CheapHeat?

[Retired]

http://www.rvcomfortsystems.com/

Anyone have any experience with this type of heat?

[OnTheGo]

I installed an electrical "heat strip" as an add on to a roof AC some years ago and was disappointed with it (took it back for refund). I don't think it's fair to compare the two because I don't have experience with CheapHeat, but if I ever buy another add-on electric heater I would find out what its output is and how that would affect my TT first.

We're satisfied with a couple of small plug-in heaters. But it's usually a matter of how they're aimed as compared to even heat for the total space.

Edit: And tonight if we were camped in SW Florida, we would be using them.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

I installed an electrical "heat strip" as an add on to a roof AC some years ago and was disappointed with it (took it back for refund).

I've been using heat strips for years and always had great luck. Our son has one in his 17-ZX Hybrid and it keeps them very toasty on chilly nights. What problems did you have?

[OnTheGo]

Mine was also in a 17Z. It just never made enough heat to make it worth turning it on.
BTW, I got it at Holman's; I'll bet you know where they're at. The sales rep said more than a few customers were dissatisfied with them, but it was a stock item so I could return it.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

Mine was also in a 17Z. It just never made enough heat to make it worth turning it on.
BTW, I got it at Holman's; I'll bet you know where they're at. The sales rep said more than a few customers were dissatisfied with them, but it was a stock item so I could return it.

Holman's are right in my backyard. That is where the two that I had in our SENECA and the one in our son's hybrid came from.

[Tunce the traveler]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

We're satisfied with a couple of small plug-in heaters. But it's usually a matter of how they're aimed as compared to even heat for the total space.

Edit: And tonight if we were camped in SW Florida, we would be using them.

I have small plug- in heater and it cost maybe $40.00 and I've used it approx. 100+ nights.

[BigJohnD]

I know on our atwood furnace, it gives you a forewarning to NOT install the cheap heat system. We've had heat strips in several, heat pumps etc. In the end, the small plug in heaters front and rear, and roof blower on and we're good to go. The heat strips we had did work to a point, but this unit didn't come with them. Heat pumps, those that have them know that once you get down in the 40-50 degree range, they're worthless.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

I know on our atwood furnace, it gives you a forewarning to NOT install the cheap heat system...

Cheap Heat guarantees to replace your furnace if the add on damages the furnace it's added to so that negates Atwood's paranoia.

To those comparing Cheap Heat to the low power heat strips added to A/Cs, you are comparing apples and kumquats. Cheap Heat puts out far more heat and, since it's piggybacked to the furnace, it uses the furnace ductwork which will also direct heat to the underbelly and storage bays if the ductwork already runs there. Every post I've read on other forums made by people who have installed Cheap Heat (or have had it installed) have given been very happy with it. The only detractors I've seen are those who have not used it.

[wwsmith111]

Wow. There are salespeople lurking just about everywhere. Cheap Heat doesn't look so "cheap" to me cost wise. I think I'll stick with my two $30 space heaters.

[tnchuck100]

1. No reference to cost (purchase or installation). Payback is probably beyond the life of the RV.

2. Carbon footprint eliminated??...BS...The power company is now doing that instead of you but the carbon emission still exists and is not eliminated.

3. Might be practical for a 50 amp RV where you can use 5000 watts. But on a 30 amp RV you are limited to 1800 watts. No better than the $40.00 space heater you are probably already using.

4. My impression of his presentation was he was 100% salesman scripted without any actual technical knowledge on what he was talking about. He was overselling the virtues of a couple of relays that operate the system.

UPDATE: I did a little further checking.
$1500 installed price. PLUS TAX!
I see no economic benefit with those numbers. $1500.00 will buy a hell of a lot of propane!

[Seann45]

There are a LOT of plug in heaters you can use that cost under $100.00 that will work as well as this... personally I would save my $$$.


PS
The more people move to electric heat the more campgrounds will have to charge to re-coup the cost...

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Thank you wwwsmith111, tnchuck100, and Seann45 for helping to prove the point I made in the last sentence in my previous post. As I already said, I've yet to see a post from anyone who actually had a Cheap Heat installed that wasn't very happy with it.


Cheap Heat isn't for everyone. It's not for owners of small, relatively inexpensive RVs, boondockers, weekend only campers, and occasional campers. It's for people who want the convenience and comfort of central heat without having to frequently refill propane bottles; this is especially attractive for full-timers and people who stay in one location for long periods and either don't want to or can't lug around heavy propane tanks for refilling.


With a Cheap Heat installation, one doesn't have to worry about overloading electrical circuits or danger from fire because something combustible got too close to a portable heater. One also doesn't have to deal with a portable heater setting out in the way, creating a trip hazard, in an already crowded RV. A Cheap Heat installation won't have the ghetto appearance of multiple portable space heaters underfoot or taking up counter space.


It amazes me how people will pay five to six figures for an RV, then cheap out on what they put in it. That's like buying a Bentley or a Rolls, then covering the seats with old beach towels or running it on the poorest quality gas they can find.

[OnTheGo]

Lady Fitzgerald, Most of us are " ...owners of small, relatively inexpensive RVs, boondockers, weekend only campers, and occasional campers." The OP wanted to know if anyone had experience, and it sounds like you do - and you like it.

IMO "ghetto appearance" is a little strong; they don't look that bad next to a sleeping bag and a box of donuts.

[Jagiven]

I have looked at Cheap Heat a few times, and watched the videos. I like the concept. But the price, would keep me from installing the system. I think I read somewhere it costs about $300 for the kit and it must be installed by a qualified installer. This is not a DIY project, and will not sell it to an average Joe. It looks very well built; they have a number of installation options based on your power supply, all utilizing the same equipment. If I was going to do it, I think I would upgrade my shore power to a 50 amp, to truly utilize the heater.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Jagiven

I have looked at Cheap Heat a few times, and watched the videos. I like the concept. But the price, would keep me from installing the system. I think I read somewhere it costs about $300 for the kit and it must be installed by a qualified installer. This is not a DIY project, and will not sell it to an average Joe. It looks very well built; they have a number of installation options based on your power supply, all utilizing the same equipment. If I was going to do it, I think I would upgrade my shore power to a 50 amp, to truly utilize the heater.

Actually, the add-on systems cost $495 through Amazon (you have to access it through RV Comfort System's website). Many people have installed it themselves even though the manufacturer recommends professional installation. Do searches on other RV forums for posts by people who have installed their own Cheap Heat systems (you will also see more of the negative nonsense from people who have never used or own a Cheap Heat and know little to nothing about it).

You are correct about it being worthwhile upgrading a 30A RV service to 50A. Just add a 50A breaker panel ahead of the stock 30A panel and use separate breakers for the Cheap Heat and the stock 30A panel. If stuck with only 30A at a campground, just use a 50Ato 30A adapter and revert to propane with the simple flip of a switch.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by OnTheGo

Lady Fitzgerald, Most of us are " ...owners of small, relatively inexpensive RVs, boondockers, weekend only campers, and occasional campers." The OP wanted to know if anyone had experience, and it sounds like you do - and you like it...

The curious thing is the negative responses were from people who had no experience, not what the OP asked for.

[WVDusty]

OK this is starting to get a little off topic and abbrasive lets try to get back on track here. Thanks

[wwsmith111]

Nah, sticking with my two $30 heaters thanks. If the price point was a lot lower I would be interested as I think most of us would be.

[BigJohnD]

Too bad Atwood and Suburban don't put something like the electric heating element in there to start with, then I'd consider, if the price was right. Suprised neither one of these manufacturers have come up with something like that.

[OnTheGo]

Originally Posted by BigJohnD

Too bad Atwood and Suburban don't put something like the electric heating element in there to start with, then I'd consider, if the price was right. Suprised neither one of these manufacturers have come up with something like that.

... couldn't agree more. I think we all agree central heat is a good idea. (Raise your hand if you don't like central heat.) It doesn't seem like it would be that expensive of an item to include into manufacturing. They must have their reasons.