How to Install an RV Fireplace and Which Ones Are the Best

In the winter, you can sit in front of a roaring fire and sip hot chocolate and watch the snow fall outside. But not every RVer enjoys the cold. But we have good news! You can add an RV fireplace to your rig, providing heat and the flickering flames of a simulated wood fire without all the smoke or ash.  

If you want warmth in your recreational vehicle, we have created an RV fireplace guide. This should help you make the best choice for your rig.

Can You Put a Fireplace in an RV?

Of course you can put a fireplace in your RV, but it comes with a few caveats. You must have unobstructed space to install one. They come in various sizes, so you can find one to fit your rig. 

But, remember you can’t have anything too close to the front, including an unopened slide. Some newer fireplaces have an automatic switch that turns it off when it senses when a slide closes or an object has gotten too close to the unit.

Secondly, you will need to find an unused space to mount your fireplace safely. You could use a built-in bookcase or an empty cabinet. Maybe you have an old television cabinet that would work well for your new RV fireplace.

Additionally, try to find a fireplace insert that gives off heat only from the front. Several models also blow heat from the sides of the units, which probably won’t work in your RV.

Do RV Fireplaces Give Off Heat?

Most RV fireplaces have settings that separately control the flames’ size and color and a thermostat to set the temperature. They also have power options.

Most may have two settings: 750W or 1,500W. The higher setting will use more electricity than the lower, but it will quickly heat your living space. 

Today’s fireplace inserts even have remote controls because who wants to get off the comfortable sofa and adjust the flames or temperature while relaxing?

The remote will give you access to all of the settings and a timer that can automatically turn off your unit, even if you fall asleep.

How Many Amps Does an RV Fireplace Use?

Any heating appliance uses a great deal of electricity to run, including an RV fireplace. Most inserts use between 12 to 15 amps (from 750W to 1,500W). 

Running your fireplace on battery power while boondocking could kill your battery pretty quickly. Generally, only turn it on when your rig uses shore power or the generator.

The Benefits of an Electric RV Fireplace

One of the best benefits of adding an RV fireplace insert is enjoying a fire without the smoke, ash, and gasses that real flames produce. Plus, no one has to split wood and haul it into your camper.

With a fireplace, you have an additional source of heat, although it probably won’t heat your whole RV on a really cold night. But supplementing it with your furnace can help and can set a cozy atmosphere.

Did You Know? Using your RV furnace could be deadly. Learn how you can stay safe but remain warm at the same time.

How to Install an RV Fireplace

Adding a fireplace insert to your recreational vehicle is not as daunting as it seems. With some planning and a few measurements, you can warm your hands by the fire in no time.

1. Determine Where to Install Your RV Fireplace

Take some time to select the destination of this new appliance. Consider a bookshelf, cabinet, or TV inset.

Most RV fireplaces require at least six inches of depth, so you might have to cut an opening in the back wall. Just make sure you do so without damaging anything behind that area, such as wires or plumbing.

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2. Measure

Once you have found the location, measure the opening’s height, length, and depth. Match these measurements with a fireplace insert that would fit. 

If you find one just a little smaller than your measurements, you can finish the installation with trim to cover any excess space.

3. Order Your Fireplace

We have five options for RV fireplaces below, but you can choose from dozens available with a wide variety of sizes. So find one that will fit your designated location and order it.  

4. Create a Support for Your RV Fireplace

If your cabinet or hole doesn’t support the fireplace’s weight, you should build a structure that will hold it. This may involve a 2×4 placed in the bottom of the cabinet, or it might require building a box around the space. 

You may even want to create your own fireplace setting with a mantle. Some fireplaces weigh more than 30 lbs, so don’t skip this step.

5. Plug the Unit In

Many newer RVs come wired for a fireplace, with a dedicated fuse and wiring right to the designated cabinet. Other inserts may just require a 110V outlet close to the installation point. 

Still, you may need to route some wiring to your fuse box with some models. If you don’t feel comfortable doing the electrical work, talk with someone who can trace the wire from the insert to the fuse box and attach it for you.

6. Slide In and Secure

Now comes the fun part: installing the fireplace. Slide the insert into its destination, then secure its sides, top, and bottom to the supports. Each fireplace has various suggestions on how to do this, and each has holes drilled into the edging to secure it. 

7. Add Trim or Decoration Around Your New RV Fireplace

In some cases, you may need to take the doors off the cabinet where you’ve placed your insert, so adding trimming around the fireplace can cover screw holes and give your new heat source a finished look.

Pro Tip: Now that you’ve installed your fireplace, you need one of these amazing RV recliners to relax in.

5 Best RV Fireplaces

We’ll provide five different RV fireplace contenders to look at. Note the various sizes available, even in this small list: 

1. Furrion 30″ Electric Fireplace for RV 

With temperature ranges from 65 to 95 degrees, the Furrion 30” fireplace can heat up to 500 sq ft. It measures 30” x 17.75” x 6.25” and has a proximity sensor, which will turn off the unit when objects get too close. The unit costs $270.

2. RecPro RV Fireplace 18″  

The RecPro 18” RV fireplace may work well if you have limited space, as it measures 17.75” x 18” x 5”. It has a simple on/off switch and three settings for the fan. It plugs right into a 110V outlet and has a slide-out glass panel, making cleaning much easier. This model costs $140.

3. RecPro RV Fireplace 26″

RecPro also produces a larger fireplace, measuring 26” x 17.75” x 6.25”. This unit has temperature settings from 71 to 99 degrees, with an automatic shut-off switch and several flame brightness choices. Expect to pay $220.

4. R.W. FLAME 36” Ultra-Thin Fireplace

The 36” long R.W. Flame fireplace works for a large RV or home. It measures 36” x 18.1” x 3.9”, perfect for a long wall. But if that’s not big enough, you can order this ultra-thin insert in lengths up to 68”. It can heat up to 400 sq ft, has a touch control with five flame settings, two power settings, and twelve flame color modes. The 36” model costs $260.

5. Della Infrared Electric Fireplace Heater Insert

Della offers an RV fireplace in four different sizes. The 23” x 17” x 5” size will heat up to 400 sq ft and has a remote control. Temperature settings range from 65 to 85 degrees, putting off infrared quartz heat. This unit costs $160, but the 28’ model costs $250.

Is an RV Fireplace Worth It?

If you miss that cozy warm feeling in your recreational vehicle, consider adding an RV fireplace. You can’t roast chestnuts over this ‘open fire,’ but you can take the chill out of the air while enjoying the ambiance of flickering flames. 

Plus, they don’t take too much work or time to install if you have a good spot for it. Any one of the five options listed here may entice you to sit by the fire on a cold winter’s night.

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API