RV Comfort Systems (Cheap Heat)

1978steven · 01-03-2015, 02:54 PM

Looking to see if anyone has any input on the "Cheap Heat" electric heat addon for rv furnaces offered by RVComfortSolutions. It looks like a pretty decent kit capable of up to 5500 watts at 50 amps. It appears to fit most common models of rv gas furnaces turning them into selectable gas/electric furnaces. I'm still currently wanting on the Canton, Tx Explore USA dealer to my PDI on my 2015 Longhorn Rezerve 36DB. So I have no idea what model furnace Crossroads uses in them, but this electric addon fits Suburban Models: SF-21 through SF-42, SH-35 through SH-42 and Atwood Hydro Flame: 8500 Series, 2450 and 8900 Series.

http://www.rvcomfortsystems.com/#

**Lloyd** · 01-03-2015, 03:09 PM

Do you know how much that add on cost?

**mark5w** · 01-03-2015, 04:16 PM

From what I can find Lloyd, the cost is about $500.00. That's not including installation.

**Lloyd** · 01-03-2015, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

From what I can find Lloyd, the cost is about $500.00. That's not including installation.

I think a person could buy a lot of LP for that.

sleepyT · 01-03-2015, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I think a person could buy a lot of LP for that.

Yes and you would have to do a LOT of cold weather camping for it to pay for itself...

**mark5w** · 01-03-2015, 08:14 PM

That's why I like my fireplace Tommy. Cost is on the campground since it runs on electric.
Does a good job of taking the chill out and supplementing the gas furnace.

sleepyT · 01-03-2015, 10:52 PM

Mark
Everyone I know that has a fire place likes it...

I took mine out for the storage DW uses for all small appliances she carries for cooking...

I have a Quartz Infrared that I can use and it fits in our cabinet with the cooking stuff...

So I have the best of both worlds...

Dayle1 · 01-04-2015, 07:29 AM

I agree with Lloyd, I don't see how it can be described as 'cheap heat' when you consider purchase price plus labor to install. Every other form of electric heat from portable heaters to built in fireplaces are cheaper to buy and just as cheap to operate. Plus, I prefer quiet electric heaters rather than hearing a noisy furnace blower running at 3 am. I wouldn't want one even if it was free.

socoguy · 01-04-2015, 09:05 AM

RV travel draws people from many varied lifestyles. Some of them have got to have every advertised "essential" product. I want to invent something because I am sure some people will buy it.

Totally agree with Lloyd and Larry Cheap Heat ain't cheap!

1978steven · 01-04-2015, 11:52 AM

Thanks for all the inputs. A buddy of mine mentioned it as he full times and said it was well worth it to do the upgrade. In the past the "average" customer had to purchase thru a dealer or authorized installer to get a unit, and since 2013 that is no longer the case. In his case he was fully capable of doing the install saving him the estimated $1500 install fee. So only having to purchase the unit and some minor pieces from Home Depot I see where it has benefited his needs and overall heat usage. He has had the unit since 2013 and swears by it for even heat throughout the rv to include keeping the underbelly heated.

I don't plan to full time our rv but we do plan to utilize doing some long stays and will do so in all seasons. I have no issue using what the rv currently has and I'll add a ceramic heater to supplement if needed.

Tim D · 01-04-2015, 12:09 PM

It would probably be worth doing if you could do it yourself. A replacement fireplace runs about $350 so $500 to have electric heat from the ductwork that would also heat underbelly would be worth it. Don't plan on doing it, just saying.

1978steven · 01-04-2015, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim D

It would probably be worth doing if you could do it yourself. A replacement fireplace runs about $350 so $500 to have electric heat from the ductwork that would also heat underbelly would be worth it. Don't plan on doing it, just saying.

That's why he mentioned the cheap heat unit, I was talking to him about the cost in adding an electric fire place in the cabinet under the tv in the main room. He's a contractor by trade and does all sorts of work like that.

Bert · 01-04-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

That's why I like my fireplace Tommy. Cost is on the campground since it runs on electric.
Does a good job of taking the chill out and supplementing the gas furnace.

I can't agree with you more. Our fireplace does a great job taking the nip out of the air. Then we use electric blankets as well.

**Lloyd** · 01-04-2015, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert

I can't agree with you more. Our fireplace does a great job taking the nip out of the air. Then we use electric blankets as well.

Bert I can't believe I'm seeing somebody from FL. admitting to the need, and to using electric blankets!

They make and sell electric mattress pads also.

concreteman · 01-04-2015, 07:39 PM

I live in my RV when working out of town. I have spent many winters in weather near 0 degrees. Most extended stay RV parks that I have stayed in have electric meters on every site. If that's the case it wouldn't be worth the cost.
I run an infrared electric heater and a small ceramic in the bed room. And have had no problems. When in extreme low temps you do not want to run so many electric heaters that your furnace never runs.
If you remove the panel where your utility hook ups are you will find that most of your plumbing runs right past your furnace, thus the need to make sure your furnace runs . With the price of propane now I cant understand the need for this.