By Cheri Sicard
When the weather turns cold, which electric blanket is best to keep you warm in your RV? Drew from Playing With Sticks did an electric blanket comparison in the video below, putting three different brands and models to the test.
Depending on the size of your camper, a good electric blanket could provide all the heat you need to get a comfortable night’s sleep. Drew says different electric blankets have different features. In fact, his family often uses a combination of two different blankets when camping in the cold in their teardrop camper.
Drew recommends putting the electric blanket either under or over you and then placing another blanket on top to trap the heat inside. He says that in a tiny space, like a teardrop, you will be surprised at how much heat an electric blanket provides, even extending to the ambient air. He also says that size is unimportant, as the electric blanket’s purpose is to heat your core.
The comparison
#3: Budget 12-volt electric blanket: When I wrote this post, this blanket cost less than $20! (It’s now about $26.) A 12-volt plug in your vehicle or portable power station keeps it toasty. Unlike the other blankets, it typically does not even draw enough power to kick on a power station’s fan. On the downside, it heats slowly and is not overly strong, but with a wool blanket over it, it works well.
#2: Brookstone AC electric blanket: Drew says that while there is some power loss with an AC inverter, it isn’t significant, especially because this blanket gets so hot that you won’t want to keep it on all night. On the downside, it might engage the fans on the power station, which may disturb some people’s sleep. So Drew uses this one to warm up fast, then switches to the 12-volt budget blanket.
#1: 12-volt heated mattress pad: Designed for truckers on long hauls, this is the best option of all. However, it is pricier and has the same issue with power station fans circulating on and off that the #2 pick had. But for warmth, it can’t be beat. It heats up fast, and within minutes, you are so toasty you are going to have to turn that heat down. Drew says it also heats the body differently and has a penetrating heat that feels great on sore muscles or arthritis.
On the downside, it is not foldable, which would make it a deal breaker for me, especially because it could potentially catch on fire if it folds over on itself. I think I’ll pass, no matter how warm it is.
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Thank you for sharing and summarizing the main points of the video, Cheri. I got my mom one to use in the event of a cold weather power outage (she is 94 years of age). My focus was one that her power station could run for several minutes. I think that it was reviewed in one of the earlier videos you noted (https://a.co/d/2yucJKH). Thankfully, she has not needed it, but she found it very warm when she tested it upon arrival. Have a great week and safe travels!
It seems to me that a heated mattress pad only heats from below. Our warming blanket heats you all over including the pad if you turn it on a little while before bed time.