To find out the best heater for RV boondocking, we asked 12 experts on the subject for their most favorite picks and why. And, below are the most recommended options that our team has analyzed from them:
Here are the best heaters for rv boondocking you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Small Areas: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX
- Fast Heating: Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater
- Powerful: Gasland MHA18BN
- Easy To Install: Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater
- Dual-Functional: Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater
- Quiet: Camco 57341
| 6 Best Heaters For RV Boondocking | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Small Areas | Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX | |
Fast Heating | Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater | |
Powerful | Gasland MHA18BN | |
Easy To Install | Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater | |
Dual-Functional | Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater | |
Quiet | Camco 57341 | |
Best For Small Areas: Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX
- Warm enough for areas under 225 square feet – 9000 BTU of max heat output
- Compact – measurement of 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches
- Easy to maneuver - the fold-down handle
- The grid cage is spaced too wide apart
- Wish it had a CO detector
For small RVs, the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX is a good-to-go.
It is clear-burning and features tip-over protection, which is safe enough for indoor use. You can rotate the regulator to adjust the heat output to your liking, and the maximum heat it's able to produce is 9000BTU – warm enough for a 225-square-foot area.
This heater doesn’t take up much space in your RV. It is measured by only 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches, and with the fold-down handle, you can easily lug it around.
| Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches |
Heat Output | 4,000 to 9,000 BTU |
Heat Up To | 225 square feet |
Run Time | 3 Hours |
Highlight Features | 9000 BTU of max heat output measurement of 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches the fold-down handle |
At 9000 BTU of max heat output, the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX is ideal for small areas and for folks who want a secondary heating source for their RVs.
Fast Heating: Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater
- Heat up fast - sand-blasted aluminum base, combustion chamber, and heat-dissipating scale
- Able to work at frost-bite weather conditions – the lowest working temperature is -40℃
- Effortless to use - remote control
- Wish the exhaust hose bent out from the bottom of the heater
- Vague manuals
The Happybuy 5KW is always on top of our list whenever we plan on a winter RV camping trip.
Featuring a sand-blasted aluminum base, combustion chamber, and heat-dissipating scale, it heats up in minutes and provides enough warmth for a small to medium-sized area.
Its motor and oil pump is specifically designed to work well at -40℃, which is perfect for frost-bite weather conditions.
You can preheat your RV before entering it via remote control.
| Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.3 x 19.3 x 8.3 inches |
Run Time | 8 hours. |
Highlight Features | sand-blasted aluminum base, combustion chamber, and heat-dissipating scale the lowest working temperature is -40℃ remote control |
Made with multiple sand-blasted aluminum parts, the Happybuy 5KW Diesel Air Heater is by far the fastest-heating option we tested.
Powerful: Gasland MHA18BN
- Powerful & versatile – three heating modes & 18,000 BTU of power output
- Long-lasting – a 20-pound fuel tank
- Easy to transport – the built-in handle and rolling casters
- Heavy and cumbersome
The Gasland MHA18BN is the best performer for large RVs that we’ve found.
At the highest heating mode, it produces up to 18000 BTU, enough to heat up a 450-square-foot area.
It is also engineered with a 20-pound propane tank for up to 69 hours of maximum runtime. That means if you have it run for around six hours per day, this generator can last nearly two weeks before it runs out of juice.
Of course, that powerful performance compromises the heater’s lightness and compactness, but its built-in handle and rolling casters help balance out.
| Gasland MHA18BN Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 15 x 17.5 x 21.7 inches |
Heat Output | 18,000 BTU |
Heat Up To | 450 sq. ft. |
Highlight Features | three heating modes & 18,000 BTU of power output a 20-pound fuel tank the built-in handle and rolling casters |
Delivering 18,000BTU at the highest heating mode, the Gasland MHA18BN is a great option if you’re seeking the most powerful heater for RV boondocking.
Easy To Install: Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater
- Easy to install – including high-quality legs and wall-mounting hardware
- Able to detect oxygen volume in the air - an automatic low oxygen shut-off system
- Long-lasting – 43.18 hours of the maximum runtime
- Only available in two heating modes
The best heaters for RV boondocking are the ones easy to install. And while there are tons of gas-powered or propane-powered models fitting that description, most of them irritate us at wall-mounting mostly because of cheap wall mounting hardware supplied.
But installing or mounting the Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU does not break our sweat at all. It took us no longer than 10 minutes to finish the job, which is amazing.
Legs are also included.
In terms of function and safety, this heater has an automatic low oxygen shut-off system that meets CSA standards. Besides, it can last over 43 hours, which is incredible for a 10,000BTU model.
| Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 19.75 x 11.25 x 22.5 inches |
Heat Output | 10,000 BTU |
Heat Up To | 250 square feet. |
Run Time | 43.18 hrs. |
Highlight Features | including high-quality legs and wall-mounting hardware an automatic low oxygen shut-off system 43.18 hours of the maximum runtime |
In search of a powerful and easy-to-install heater for RV boondocking? Check out the Mr. Heater Vent-Free 10,000 BTU Radiant Propane Heater
Dual-Functional: Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater
- Able to work as a heater or a stove – the collapsible pot stands and the adjustable flame control
- Dependable - the manufacturer's one-year warranty
- Provide warmth for a large area – the 360° radiant heating
- The plastic gas knob feels a bit fragile
Choosing multifunctional appliances is a smart move to optimize the space of an RV without compromising your convenience. And, the Campy Gear 2 in 1 is specifically designed to serve that purpose.
It can be a conventional heater or a stove for outdoor cooking thanks to the added collapsible pot stands and the adjustable flame control.
It's also backed by the manufacturer's one-year warranty.
And, rest assured, it meets all safety standards, such as an ODS switch and tip-over protection.
| Campy Gear 2 in 1 Portable Propane Heater Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 13.9 x 10.8 x 10.8 inches |
Heat Output | 13000 BTU |
Highlight Features | the collapsible pot stands and the adjustable flame control the manufacturer's one-year warranty the 360° radiant heating |
If you want to make the most of your RV heater, we highly recommend the dual-functional Campy Gear.
Quiet: Camco 57341
- Super-quiet – no blower or fan
- Safe enough for indoor use - no flame or smoke emitted
- Ideal to be used on high altitudes, up to 12000 feet
- Expensive
The Camco 57341 is our favorite pick for people who are in need of a portable RV heater for night use, especially for sleeping.
Its heating method is radiant, which means there's no flame or smoke emitted. It doesn't have a chimney or flue, either - which is very compact and lightweight.
But what we liked the most is it comes with no blower or fan to create hardly any noise.
Producing 3200 to 6000 BTU/hour, it is perfect for small areas of under 230 square feet. Besides, it can be used on high altitudes up to 12000 feet.
| Camco 57341 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Heat Output | 3200 to 6000 BTU |
Heat Up To | 230 sq. Ft. |
Run Time | 160 hours. |
Highlight Features | no blower or fan no flame or smoke emitted Ideal to be used on high altitudes, up to 12000 feet |
If quiet operation is one of your top priorities, you arrive at the right place. Pick the Camco 57341 now!
How To Choose The Best Heater For RV Boondocking?
Energy Source & Runtime
Boondocking is literally off-the-grid RV travel, where you will camp without any hookups outside developed campgrounds for days to weeks.
So, when choosing the best heater for RV boondocking, energy source and runtime are the two most important elements to consider. It must be able to run independently of landing power or electrical hookups, and besides, work efficiently.
Energy Source
Out of different options, propane heaters are the shiniest contender for energy efficiency.
It is cheaper than diesel whilst consuming less fuel to produce the same amount of heat as gasoline, so it usually has a smaller tank size and the whole generator design is more compact.
It also only requires very little electricity to run the fan, which you can hook up to your RV battery.
A dual-fuel heater is another possible option as it commonly comes with propane adapters. When the unit runs out of juice, you can refill it from your vehicle.
Runtime
As stated above, propane lasts longer than gasoline.
But you should also determine how long your RV boondocking travel usually lasts: several days or several weeks? What’s the weather like during your trip? And, how often do you use the heater?
For longer trips during cold months, you’ll have to use the heater more frequently, therefore, the fuel tank must obviously be larger.
On the market, the runtime of the RV boondocking heater ranges from 5 hours to 200 hours.
Heating Capability
A heater’s heating capacity is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), and conventionally every 10,000 BTU can raise 1-quart water’s temperature by 1 degree.
The heating requirements are different between RVs, depending on the weather condition, the number of people inside the vehicle, the RV interior area, and how insulated the RV is. The heating capability of RV heaters is vast, commonly ranging from 2000 to 20,000 BTU.
If you’re a non-experience buyer, choosing a model with adjustable heating capability is better for you.
Safety Features
No matter the fuel type that you’re choosing to run an RV heater, safety is always a top priority! Both traditional and modern RV heaters share these safety features in common:
Auto-shutoff switches when tipping over or running out of fuel
Oxygen sensors, which can detect and measure the oxygen volume inside your RV. Once the sensor finds the oxygen volume drops below a certain level, the unit will automatically turn off or send sound alerts to you.
Besides, modern heaters are equipped with auto-adjust thermostats.
Which Brands Make The Best Heater For RV Boondocking?
Enerco
Since 1957, Enerco, a Cleveland, Ohio-based company, has been at the forefront of infrared combustion technology. As a result of this market-leading technology, Enerco has gained experience in both consumer and commercial heating solutions.
They have now been expanding their ranges of heaters to serve more and more purposes, therein, their RV boondocking heater lines are well-loved for providing a great balance of compactness and power.
Camco
In the RV industry, Camco is proud of its rich expertise, quality products at highly competitive pricing, and helpful customer service. Founded in 1966 in the US, they have developed 5600+ products, owned 140+ patents, and had 1500+ employees.
FAQs
Can solar panels power an RV heater?
Yes, they can. Solar panels are actually one of the most common choices to power an RV heater during the winter because of zero operating cost.
What size heater do I need for my RV?
The heater size usually ranges from 2000 to 4000W, depending on the RV area that you want to heat up.
Can I run my RV heater all night?
Yes, you can. Whether you’re at a place with or without the ability to the plugin, it is possible to run an RV heater all night by using the RV battery.
Why not just use the RV furnace while boondocking?
Many RV experts do not recommend using the RV furnace while boondocking because of two reasons:
1) RV furnace is powered by the RV battery while this appliance is energy-consuming
2) Separate RV heaters provide different energy source options, therein, propane, gasoline, and diesel models just require little electricity to power their fan.
How much propane does an RV heater use?
An average-sized RV heater consumes around 1/3 of a gallon of propane per hour.
Conclusion
That’s all for this article! We hope that you find the best heater for RV boondocking that meets your needs and budgets, and wish that your selection will lead you to many wonderful trips in the future. Thanks for reading!
