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In this article, I will answer your question about whether is the car camping heater safe to use or it is considered safe for humans. Many car camping heaters are available, but only a few are secure in enclosed areas. Safety always needs to be your top priority while buying a heater for car camping. You’ll want to be sure that your heater produces sufficient heat.
Electricity is largely used by car heaters while camping. However, some compact heaters can also be powered by diesel or gas. Depending on the car’s size and the camping trip’s anticipated length, winter campers can choose from a wide variety of heaters.
Planning is the most beneficial thing for you when staying warm in your automobile while camping is concerned. There are types of heaters you can purchase, supplies to keep on hand (space blankets, gloves), and a general preparedness mindset for whatever you may face.
Camping heaters are secure when used correctly. An improper camping heater can cause CO2 poisoning, flames, and even death. Understanding how to use the kind of camping heater you purchase is the key to avoiding this. So in this article, I will also give you a buying guide for a car camping heater so let’s start.
4 Elements that Make a Car Camping Heater Safe
Following are the 4 elements that make a car camping heater safe.
- No naked flames
- Sitting in front of the heater
- Automatic tip-over shut-off
- Automatic shut-off for the oxygen sensor
Types of Heaters for Car Camping
Many types of car camping heaters can be used for warm effects with different specifications explained below.
1. Electric Fan Heaters
You should use an electric heater if there is electricity available at your campsite. You won’t be deprived of oxygen when using an electric heater; these don’t produce flames, embers, or smoke.
Fan electric heaters are similar to ceramic heaters, except they have a metal coil and fan instead of ceramic plates. Wet circumstances and excessive heat are the only two potential safety hazards while using an electric heater while camping. An electric heater has a high enough temperature to ignite a fire. They utilize electricity as well.
2. Ceramic Electric Heaters
A ceramic electric heater is also used as a car camping heater. As it is electrical, it is known to be safe for car camping. These make use of electric-heated ceramic plates. People going on car camping prefer using this heater.
Since there is no flame, there is no chance of carbon monoxide poisoning while using these in a closed space. However, they frequently need a corded electric connection.
3. Propane Heaters
You can use a variety of indoor propane heaters inside a tent when camping in chilly weather. However, “indoor-safe” propane tent heaters must have adequate ventilation to work indoors, including inside a tent. These are powered by propane bottles and heated by fire. The flame may be visible or concealed by safety barriers. If you’re camping within a structure, you’ll want the latter.
Some propane heaters, like the ones described below, have an automated tip-over shut-off feature with an oxygen depletion sensor. These security measures reduce fire and CO risks. You should always bring a carbon monoxide detector even with these safety measures.
4. Oil Heaters
These employ diathermic oil heated by electricity and resembles vintage radiators. Due to their size and weight, they are unsuitable for camping. Although they are heated electrically, they are filled with oil.
They do not involve burning oil but rather using it as a heat storage medium instead of fuel. An oil heater resembles a vintage radiator in appearance but is much smaller. It is a typical type of convection heater used for car camping.
Guide for Using Car Camping Heater Safely
Make sure to gently open the windows on either side of your automobile if you intend to use any heating system in the enclosed space of your vehicle.
It will not only increase the amount of oxygen in the car and keep you safe, but it will also level off the amount of moisture, significantly improving your experience. I advise using a heater only while sleeping in a tent or leaving it unattended. Heaters must be used carefully since they might release hazardous fumes and ignite garments and tents.
Read More: Best Battery Powered Heater for Camping Tents
Other Options to Keep Yourself Warm While Car Camping
Following are the ways that you can use instead of using a heater for car camping.
1. IEEE USB Powered Electric Blanket and seat warmers
If you don’t want a heater in your car camping, you can use anIZEEPE USB-powered electric blanket. A car seat warmer is an excellent option if you stay cosy when sitting on it. The blankets can give you the heat you require to keep warm. The battery bank in this warm fleece blanket’s pocket provides power.
It has heat settings from 95 to 122 F and heats up quickly. You can wear it like a shawl and keep it in place while using your hands because it features a zipper, making this possible. According to several reports, the blanket isn’t as warm as corded models. However, given its restricted power supply, that was to be expected.
2. HotHands Air Activated Hand Warmers
Little sandbags heat up when shaken to provide a warm effect on car camping. They can last up to 18 hours and can get relatively warm. They are so hot that the manufacturer advises against putting them up against your skin.
The interesting about hand warmers is that your fingers will stay toasty and warm for at least half the day if you tuck these items inside your boots or gloves. It is the best thing for you if you want your hands to be warmed for a long time.
3. COPPA Rechargeable Hand Warmers
You can use an OCOOPA rechargeable hand warmer. The warmers have USB type C and micro-USB charging connectors. Depending on the heat level, these hand warmers can last for 8 to 15 hours. They have a 10,000 mAh battery.
It can also be a backup power source for your phone or other electronics in an emergency. That’s a massive plus because phone batteries can run out quickly while camping in the cold. However, they are substantially larger than the HotHands warmers. An advantage of analogue warmers is that you can’t squeeze one inside a glove.
Car Camping Heaters Buying Guide
You should remember the below explained things while buying a car camping heater.
1. Security First
Safety should always be your top priority while searching for car camping heaters. Pick a heater with integrated safety measures like automatic shut-off. For instance, if your propane heater tips over or the oxygen level in the space or tent drops, it should turn off.
Don’t rely on the carbon monoxide detector that comes with the heater even then; always have a backup. Only purchase the heater if customers complain it melts the front plastic or sets off their CO2 alarm.
2. Consider The Runtime While Buying A Heater For Car Camping
Take the runtime into concern while buying a car camping heater. It usually won’t be a problem using an electric heater. It will produce heat as long as you connect the camping heater. However, varied gas burn rates are possible for propane heaters. The better, the longer the runtime.
3. Power Supply For Heater
What kind of power source you wish to use is another thing to think about when purchasing a heater for car camping. A heater that runs on electricity will save you money if you camp at a campsite that provides it.
The best option is a gas heater if you are a boondocker without access to connections, though. While space heaters with higher BTU ratings will generate more heat, they also use much power.
4. How Much and How Long Will You Feel the Heat?
Look at the heater’s BTU output; greater values indicate warmer temperatures but higher power consumption. Additionally, consider how much fuel you can bring on vacation and how long the heater can run. Bring more petrol than you expect to need at all times.
5. Car camping heaters: safe vs unsafe
Ceramic and 12V heaters are safe alternatives for heating; however, they are typically corded. It implies you’ll have to power them while camping with a generator or car battery. The last thing you want is a dead battery when you wake up. A gas heater will be more than adequate for most camping excursions.
Final Thoughts: Is the Car Camping Heater Safe to Use
The conclusion of (is car camping heater safe to use) is that car camping heaters are safe if used correctly and by selecting the heater that has all four elements given above to become a safe heater. Avoid using open flame heaters since they pose a risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
You have many alternatives above for keeping warm in a car camping rather than heaters. Additionally, even though connecting a heater to your car’s battery may be practical, you risk draining it before your return trip. Before purchasing a portable heater, I advise improving your gear if it needs to be warmer for cold-weather camping. However, everyone has different tastes.
You’ll have a wonderful camping trip if you use your heaters while awake and follow the necessary safety precautions. Finally, never let a heater run while you sleep in your tent or leave one unattended. The same holds with straightforward electric heaters and space heaters. Follow my given guide and be safe while using the car camping heater.
Read more : Best tent for extreme cold weather
Frequently Asked Questions: Is the Car Camping Heater Safe to Use
The following are the frequently asked questions about whether car camping heaters are safe to use.
1. Is it possible to fall asleep in a running car heater?
Answer: It should not be done; try to keep your senses in action while running a car heater. The engine must be running for the car heaters.
Never fall asleep with the engine running since the exhaust might rise into the vehicle as you sleep and poison you. Additionally, the heating may deplete the battery in your automobile, leaving you stranded.
2. Can a space heater be used inside a car?
Answer: It varies. Never use an open flame space heater inside a closed environment since it will reduce the oxygen level. Before using any other heater inside a car, exercise extreme caution.
The heater’s front is likely to become quite hot, and a car has a lot of flammable materials inside. Any space heater should never be used as a bedside heater inside a vehicle.
3. Can a 12-volt battery power a heater?
Answer: Indeed, if you have an adapter, before your car battery may power a typical electric heater, you must first convert DC to AC and then to 120V.
However, bear in mind that doing this will drain your battery. To be particularly warm, you want to stay on your way.