RV-Dreams Community Forum

Fireplaces

Ken & Sarah said
09:07 AM Oct 10, 2007

Those of you who have a fireplace, is it worth the money? Did you get it for the heat or the ambience? Would you buy it again? Appreciate any input.

phyllen said
10:47 AM Oct 10, 2007

That was one of my "must haves". It was great in early June when we were in New Hampshire. Got up, turned in on and it quickly took any chill out of the unit. We love it and would require it again. Phyllis

Speedhitch said
11:01 AM Oct 10, 2007

We do not have one yet but I will have one as soon as the budget allows. We love the feel you get when you look at a fire in the fireplace. You warm up even if it is fake. Joe and Sherri

Luvglass said
06:36 PM Oct 10, 2007

We love ours and use it all the time. If it's above freezing at night, we use it, and a space heater in the bedroom instead of the furnace. Much cheaper using the campgrounds electricity rather than my propane. It also is nice to look at while watching TV. Fred

Darrell and Judy said
06:07 AM Oct 11, 2007

A fireplace was on our list of options when ordering our Cedar Creek. We enjoy it immensely and definately consider it a must have. We wanted it for the ambience and was surprised by how much heat it puts out. Although it won't heat the entire house during a winter's day it will take the chill off well into the fall which saves on propane. We have a braided rug in front of it which the katts enjoy curling up on when the fireplace is on - nice Curier and Ives setting! As a matter of fact, it is a little chilly this morning and I am sitting in the warmth of the fireplace as I write this entry.

igotjam said
09:14 AM Oct 11, 2007

It was a must for my wife and seemed silly to me. As expected, we ordered it and I must say it's the best. Like everyone else has indicated I now wouldn't get a unit without one.

Linda said
07:38 AM Oct 12, 2007

Our unit came with the fireplace as a standard. We asked if we could get cabinets instead of the fireplace and were told no. Boy are we glad they didn't let us change to cabinets!

We use it way more than we ever expected. Although the ambience is nice, we use it for the heat.

We would definitely want one again! biggrin

SKOOBDO said
05:59 PM Oct 12, 2007

I knew I was going fulltime when I bought my RV and I wanted any option that would make me feel at home. Since I had a fireplace in my stick/brick, getting one in the RV was a must have. I definitely use it on cool days and I love campfires so when I'm not sitting around a campfire I have my campfire ambience inside! Wouldn't be without it.

Jan and GC said
10:28 AM Oct 16, 2007

I agree with everyone else. I truly love our fireplace and would want another one. It is like once you get a trailer you never want to go back to tenting or once you have the toilet you don't want to go back to a port-a-john or bushes! LOL! We have built many a campfire over the 35+ years in Wyoming and even though we still do, we really like the option of pushing the button and getting an instant one!

Jan

davidh said
05:23 PM Nov 12, 2008

My curiosity is piqued...
Where can I see these please? I just need to know!

DZ said
11:47 AM Nov 13, 2008

I bought one at Lowes for around $150 and installed it myself in the wall between the living area and the garage. We love it and use it all the time. It has a remote that works from the bedroom, so can turn it on in the morning to preheat the livingroom. Helps on those cold mornings. Would be a must on a new trailer.

Jack Mayer said
04:07 PM Nov 13, 2008

If you boondock a lot or even just like real fire you might consider a ventless propane fireplace instead of electric.They are self contained and fit right in the same place. Put out about 30K+ btus. It is an option for those who like them...

If you are at Q then Grandmas Fireplaces will install.

Dixie said
04:33 PM Nov 13, 2008

I want a fireplace when we get a fifth wheel hopefully next year after we hopefully sell the house in the spring. My husband wasn't so big on it so I will make sure he reads this forum. Thanks for helping me:)

Here is my question. We plan on doing a lot of boondocking and propane was mentioned as a fireplace instead of an electric fireplace. Can a fireplace be hooked up to both, electric and propane somehow so you can choose which way you want to use it based on where you are boondocking for propane and electric at a campground.

Trying to think of everything before we make the final purchase.

Thank you for your insight. I love this website:)

Dixie

Jack Mayer said
06:40 PM Nov 13, 2008

Not that I know of, Dixie.

coal said
07:26 PM Apr 8, 2009

Our fiver came with one installed in the living room. We really like it and makes it just a little nicer/homey. When we are on hookups, we use it all the time. During this last winter, we were without hookups for 2 months and had to use the Honda to power the rig. What I did not like, was that the fireplace draws close to 15 amps, forcing the Honda to run harder, which in turn uses more fuel.

What I did, was got myself a small ceramic heater that is only 1000 watts and placed it beside the fireplace for extra heat when we are running on the Honda. This keeps the Honda just above idle and maintains good fuel economy.

I wonder how difficult it would be to mount a variable control on the heat setting for the fireplace?????? so that i could turn down how much power it is consuming??

GJHD said
12:12 PM Apr 12, 2009

We had one in our 07 Cedar Creek 5th wheel. It was great especially on those fall and early spring mornings. We miss it in our new motorhome.

HighwayRanger said
06:32 PM Apr 12, 2009

I just spent the evening with friends inside their NuWa HitchHiker Champagne. It was pouring outside and chilly, and their fireplace was wonderful. I'm convinced! We would also consider mounting a ventless propane Wave 4 or 6 on a wall in the living room for those boondocking times.

Roy

-- Edited by HighwayRanger on Sunday 12th of April 2009 06:33:14 PM

2 4 d hwy said
09:59 AM Apr 15, 2009

When we ordered our unit the fireplace was an option I wanted. Denny wasn't too sure. He really thought it was a waste of money. Well, he loves it more than I do. We use it not only to help heat the living room but I love the ambiance it creates. It would be hard to give it up now. I used to bake cookies to warm our old camper, now I just turn the fireplace on. Much nicer.

RVDude said
10:38 PM Apr 15, 2009

2 4 d hwy wrote:
I used to bake cookies to warm our old camper, now I just turn the fireplace on. Much nicer.

But I bet you miss that warm aroma of baking cookies!!!! Or do you just toss a chocolate chip cookie into the fireplace evey so often??? confuse

Speedhitch said
06:03 PM Apr 17, 2009

Dude....there you go again giving me ideas....I think I'll fix a warmer on my fireplace to get those cookies smelling just so good and then eat them with a big cold glass of milk...HE HE Speedy

AnnDon said
07:35 PM Aug 5, 2009

I had a free-standing electric fireplace that can be run for looks, but also has the heat control of: off, low or high. It looks like an antique parlor type with the plastic around it resembling cast iron. I found it in a second hand store, in new condition. The former owner had gotten divorce papers from his wife and in anger cut the cord off. I paid $20 for it, brought it home and had the hubby wire a new 3-prong plug to it (which was several years ago). While we are now in the process of our restoration of our coach, I brought it out and removed the extra chair behind the co-pilot seat and set the fireplace in position, plugged it in and turned it on, then called the hubby for a look-see. He liked it so much, he installed a bracket on the wall behind it and a drop hitch to the back of the fireplace. Now we can enjoy sitting in front of it watching the flames flicker, and if it gets chilly out we can turn on the heater part without having to fire up the furnace. smile

phyllen said
04:44 AM Aug 6, 2009

Since last post we got a 2009 Montana and traded in the 2002 Cedar Creek. Fireplace was still a "must have". An extra bonus - the fireplace sits under our 40' flat screen. While traveling or when we want more light in the room and not watching the tv, the tv slides down behind the fireplace to expose a large window. Yep - still love the fireplace. Phyllis

thebearII said
09:27 AM Aug 6, 2009

We just added one to our 1995 Alfa See-Ya 5th Wheel. Had a perfect spot for it. See the photos here: http://thebearii.shutterfly.com/27 Just spent the month of July in Chula Vista RV Resort near San Diego. Temperatures were in the 60 to 70 at night, so didn't use the heat function on the fireplace. We did use it for ambience while watching the TV above it. Ours has the electric fire plus glowing embers, sound of a crackling fire (including wind noise if you want it) and what they call sparkle. Sparkle is 8 randomly placed LED lights in the fake logs that light up in a random pattern, accompanied by a pop sound, so it makes it seem like the fire is shooting off little embers. This unit was the most realistic fake fireplaces we looked at. It was kind of funny having the A/C going full blast while watching our fake fire...... It was well worth the cost and time it took to install. We enjoyed it just like we do a campfire or our fireplace at home. It's just as relaxing to watch and listen to, as a real fire.

RodnReal said
10:26 AM Aug 6, 2009

This is great information for those of us looking to upgrade. I knew I wanted a FP, now I am convinced.

I don't feel that the amount of storage space that is lost is all that great since most of the new units have the FP located in the same area as the retractable flatscreen TV.

Again, GREAT information and opinions that help us make decisions. smile

Thanks!

Connie

-- Edited by RodnReal on Thursday 6th of August 2009 10:44:39 AM

Dathan said
08:59 AM Oct 18, 2009

We have added a free standing Fire Place in our Travel Trailer we really do enjoy it. Got lucky saw it on sale at Home Depot for 50% off. Tammy really enjoy's it. It dose not take up any usable room in our trailer. Fits againts wall when slide is out.

Delaine and Lindy said
09:33 AM Oct 18, 2009

We have had a Fireplace in each 5th wheel we have owned. We always used them when its above freezing. When we ordered our 2010 Mobile Suites in June we also had a Fireplace installed in our bedroom. This past week we used both Fireplace due to the rainy cool days and and they were very nice. Keep in mind if its below 32 degrees you should use your furnace to supply heat to the basement area to prevent your water systems from freezing. I recomend the Fireplace, and for more storage you will find that most larger 5th wheels has plenty of storage. GBY.....

KarenInTheWoods said
11:26 AM Oct 18, 2009

Are you folks talking about electric fireplaces? Or propane ones?

Just curious... if we decided to yank out one of our couches, we were thinking of putting an Olympic Wave heater on that wall. Wondering now about a gas fireplace and making it kinda cozy?

-- Edited by KarenInTheWoods on Sunday 18th of October 2009 11:43:58 AM

Luvglass said
03:34 PM Oct 18, 2009

I believe they are talking about electric fireplaces that also have thermostatically controlled heaters built in. Our Carriage Cameo came with one built by Simplex. Here's what they look like
http://www1.dimplex.com/productshow.aspx?id=586&bid=SYM

-- Edited by Luvglass on Sunday 18th of October 2009 03:34:42 PM

janieD said
08:21 PM Oct 19, 2009

We ordered our 5th wheel with one. We debated it and decided to go ahead and get it. After reading this thread I'm really glad we did. Thanks for all that feed back.

jagco said
05:08 AM Oct 20, 2009

We were thinking, when looking at 5ers, that a fireplace would be a total waste. Now, after reading these posts, I can see I want one. Just have to convince my wife :)

KD said
01:47 PM Mar 7, 2010

Hiway Ranger -- we're interested in the ventless propane. would like to find more information -- is there a brand or such I could google?

Also interested in electric. We'd be adding to our existing rv, not having installed in a new one.

Thanks,
Karen

-- Edited by KD on Sunday 7th of March 2010 04:57:54 PM

lb311 said
06:04 PM Mar 7, 2010

I've got a Dimplex electric fireplace at home and love it--very realistic (for an electric) and what makes them nicer than gas models is that you can run them during warm weather for just the visual effects and keep the heater off. Dimplex sells just the firebox (that you could install into an existing cabinet), or has small stove-type units that stand alone. Well worth it!

Mallo said
06:11 PM Mar 7, 2010

We like having the storage space an Electric heater does what a fireplace will do and when we want a fire we just do it outside.

Mallo

TxYellowRose said
05:28 PM Mar 8, 2010

Dave had the dealer put in a fireplace on our Montana and we love it. Not only is it pleasant to look at, but it has a fan and thermostat so it does provide heat. It really does make the rig cozy, allowing us to not run the furnace nearly as much.

I thought at first he was being a bit extravagant and it does take away storage, but now I wouldn't be without it!

Paula H said
08:34 PM Mar 13, 2010

Thank-you all for the information. We had wanted a fireplace but the 5th Wheel we bought didn't have one. We discussed getting one later and now after reading this thread I know for a fact we will be getting one. Now we have to start the research, but it's all good I'm discovering! Paula

picolina said
08:48 AM Aug 1, 2010

I know this is an old post...but we have the fireplace and we love it. It is very nice on cool mornings. I dont regret that option.

nwlambear said
09:01 PM Oct 29, 2010

picolina wrote:

I know this is an old post...but we have the fireplace and we love it. It is very nice on cool mornings. I dont regret that option.

Noticed you have a smaller 5th Wheel. Do you have picture of how and where you fireplace fits inside? Trying to figure out if we would be able to install an elect fireplace in our 5ver. ~Tricia

Readytogo said
10:01 AM Oct 30, 2010

The floorplan of Picolina's fifthwheel is a rear entertainment center. There is an option for the firplace there. I tried to copy the floorplan but was unable to.

nwlambear said
12:30 PM Oct 30, 2010

phyllen wrote:

Since last post we got a 2009 Montana and traded in the 2002 Cedar Creek. Fireplace was still a "must have". An extra bonus - the fireplace sits under our 40' flat screen. While traveling or when we want more light in the room and not watching the tv, the tv slides down behind the fireplace to expose a large window.

Yep - still love the fireplace.

Phyllis

....ohhh....really like that idea a lot!!! Happy RVing! ~Tricia

SkyJean said
05:55 PM Oct 31, 2010

I'm glad this fireplace thing was brought up. Now I'll add it to my list of must haves. Even though it willl be 5 yrs before I can retire (and daughter graduates) I'm readiing a lot on this forum and have even been to several RV lots here in DFW area. I starting spilling the beans sort of. Told serveral people my retirement plans to sell the house and pay out right for 5th wheel. Ive received mixed reactions. Mom is silent, sister says go for it, daughter wants to come with me and lifelong friend I grew up with is worried about me giving up the stick and bricks.

nwlambear said
09:11 PM Oct 31, 2010

Great to have the feedback on 'Fireplaces' in RVs. On the KeystoneRV.org forum I found an owner of another model of Cougar who redesigned the cabinets under the TV and installed a fireplace. So...there is hope for us! Whoopee!!! It will be so cozy on chilly mornings...or chilly evenings. ~Tricia

Pictures on my Blog.

-- Edited by nwlambear on Monday 1st of November 2010 11:34:08 AM

Dreamers said
08:04 AM Nov 1, 2010

We have one in our 2009 Montana. Since we had one in the S&B, I wanted one in the RV. Luckily we found one with a Dimplex electric fireplace already installed. Had some problems with it but Dimplex took care of them hastily. Now we just love it. We use it for heat and the ambiance is also nice.

Judy

Paul and Jo said
08:45 AM Nov 1, 2010

Dreamers wrote:
We have one in our 2009 Montana. Since we had one in the S&B, I wanted one in the RV. Luckily we found one with a Dimplex electric fireplace already installed. Had some problems with it but Dimplex took care of them hastily. Now we just love it. We use it for heat and the ambiance is also nice.

We have the same Dimplex in our Montana. There was a scratch in the front panel which was promptly replaced.

We would NOT do without that fire. The combination of heat and ambiance is unbeatable.

Paul

JackieandTony said
04:03 PM Nov 8, 2010

We are wanting to put a fireplace in our 5er this winter and see that most suggest the Dimplex. We have the perfect place to put it in the entertainment center but a 26" would require some trim above, below and not much on the sides. Where would we be able to find the matching cherry wood that we have to make the trim???

Racerguy said
05:32 PM Nov 8, 2010

I would suggest maybe checking with a custom cabinet maker.I'll bet they could help you.

Dreamers said
08:31 AM Nov 9, 2010

By the way, when camping in the cold, do any of you leave your fireplace on all night. Just wondering if it as safe to do so. Sure would save on the furnace running. Thanks, Judy

Paul and Jo said
08:50 AM Nov 9, 2010

Dreamers wrote:
By the way, when camping in the cold, do any of you leave your fireplace on all night. Just wondering if it as safe to do so. Sure would save on the furnace running.

Yes we do but, if it's really cold we also run a small electric heater at the same time. The output from our Dimplex will keep the chill off but can't seem to keep up with a freeze.

Paul

Pat L said
05:12 PM Mar 8, 2011

Fire place is a must have. It is so nice that we have 2 in our Mobile Suites. The one in the bedroom is in what is called a vanity slide. Yes we do run ours smile

at night but with the new MS my wife says it gets to hot in the coach so had to turn the one in the bedroom off. They do have a thermostat that you can set the temp. They are automatic and turn the heat on and off where set.

cowolter said
04:40 AM Jul 17, 2018

I'm kind of in the middle on this. I've seen those built in fake fireplaces in RVs and must admit it might be nice to hunker down with one on a cold rainy/stormy night, but the other half of me says it's just another "thing" that can go bump in the night. Saw one a couple of years ago in a big high end 45' DP and it was actually a real propane unit https://cozzy.org/best-central-vacuum-system-reviews/ It actually had real flames burning in it. Looked really nice but at the time I thought it might be illegal, although the owners said it wasn't. I guess if we were to buy another new RV and the dealer told us he'd throw a propane burning fireplace in to sweeten the deal, I might just go for it but for right now it's not a need or a want for us. However if he told us he throw in a nice built in wine cooler, I'd probably jump on that offer real quick like:)

-- Edited by cowolter on Wednesday 18th of July 2018 12:45:57 PM

arcaguy said
07:47 AM Jul 17, 2018

I know this thread is super old but all of the positive comments have me thinking. I always thought, like many of you, that a fireplace was just one more gimmick to make the coach more "high end", not necessarily something I'm looking for. However a salesman told me that they were good for taking the chill off on cool mornings and that made some sense. Everyone here seems to like the fireplaces so maybe I need to rethink things. Even old posts are new to some of us. Thanks for bringing this one back around cowolter.

1 2 next

Post Reply

RV-Dreams Community Forum

Fireplaces

Activeboard Mobile