Heating motorhome

We carry a backup 2.5kw blown air heater just in case but it's never been needed! It can be used on 1kw or 2.5kw settings but is a little noisy as it is thermostatically controlled and turns itself on and off as demands. The colder the more frequent mind!

We carry a thermostatic electric fan heater as back up. It is rated at either 1 or 2 kw and is adequate to keep our 5.5 metre internal length caravan warm.

What motorhome do you have?

If I was staying on EHU I would consider an oil filled radiator if sufficient space with can heater for quick heat up.

We used to carry a 2 kw thermostatic convector heater, we could use it on various settings. It was quiet and  lightweight. Oil filled radiators are quite heavy.

Thank you both.

We have a 7m Benimar called "Freda the Freedom Fiat" because we had not been able to have a holiday for 6 years before we got the motorhome!

So from the sounds of it 2.5kw of power is ok to use on a hook up? I know there is a limit and I really was not sure what the limit is.

Thank you both once again,

Jess

On most sites in England you'll get a 16 amp supply just as you would at home, so it should run a 2.5kw heater.  We  have a little quiet fan heater which works well, doesn't make too much noise and is very lightweight.

Unless you like it or need it particularly warm you may find that it is warm enough in the van with a fan heater just on the 1kw setting. Our van is 6.4m and 1kw keeps it really cosy, in fact we have to keep switching it off to let it cool down a bit......

You should have a total of safely over 3.5 kw available. We normally run heating on 2kw and leaves ample to run a 1kw kettle etc. If on EHU I would avoid using expensive gas for heating except in an emergency. 

Thank you all so so much.

Indeed TT at present temperatures 1 kw should be adequate but nice to use more for a quick heat up.

all the above is good advice and will satisfy your 'back up' requirements, but, as you have gas as your primary system (which will be far better to heat the van from cold) it would be good if you can make this work better (and cheaper) for you...

i dont know what size gas locker you have and the size (and number) of bottles you can carry, obviously buying the largest that will fit will give you the cheapest bottled price.

however, if you are going to be using the van in winter, and gas is your primary heating fuel, i would think carefully about getting a refillable system ( where you can get your gas at a pump at approx a quarter of the price of a std 6kg exchange.

yes, this will cost you around £300 for a single bottle 11kg system from a supplier like Outdoor Bits of Exmouth, which sounds a lot, but is also usable overseas (with a filling adaptor) whereas your Calor bottles cant be exchanged except in the uk.

good luck, please come back of you need any more advice on this.