What is the best heater for a static caravan?

In today’s article, we will answer the following question: What is the best heater for a static caravan? We will share with you ten of the best heaters for a static caravan and help you understand what is the right one for you. 

What is the best heater for a static caravan?

Some of the best heaters for a static caravan are also economical, efficient and easy to install/use. There are three main types of caravan heaters, and the best heater, in the end, is a matter of personal choice. This is why in the table below we describe each type of heater and let you decide which one is better. 

All of these static caravan heaters work on the same principle. The device is powered by a source of energy that is converted into heat, and this is redistributed in your static caravan. It is the energy source used that really differentiates the heaters dedicated to recreational vehicles.

Type of heatingPros & ConsModels
Best gas heaters for static caravansSurely the most widespread, these heaters offer great performance. All you need to do is have a gas bottle or connect to a gas connection to enjoy the benefits, they deliver dry and radiant heat, which is rapid.
Be careful, however, about the price of gas, which is not the most affordable of solutions. For holidays abroad, using a gas heater for static caravans can be problematic, as each country has specific connections.
IMEX Angel Radiant ceramic gas heater
Camco Olympian Wave 3: 3000 BTU Gas Heater
Wave-BTU LP: Powerful gas heater, 8000 BTU
Best diesel heaters for static caravansVery clever for small static caravans, these diesel heaters use a fuel tank for power. They are generally more economical to use than gas heaters, and you do not have to store fuel only for heating your vehicle. 
Be careful, however, not to run out of fuel! The main drawback is the handling of fuel required to feed the heater.
Triclicks Diesel Air Heater, 12V 5000WSucceBuy Diesel heater with remote control and LCD display, 5kW 12V
Anbull Diesel air heater, 12V 8kW with 4 air outlets
Webasto fuel heater Complete kit Air top Heater 2000 STC
Best electric heaters for static caravansWe are all familiar with additional electric radiators or heaters, which are very practical but also very energy-consuming. 
Many years of development in the field have enabled these devices to be more efficient and require less electricity. For the most substantial nomadic electrical installations, you will find more conventional heaters that have nothing to envy of their gas and fuel competitors. 
We recommend that you switch to electric heating only if you have a connection to the electrical network for your static caravan, or limit its use if you use your solar installation to avoid depleting your batteries.
Ceramic heater Tristar 1000 / 1500X Oscillating
Honeywell HZ445E Ceramic heater 360 ° 1800W with remote control / smart thermostat
COMLIFE Mini Electric Heater, 600W Portable Ceramic Heater with Oscillation

Static caravan heating: watch out for carbon monoxide!

Your safety should always be your number one priority, which is why we would like to emphasize the precautions to be taken when using a static caravan heater. While electric heaters do not emit any gas, the same is not true of gas and fuel heaters.

Improper combustion of the energy source can create carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, both of which are very dangerous for humans. Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless and can cause fainting, nausea, and even death. This is why you will need to make sure that your static caravan has an air outlet to avoid the potential build-up of gas. 

We also suggest that you invest in a carbon monoxide detector, which will notify you in the event of a problem.

Best tips to stay warm in a static caravan during winter

While not many spend their time in a static caravan during the cold season, we know that some of our readers live full-time in the caravan, so staying warm in winter is one of their main concerns. 

The cold sometimes makes us prefer to spend the weekend wrapped in a blanket with the heater on 24/24. However, with good preparation, it is not necessary to fear the cold: 

  • Prepare your static caravan for the cold season: The cold not only affects us but can also affect your caravan. That is why it is very important that you check your tires, the amount of antifreeze fluid, and the heating system.
  • Insulate your static caravan: If you plan on living in the static caravan this winter, try to insulate the windows and doors, this way you will be able to prevent the cold from entering. 
  • Beware of condensation: A problem that can happen to us is that the windows freeze on the inside due to condensation. One way to avoid this is to leave a window slightly open, but for those who fear the cold, there are other methods!

Aside from window blinds and insulators, there are tricks to avoid humidity. One of them is to fill a sock with cat litter, tie a knot so that it stays like a bag and distribute several around the vehicle. The cat litter will absorb much of the moisture.

  • Take advantage of the sun: If possible, park your static caravan where the sun shines the most.  And don’t forget that you can also take advantage of the sun as a source of energy by installing solar panels in your static caravan.
  • Thermal clothing and blankets: Wearing this type of clothing in winter allows us to save body heat, so on a winter getaway, it is essential. Socks, leggings, t-shirts … thermal clothing will be your best friend on the coldest days.

Also, do not forget to bring blankets and a duvet to sleep. One trick is to put a duvet between the mattress and the bottom sheet, so you won’t be cold at all at night.

The bottom line

Choosing the right static caravan heater is important because these are quite expensive products. Therefore, we recommend that you define the desired use of the device. So for a single person, in a small static caravan or a campervan, a simple auxiliary heater could very well be sufficient. 

The larger the size of your cabin or passenger compartment, the more heating power you will need. The most spacious caravans will opt instead for centralized heating to ensure uniform comfort. Finally, it will be important to take into account the source of energy used, and of course your budget.

If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!

FAQ on What is the best heater for a static caravan?

How do I prepare my static caravan for winter?

Here are a few tips to prepare your static caravan for winter:

  1. Empty the water heater. 
  2. Empty and clean the toilet tanks. 
  3. Remove the gas cylinder (s). 
  4. Put the windows in the ventilation position. 
  5. Open the bathroom door. 
  6. If possible, store the static caravan in a place where there is lots of sun. 

How do you insulate the underside of a static caravan?

Insulating the underside of a static caravan usually allows you to enjoy your mobile home during summer, autumn and spring. Still, insulating only the underside is rarely enough to keep warm in the caravan. 

How to protect the static caravan pipes from the cold?

Here are some tips to protect the pipes from the cold:

  1. Wrap the pipes in heating tapes or paper. 
  2. Insulate all water pipes to prevent cold air from entering. 
  3. Insulate and heat drain pipes. 
  4. Let the water run for moments. 

How do you put antifreeze in a static caravan central heating?

It is possible to put antifreeze in the central heating of a static caravan, but the heaters must be working or they must be perfectly purged before using this type of product, especially when the central heating has not been working for a few weeks or even months. 

References

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