Electric heating in a camper or trailer

Every time the main heating system in our camper or trailer needs to run on gas or diesel. This is the most effective solution, distributing warm air throughout the car. It reaches every corner, including cabinets and drawers, and works great in very cold temperatures. Electric heating should be considered as additional - it reduces gas consumption and ensures less frequent replacement of cylinders. 

First of all, let's put an end to a common myth - if we are talking about any kind of heating, do not forget to connect it to an external 230V power source. Radiators that run on 12V are just a “marketing gimmick” that will drain your battery in just a few moments. Their effectiveness is practically zero. The same applies to all floor heating mats - they also work effectively when connected to a 230V network. 

This is the most frequently asked question in both Polish and foreign groups of autotourists. Let's do the math. For an 11-kilogram cylinder of pure propane you will have to pay an average of 80 zlotys. Depending on various factors (read: ) we estimate that this will be enough for 2-3 days of effective heating of the entire trailer or camper. The heating value of propane itself is (on average) 13,835 kWh per kilogram. In total, this will be approximately 152 kWh with an 11-kg filling. The price of one kWh in this case is 53 groschen.

These values ​​should be compared with the price lists of individual campsites. Some of them are billed for electricity in a lump sum, but often we have to pay for each kilowatt-hour used. Example: MOSIR camping in Katowice costs 4 zlotys for each kWh consumed. A simple mathematical calculation clearly shows that electric heating in this case is much more expensive than gas heating. The situation changes when we pay, for example, 20-25 zlotys per day for electricity at a time. However, it is necessary to pay attention to safety measures in a particular area and the provisions of regulations, which often prohibit the use of any electric heating devices.

Gas solutions can be supplemented with electricity and this is the best solution. Some Truma Combi boilers (4 or 6) are marked "E". This means two electric heaters of 900 W each. Using the control panel, we choose whether we will heat the room and water only with gas, a mixture of electricity and gas (mixture 1 or mixture 2 - 900 or 1800 W) or only electricity (el 1 or el 2 - 900 or 1800 W). XNUMX W). Particularly interesting from the user's point of view is the option of combined power supplies. The consumption of a gas cylinder is much longer and at the same time we do not expose ourselves to excessive load on the camping electrical installation. 

ALDE already equips its Compact 3020 HE heater as standard with two electric inserts with a total power of 3150 W. Interestingly, the system automatically detects an insufficiently protected power grid and switches the power source from electricity to gas. In the spring and fall, using only electricity may be sufficient because the fluid that distributes heat throughout the vehicle is more efficient than forced-air heating. 

If you have a Truma Varioheat on board, you will find an E-Kit in the options list for it. The element can be placed in the air circulation system at a distance of up to one meter from the Varioheat. It generates a maximum of 1800 watts of “current” power. 

Farelki, popular in Poland, is a bad choice. They consume enormous amounts of energy, and their efficiency is very low. They are also dangerous - they get very hot, which is not very compatible with the interior of a camper or trailer, which is especially vulnerable to fire. This is why you should choose a ceramic radiator. Its ceramic surface is fireproof and does not get as hot as the wire elements used in home electric heaters. Dust particles do not enter the fan, do not burn and do not emit an unpleasant odor. Like any modern fan heater, it has protection against overheating and, importantly, protection against tipping over. it can also operate at different efficiency levels from 450 to 1500 watts. Additional equipment includes a temperature sensor that will turn on the device when the temperature drops below 5 degrees. So this can be a good solution when we are skiing all day and only need to maintain a positive temperature inside. 

You can also find cheaper but still specialized fan heaters at RV stores. We can use them, for example, to heat cold rooms where air from gas heating does not reach. offered for 282 zlotys. Its power can be adjusted - from 440 to 1500 W. It is easy to connect almost anywhere - it requires a current of 2 to 6.9 A. 

There is practically no point in using fan heaters under a canopy or in a vestibule. Gas or kerosene heaters are popular, but you can also find something efficient that runs on electricity. Of course, we are talking about heaters that heat all objects within their range, and not the air. They have different power and range, which also determines the price and electricity consumption. Devices for outdoor use are often marketed as "patio floodlights." They are also cheaper than their "caravan" counterparts. 

Electrically heated floors offer only advantages. Firstly, walking on it in winter is very comfortable. Secondly, we will create a stable thermal bridge that significantly limits the penetration of cold inside. All this means that we significantly reduce the consumption of gas or diesel fuel.

You can, of course, buy a camper or trailer with a factory-installed electrically heated floor, but there's nothing stopping you from retrofitting an existing model. Independent services lay special mats on the floor that have high efficiency and low energy consumption. All you have to do is put a rug or rug on it and that's it, you're done. Price? It all depends on the mat (foil) used - its price is about 40-80 zlotys per square meter. 

You can even find on the market... An example operating in the infrared range, measuring 200x100 cm and power 400 W, can be purchased for about 1500 zlotys. There are also companies on the market that specialize in the production of such carpets according to a specific pattern and size. Reimo, a supplier of various motorhome accessories, offers heated carpet that is ideal for the Fiat Ducato and similar cabins. Power 71 W, 310 euros and can only work when connected to 230V. To eliminate heat loss while driving, you can use a converter.