this allows us to have appliances like heaters powered by electricity. Now, what is the best electric space heaters for RV living?
Right now, the best RV electric space heater is the Best Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat. It’s two-in-one so it also functions as an air fan. This feature makes this heater practical to buy since it’s usable in both warm and cold climates.
We’re also glad to note that electric heaters are relatively cheaper than propane heaters, and this product is very budget-friendly!
A breakdown of its notable features:
- Has two heat levels/settings
- Also works as a cool air fan
- Has a thermostat control
- Tip-over and Overheat protection systems
- Portable design with its carry handle
Top Propane-Powered Space Heaters
The best portable heater for RV boondocking would be a propane-powered one. And on the search for the best portable propane heater for camping, we listed the top ones below:
1. Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy
Our top pick is the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy which is both budget-friendly and powerful. Our favorite detail about this product is its ability to work as a cool air fan as well. Rest assured that it won’t be useless during warm days.
Features:
- 4,000-9,000 BTUs
- Maximum 225 sq. ft.
- 2.4 hours maximum run time at high heat setting (9,000 BTUs), 5.4 hours on low (4,000 BTUs)
- Advanced Safety Detection (ASD) Systems
- Runs on 1lb. Propane Cylinders
2. Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B Propane Heater
Let us tell you right away that most of the products in the list of the best propane RV heaters are from Mr. Heater. Why? It’s a top brand that produces top-quality products (almost all of them best-sellers), and is a fan favorite.
And so our next one on the list is Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B Propane Heater. It’s a very powerful space heater with 18,000 BTUs at maximum heat. But this comes with a price–literally–since it’s kind of expensive compared to the other electric heaters featured in this list.
Nevertheless, it’s a good purchase if you have the budget for it.
Features:
- 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs, with three heat settings (low, medium, high)
- Control knob for adjusting temperature setting
- Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
- 2.8 hours maximum run time at high heat setting (18,000 BTUs), 11 hours on low (4,000 BTUs)
- Advanced Safety Detection (ASD) Systems
- Has a heavy-duty wire guard with shock-absorbing insulation
- Runs on 1lb. Propane Cylinders
3. Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater MH18B Propane Heater is ALMOST identical to the previously mentioned Mr. Heater F274800 MH18B Propane Heater. Except, it runs on 2 1lb. propane cylinders or a 20 lb. cylinder. It’s also a bit smaller.
These small differences placed this lower than the other model, but it’s also cheaper.
Features:
- 4,000 to 18,000 BTUs, with three heat settings (low, medium, high)
- Single control start knob
- Heats up to 450 sq. ft.
- Has automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) and accidental tip-over safety shut-off
- Runs on two 1 lb. cylinders or a 20 lb. cylinder with optional hose
4. Campy Gear 2 in-1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove
Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater & Stove is perfect if you want to be practical and bring as few items as possible camping since it is a 2-in-1 heater and stove.
What makes this product unique is its 360-degree design, different from the usual 90-degree facing one. This means you’ll be freer to move it around since you don’t have to purposely position it against a wall to maximize its heat output.
Note: You can only use it in a well-ventilated place with an installed carbon monoxide detector.
Features:
- 2-in-1 as heater and stove
- 9,000 BTUs
- 360° radiant heating design
- Runs on 110g & 230g butane/isobutane/propane fuel canisters or a 1 lb propane cylinder
- Compact design
5. Mr. Heater F299720 Vent-Free Propane Heater
Do you want a very powerful heater for your boondocking trip? Well, the Mr. Heater F299720 Vent-Free Propane Heater can give up to 20,000 BTUs of heat output. It’s one of the highest heat outputs Mr. Heater products can give.
It can also cover up to 700 sq. ft. area, And it can run for more than 21 hours at maximum heat setting. Talk about powerful!
Features:
- Up to 20,000 BTUs
- 21-hour run time
- Can be wall mounted or placed on the floor
- Runs on propane
Top Electric-Powered Space Heaters
An electric RV heater is perfect for RV living since you’ll have a generator installed. Electricity is also the safest source for indoors. On the lookout for the best RV electric heater? Check our list of the best ones below.
1. Best Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat
Another 2-in1 product topped our list for the best electric RV portable heater–the Best Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat.
GiveBest also made an “upgraded” version of this model which is the Best Ceramic Space Heater with Safety Switch. But the original model remains the best-seller.
Back to the Best Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat, it’s perfect for RV living since it’s also quiet. So you can feel warm without being distracted by too much noise!
Features:
- 2-in-1 as heater and cool air fan
- 750W (~2,500 BTUs) or 1500W (~5,000 BTUs) heat levels
- Thermostat control from 0℉ to 158℉
- Indicator light
- Overheat and tip-over protection
- Carry handle
2. Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater
If you’re looking for a big camper heater for your RV life, then the Lasko 755320 Ceramic Space Heater is for you. It has an adjustable thermostat and 2 heat settings. It also has a remote control to deliver convenience with comfort.
Its digital controls give the product the modern touch it needs!
Features:
- Up to 1,500W/ ~5,000 BTUs heat output
- High (1,500W/ ~5,000 BTUs) and low (900W/ ~3,000 BTUs) heat settings with adjustable thermostat
- Modern features like remote control and digital controls/display
- Cool-touch exterior and overheat protection
3. Andily Space Heater Electric RV Heater
While some prefer bigger heaters since they may be more powerful, others may want a smaller one for better portability. This is where the andily Space Heater Electric Heater comes in. It’s a powerful heater with 3 modes: low heat, high heat, and fan.
Features:
- 2-in-1 heater and fan
- Low (750W/ ~2,500 BTUs) and high (1,500W/ ~5,000 BTUs) heat settings
- Has thermostat
- Automatic overheat and tip-over safety systems
- Quiet
4. Aikoper Space Heater
We want the warmth that the best space heater RV can provide. And sometimes, we want it right away. While other heaters take some time to heat up, the Aikoper Space Heater prides itself for its advanced technology which allows it to heat up 3 seconds into turning on.
It’s also energy-efficient so you won’t have to worry too much about your bill.
Features:
- 3 heat settings
- Also functions as a fan
- Adjustable Thermostat
- Built-in handle and compact design
- Fast heating
- Energy-efficient
5. PELONIS Ceramic Space Heater
Your choice for the best heater for camper can be on the bigger side. Especially if you have a bigger camper or RV. Good thing that we have another choice here which is the PELONIS Ceramic Space Heater. We especially love its sleek and modern design.
We say it’s modern not just because of the design, but also because it has a programmable thermostat setting. It also has an ECO mode that we did not see in other top heaters.
Features:
- Fast-heating
- High, low, and ECO heat settings
- LED display screen
- Top control panel
- Overheat and tip-over safety systems
Check out the best generator for RV living, click here or consider finding the best RV vacuum cleaner to keep your space clean.
It can be dizzying to find the best product for you when there are tons of options. But hopefully, we helped narrow down your choices with this list.
Have you had a heater before for boondocking or RV living? Would you recommend getting them? Tell us below!
This RV heater from Handy works really well for the camper. I bought it to plugin but my plug was a little low in my teardrop so I decided to mount it up a bit higher and use a 3 foot 10amp ( 16 GA) extension cord. I tested the unit and it pulls under 4 amps on high speed then drops to under 1 amp when only the fan is blowing. The controls are easy to use. My camper is only 15X7 and it heats it up very quickly. The heater is very lightweight. The unit pulls airflow from the bottom thus it is designed to plug directly into the wall. Also, the plugin the back rotates in case your outlet is upside down or sideways, the heater could still be positioned vertically.
Thank you for sharing, that’s really helpful.