13 Best Camper Van Heaters

If you’re settling into your campervan after summer or if you’re traveling to a region with cooler temperatures, you’ll quickly notice a chill. You most likely would have fixed the issue by turning up the heat if you had been home. Depending on your equipment, staying warm in your campervan may be challenging because not every RV has a heater. That’s why we made a list of camper van heaters that are safe to use but also made sure that the heat source is affordable and energy-efficient for staying warm during the winter. We do a lot of traveling and exploring the great outdoors, especially in the winter. Hence, having a cozy and comfortable location is essential for us. In our case, a dependable heater is very helpful.

A top-notch camper heater, warmth, and comfort ensured that our travels were enjoyable and delightful. To create a comfortable living environment inside our vehicle, whether doing a cross-country road trip, camping in remote locations, or living in a van full-time, we scoured around to find the best camping van heater. These heaters are portable, secure, and energy-saving, providing efficient heating options. They were developed specifically to meet the unique requirements of camper vans. Check out the best options available on Amazon below.

Xtreme Large 800W Heater

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We were looking for unique camper van heaters and stumbled upon the Xtreme Large 800W Heater. These heaters are designed for abrasive, cramped engine interiors. The fully anodized case, a sealed electronics module, and a unique waterproof fan will ensure a lifetime of use for us. It ensured that the heating in our engine compartment was secure and dependable.

This heater is much more complex than what we just said. This one uses contemporary, effective PTC technology. Since they are self-regulating, they provided safety and efficiency improvements unequaled by conventional element heaters. The safety of this heater is a priority, which is what made it a top buy for us.

Mr. Heater’s MH9BX Propane Heater

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We were looking for a small heater for a camper, and one of the most powerful ones is the Mr. Heater MH9BX Propane Heater. This unique radiant 4,000–9,000 BTU liquid propane heater, which connects straight to one lb. cylinder, is the ideal choice for heating enclosed places. These included our small camper as well as our slightly larger tents. Additionally, we liked the fold-down handle, which made it easy for us to transport this heater. What’s more, the expertly designed size-to-BTU ratio increased output while maintaining a small footprint. We weren’t dissatisfied with the heater’s safety features either. The pilot light goes out as soon as the heater tips over. Or, if it detects low oxygen levels, it automatically shuts off. As a result, it always kept us safe and conserves energy.

Furrion Water Heater

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Highest heat output. Durable, with excellent heat output, and lightweight, the Furrion Water Heater fulfilled all our requirements for a fantastic camper van heating source. Due to its 2.4GPM capacity and 60K BTU heating capacity, it delivered warm water on command at the temperature we required. This was even when the outside temperature reached 32°F. Additionally, the vortex technology consistently heated the water to the temperature that we’d specify.

In addition, if the temperature rose above a safe level, the dual sensors would instantly turn off the power. We liked the replacement door specifically created for retrofit situations and used with Suburban 4/6 Gallon Water Heater models. Plus, we loved that this one has a far higher heat output than the other good heaters on this list. So, this is the heater you want if you want one with a modern control panel and mechanics!

Colinktool 8KW Diesel Air Heater

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The Colinktool 8KW Diesel Air Heater was a go-to item for us to stay warm around it like a campfire. One reason why we loved it so much is because it’s portable and easy to operate, making it ideal for outdoor use. The engine has no bearing on the air heater, which can be used to power several cars. So, it made for It is a good environmental product because it uses less fuel and emits few emissions. Plus, it helped us go camping as a group!

The best camper van heaters use an improved low-frequency pulse with minimal vibration, and the silent fan sleeps well. What’s best? The engine coolant can be warmed to prevent engine wear and tear at low temperatures, which helped when we went camping in winter or colder places. Overall, this great compact heater for camping is significantly superior to any other heater you may find for your campervan.

Just in case, for more options, check out our best portable electric fireplaces at Wayfair.

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater

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Save on your camping bills with the Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy Propane Heater, one of the top heaters for campers. With a 3,800 BTU heat output, this handy little powerhouse has little trouble heating a 95-square-foot area. That’s not all, though. This heater needs a vent area of at least four square inches for optimal ventilation while operating. Therefore, wherever you camp, this is a great option for those nights in the fall and winter when all you want to do is unwind and spend time with the family.

Fly fishing made warmer with the Little Buddy Heater 🎣

Extremely lightweight, easily portable, and ignites with the simple push of a button 🔥#FlyFish #FlyFishing #MrHeater pic.twitter.com/4o4864B5GM

— Mr. Heater (@MrHeater) September 21, 2022

The heater has outstanding safety features, including an auto-shutoff feature for when it tips over, much like any other good heater. Even when you’re deep asleep, a one-touch-off switch makes it simple to turn off in the middle of the night. Last, but not least, it is advised for your emergency use in tents and campers. This is the one to choose if you’re looking for a dependable camper van heating source!

Xtreme Heaters RV Bay Heater

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Most portable. Tremendous heat output and excellent portability made the Xtreme Heaters RV Bay Heater superior to any camper van heater we’d ever seen or used. Everything from our RV to even our cabin and our friends’ boat and other tiny places remained cozy in the wake of this amazing heater. We set this special quiet portable space heater against walls or carpeted surfaces because it draws air from the top. So, it kept us not only comfortable but also extremely safe.

Although it is only six inches tall, its size gave it a wide range of uses. So, whether we were trekking or camping, this 12-volt heater for camper was incredibly portable. Anyone could carry it easily in their backpack. What we really loved about this space heater is that it’s been approved to keep us safe for as long as needed. This is thanks to the tip-over safety switch and the automatic overheating prevention feature. If you want further information about this heater, check out its official product page.

GiveBest Portable Space Heater

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When it came to raw heating power, no 12 volt camper van heater could beat the GiveBest Portable Space Heater. With two heat settings (750W or 1500W) and one cool air fan, this GiveBest product is one of the coziest little heaters for campers. We used it in both winter and summer. What we liked is that the heater’s thermostat control turned off when it reached a predetermined temperature. Consequently, it turned back on when the temperature dropped below the thermostat setting.

The flame-retardant material used to make this 12-volt heater also prevents fire hazards. Since we went camping in the middle of nowhere, we loved the automated safety shutdown feature that turned the heater off when it overheated. When the heater accidentally tips over, its tip-over prevention feature also turned it off, and if it was upright, it turned back on automatically. Check out the detailed YouTube video review of this product by Brian E Niskala.

Lasko Ceramic Tabletop Space Heater

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With the Lasko Ceramic Tabletop Space Heater, we completely forgot about other mediocre camper van heaters that we saw. One of the most well-liked space heaters among campervan owners, including us, the Lasko heater has a small, tough design that made it resistant to any weather. The heater has a handle on the top, a removable towel rack on the bottom, and a wall-mounted drying groove on the back. So, it was easy for us to carry, hang towels during use, and even dry them while using the heater.

What’s more, the device contains many safety features, but the low-oxygen auto-shutoff is the standout. It helped us stay safe when we were busy in the middle of camping tasks and couldn’t always keep an eye on the heater. The machine’s tip-over safety feature also ensures it turns off automatically if accidentally knocked over. To summarise its attributes, this heater produces a lot of heat and heats up quickly.

METKIIO Space Heater

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The METKIIO Space Heater is among this list’s smallest-looking 12 volt camper van heater options we could find. We loved that this heater has not one but three heating modes – 900W high power, 400W medium power, and a cooling fan. So, we were able to use this heater across multiple seasons, which makes it one of the most versatile buys ever. What’s more, this portable heater has an intuitive design that makes it easy to choose the ideal temperature and enjoy the warmth on chilly days or a cool breeze on warm days.

One of the reasons we found the 12 volt campervan heater to be fantastic is that it has PTC ceramic heating technology and refractory materials. Together, they prevent overheating by shutting off when the temperature hits 167 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a clever design that turns off automatically if the heater is turned over, which was immensely helpful when we were engaged in camping tasks and couldn’t keep an eye on the heater all the time.

Caframo True North Heater

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One of the lightest heating for camper vans on this list is the Caframo True North Heater, which only weighs 5.25 lbs! It was very helpful for us as we were preparing for a very long camping trip and wanted to be as lightweight as possible. What’s more, this durable electric heater kept the space toasty on the chilliest of nights thanks to an integrated adjustable thermostat. So, we found it to be excellent for use in not just our small RV but also a small cottage or at home in the den. Five settings range from constant heat to high output for the best air circulation.

The heater has a sturdy base that suits smooth and uneven outdoor surfaces, such as the ground outside. Hence, we were able to take the heater outside as well without worrying about it toppling over. The safety grid that surrounds the heating element protects you from unintentional harm. Thus, using this heater with family and friends is a great idea.

Mr. Heater Vent Free Heater

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Best propane heater. While its design might be one of the most peculiar ones we’ve ever seen, the Mr. Heater Vent Free Heater is among the top camper van heating options available. The heater is portable, and we found it incredibly simple to operate. With integrated piezo ignition, mounting feet, and included mounting hardware, this 10,000 BTU blue flame propane heater is simple to start and set up.

With a maximum power consumption of 10,000 BTU, it’s ideal for chilly nights indoors in a tent or outdoors during the cool shoulder season but in a very small space. That’s what makes it one of the best propane heaters we found, especially on this list. Furthermore, starting it up is simple. We had to press the piezo-electric ignition button to start the vehicle. The heater uses natural convection qualities to circulate warm, relaxing air to round out the features.

VEVOR Diesel Camper Van Heater

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Best diesel heater. We were looking for an excellent camper van diesel heater and stumbled upon the VEVOR Diesel Heater, which was perfect for us. Even at -40°C, this 12 volt camper van heater swiftly heated up, melting the frost off our car’s and RV’s windows. So, it certainly worked very effectively, even in well below-freezing temperatures. Furthermore, even the oil pump, silent fan, and blower speed control significantly reduce noise. The 12-volt heater is, therefore, very energy-efficient, using only 0.18 to 0.48 (L/H) of fuel. Additionally, the ECU controls the fuel pump’s injection frequency and intake air volume to increase the service life. Finally, the heater is a great investment because it served multiple purposes and could be used everywhere, right from our RV to our small tent. Save costs with Vevor!

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater

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Best Overall. The Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater is a fantastic camper with a heater. It has a maximum output of 18,000 BTUs while only weighing 14 lbs. So it’s a great portable heater that can warm a sizable tent as well, as we found out when we went camping. What’s more, its sturdy construction and sizable, fold-down handle make it portable and ideal for usage on the ground outside. According to the official website, even if it detects low oxygen levels, the pilot light goes out or tips over, and it will turn off automatically. And we saw this firsthand when we went camping, and the heater accidentally tipped over and turned off for safety. So, the heater is excellent in terms of safety. Use this heater to stay cozy wherever you go! The Big Buddy Portable Buddy is a performance-driven, indoor-safe product.

Our Verdict!

Whatever heater you decide on, you’ll feel cozy and warm in your van on those chilly nights. However, we understand if you’re finding it difficult to decide which one to purchase because each of them is great in its own way. Due to certain criteria, we have listed some of our favorites. Look at this!

• Best Overall: Mr. Heater Propane Heater
• Best Diesel Heater: VEVOR Diesel Camper Van Heater
• Best Propane Heater: Mr. Heater Vent Free Heater
• Most Portable: Xtreme Heaters RV Bay Heater

How to Choose the Best Camper Van Heaters

Choosing the best heating sources for campervans can be challenging, given the various manufacturers, models, and designs. Should you make a nighttime investment in a hot-air furnace? Or would you want to get a transportable item that doesn’t require much room in your van? Here are a few characteristics that we watched out for.

Insulation

Insulation is the most crucial and decisive element in keeping your camper van warm. The same idea holds for your campervan and your house; without adequate insulation, even the best heating system won’t work properly. The van will allow in chilly air if improperly insulated, and all the heat produced by your heating system will leave the vehicle immediately. To maximize the benefits of a new heating system, we thought that investing in insulating our RV was a sensible idea.

Space

We thought about the size of the area we were trying to heat with our new source of heating for camper vans and how we could reduce it. For instance, keeping thermal curtains pulled between the van’s cab and living rooms created more manageable warming spaces. Since heat rises, you should consider doing what we did: placing our sleeping arrangements high to prevent heat from being lost in our van with a higher ceiling.

Available Fuel

The best heater for your campervan will mostly depend on the fuel that is most easily accessible, how frequently you will need to refuel it, and how much it will cost. It also depends on whether your heater can be installed inside or outside the car and how much room you have to store it safely.

You might also want to read up on the best water heater elements for a camper and the best portable AC units for a camper.

What kind of heater can you use in a camper?

There are two main types of RV space heaters: propane and electric and propane, and that too with many sub-types. Like with other RV accessories, there are advantages and disadvantages to the power sources chosen for the space heater.

What is the best way to heat a campervan?

A diesel night heater is the most typical heating system for campers, RVs, or any commercial vehicle. These heaters are an incredibly dependable technique to give a closed space enough heat. They generate heat almost instantly while consuming little fuel.

Is it safe to use a buddy heater in a van?

Buddy heaters have the potential to release carbon monoxide gas, a deadly poison for both people and animals. A propane heater can be fatal if it is not properly ventilated and equipped with an alert. Although many Mr. Buddy Heaters are advertised as “indoor-safe,” you shouldn’t use them without adequate ventilation and a functional alarm.