Adding an Electric Fireplace to Your RV

Sometimes you just need to get away, fire up the RV, and hit the open road. Now you can do all those things without sacrificing the homey ambiance and comfort of a fireplace. Many electric fireplace inserts can be mounted to an existing space within your RV. Or if that’s too much of a pain, you can always just bring along a freestanding fireplace.

The benefit of these electric fireplaces is you can bring them into your RV without having to worry about particulates, moisture, gases, or toxic emissions coming from the fireplace unit, Most units also feature remote controlled settings, allowing you to control the level heat, flame effects, and sound volume.

When adding an electric fireplace to your RV, there are some must-know steps as well as tips and safety points to consider. At the PortableFireplace.com blog we want to give all the info you need to rig your RV with the latest electric fireplace of your choice safely and efficiently. First we will cover the steps necessary to install a fireplace insert into your RV’s existing cabinets or void spaces. Then, we will provide you the saftey tips you need to keep your trip accident free and your family safe.

Dimplex Opti Myst Cassette Electric Fireplace Insert

The 22.25″ Dimplex Opti-Myst Cassette Electric Fireplace Insert can be easily retrofitted into an existing cabinet $1,449.99.

Where Do I Put My Fireplace?

You’ll need to create a space to install and mount your fireplace. Here are some options to consider.
Remove a Pre-existing wall-mounted Feature in Your RV and Reuse the Space, something like an unused bookcase or magazine rack.

  • Old TV cabinets that Are No Longer In Use.
  • Empty Spaces Behind Chairs
  • Any Unused Cabinet Space

Once you’ve decided on where to place your RV fireplace insert, make sure to take the appropriate measurements of the space you intend to use and purchase the electric fireplace insert that fits your space. Also, BE SURE to select a fireplace for your RV that releases heat from the front only. You’ll want to avoid units that emit heat from the sides since your fireplace insert heater will be enclosed within a pre-existing space and that heat would be trapped in on the sides, leading to possible safety hazards.

  1. Install a Dedicated Outlet to Match Your Fireplace’s Plug
  2. Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
  3. Use a three-conductor Cable with an 8-Gauge or Greater
  4. Use Heavy Duty Outlet Assembly
  5. Route Your Cable Where It Is Least Likely to Cause a Tripping Hazard
  6. Mount the Outlet Where the Fireplace Cord Can Plugged in Without Being Pulled on or Strained
  7. Make Sure the Guage and Outlet can Handle Your Fireplace’s Amperage Draw If You Are Using a Pre-Existing Outlet

Connecting Your Cables

  1. Make Sure Your RV Shore Connection Cord Is NOT ATTACHED to a Power Supply
  2. Connect the Three-Conductor Cable’s Hot Wire to a Dedicated Breaker in Your Breaker Box
  3. Ensure that Your Generator Is Not Running
  4. Connect Your Color-Coded Wires in the Cable in the Following Order:
    • Black or Red to the Downstream Side of the Dedicated Breaker
    • White to the Neutral Bus
    • Green or Bare to the Ground Block.

NOTE: Be sure to check the fireplace manufacturer’s instructions when sizing the breaker.

Attaching Your Electric Fireplace to the Wall of Your RV

Read this article to learn more about installing a wall mounted electric fireplace.

  1. If Your Unit Comes with Plates on the Back of the Unit, Make Sure the Predrilled Holes Match Up with the Studs in Your RV’s Wall.
  2. If These Holes Do Not Match Up, Use a Stud Locator to Find Your Studs
  3. Transfer The New Measurements to the Back of Your Fireplace.
  4. Drill New Holes to Match These Measurements and Anchor Points

Feeling a Little Overwhelmed?

We understand. It’s a lot to take in. But it doesn’t have to be that hard. You can always choose a portable fireplace that you can plug and unplug to take with you everywhere. Many of these models are styled after classic iron stoves. The added benefit of these freestanding units is use can use them both inside and outside of your RV as long as you have access to a power source.

Duraflame Red Stove Electric Fireplace

Convenient. Classic. Portable. 20” Duraflame Red Stove Electric Fireplace. Only $249.95 with Free Shipping!

Enjoy Your Fireplace and Keep Your Family Safe

Since the heat from your fireplace will rises you’ll want to make sure your fireplace has a considerable amount of open space above it. Also, you’ll want to ensure the space you’ve mounted your fireplace on is a smooth and unobstructed surface. Avoid placing your fireplace directly underneath your RV’s thermostat, since this operates your RV’s heating and cooling controls. NEVER leave your fireplace unattended or on throughout the night. This is especially dangerous in an RV since most RV interiors are comprised of highly combustible materials.

Where Do You Find Your Fireplace?

PortableFireplace.com is an authorized retailer of high quality fireplace inserts and freestanding fireplaces.Guaranteed to give you the lowest price, you know you’ll find the best deal on whichever fireplace best suits you and your RV’s decor. All orders receive Fast and Free Shipping!

Our specialists can recommend you which insert work best in RV’s. Call 1-888-682-2591

More Helpful Articles:

  1. Practical Heating Solutions for RV’s: Electric Heaters for RV’s
  2. The Proper Way to Measure a Fireplace