A retired couple said that their dream after working is to travel at their own pace. The retirees said that they are old and they want to enjoy and go anywhere they want. They keep the RV maintenance and travel costs by working online or doing some side jobs while traveling.
When winter comes, they have to get their RV ready to make them warm inside during the cold season. We asked them and several more campers about the safety reminders when they are using their heaters. Some accidents may occur when using even the best RV heaters in this small space. Prevent fire by doing the following safety reminders:
Buy a high-quality heater
Buying a high-quality heater is the first tip. You may have to let it run for a long time inside your RV, so this should pass the Quality Control. There are recommended brands by bloggers that you should choose for your RV. Choose the one with a timer. You won’t want to end up getting into the unnecessary hassle of returning and replacing your unit over and over again.
Only use a space heater that has been tested, approved, and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Quality is everything. Always read and follow the instructions and heed warning labels. You have to understand it also to follow it properly. Read blogs or articles about safety reminders when using a heater in your RV.
Have a backup heater
If you can still afford it, buy an extra heater. If you stay inside your RV for an extended period, you should have an additional heater. If the other one breaks down or something happens, you don’t want to run back to a store in the middle of a snowy night. You can also use the backup heater if it gets too cold and your space heater is not enough to reach your room.
Do not leave a space heater running
Do not leave the heater running while you are asleep or away from home. Only use heaters that automatically turn off when tipped over inside your RV. Always remember to place the heater on a solid, flat surface. It should not be in your way that you may trip on it when you are in a hurry.
Keep the heater away from objects
Remove things that might get caught up in the heater and may burn when hot. Please keep it away from flammable objects. Stuff unnecessary things underneath the skirted area of your RV to free up space for your heater. Remember heaters are necessary to keep you warm, but it also warms the things surrounding it. So you will be warm but safe from accidental fire.
Plugging safety
Always plug your heater on the wall. Do not use a power strip. You can use a heavy-duty extension cord, but ensure taped it properly to avoid accidents. The people inside the RV may accidentally trip on wires lying around. Therefore, it is better to tape it or hook it temporarily.
Though this will not look good on your RV, think that it is temporary. You can always clean it up when it is not so cold anymore, and you do not need the heater. Always think of safety first.
Proper placement of heaters
Proper placement of space heaters is essential. Keep away the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn. These things include papers, clothes, rugs, and curtains. Locate space heaters out of walking areas and doorways where they can be a tripping hazard. Burn hazards may cause fire or you falling on your face accidentally.
When your kids are with you when traveling, you should wall mount your heaters during the winter to avoid them from accidentally tripping on them. Do not put heaters on tables, chairs, furniture, or counters where they will be unstable. Wooden furniture could overheat and catch fire, so this is a big no.
Turn off your heater before going to bed
Of course, it is so good to stay inside and keep warm during cold weather, but it is also necessary to be safe. To do that, do not leave your heater on overnight. Instead, keep your RV insulated so that you can prevent the heat from escaping and cold air from getting inside your RV.
Make sure that you have prepared your RV before winter comes. Insulate and stuff safe insulation fibers where air can pass through like vents and pipe areas. Seal the spaces where air can go through. Insulations will help keep your RV warm until morning, even if you use the heater only for a few hours before going to sleep.
Unplug the heater when not in use
Do not leave the space heater plugged when not in use. Children may get curious and switch it on. Remember to clean, inspect and maintain your space heater in good working order before using it again. Keep in mind that you have stored it for a long time before using it again.
Cleaning the heater itself and freeing it from dust, dirt, and webs can lessen the chance of fire. It is necessary to inspect also if there are small bits of paper that may have gotten stuck to it when in storage. Cleaning your heater before use is an important reminder because it can cause a fire if the papers burn.
Get a professional help
If you doubt your wires, extension cords, and electrical plugs, getting a licensed electrician for your RV is always recommended. Get help from them and make your RV ready for the winter. You can also ask them for tips on using your heater. They can make a plug for the chosen location of your heater.
Electricians can also help you with your other electrical concerns, if there are any. Yes, it will cost you more, but it will give you more peace of mind. It is better than pretending to know things that you are not an expert on.
Travel comfortably and safe
Keeping your RV toasty and warm during the winter is essential, but it is also necessary to know how to keep it safe while using your heater. Read up, ask for advice, especially if this is your first winter in your RV. Upgrade or prepare it for winter ahead of time. You would not want to cram during the start of a snowfall, and you have not done anything yet.
Always remember it is better to be safe than sorry. You may have to sacrifice some things to be safe. You may also have to spend more on it, but you can always safely keep it after the winter season. These things that you have purchased and fixed can also be helpful again next year. Always be prepared and safe while you are warm and comfy in your RV.