Propane vs Diesel: What’s the Best Way to Heat Your RV in Winter?

Is Propane the Best Way to Heat Your RV? (East Coast Winter Edition)

Propane furnaces are standard in most RVs — but during extended snow events and sustained freezing temperatures, many experienced RVers switch strategies. In real-world winter conditions, diesel air heaters often become the primary heat source, with propane used as backup and for underbelly protection.

No — propane is not always the best option for extended winter camping.
Propane works well for short trips and moderate cold. But for multi-day snow events, boondocking, or sustained sub-freezing temperatures, diesel air heaters are frequently reported as more fuel-efficient, more stable overnight, and less demanding on battery systems.

Heat Option	Best For	Strength	Drawback
Propane Furnace	General winter use	Built-in, heats underbelly (in many RVs)	High propane use + battery drain
Diesel Air Heater	Extended cold stays	Low fuel use, steady heat	Requires install, heats interior only
Electric Heater	Hookups	Cheap when plugged in	High amp draw

If you're camping during a Nor’easter or sudden snowstorm, heating is only one part of staying safe. Review our complete RV winter storm safety guide for emergency steps, insulation tips, and cold-weather preparation strategies.

Prevent Frozen Systems During Extreme Cold

Heating your RV properly is only part of winter protection. If temperatures stay below freezing, your sewer hose and holding tanks can freeze before you realize it. Read our complete guide on what freezes first in an RV sewer system — and how to safely thaw it .

In extended snow events, many RVers report diesel providing greater stability and less logistical stress.

In humid winter climates, managing moisture becomes just as important as managing temperature.

Running electric heaters or diesel systems off-grid often means relying on your generator. If your generator fails in freezing weather, your heating system can quickly become compromised. Here’s our full RV generator troubleshooting and repair guide to help you diagnose issues before temperatures drop dangerously low.

Condensation Can Lead to Mold

Unmanaged winter condensation doesn’t just cause discomfort — it can lead to long-term structural issues and mold growth. Learn where mold most commonly develops and how to prevent it in our guide to mold hotspots and prevention inside RVs .