Best Propane Van Heaters for Vans and Campers

Finding the right propane heater for a camper van requires balancing heat output, safety features, and installation needs. The table below summarizes five propane heaters and vent-free options suited to van, camper, and small-space use.

Product	Type	Notable Feature
Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX	Portable Radiant Heater	4,000–9,000 BTU; indoor-safe radiant heat
Mr. Heater 4000 to 18000 BTU 3 Setting	Portable LP Gas Heater	4,000–18,000 BTU; dual-tank connection option
Mr. Heater MH9BX (Massachusetts/Canada Approved)	Portable Radiant Heater	4,000–9,000 BTU; auto shut-off & approvals
15,000 BTU Single Tank Top Portable Heater	Tank-Mounted Radiant Heater	Mounts to 20 lb tank; 10,000–15,000 BTU settings
Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU Blue Flame	Vent-Free Blue Flame Heater	Up to 20,000 BTU; thermostat & ODS safety sensor

Mr. Heater Portable Buddy MH9BX 4,000-9,000 BTU

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This portable radiant heater uses infrared-style heating to warm objects and people directly, rather than heating all the air in a van. The unit adjusts from 4,000 to 9,000 BTUs, making it suitable for small vans and camper cabins up to about 225 sq. ft. Safety is emphasized with an improved tip-over switch and a durable Piezo igniter for match-free starts. Because it provides quick localized warmth and is designed for indoor camper use, it’s commonly used as a supplemental van heater when venting and CO monitoring are properly addressed.

Mr. Heater 4000 To 18000 BTU 3 Setting Portable LP Gas Heater

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This model offers flexible heat ranges of 4,000, 9,000, and 18,000 BTUs, expanding its usefulness from small vans to larger converted vans or open-area campsite setups. It supports connection to larger propane tanks (up to 40 lbs) with an additional hose and filter, and includes a single-control start knob with a Piezo sparker. The automatic tip-over safety shutoff provides added protection during mobile use. The higher BTU option can be useful for quickly warming very cold interiors, but ventilation and oxygen monitoring remain necessary considerations.

Mr. Heater MH9BX-Massachusetts/Canada Approved Portable Propane Heater

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This variant of the MH9BX carries approvals for stricter jurisdictions, indicating compliance with additional safety or emissions standards. It delivers 4,000–9,000 BTUs and features automatic shut-offs for tip-over events, pilot loss, and low oxygen detection. The unit is nearly 100% efficient in converting fuel to radiant heat, and notes altitude limitations above 7,000 ft where shutdowns may occur. Its certification may be important for users traveling through regions with tighter heater rules.

15,000 BTU Single Tank Top Portable Propane Radiant Heater

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This single-burner unit mounts directly to a standard 20 lb propane tank for a compact, integrated footprint that suits van kitchens or small living areas. Heat settings include 10,000, 12,500, and 15,000 BTU options, and a tip-over safety switch is included. The tank-top design reduces hose clutter and can be a convenient option for short trips or where secure tank mounting is possible. Consideration must be given to secure mounting and proper ventilation in mobile installations.

Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Propane Heater

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This vent-free blue flame wall or floor unit provides up to 20,000 BTU and is sized to warm rooms up to approximately 700 sq. ft. It includes a thermostat and a battery-powered electronic ignition, along with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) for safety. Vent-free heaters introduce combustion products directly into the interior space and therefore demand careful consideration of air exchange and CO/CO2 monitoring in a van environment. For permanently installed van conversions with appropriate ventilation planning, this model offers efficient whole-space heating.

Buying Guide: Choosing A Propane Heater For Your Van

Selecting a propane heater for a van requires evaluation across multiple dimensions. Below are key considerations and comparative perspectives to guide purchase decisions.

Heat Output And Van Size

• BTU Range: Estimate needed BTUs by van volume and insulation. Small, well-insulated vans often need 4,000–9,000 BTU for supplemental heat. Larger or poorly insulated vans may require 10,000–20,000 BTU or a combination solution.
• Radiant vs Blue Flame: Radiant heaters (infrared-style) warm objects and people directly—efficient for localized comfort. Blue flame and vent-free units heat room air and can be better for whole-van warmth if ventilation is accounted for.

Safety Features And Indoor Use

• Tip-Over Shutoff: Essential for mobile environments where movement may tip a free-standing unit.
• Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): Monitors oxygen levels and shuts the heater off to reduce risk of unsafe combustion byproducts.
• Pilot And Ignition: Piezo igniters or battery/electronic ignitions remove the need for external matches; automatic shutoffs for pilot loss add safety.
• CO/CO2 Monitoring: Always pair any combustion heater with a certified carbon monoxide and CO2 monitor in a van to detect dangerous levels.

Venting, Combustion Byproducts, And Indoor Air

• Vent-Free Units: Highly efficient but release combustion byproducts into the living space. Require careful planning for fresh air intake and monitoring systems.
• Outdoor-Safe Or Indoor-Safe Labels: Choose heaters labeled for indoor/camper use. Some portable radiant units are rated for camper interiors; others are strictly outdoor-only.
• Altitude Effects: Check manufacturer guidance—some heaters can shut down or operate differently at high elevations.

Fuel Supply And Installation

• Tank Connection: Tank-top heaters reduce hose runs but may limit tank capacity. Longer hose configurations allow larger tanks but increase complexity.
• Mounting And Securement: For a moving vehicle, secure mount points for the heater and fuel tank are critical to prevent movement and damage.
• Runtime Considerations: Estimate runtime based on BTU consumption and tank size; higher BTU settings shorten run time on a given tank.

Power, Controls, And Convenience

• Ignition Power: Piezo igniters require no batteries; electronic ignitions may require batteries or 12V power—consider redundancy for off-grid use.
• Thermostat & Remote Control: Built-in thermostats offer temperature regulation; some vent-free and wall models include thermostats for maintaining set temperatures.
• Portability vs Permanent Install: Portable radiant units are easier to reposition and store; vent-free wall units offer continuous whole-space heat but require fixed installation and safety planning.

Comparison Perspectives

• Minimalist/Short-Trip Camper: A small radiant unit like the MH9BX offers localized warmth, low complexity, and portability.
• Full-Time Van Dweller: Consider a permanently mounted, vented solution or a vent-free unit paired with robust CO/air exchange systems; prioritize ODS and continuous monitoring.
• Cold-Climate Use: Higher BTU options or hybrid approaches (insulation + supplemental radiant + vent-free) help manage extremely low temperatures; ensure safe combustion air supply.
• Ease Of Use: Tank-top heaters minimize setup time for occasional users; multi-BTU portable models with larger tank hookups suit longer stays and variable output needs.

Maintenance And Longevity

• Filters And Hoses: Inspect hoses, regulators, and filters periodically for leaks or wear.
• Burner & Pilot Care: Keep burners clean and ensure pilot assemblies are functioning for reliable ignition.
• Manufacturer Guidance: Follow recommended maintenance, altitude limits, and installation instructions to preserve warranty and safety compliance.

When choosing a propane heater for a van, align BTU capacity with interior volume, prioritize safety sensors and CO detection, and plan secure mounting and ventilation. Comparing radiant portable units to vent-free whole-space heaters helps identify the best fit for trip length, insulation quality, and desired comfort level.