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Using a space heater in an RV might seem like an easy way to stay warm on those cold nights. However, a recent video from That RV Tech sheds light on why you should question the safety of running one for long stretches.
The takeaway is not that everyone must stop using them. It’s that the wiring inside a camper plays a larger role than most people realize.
You don’t need an engineering background to make sense of the big points in the video (which you can watch below). You only need a clear picture of how RV electrical systems handle long-term load.
Why RV Electrical Systems Behave Differently
More often than not, RVs use poor “press-to-fit” outlets, and it’s fairly common for several outlets to be daisy-chained on one circuit.
Furthermore, the shore power cord and inlet create another weak point, since every appliance in the RV ultimately draws current through that single connection. Plus, any looseness in the blades, terminals, or internal contacts can cause that area to heat up quickly under continuous load.
When all of these factors combine, the system has far less room to handle long stretches of heavy electrical demand compared to a typical home setup.
How a 1500 Watt Heater Adds Stress
Many small and large heaters draw about 1500 watts, which works out to roughly 12.5 amps on a 120-volt circuit. Most RV receptacle circuits are rated at 15 amps, but continuous loads are not meant to run all the way up to that number. The National Electrical Code (NEC) and breaker manufacturers generally limit long-term use to a lower percentage (80%) of the breaker’s rating. When a heater stays on high for long stretches, it can run over that limit and place steady strain on the circuit.
Where Problems Tend to Show Up
The most common weak points are the connection areas throughout the camper:
- Loose or partially contacted wires in outlets can create resistance, which generates heat.
- Shore cord connectors and pedestal inlets show similar behavior when they carry heavy demand over time.
A resistance of about 0.2 ohms at roughly 12.5 amps can produce several dozen watts of heat inside a single connection. That turns the connection itself into a small heater trapped within plastic parts.
In the video, That RV Tech uses a thermal camera to show how quickly these points warm up under continuous load. The outlet contacts rise in temperature within minutes, and the inlet and shore cord follow the same pattern. Because the heat is trapped inside plastic housings, the material begins to soften, which loosens the contact even more. That cycle continues as long as the electrical draw stays high.
Approaches RV Owners Use to Reduce Load
I want to be clear that I am not giving electrical instructions. Every RV is different, and anyone with concerns about their own setup should talk with a licensed electrician or an RV technician who understands these systems. What follows are general points that many owners and technicians talk about, not step-by-step guidance for an individual camper.
- Choose a heater that offers lower-watt settings, such as 500 or 750 watts, instead of running a 1500-watt heater on high.
- Pay attention to what else is plugged into the same circuit. Coffee makers, chargers, lamps, and other accessories all add to the total draw.
- Avoid plug-in heaters that hang directly from the outlet, since the weight can pull on the receptacle and loosen the contact points.
- Check outlets and the shore cord for warmth or discoloration during use.
- Improve your RV insulation by reducing drafts, insulating windows, or skirting the camper to rely less on electric heat in the first place.
A Practical Takeaway
The video from That RV Tech highlights something many RV owners often overlook. Long-term electrical load puts steady pressure on every connection point in the camper. A heater may run perfectly, yet a weak outlet or shore connector can heat up out of sight. Even the smallest flaw in a connection can grow hotter with each hour of heater use, increasing the risk over time.
If you are deciding how to heat your camper, the information in the video offers a helpful starting point. Consider how much load your wiring carries, what else is plugged in, and whether lower-watt options might suit your setup. For questions about your specific electrical system, a qualified RV technician or electrician can give clear guidance.
You can watch the full video here (and be sure to give him a follow):
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