Best Catalytic Heaters for RVS and Campers

Catalytic heaters are a common choice for RV owners who need quiet, efficient heat without an open flame or forced-air fan. This guide compares popular options and related RV heating solutions to help match heater type to space, fuel source, and safety needs. The summary table below lists the five selected products covered in detail.

Product	Type	Primary Use
Camco Olympian Wave-3 Portable Catalytic Safety Heater	Catalytic	Small RVs, tents, up to ~100 sq. ft.
Camco Olympian Wave-6 Catalytic Safety Heater	Catalytic	Larger RV spaces up to ~230 sq. ft.
Mr. Heater MH9BXRV Buddy Portable Radiant Heater	Propane Radiant	Portable RV heating for up to ~225 sq. ft.
VEVOR 2KW Diesel Air Heater	Diesel Air	Permanent install for vans, RVs, campers
Xtreme Heaters Portable Heater	Electric Portable	Small spaces, cabins, quick supplemental heat

Camco Olympian Wave-3 Portable Catalytic Heater

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The Camco Olympian Wave-3 is a compact catalytic safety heater delivering 1,600 to 3,000 BTUs. It’s designed to heat spaces up to about 100 sq. ft. without an open flame, flue, or chimney, making it suitable for many small RV interiors and enclosed outdoor areas. The unit offers flexible placement as a portable device with optional leg stands or as a permanent mount.

Key listed features include a self-generating piezo starter with a long rated life (20,000 starts), a safety shut-off valve, and silent operation because it uses catalytic conversion rather than a fan. The design targets efficiency and quiet performance for close-quarters living spaces where noise and flame are concerns.

Camco Olympian Wave-6 Catalytic Heater

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The Wave-6 expands catalytic heating capacity to 3,200–6,000 BTUs, intended for larger RV interiors up to about 230 sq. ft. Like the Wave-3, it uses catalytic conversion for silent, efficient heating and can be used as a portable or wall-mounted unit. The product lists high fuel-efficiency and adjustable heat output to match different space sizes.

Manufacturers often highlight silent operation and the absence of a blower, which reduces dust circulation and noise. The Wave-6 is a logical step up when a Wave-3’s capacity isn’t sufficient but you still prefer catalytic technology over forced-air or combustion heaters with visible flames.

Mr. Heater MH9BXRV Buddy Portable Radiant Heater

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The Mr. Heater Buddy is a clean-burning radiant heater rated for 4,000–9,000 BTU and listed for indoor/outdoor RV use. It’s almost 100% efficient in turning propane into heat and is commonly used as a portable supplemental heater.

Safety features include auto shut-off for tip-over, pilot outage, and low-oxygen conditions. Documentation notes altitude restrictions above certain elevations may affect operation. As a non-catalytic option, it produces a visible flame and relies on propane, and therefore requires attention to ventilation and fuel storage considerations for RV use.

VEVOR Bluetooth Diesel Air Heater 2KW

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The VEVOR 2KW Diesel Air Heater is a permanent-install air heater that runs on diesel, intended for camper vans, trailers, and larger RVs. It lists a heating range of about 108–161 ft² and uses a heat exchanger design for rapid heat transfer, offering faster warm-up times than many catalytic units.

Notable features include Bluetooth and remote app control, an LCD and remote, and automatic altitude compensation up to 18,045 feet. This option is for owners willing to install a dedicated heater, fuel lines, and exhaust, and who need reliable heat at varying altitudes with remote preheat capability.

Xtreme Heaters Portable Heater For RVs

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The Xtreme Heaters Portable unit is an electric portable heater designed for small spaces like RV cabins and boat interiors. It lists features including overheat and tip-over protection and a low-profile design that allows placement near walls and on carpet without immediate obstruction.

This unit is electrically powered and therefore depends on shore power or inverter capacity. It’s a straightforward supplemental option when catalytic or fuel-based heating isn’t available, but it does not provide the flame-free catalytic chemical conversion that defines catalytic heaters.

Buying Guide: How To Choose An RV Catalytic Heater Or Alternative

Selecting an RV heating solution requires matching heater type to space, fuel logistics, installation willingness, and safety priorities. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to guide a purchase.

1. Heating Technology And Noise

• Catalytic Heaters: Use a chemical catalytic surface to oxidize fuel at low temperatures. They are quiet and produce heat without a visible flame or fan. Best where silence and low airflow are desired.
• Radiant Heaters (Propane): Provide quick, direct heat and are effective for spot heating. They typically involve an open flame or pilot and may require ventilation considerations.
• Diesel Air Heaters: Offer powerful, fast warm-up and integrate with vehicle fuel systems. They require installation, exhaust routing, and electrical power for blowers and controls.
• Electric Heaters: Simple plug-in solutions with built-in protections. Depend on shore power or inverter capacity and are not ideal for off-grid situations with limited electrical supply.

2. Space Size And BTU Output

• Estimate your usable living area in square feet. Catalytic units like the Wave-3 are suitable for compact spaces (~100 sq. ft.), while larger catalytic models handle larger interiors.
• For whole-RV heating or quick warm-up of larger vans, consider diesel air heaters or higher-BTU radiant solutions.

3. Fuel Availability And Installation

• Propane/Catalytic: Often uses onboard propane tanks—convenient if your RV already has propane lines. Catalytic units are usually simpler to mount or use portably.
• Diesel: Ideal if you have a diesel vehicle or want long runtime without carrying extra propane. Requires permanent installation and exhaust management.
• Electric: Easiest to use but limited by power source—consider inverter size and battery capacity for off-grid use.

4. Safety Features And Ventilation

• Look for auto shut-off (tip-over, low oxygen) and certified safety features. Catalytic heaters reduce flame risk but still require CO and ventilation awareness.
• Consider adding a carbon monoxide monitor and a propane/LP leak detector when using fuel-based heaters.

5. Noise, Maintenance, And Reliability

• Catalytic units typically operate silently and have fewer moving parts; maintenance often involves replacing catalyst elements over time.
• Diesel air heaters have blowers and pumps that may require periodic servicing but provide controllable heat profiles and remote start features.
• Radiant/Propane units are mechanically simple but require vigilance about ventilation and pilot/light systems.

6. Portability Versus Permanent Install

• Portable catalytic or electric units are ideal for renters or seasonal users and allow repositioning.
• Permanent diesel or hard-mounted catalytic units provide integrated control and often better whole-vehicle heating efficiency.

7. Altitude And Environmental Factors

• Some propane and radiant heaters have altitude limitations or may require adjustments above certain elevations. Diesel air heaters with automatic altitude compensation can be preferable in high-altitude travel.
• Consider humidity, cold-soaking of tanks, and whether you need tank heating pads or underbelly protection to prevent freezing.

8. Comparative Perspectives

• If you prioritize quiet, flame-free operation, catalytic heaters like the Camco Wave series are strong candidates.
• If you need fast whole-vehicle heating with remote preheat and have diesel fuel access, diesel air heaters offer power and convenience.
• For temporary or supplemental heat with easy setup, electric or portable radiant options may suffice, provided you have adequate power.

Consider a combination approach: a catalytic or diesel heater for main heat, supplemented by small electric units or radiant heaters for quick spot warming. Always prioritize safety features, proper installation, and appropriate detection equipment for enclosed RV spaces.