[Flatland 306]

I have a 25 AE with the 1500w inverter and I have tried 2 different space heaters in there, and both of them run for maybe 3-5 min on high (1400-1500w) then they go into overheat mode and the element cuts out. It’s like what it would do from lack of airflow but there is no restriction. Same problem from both outlets.

Has anyone tested to voltage or sine wave from those outlets? I’m suspecting it’s a very poor sine wave and the fan motor on my heaters don’t get up to full speed and then there isn’t enough airflow to cool the coil and the whole unit overheats and shuts down.

 

[wscan]

Someone had tested an earlier year and the output was pretty close to a perfect sine wave. The scope photos are in a thread here. My guess is that the heater draws slightly more than 1500 watts total, resulting in a lower voltage going to the heater. This is probably part of the current limiting from the outlet before it shuts down completely. However, I have not tested it. Check the voltage with the space heater running.

 

[Flatland 306]

Thanks Wescan, I’ll do that. It doesn’t seem to be the van limiting the output. It seems to be the heater itself has gone into overheat and shuts down the element but the heater fan keeps spinning. Also I noticed the fan was slow to spool up to speed which also made me suspect the sine but that’s good to hear it’s nearly perfect. I’ll look for another cause.

 

[seabea]

I agree. It sounds like the voltage is dropping to keep the wattage. I have several Ecoflow products with x boost mode which does exactly that. I use a space heater in my van, but always on medium. Here is a 1500 watt space heater on my Ecoflow River. 1829 watts on high and the voltage is dropped to 76 and the fan motor is hardly moving.

 

[seabea]

I just tested my space heater on high using the inverter. The voltage on the output dropped from 121 to 118. Fan speed seemed fine.

 

[Sienna9816]

I have tested my space heater. It worked without any issues. It was a1500W or close. I say try another one. They are may 15-20 bucks a piece here in US. If it doesn't work, take it back. At least, you can figure out if it is the space heater itself that doesn't like being in the van.

p.s. some space heaters have tip-over protection. See if your old one has it and if it doesn't like riding!

I would recommend a carbon monoxide alarm too just in case.

 

[seabea]

Using mine right now.

 

[Sienna.Guy]

Not living in a cold area, gonna ask this question. What would be the benefit of using a space heater over the vehicle’s heating system? And does the van need to be in Ready mode for the inverter to work?

 

[Sienna9816]

Not living in a cold area, gonna ask this question. What would be the benefit of using a space heater over the vehicle’s heating system? And does the van need to be in Ready mode for the inverter to work?

Sometimes, van would turn the engine to produce heat for the cabin. If the HV battery has enough charge, you can rely on space heater to keep the cabin worm without engine coming on. However, in certain situations, engine will come on to maintain a minimum engine temperature anyways. It all depends on ambient temperature and how/if you're driving.

Yes, it needs to be in Ready mode for 120V outlets to work.

 

[seabea]

I use an Ecoflow Delta 2 Lifepo4 power station as a buffer between the inverter and the heater. It holds 1024Wh and produces up to 1800 watts. I have a carbon monoxide tester. I don’t use the heater when driving only when I’m spending an extended period in the back of the van. I. I’ve seen posts about people using a space heater at trailheads before or after skiing or hiking and also for camping.

 

[wscan]

Not living in a cold area, gonna ask this question. What would be the benefit of using a space heater over the vehicle’s heating system? And does the van need to be in Ready mode for the inverter to work?

One person used a space heater to utilize some of the regenerated battery power when traveling the long downhill out of the mountains. The space heater heated the interior and prevented the waste of power through engine braking.