A Real-World Review of Xtreme Heaters in Sub-Freezing Conditions
If you’ve ever woken up on a freezing cold morning, gone to the sink, turned the handle, only to be met with the sound of silence when you expected the hum of running water, you know the dread of a frozen RV plumbing system. When the forecast dipped to a bone-chilling -4°F recently, We didn't hold my breath. Our pipes stayed warm, the water kept flowing, and my electrical system stayed safe.
The secret? Two years ago we moved away from "hardware store space heater solutions" and invested in the Xtreme Heaters series. Here is why these units are a game-changer for anyone serious about cold-weather travel.
The Setup: 1,200 Watts of Total Protection
In our rig, we utilize a two-pronged approach to battle the freeze:
- The 400W Unit: Dedicated to the wet bay (see picture). This keeps the water lines, sewer connections, and our three holding tanks at a safe operating temperature.
- The 800W Unit: Positioned under the rig, inside the skirting (see pictures). This creates a heated envelope for the "underbelly" of the coach, protecting the chassis and floor. Since the unit is waterproof, we don’t have to set up any kind of fancy mount for this unit.
The Result: Even when the outside air hit -4°F, our monitored areas stayed consistently between 40°F and 55°F. Currently, the temperature outside is 24 degrees, but both the 400W and 800W units are maintaining a steady 55 degrees, which is their upper-end shutoff (see thermometer picture). That is a massive delta that ensures you never have to worry about a burst pipe or a frozen dump valve.
Why "Cheap" Heaters Are an Expensive Risk
It is tempting to grab a $30 space heater from a big-box store and shove it in your bay. However, for a new RVer, this is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Here is why Xtreme Heaters are worth the investment:
1. Fire Safety and Ignition Protection
Standard space heaters aren't designed for tight, enclosed spaces like an RV wet bay. They can tip over, overheat, or ignite nearby debris. Xtreme Heaters are ignition-protected, making them safe for use in environments with fumes (a must for motorized rigs), and they are built to run 24/7 without posing a fire hazard.
2. Protecting Your Power Infrastructure
Inexpensive heaters often have massive "surges" when they kick on, which can stress your RV’s wiring and shore power connection. Xtreme Heaters are engineered for efficiency and stability. They provide a consistent, regulated heat output that won't melt your outlets or trip your breakers in the middle of the night.
3. True "Set It and Forget It" Reliability
These units are built for the marine and RV industries—environments that are damp, vibrating, and harsh. While a household heater might fail after a week of heavy use, these are built for longevity and "xtreme" dependability. They automatically turn on when the temperature falls below 40 degrees and turn off when it reaches 55 degrees. This is much better than the old incandescent-bulb trick because we never have to worry about whether they are working.
The Bottom Line: Peace of Mind is Priceless
Investing in an 800W or 400W Xtreme Heater isn't just about buying a heater; it’s about buying insurance.
The cost of a single burst pipe or a flooded bay far exceeds the price of these units. If you plan to chase the snow or just want to be prepared for an unexpected cold snap, do yourself a favor: skip the Walmart aisle and gear up with a product designed to handle the elements.
Stay warm, stay safe, and keep those pipes flowing!
Helpful Tip for Readers:
If you are installing these for the first time, ensure your skirting is tight! The 800W unit works wonders, but its effectiveness is doubled when you aren't fighting a breeze.
This product receives our “Two Thumbs Up Rating,” and we are not being compensated for this review.
Safe Travels. See you down the road.
Russell and Val Hicks
Where RV
