Many camperstops and campsites overseas have much lower ampage available than here in the UK. Six amps is the norm in many countries, with parts of Italy offering just two or three amps. The latter will not run even the smallest oil filled radiator – 800 watts – and certainly not power the Alde or Truma systems on electric. Enter the 400 watt mini heater!
This small heater plugs direct into a 230v wall socket. Note that you must have a gap underneath the heater to allow airflow. Somewhere on the internet, I read that these should not be plugged into an extension socket. Presumably, for the reason the heater should be upright and with airflow below.
Now don’t get Motorhome Voyager wrong – a 400 watt mini heater will not keep a nine metre motorhome warm in sub zero conditions. However, during our recent trip to Italy, with six amps electric available, (I think we were able to draw around seven amps without tripping the bollard,) the 400 watt mini heater will take the chill off one end of the van, whilst the Alde running at the 1kw setting, deals with the rest. 400 watts is around two amps. Consequently, even on sites with just three amps, such as those in Livigno, the heater should operate.
It’s likely that is a smaller van such as the VW T5 that we have previously owned, then this heater will probably feel to provide more heat.
Like all electrical appliances, we do not leave the heater running when we are not in the ‘van.
400 watt mini heater – where to buy
Like many motorhome accessories, you can buy these on line through retailers such as Amazon. Click on this link to take to directly to the mini heater page.
These seem to be available all over web but check that the one you order has a UK three pin socket. Watch out for deals if you buy two. Some of the online reviews suggest the heater isn’t very powerful – well that’s true. It’s only 400 watts. Your Truma is around 2000 watts on electric and the Alde 3000 watts. The heater does what it says on the tin – it kicks out 400 watts of heat.
Saw these today in Asda reduced down to less than £20. I am thinking about one for our van
They are around £12 each on Amazon, but of course might be a different brand. Click the link above for info’.