For some reason, if I forget to unplug our portable electric heater before starting the RV or turning on the generator (i.e. if I cut off the shore power, then turn it back on again) our electric heater stops working. We've replaced 4 so far.
This morning, someone knocked on our RV door. They asked if our power was back on. We had still been in bed, so we hadn't realized that anyone had shut it off in the first place. I guess some company that trims the trees here at the RV park turned our power off for a couple of minutes for some reason. I went to use our heater tonight and--big surprise--we just went through heater #4.
We've purchased different makes and models of portable electric heaters, from 2 different stores. At the risk of sounding paranoid about lawsuits, I think it best not to mention the makes of heaters or the stores.
What I'd like to know is: 1) Why is this happening?
2) Have any of you found a specific portable electric heater that has worked well for you, without breaking down?
We've been using a Pelonis Ceramic Disc Heater for over 20 years without a problem. 1st in our home in a "cold" bathroom and now for 6 years in our motorhome as we fulltime. I saw one the other day in a hardware store for about $75.
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We received a portable heater as a gift from a co-worker for the RV, called a HOLMES brand, she purchased it from a Target store. It is approximately 12" x 8" has all different settings. we have used the heater over 2 years and also bought a second one for the bedroom and have NOT used our propane heater since.
Hope this helps.
Happy Rving
J&L
I also use a ceramic cube heater, they do a good job.
However, your question has not been answered and I can't help. Hopefully someone will respond and answer the question.
I'm no expert on electric heaters, but the only reason I can think of for such a thing to happen would be if there was a large over-voltage surge when the power came back on, and if so, other things would be a risk besides your heater. In fact, I'd expect simple resistance heaters to be fairly resistant to damage from such a surge, certainly more so than, say, a TV or microwave.
I think I'd be trying to find out why this happens before worrying about a new heater. I've never had such a problem, or heard of anyone who has, either.
I've been using the same "Big Heat" cube (6"x6"x6") for fifteen years now. Purchased it three RVs ago and it is still going strong. You may have some sort of problem with your transfer switch that zaps them. Can't be any good for your major appliances either.
Good luck / Skip
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naturist wrote: I'm no expert on electric heaters, but the only reason I can think of for such a thing to happen would be if there was a large over-voltage surge when the power came back on, and if so, other things would be a risk besides your heater. In fact, I'd expect simple resistance heaters to be fairly resistant to damage from such a surge, certainly more so than, say, a TV or microwave.
I think I'd be trying to find out why this happens before worrying about a new heater. I've never had such a problem, or heard of anyone who has, either.
I'd say this poster is right on...find out why this is happening before you buy another heater. If necessary have an electrician check out your wiring and especially the outlet you are plugged in to to make a heating appliance go bad, especially since this has happened more than once.
You just might have some other issues with your Motorhome that might be causing you some problems.
We doubt, that your luck has been that bad in your pick of "Cheap Heaters".
We don't even remember how many years we have been using all different types and brands of "Cheap Heaters". And so far, we haven't lost one yet. We have given some of them away from time to time, and just plain got better ones.
We have been using a Holmes "Twin Tower" Ceramic Heater (No Fan) for appro the last 10 years, in two different RV's. And not so much as one problem.
What ever your problem is, we agree it can't be to good for any other high usage items either.
We also do moslty Boondocking, so we never use our RV's Furance anyways. We use a couple of "Propane Heaters" instead. No Battery Power is needed, and is much eaiser on Propane than any RV Furance.
But when we do at times use a place with hook-ups, we use our Twin Tower, that does a great job of heating our RV.
Time to get out your "Multi-Meter" and start checking out your Electrial System.
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