Motor Home, How Do I Heat Thee...Let Me Count The Ways

It's winter. I know many of you are feeling it more acutely than we are, but we have had some cold nights and mornings where the temps were well into the 20s.

We have several different ways to generate heat. The trick seems to be finding the right balance so we are warm enough but don't wake up completely dehydrated. Then there is the issue of one of us tending to feel warmer than the other---this actually tends to vary with no rhyme or reason.

We have a furnace that runs on either propane or electricity. It does a good job of warming the whole MH fairly quickly. The propane is warmer and more encompassing heat, but we have to buy our own propane. Campgrounds provide the electricity as part of our monthly fee*, so that's a factor as well. But, when it's especially cold, we throw caution to the wind and run the propane.

*Some campgrounds charge separately for electricity usage and have meters at each monthly site. We have not stayed in a park like that, though this campground has a $50 electricity surcharge. From speaking with friends who have lived and worked at campgrounds where they charge separately for electric use, that can be anywhere from $75-150 per month. The variables are the same as everyone has with their electric bill---of course, a/c is the big expense.

Our propane tank holds about 25 gallons. We filled up in November and January and then topped off when we got here to Pine Mountain. We've paid from $3.50 to close to $4.00 per gallon making a total of approximately $200 for the winter. The propane also runs the stove and water heater. We'll likely get another fill up this spring and that ought to last until it gets cool in the fall.

The furnace is rather noisy and because it runs through the floor or beneath the MH, it causes some vibration. For our noise and vibration sensitive pet, Dooley, this can be an issue. Sometimes we have to choose between quick warmth but with a freaked out dog, or other methods which are not as offensive to his canine sensibilities.

But, he is getting better. Sometimes.

In addition to the furnace, we have an electric fireplace that does a nice job of taking the chill off, particularly when we don't need a lot of heat all over.

The furnace and fireplace are standard features of the MH. We've added a couple of electric space heaters too and use those to supplement when needed or to focus the heat on different areas.

With our large windshield, we can generate a fair amount (sometimes too much) heat simply by opening the curtains. This is pleasant in cooler temps, and very uncomfortable in hot weather.

Ideally, our first choice is to be in locations where we don't need to fuss with heat at all, but if we can't accomplish that, at least we have a few options.