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Topic: LD A/C heat strips and portable space/box heaters (Read 201 times) previous topic - next topic
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LD A/C heat strips and portable space/box heaters
Hello LD'ers, Newbie here wondering about the heat strip function. My LD is in another spot getting a new roof reseal and I'm reading the manual. Does anyone have time to report if, when, they use that feature.

2005 RK
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #1 –
Hi Sharon; The heat strip was an extra cost option I didn't get. It may have been added to the 'standard' list sometime after I bought my motorhome. It requires that you be in a hook up site, or have your generator running.  Either way it is pretty noisy, not as noisy as air conditioning, but still the fan is running.  When you have hookups, the electricity is paid for, might as well use the heat strips instead of firing up the propane gas heater.
   My solution, and many of us also, have small quieter electric box heaters. With hook ups, instead of running the propane heater, and having to refill your propane, we run these inexpensive heaters. These are small enough to be packed away easily when not in use.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #2 –
Thanks Ron, Just to show how "new" I am, is that just a small heater plugged into an outlet while connected to shore power? (or generator)Kinda like the small heater in a pump house?
2005 RK
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #4 –

Hi Sharon: This is a heater    Amazon.com: Arcon 64409 1500W/750W Compact Ceramic Heater: Automotive   that I had picked out to replace one in my house (rather than heat the whole house). I would also use it in my motorhome, although that one is still working. They list a size of 8.8 x 8.8 x 8.7, but I think that is the box. I store mine in the original box. Actual size listed lower down is 7 x 7 x 7.5 high. I like that the control knobs are mostly flush on top. easy to see and operate, but not too easy to move accidentally. I don't know how easy it is to set the thermostat, or how noisy it is. As you can see by Chris' link there really are hundreds to choose from.
   You would use the built in propane heater instead of the generator. The 'box' heater is for when you have free electricity. Of course it's not free but included in the price for a full hook up site.    RonB

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RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #5 –

This may be a good choice for a small 120VAC space heater; very compact size, variable wattage, controls on the top, and the heater shuts off automatically if tipped over, an essential feature, IMO.

Amazon.com: andily Space Heater Electric Heater for Home and Office Ceramic...

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2003 TK has a new home
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #6 –
Quote from: HalfMile20  - 
Hello LD'ers, Newbie here wondering about the heat strip function. My LD is in another spot getting a new roof reseal and I'm reading the manual. Does anyone have time to report if, when, they use that feature.

The heat strip is operated by turning the A/C switch to "heat". This energizes the heat strip along with the fan motor.
It isn't a big heater but it can help take the chill off, when in a campground with electrical power.
We will occasionally use the heat strip, along with a small 1500-watt space heater, on very cold mornings.
It does make a bit of noise so it gets turn off as soon as it warms up.
Our rig has two electric space heaters that are quiet, with the heat strip rarely being used.



Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #7 –

The lower heater in Larry's photo is a Wave 3 catalytic heater; here's the Amazon link:

Amazon.com: Olympian Wave 3 LP Portable Gas Catalytic Heater by Camco (3000...

The Wave 3 works for smaller LDs; those with larger rigs will probably prefer a Wave 6 (if they go with one unit) or even a Wave 8. These heaters have no fan, and heat "objects" (e.g., the dog who plants herself in front of it) rather than heating "air", but heat radiation does occur, of course. Catalytic heaters do require some ventilation, so keep a window or vent slightly open when using the heater.

Catalytic heaters use a lot less propane than the furnace (which blows about 40% of the heat produced outside!), and are real handy when one doesn't have an electrical hookup and/or doesn't want to/can't run the generator. Like many others, I use the house furnace briefly to take the major chill off the inside, fire up the Wave, then then shut the furnace down. (If I have a hook-up, I use a small electric space heater; the dog sits in front of that, too.)

Depending on the space available, configuration of one's rig, and the location where one wants, the heater can be mounted permanently or with a quick-connect hose; both methods of installation require hooking into the rig's propane lines. This is not a DIY job unless you are knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled in working with LPG.

As ever, YMMV.

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2003 TK has a new home
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #8 –
Thank you for the information. I was confused about the electric capabilities. I know heat needs lots of energy, or release of energy, but I could not figure just how much "energy" I could burn while on shore power. For now, space heater it is! I kinda remember the seller, who was absolutely awesome, saying something about the heat strip but w/o the unit to look at I was confused. Thanks again.
2005 RK
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #9 –
One more question. So you could have a small space heater in the bathroom and a small space heater in the kitchen area running at the same time? 1500W on each plug when on shore power?(or maybe only 750 in bathroom)
If you are boondocking what have you found the best heat source to take the chill off? Not talking winter climes but AZ desert?
Thanks and I apologize for this question as I am being a bit lazy not doing my own research. Quite frankly my mind circles when I try and figure out my electrical system.
2005 RK
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #10 –
"If you are boondocking what have you found the best heat source to take the chill off?"
----
Dry camping, boondocking, or any time one is without an electrical hookup or chooses not to run the generator to provide 120VAC, the "keep warm" choices are pretty much limited to using the rig's furnace, a propane-powered catalytic heater, a very close friend, a furry animal, or a blanket/comforter. (Do not use the stove burners as a heat source.) The only other viable choice is to camp only where and when none of the above is needed to keep warm.

YMMV, as always.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #11 –
Sharon, I fulltime and I have the heat strip.  Here is how I use it.

When in cold weather and plugged into shore power, I have three sources of heat - the furnace, the heat strip, and a Lasko oscillating radiant heater.  The quietest of the three is the Lasko.  In my MB, I place it just forward of the right side couch, facing the dinette, but on about a 45 deg angle.  I set it to 65.  I turn the heat strip on and set it to 60.  I turn the furnace on at its lowest setting.

In operation, the Lasko is almost all I need.  It has to be pretty cold before the heat strip comes on, and the furnace almost never comes on.

In cool weather, down to the upper 30's, I do not use the Lasko.  I turn the heat strip on and set it at 65, and I turn the furnace on to its lowest setting.

I should note that the Lasko draws enough current that if I use it on the same circuit on which I have my computer, my CPAP, my DVR and my TV, that is too much load.  So, I added a dedicated 20 amp line just for the Lasko.  If you are not running all that other stuff, you should not need to add a dedicated line to use an electric radiant heater.


Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #12 –
Quote from: HalfMile20  - 
One more question. So you could have a small space heater in the bathroom and a small space heater in the kitchen area running at the same time? 1500W on each plug when on shore power?(or maybe only 750 in bathroom)If you are boondocking what have you found the best heat source to take the chill off? Not talking winter climes but AZ desert?

You need to know how many amps the electrical service is rated for.
Home circuits range are usually either 15 or 20-amps, campground hookups are normally 30-amp.
A 15-amp circuit is good for a maximum of 1500-1600-watts,  20-amp - 2000-2100-watts.
A 30-amp hookup can handle up to 3000-watts. These are conservative ratings, the voltage in campgrounds can be much lower than 120-volts.
When calculating how many watts will be used, remember to include the converter and the refrigerator 120-VAC power consumption.
If the electrical supply is limited, the converter can be turned off for extended periods, or longer is solar power is available, and the refrigerator manually switched to gas. This allows all the incoming 120-VAC power to be used for heating or cooling.
 
Our bathroom heater uses 1100-watts and the small Pelonis uses up to 1500-watts, both can be used at the same time on a 30-amp circuit..
Two handy devices to help keep your electrical needs and wants under control are a battery capacity meter and surge-protector with a remove readout that shows how many amps of incoming 120-VAC are being used.

Victron BMV-702 Battery Monitor - - Amazon.com
Progressive Industries EMS-HW30C
Readout, showing volts and amps
https://www.loveyourrv.com/wp-content/gallery/surgeguard/remoteunit.jpg

Larry
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #13 –
"These are conservative ratings, the voltage in campgrounds can be much lower than 120-volts."
---
Definitely, particularly if the campground's or RV park's wiring is "old" or inadequate for the amount of usage; mis-wired pedestals and inadequate park power supply are not at all uncommon.

The Progressive EMS (Larry's post link shows the hard-wired unit; I have a portable [http://www.progressiveindustries.net/ems-pt30x], but they serve the same functions) shuts down the power to the rig when it drops below 104 volts. This protects the rig's wiring and saves one's appliances from being fried. An EMS also tests for faulty ground, reverse polarity, and a few other issues; it is far more than a "surge protector", and (IMO) an essential piece of equipment for anyone who plugs in anywhere, any time.

I recently had this "shut down" experience in an RV park that was less than a quarter full; my EMS showed adequate voltage (116V) at the pedestal and on the voltage monitor in my rig when first plugged in, but it kicked off twice, i.e., the voltage had dropped under 104V, when running the AC on low. Yes, the EMS kicks in again to supply power when the line voltage rises to a safe level, but I gave up and turned off the AC anyway.

YMMV, as always.



2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: LD heat strips by AC unit
Reply #14 –
Wow. Okay, no cheating, more homework. Thank you all very much.
2005 RK