Electric Blankets

[RagtimeEmily]

Okay, newbie question here... Do any of you use electric blankets to stay warm at night? How do you power them if you do?

Thanks! <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Ziggy Moon]

I Don't have any experience with using an electric blanket in my van, Emily. Although, I've considered this.<br><br> But, it's a good question. I hope someone answers. And if they do, I'm wondering if they use any special type - like one that draws less electrical power. I'm assuming that my house blanket uses a lot of power - but I could be wrong.

 

[Guest]

I've thought about an electric blanket, but I wasn't sure how well it would work, so I'm also hoping someone answers<br><br>So far I've just picked up a king size goose down duvet for my fiance &amp; I to share &amp; a down featherbed for under us, &amp; we're warmer than we need to be&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Mac J]

An electric blanket uses between 180 and 200 watts.

 

[Noah]

I had a small electric blanket that I seem to recall using around 80 watts... My memory could be deceiving me though.<BR><BR>I powered it with on of those 12 volt battery packs.&nbsp; Took 5 hours to charge, lasted maybe one hour, and weighed 30 something pounds. <BR><BR>I switched back to a sleeping back real quick!<BR><BR>I usually stay in warmer areas or I may consider getting an additional auxilery battery to power an electric blanket because my dog seemed to like laying on it. But I only spend a few days a year i a place that gets below 40 at night.<BR><BR>-Noah

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;Nope.. too much power required, especially in winter when there's a lot less sunlight available for my solar panels to charge my batteries. ..Willy.

 

[wrcsixeight]

I use a 12 volt mattress heating pad in winter.<br><br><a href="/post/12-volt-mattress-heating-pad-6080265" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://vanlivingforum.com/post/12-volt-mattress-heating-pad-6080265</a>

 

[twokniveskatie]

A heated mattress pad is more efficient and effective for keeping warm. The heat is under you, and only rises as far as the blanket covering you, whereas an electric blanket heat rises off of it and dissipates into the atmosphere.

I have heard that some small 12V pads are fairly efficient bit do not know the power draw. Even set on low theybshould make a big difference....anybody have any info on that?

 

[wrcsixeight]

I sometimes use a 115vac heating pad powered by my inverter. &nbsp; It is about 16x24". &nbsp;Heats up much faster with more concentrated heat than the mattress heating pad. &nbsp;Draws about 4.5 to 5 amps on high &nbsp;This is a newer model which has a timer, because too many people fell asleep on the old type and burnt their skin and the nanny state stepped in.<br><br>Sometimes the electronic timer protests the MSW of the inverter and I &nbsp;need to unplug/replug &nbsp;or reset the inverter it to restart it after the timer runs out.<br><br>This model also states it is designed to be laid on top of a sore area, not under a sore back or neck, which is what I primarily use it for, and where I use it. &nbsp;i just make extra effort to not fold it and pinch the wires.<br><br>It is effective in warming up my core when sitting in a captains chair. &nbsp;I just hate listening to the inverter fan. &nbsp;I moved the inverter power switch so I can easily turn it off from bed, but to date have only needed this feature a few times and its location is more a hindrance to the other primary tasks I use the inverter for, like powering a soldering iron or angle grinder.