Franck Wang 
As a teenager, camping was my go-to family vacation. During the cold weather, we always traveled in my uncle’s recreational vehicle, and my parents always promised me that it would be warmer.
By the way, I then wanted to have my own RV, but I didn’t know how old to rent an RV.
I remember on one occasion when the propane heating systems went down. We spent a cold night together beneath blankets in the recreational vehicle until my uncle got the materials required to heat the RV without using propane. It was during this journey that I discovered the essence of heating systems.
Most recreational vehicles come with a propane heater and are great. They are safe if you’re well-informed about the required maintenance, they are easy to use, and most are automatic.
However, if your RV does not have a propane system or you want to switch for some economic reasons, there are a few alternative heat systems for your RV.
Below are some of the alternatives to heat your RV without propane.
How to Heat an RV Without Propane.
Using equipment designed to heat the air in an RV is known as acting heating. This differs from increasing RV insulation, which only helps retain heat inside the vehicle without directly heating the air.
Numerous active heating instruments may be used, each with its benefits and drawbacks that we shall go through further down.
On the other hand, active heating devices have one thing in common: they require an energy source, whether gasoline or electricity. Let us look at how to heat an RV without propane.
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Solar Heating.
Solar power is one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways to heat your RV without propane. Solar energy is a completely renewable resource used to generate electricity, which can be used to run space heaters, electric blankets, or other heating devices.
I’ve seen one made from a photovoltaic panel that generates power and a heat panel that absorbs heat from the sun. The fan draws in air, which is then warmed by the heat panel and recirculated by the fan.
The sun’s rays are strong during the winter and may provide enough power to heat an RV if you position your panels properly. While solar power costs more than other heating technologies, it will save you money in the long run.
If your recreational vehicle is solar-powered, you can park it anywhere and stop whenever you want without being restricted to campsites with power.
Ceramic Electric Heaters.
Ceramic electric heaters are one of the most popular ways to heat an RV without propane because they are inexpensive and easy to find.
They work by using electricity to heat a ceramic plate, emitting infrared waves that warm anything nearby, much like the sun. They warm up the RV faster than conventional electric heaters.
One of its benefits is that it can be used indoors and are a great option for heating an RV without propane. They’re also relatively small and can easily be stored away when not in use.
However, ceramic electric heaters do have some drawbacks. They’re not as efficient as other heaters, so you’ll likely need to use more electricity to heat your RV. Additionally, they can be a fire hazard if not used properly.
Infrared Electric Heaters.
Infrared electric heaters work similarly to ceramic electric heaters, but they’re more efficient.
They work by using electricity to heat a metal coil, which then emits infrared waves that warm anything nearby.
One benefit of infrared electric heaters is that they’re more efficient than ceramic and will therefore use less electricity. Additionally, they’re safer than ceramic electric heaters because there’s no fire risk.
However, infrared electric heaters do have some drawbacks. They can be more expensive than ceramic electric heaters and are not as widely available. Additionally, they’re not as effective in larger spaces because the infrared waves don’t travel as far.
Electric Space Heaters.
An electric space heater is a type of heater that uses electricity to heat a metal coil. The heat from the coil is then circulated through the room by a fan. One benefit of electric space heaters is that they’re relatively inexpensive and widely available.
Additionally, they’re effective in larger spaces because a fan circulates the heat. However, electric space heaters have some drawbacks. They are not as efficient as other heaters, so you’ll likely need more electricity to heat your RV.
Oil Heaters.
Oil heaters work similarly to ceramic heaters, but instead of using electricity, they use oil. Oil is heated inside the heater and emits infrared waves that warm anything nearby.
One benefit of oil heaters is that they’re more efficient and will use less electricity. Additionally, they’re safer than electric heaters because there’s no fire risk.
However, oil heaters do have some drawbacks. They can be more expensive than others and are not as widely available. Additionally, they’re not as effective in larger spaces because the infrared waves don’t travel as far.
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Kerosene Heaters.
Kerosene heaters work similarly to oil heaters, but instead of using oil, they use kerosene. Kerosene is heated inside the heater and emits infrared waves that warm anything nearby.
One benefit of kerosene heaters is that they’re more efficient and will use less electricity. Additionally, they’re safer than electric heaters because there’s no risk of a fire.
However, the drawbacks are that they can be more expensive than electric heaters and are not as widely available. Additionally, they’re not as effective in larger spaces because the infrared waves don’t travel as far.
RV Heat Pumps.
A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one place to another using a compressor and refrigerant. In the cold, a heat pump extracts heat from the air outside and transfers it into your RV. In the summer, it does the reverse by removing heat from your recreational vehicle and releasing it into the air outside.
A heat pump is an air conditioning device that heats and is not cooling. Most pumps perform dual roles and can be switched between heating and cooling your RV depending on your demands.
Heat pumps are more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than electric heaters, but they will cost you a lot more upfront.
RV Hydronic Heating System.
A hydronic heating system is a type of radiant floor heating that uses hot water instead of electricity to heat your RV. Water is heated by either a propane-powered boiler or an electric element and circulates through PEX tubing on the floor.
If your RV has a hydronic system, you’re in luck. If your RV is new, it most likely has a hydronic heating system. The operation of RV hydronic systems is similar to that of home heating systems.
The water and anti-freeze are combined, heated by the engine while driving and by a little boiler system when parked, then pushed through a series of pipes to small radiators strategically placed throughout the RV.
Because of the dangers, you must be more cautious since the boiler is usually powered by diesel or propane.
RV Insulation Heating System.
RV insulation heating is one of the few things you can do to keep your recreational vehicle warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Most RVs come with some form of insulation, but it’s often not enough.
Typically, RVs are created to be lightweight when pulling them, which means they are not holding heat properly. Meanwhile, there are a few simple efforts that you can make to increase the insulation in your RVs.
Covering Your Hatch Vent as an RV Heating Strategy.
As you know, hot air rises. So, if your RV has a hatch vent on the ceiling, all the heat goes out through that vent.
You can find special covers for these vents that will help insulate and keep the heat in your recreational vehicle.
You should look for any gaps that are letting air, and heat, escape and cover them with whatever you can: styrofoam, blankets, or durable tape. Just stop the warm air from escaping from your space.
You should also search for any holes that allow air and heat to escape and cover them with anything available: styrofoam, strong tape, or blankets. Seal your home’s supply of warm air.
Insulate the Window to Prevent Heat from Escaping.
Another way to keep heat from escaping your RV is by insulating the windows. You can purchase special window insulation kits that will do the trick.
You can also make your window insulation by covering the windows with bubble wrap and taping it in place. This method is not as attractive, but it’s effective.
You could also buy special window insulation kits or make your own by covering the windows in bubble wrap and taping it into place. The latter isn’t as attractive, but both methods are effective.
RV Wind Skirting.
If you park in a particular area for long, you may want to try skirting the external area of your RV. It involves using materials to block the bottom of your recreational vehicle to prevent the wind from getting underneath.
Wind skirting can make a big difference in how warm your RV feels, and it’s especially helpful if you’re parked in a spot for a longer period.
Wind blowing and cold air across the bottom of your recreational vehicle will defeat other alternatives for keeping your RV warm.
Continue Driving to Keep the Recreational Vehicle Warm.
If nothing else works, it’s okay to give up. It’s not a good to keep waiting in the cold, stubbornly hoping things will improve.
Choose to continue driving your recreational vehicle; if you’re doing this, the engine will generate enough heat to keep the inside of your RV warm.
Of course, this won’t work if you’re parked for long periods, but it’s a good way to keep the temperature up if you’re on the road.
Use A Portable Heater to Keep the RV Warm.
As one of the last resorts, you can use a portable heater to keep your RV warm. Do this if you’re parked and have no other options for generating heat.
Portable heaters can be dangerous, so make sure to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Also, never leave the portable heater unattended while it’s on. You better to be in safety than sorry, and you don’t want to cause a fire.
Power Generator or Shore Power Are Proven Solutions for Heating RV Without Propane.
You may not have ponder on it, but if you can get access to shore power, use it, or if you have a portable power generator, you can use that one too to heat your RV.
This is one of the best common ways people heat their RVs without propane. Invest in a generator if you want to go boondocking in winter.
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Lay Solar Panels for Regular Recharge.
You could install solar panels on your RV. You can recharge the battery regularly and use it to power a space heater or other electric devices that generate heat.
If you want to disconnect for a few nights without driving, put a few solar panels on your roof to keep your battery bank charged while the heater runs.
High-quality solar panels will provide you with electricity during overcast days.
Combine Your RV Air Conditioning System With A Heat Pump.
If you have an RV air conditioner, you’re in luck. Most units come with a heat pump that can be used to generate heat.
All you need to do is switch the mode from cooling to heating, and the job is done.
Of course, this method won’t work if it’s too cold outside, but it can be a lifesaver if you’re in a pinch.
Use Your RV Furnace as an Emergency Heater.
If everything fails, you can use your RV furnace as a last-ditch effort to generate heat.
However, keep in mind that using the furnace will deplete your propane supply quickly, so you should only do this as a last resort.
It’s also worth mentioning that some RVs don’t have furnaces, so this won’t be an option for everyone. But if you have a furnace, it can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Radiant Flooring Keeps Your Toes Warm.
One of the best things you can do to keep your RV warm is to install radiant flooring.
Radiant flooring uses electricity to generate heat from the low-voltage circuits in the subflooring, which is then transferred to the floor.
This heat then radiates outward, keeping the entire RV warm. They absorb far less energy than portable heaters and radiate warmth from your feet to your body.
Radiant flooring is a great way to stay warm without worrying about a propane heating system.
Wood Burning Stove is a Natural Source of Heat for The RV.
Another great way to heat your RV without propane is to install a wood-burning stove. Wood stoves are the best choice for RV campers that spend most of their time dry camping in colder climates.
Wood stoves require venting. A pipe will be installed in your wall that exhausts outside through a hole. Look for a wood stove model with a larger top surface if you want to use it for cooking food.
Wood-burning stoves are a great source of natural heat and can be used to heat your RV in the winter months. Just follow all the safety instructions that come with the wood stove, and never leave it unattended while it’s on.
Wood stoves for RVs are inexpensive to operate, the wood needed to power them is not costly, they are highly efficient, and they create a wonderfully warm atmosphere in the RV.
Wear More Clothes and Thick Socks to Keep Yourself Warm.
Of course, one of the simplest ways to stay warm in your RV is to wear more warm clothes and much more thick warm socks.
Wear layers of clothing that you can remove if you get too warm. And don’t forget to wear many thick socks before bed to keep your feet warm all night.
Use Layers of Blankets and Electric Blankets.
Just as more clothes were recommended, use layers of blankets too. It will keep you warm all night. Bring a few blankets, which may be used on and off as weather conditions change.
Also, an electric blanket is a must-have for winter camping. An excellent electric blanket may save you money on propane and electricity during winter.
Conclusion.
Conclusively, Getting propane for heating a recreational vehicle is becoming more difficult. However, the alternatives that have been explained above are some of the ways to heat your RV without using propane. What other ways have you successfully heated your RV without propane? Comment below and share your knowledge with the audience.
