6 Best Low Wattage Space Heaters For RV Shore Power + Save Without Sacrifice

It’s 3 AM at a chilly campground, and the sudden silence tells you everything you need to know: you tripped the breaker again. That old 1500-watt space heater you brought from home was just too much for your RV’s 30-amp system, especially with the fridge running. Choosing the right low-wattage space heater isn’t just about comfort; it’s about living harmoniously within your rig’s power limits.

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Why Low Wattage Matters for RV Shore Power

Your RV’s 30-amp shore power connection is a finite resource. Think of it as a power budget. At 120 volts, a 30-amp service provides a maximum of 3,600 watts (30A x 120V). That sounds like a lot, but a standard home space heater on high can gobble up 1,500 watts all by itself—nearly half your entire budget.

Now, factor in your other appliances. The water heater might pull 1,400 watts. The microwave needs 1,000-1,500 watts. Even your converter, which charges your batteries, is constantly sipping a few hundred watts in the background. Running that big heater means you can’t make coffee or use the microwave without playing a risky game of "breaker roulette."

This is where low-wattage heaters shine. A unit that draws between 200 and 750 watts leaves you with a massive power surplus. You can stay warm, keep your batteries charged, and make a late-night snack without ever having to put your boots on for a cold walk to the power pedestal. It’s the key to using your RV’s electrical system without constant worry.

Lasko MyHeat: Best for Personal Zone Heating

The Lasko MyHeat isn’t designed to heat your entire RV, and that’s its greatest strength. At just 200 watts, this little unit is the master of personal space. It draws less power than a few old-school incandescent light bulbs. You can run it all day without ever thinking about your power consumption.

Think of it as a targeted tool. Place it on the floor by your feet while working at the dinette, or put it on the counter to warm your hands while prepping breakfast. It creates a small bubble of warmth exactly where you need it, which is often all you need to feel comfortable. It’s an incredibly efficient way to stay cozy without wasting energy heating empty air in the hallway or bathroom.

This heater is the perfect supplement to your RV’s built-in furnace. Instead of cranking the propane-guzzling furnace to 72 degrees, you can set it to a baseline of 60 and use the MyHeat to make your immediate area comfortable. It’s a tiny investment that saves propane and electricity while delivering comfort right where it counts.

Vornado MVH: Top Choice for Even Airflow

Most small heaters just blast hot air in one direction, creating a hot spot right in front and leaving the rest of the room cold. The Vornado MVH is different. It uses what they call "vortex action" to circulate the air, creating a more uniform temperature throughout the entire space. This is a game-changer in a small rig where drafts and cold spots are common.

The MVH comes with multiple power settings, typically a low of 750 watts. This gives you crucial flexibility. On a cold night when you aren’t using other major appliances, 750 watts can gently heat a small-to-medium-sized RV. If you just need to take the edge off, you can often find models with even lower settings around 375 watts.

While it’s more expensive than a basic ceramic heater, you’re paying for smarter heat distribution. Instead of just feeling a blast of hot air, you feel the entire room gradually and evenly warm up. For anyone who hates the "hot face, cold back" feeling from directional heaters, the Vornado’s whole-room circulation is worth the investment.

De’Longhi Radiator: Silent, Steady Warmth

If the hum of a heater fan drives you crazy at night, an oil-filled radiator is your answer. The De’Longhi Pinguino is a classic for a reason. It’s completely silent. It works by heating oil sealed inside its fins, which then radiates a gentle, steady heat into the room. There are no fans, no glowing elements, just quiet warmth.

This type of heater provides a different kind of comfort. Because it heats objects in the room rather than just the air, the warmth feels deeper and lasts longer. Even after the thermostat clicks off, the hot oil continues to radiate heat, preventing the constant on-and-off temperature swings you get with forced-air units. Many models have a low 700-watt setting, making them a great fit for an RV power budget.

The main tradeoffs are size and heat-up time. They are bulkier than compact ceramic heaters and can take 15-20 minutes to get fully warm. But for overnight use in a bedroom, their silent operation and consistent, non-drying heat are unbeatable. It’s the closest you can get to residential-style radiant heat in a portable package.

GiveBest Ceramic Heater: A Versatile Classic

Sometimes, you just need a simple, reliable, and affordable tool for the job. The GiveBest portable ceramic heater is that tool. It’s one of the most popular models you’ll see in RVs because it checks all the right boxes: it’s compact, has essential safety features, and offers multiple power levels.

The key feature for RVers is the dual-wattage setting. Most models offer a 1500-watt high setting (which you should generally avoid on 30-amp power) and a 750-watt low setting that’s perfect for shore power. This gives you a powerful option for when you might have access to a 50-amp site or need a quick blast of heat, but a safe, low-draw mode for everyday use.

These heaters also come standard with crucial safety features like tip-over protection and overheat shut-offs. In a space that moves and shifts, having a heater that automatically turns off if it gets knocked over isn’t just a nice feature—it’s a necessity. It’s a workhorse heater that provides flexible, safe heat without a high price tag.

Amazon Basics 500W: Simple, Compact Heat

This heater is the definition of simple. It has one switch, one setting, and one job: to produce 500 watts of heat. There are no complicated controls or thermostats to worry about. For RVers who want a plug-and-play solution for a small space, this is it.

Its 500-watt draw is a sweet spot for RV power management. It’s enough to effectively warm a bathroom, a small sleeping area, or under a desk, but it’s low enough that you’ll almost never have to worry about tripping a breaker. You can run this heater while simultaneously using your coffee maker or toaster without doing any mental math.

This isn’t the heater for warming a 35-foot fifth wheel on a freezing night. But for taking the chill out of a Class B van, a truck camper, or a specific zone in a larger rig, its simplicity is its biggest asset. It’s a reliable, low-impact heat source you can set and forget.

Caframo True North: A Durable Marine-Grade Pick

If you’re a full-timer or spend a lot of time in harsh conditions, it might be worth investing in a heater built for the job. The Caframo True North is designed for the marine world, which means it’s engineered to handle everything an RV can throw at it: vibration, humidity, and constant use.

This heater is built like a tank, with a sturdy steel construction that won’t crack or break like cheap plastic units. It offers multiple low-wattage settings—typically 600, 900, and 1500 watts—giving you precise control over your power draw. The 600-watt setting is ideal for maintaining a temperature overnight without stressing your electrical system.

Yes, it costs significantly more than the other heaters on this list. But you’re paying for durability and peace of mind. For those who rely on a space heater as a primary source of warmth for months on end, the robust build and reliable performance of a marine-grade unit like the Caframo can be a wise long-term investment.

Maximize Heat & Safety on a 30-Amp System

Choosing the right low-wattage heater is only half the battle. To truly stay warm and safe, you need to think about your RV as a complete system. The goal is to keep the heat you generate inside and manage your power consumption intelligently.

First, focus on reducing heat loss. Insulated window coverings, vent cushions, and an RV skirt make a massive difference. Every bit of heat you keep inside is electricity you don’t have to spend. Second, know your power budget. Before you turn on your heater, think about what else is running.

Here are some simple power math examples:

• Safe Combo: 750W Heater + 300W Fridge + 100W TV/Lights = 1,150 watts. Plenty of power to spare.
• Risky Combo: 750W Heater + 1,400W Water Heater + 800W Coffee Maker = 2,950 watts. You are right at the edge of tripping the breaker.

Finally, always prioritize safety. Never use an extension cord with a space heater; plug it directly into a wall outlet. Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything flammable like bedding, curtains, or furniture. A low-wattage heater is a fantastic tool, but it still requires respect and common sense.

Ultimately, staying warm on shore power isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about being smart. By pairing a right-sized, low-wattage heater with good insulation and mindful power management, you can enjoy a cozy, comfortable RV without ever worrying about that dreaded 3 AM trip to the power pedestal.