Just returned from our maiden trip in our outwell Vermont. We have always used fan heaters come an evening. Our current Dimplex 2kw heater just didn't heat the tent up at all well. Have had this heater for 4 seasons and it was great in our old Hi Gear Zenobia 6, always toasty! Guessing its because we are heating a larger area. thinking of going up to 3kw model. Any recommendations much appreciated...
A lot of campsites EHU's are only rated for a maximum 10 amp draw and a 3kw heater will pull 12.5 amps! You would probably find that everytime you switch your new heater on, it trips out your campsite electric supply!
People dont seem to appreciate that the electric supply at a campsite isn't the same as home. They plug in far too much stuff brought from home and then complain when the power keeps tripping out!. Electric camping equipment is low power stuff to stop this sort of problem happening - for example, I have a fast boil kettle in my kitchen rated at 2.8kw - plug that in at the campsite and I have already overloaded the campsites system with just one item!
If you want to work out how many amps your equipment is using, the formula is
For our next trip we're going to try an oil filled radiator, it's very slim with a low profile and - I think? - it's only about 650w. We used a fan heator on a trip at the beginning of April but the OH found it a little noisy and didn't want to leave it on during the night - it was that cold you were tempted to though! I don't know how good the oil filled one will be but I got the idea after reading some recommendations for them on a thread somewhere on here. And as it's been languishing in the attic it hasn't cost us anything either!
------------- Apr - The Hideaway at Baxby Manor, N. Yorks
May - Seton Sands, East Lothian
Jul - Fisherground, Eskdale
Aug - Hoburn Cirencester, Glos.
Doh, hadn't thought of that! I am quite used to unplugging certain equipment when I am using more powerful appliances thus not to trip the supply, so not totally blonde . My current heater is of the horizontal letter box design, would the upright style ones be any more effective...
Think I will stick with what we've got then. Amazing how much difference in warmth, the zenobia stayed sooo warm but in the vermont it just took the edge off. I've just worked out that there is no difference in the floor area between the two tents (thats with the front porch of the vermont zipped closed), I guess its because of the extra head room in the vermont? Or my heaters giving up the ghost.....
May be worth considering one that oscillates?
Ceramic core is good too, apparently.
We have the KAMPA fan heater.
Comes with safety (tip-over) cut off, and thermostat etc.
However, max power setting is "only" 1500W (There's also 750W, and fan only settings).
It worked fine for us, even in these conditions...
but I appreciate there is a world of difference in the size of our tents!!
I'm loathe to recommend anything of this nature, as I believe one man's hot, is another man's tepid, and guess there's a lot of trial and error involved, for some.
Stubb-z Ibought excatly the same heater,just a different name on it fo £7.99from Homebargains 2yrs ago,they are still the same price now.
Sc-78,I would buy a fan heater with more than 2000w as most sites will have a max of 10amp on their electric circuit.Even at 2000w you have to be a little carefulof what you have plugged in when you have the heater on.
------------- If the moon reflects the suns light,why does it not reflect the suns heat?
Not hardcore at all,Stubb-z.
This time last year, I had no desire nor intention to camp in any weather, let alone snow. But once that bug bites!! :-)
It really was a hell of a lot cosier than it looks.
WE needed the heater... and heavy duty fleece lined sleeping bags... and thermals... and balaclavas... and Baileys... and under-blankets, over-blankets, wombling free blankets... and the heated toilet/shower block!!
Hardcore campers just rely on an extra pair of socks, and some Kendal Mint cake!!
Our Outwell Heater M kept us cosy in our Orchy. Yet to try it in the BL, but it chucks out 750/1500 via a stepless 'stat and I'm sure it'll be fine. It oscillates and has a base switch cutting it off if it topples over. Great heater but they don't do it now.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
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Topic: Fan Heater Recommendations
My current heater is of the horizontal letter box design, would the upright style ones be any more effective...
