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Old 09-28-2016, 07:33 PM   #1
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Keeping warm?

We went camping the other week and at night it got down to about 40. I purchased an electric heater (Lasko ceramic tower heater) to use in lieu of propane but the circuit breaker kept tripping after about 15 minutes. We switched to propane because I was just nervous about what was going on.

Any suggestions?

I have read that people use heated mattress pads AND electric heaters... But how can the TT handle all of that?

We have a 2007 23b.

PS. I thought about running an extension cord (heavy duty one) from the outside electric tower and through the gap between the Velcro at the bunks to run the electric heater... But wasn't sure if that'd be a good idea either.


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Old 09-28-2016, 07:36 PM   #2
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what was the amp of the breaker ... if you have a true 20 amp cord you should be ok running the heater with it from pedestal
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Old 09-28-2016, 07:38 PM   #3
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Not sure about your unit, but when we run an electric heater in ours, we pick the Low Heat setting. That usually means 600,700 watts. Full bore - they'll usually take all 1500 watts.

I was surprised to see that Electric Blankets are in the 80-120 watt range.

So with a heater on Low and an Electric blanket, you'll be under the 1500 total max.
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Old 09-28-2016, 08:00 PM   #4
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We use a small space heater and have not had trouble. Only trouble we have is we can not use the coffee pot and it at the same time.

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Old 09-29-2016, 07:36 AM   #5
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If you're cold-weather camping in a hybrid (or pop-up), you can get a set of Pop Up Gizmos (no affiliation), which are basically thermal blankets that strap to the top of the tenting on the bunk ends. Some people also make window inserts out of Reflectix and put them between the tenting and the screens, and all of this helps mitigate the thermal loss through the tenting -- apparently it also helps reduce condensation in cold weather.

Another bonus of going this route is it also works well in hot weather; it reflects the heat away from the interior of the trailer and helps the air conditioning to be more efficient.
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Old 09-29-2016, 07:41 AM   #6
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What's the problem using propane? That's what it is there for.


Since you are plugged in, you don't have to worry about the blower running down the battery.
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Old 09-29-2016, 08:52 AM   #7
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What's the problem using propane? That's what it is there for.


Since you are plugged in, you don't have to worry about the blower running down the battery.
I would think that if the OP were to use propane that would be at his cost but by using a electric heater it would be at the campgrounds cost provided he is at a site that provides electric.
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Old 09-29-2016, 08:58 AM   #8
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I would think that if the OP were to use propane that would be at his cost but by using a electric heater it would be at the campgrounds cost provided he is at a site that provides electric.
Oops, my bad. I keep forgetting about that. I'm so into boondocking that I forget "all the grid power, fresh water and waste water one can use" is included in the site rental fees.
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Old 09-29-2016, 09:14 AM   #9
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If you have a 30 Amp service watch your "AMPS". Electric heater @ 12 Amps and if you use your microwave that's 12 Amp and if the WH kicks in on electric that's another 10 Amp. No wonder on CG's when everybody is using a electric heater the voltage goes down. My rule don't be cheap be smart. The cost of propane is inexpensive. My 2c
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Old 09-29-2016, 09:20 AM   #10
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PS. I thought about running an extension cord (heavy duty one) from the outside electric tower and through the gap between the Velcro at the bunks to run the electric heater... But wasn't sure if that'd be a good idea either.

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There are many that do it that way and if you do just make sure you have a extension rated to carry the load that you are using.

Use a cord that is either rated for 15 or 20 amps
14 gauge (15A) or 12 gauge (20A) wire
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Old 09-29-2016, 09:32 AM   #11
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We use the same ceramic heater for those cool nights and never had an issue.
Did you try a different plug?
You might want to check the breaker as well.
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Old 09-29-2016, 11:21 AM   #12
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Filling a 7 gallon (30#) bottle of propane is less than $20 around here. This size bottle will last us a week+ camping in the coldest weather we have camped, night time lows 28-32*. We have a lot more interior space to heat compared to a PUP too. For an extra $20 a week on those occasions we camp that cold I'll just burn the propane.

In comparison our beer/wine expense is >$20 day while camping. Keeping things in perspective I would not have drinks one day which could save more than cover the entire propane expense
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Old 09-29-2016, 12:33 PM   #13
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We have a newer 23B. We use a 1500 watt ceramic heater all the time and electric matress pad heaters. No problems. Watch what circuits you are using. We cannot use the microwave or other heavy power consumers at the same time. Some times I snake in a heavy duty extension cord through a gap in the sideout, and pug into it from the power post. That way we can use the microwave, crockpot or other heavy power consumers.
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Old 09-29-2016, 12:46 PM   #14
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We use the same ceramic heater for those cool nights and never had an issue.
Did you try a different plug?
You might want to check the breaker as well.
You may also want to check the screws and connections at the breaker and outlet.
Don't forget to turn off all incoming AC power.
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Old 09-29-2016, 12:48 PM   #15
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Filling a 7 gallon (30#) bottle of propane is less than $20 around here. This size bottle will last us a week+ camping in the coldest weather we have camped, night time lows 28-32*. We have a lot more interior space to heat compared to a PUP too. For an extra $20 a week on those occasions we camp that cold I'll just burn the propane.

In comparison our beer/wine expense is >$20 day while camping. Keeping things in perspective I would not have drinks one day which could save more than cover the entire propane expense
Just think If you use the electric heater and there is no cost involved you just saved enough for more beer.

Also I would bet that your enclosed TT uses less propane than his 23B

But in reality I think the OP was more concerned that the breaker was tripping and not being to use the electric heater, and wasn't worried about using his propane
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Old 09-29-2016, 01:43 PM   #16
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Just think If you use the electric heater and there is no cost involved you just saved enough for more beer.

Also I would bet that your enclosed TT uses less propane than his 23B

But in reality I think the OP was more concerned that the breaker was tripping and not being to use the electric heater, and wasn't worried about using his propane
Very true
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Old 09-29-2016, 02:42 PM   #17
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I use the ceramic heater as well when cold camping and turn down the furnace. No problems at night with a breaker tripping as that is the only high draw item that is on. Besides cost I prefer that steady fan over the jet plane after burner like sound of the furnace cutting in and out every so often. But if needed that furnace will heat the place up fast.
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Old 09-29-2016, 02:58 PM   #18
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I use the ceramic heater as well when cold camping and turn down the furnace. No problems at night with a breaker tripping as that is the only high draw item that is on. Besides cost I prefer that steady fan over the jet plane after burner like sound of the furnace cutting in and out every so often. But if needed that furnace will heat the place up fast.
Same here. I use the electric heater because it's quiet. It's also nice to use the no cost electricity, but I would run the electric even if I was charged for it.
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Old 09-29-2016, 03:04 PM   #19
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Try running the electric heater on Low output while the coffee is making. It only draws 750 watts instead of 1500.

It will let you keep warm while it makes.
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Old 09-29-2016, 05:33 PM   #20
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I would think that if the OP were to use propane that would be at his cost but by using a electric heater it would be at the campgrounds cost provided he is at a site that provides electric.
That is what we do. When plugged into electric at the camp ground, we use the ceramic heater. after ALL, WE ARE PAYING FOR THE ELECTRIC, SO WHY NOT USE IT . saves us the cost of propane!
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