12V Heated Camper Bed Upgrade for $20

I came up with a solution for a heated camper bed that is 12V/3amps and provides significant comfort on cold nights, keeps your camper bed dry. The heated bed also fights condensation and provides an ambient source of radiant heat in your camper. The best part is it is only $20. I integrated this solution into my Project M pop-up camper and power it of the 12V off-grid power station I got with the truck camper.
👉 Link to 12V heated blanket on Amazon: amzn.to/3zfuTH4
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[@Savagecamper]

✔️12V heated bed insert on Amazon: amzn.to/3zfuTH4

[@thomastessin1663]

I used a heated blanket for years when I was trucking. It not on kept we warm but also saved on fuel costs, not having to keep my truck idling.

[@Savagecamper]

That's a great use of a heated blanket must have saved a fortune on fuel costs! Thanks for the comment Thomas!

[@Tom-Travels]

Most people don't know that they can use a larger 110V heated blanket and then use a dimmer switch to control the warmth and/or electrical use. You can make the electrical draw be whatever you want.

[@Savagecamper]

Thanks Tom that's great advice! With a 12V source of power, all you need is an AC/DC inverter to plug it in. :)

[@BorealisNights]

@@Savagecamper You misunderstood what he was trying to say. He meant, you can use a '120v' blanket, wired to 12v, and a dimmer to adjust heat. Heating elements, even stovetop electric elements, can run on 12v or 120v... they don't care the voltage... they can run direct off even 24v or 48v directly. EDIT: They also don't care if the current is AC or DC.

[@Savagecamper]

@BorealisNights thanks for the clarification I get it now :)

[@BuiltbyD]

Just to clarify, wouldn't that require the user to remove/bypass any part of the temperature control portion, including the temperature sensor? You'd either lose thermostatic control, or need to add in a 12VDC temperature sensor and thermostatic control circuit.

[@BorealisNights]

@ As I said, you'd wire in a dimmer to control temp. Cut off the 120v controls, wire in dimmer, connect to 12V. Temp sensor would be non-functioning. Temp controlled by dimmer. Think of it as a 120v incandescent bulb(since it's basically a miniature heating coil). Will run fine on 12v, and a dimmer controls brightness.

[@annnonomys3132]

A 12v heated mattress pad was available years ago. Probably still available. Your blanket probably works fine, but the mattress pad was a little stiffer, better for the purpose. I spent most weekends camping in my truck for years. I had a deep cycle battery in the back, wired to charge when the truck was running, but disconnected when the truck was off so that it wouldn't drain the starting battery. However, despite camping in below freezing temperatures, I never completely drained the backup battery. And anything over the middle setting was oppressively hot.

[@Savagecamper]

Thanks for the suggestion Ann I'm going to research this :)

[@chasallallbright4877]

Used the same in my 18 wheeler for many years,now use it in my cargo trailer conversion. Still love it.

[@Watson1]

I don’t have a heated blanket, but I have the best alternative, it’s called Millie. Keeps me warm all night and is a great security alarm. She is 4 months old and she is just gorgeous. She is a Yorkshire Terrier/Maltese. Get a dog!!!!!

[@Savagecamper]

Maybe I'll upgrade as you suggested one day :)

[@Brent-z7r]

A Morkie!! I Have One! 4 yrs old! My Best Buddy!

[@markeh1971]

Hi, I’ve gone for a Doberman, guard dog at first and then comes up next to me to me warm and know if I move! My other one just guards me. I do have an under blanket and a heated blanket / throw should I need them. Take care M.

[@brianfuerst9491]

Never thought of below the bedsheet, good idea, put another on top if needed, might be too much though.

[@gailhitson7340]

Use the same concept during the day with a heated jacket or vest, and rechargeable hand & feet warmers. 😊

[@Savagecamper]

Planning to get one of those heated USB vests and hand warmers soon

[@loveu2222]

Heat blanket keep you warm even without turning on,120 V blanket is 2 layer that's why very warm

[@harrymills2770]

I figured you might be talking about an electric blanket. Very practical for off-grid. I've got a pile of sleeping bags and old comforters, so I can bed down comfortably no matter how cold it is, but if it's really cold, it's nice to warm up the bed before you get in, and an electric blanket beats hot water bottles.

[@Savagecamper]

Make due with what you've got...I bet hot water bottles work well too. :)

[@RoamAndRipple]

Currently laying on my Amazon $20 heated blanket watching you tell me about the Amazon $20 heated blanket. 😂 Our plug broke so I used a Wago connector to wire it into our 12v. Switch it off at the wall.

[@myroadtours6147]

Nice Square body! Good tip too.

[@Savagecamper]

Thank you appreciate it! Truck is alot of fun to drive that's for sure!

[@travelingman21000]

We had done the 12Vdc heated blanket years ago, you have to watch out for the wire connection at the blanket ours had overheated there and caught on fire.

[@Savagecamper]

Yikes! This one has a 5 amp fuse in it, so hopefully it would prevent the fire issue.

[@Savagecamper]

Forgot to mention it also has a digital thermostat it shuts off and on to regulate heat

[@adriansovcik7109]

Basically it's not for all night long usage just warming the bed on the beginning and maybe to switch it on from time to time

[@regenakowitz]

Cool idea! (Or maybe I should say, "hot" idea! 😂) A duvet cover might work to keep the blanket clean since you can remove that and wash it whenever it gets dirty or between trips. Hmmm...might have to steal your idea! 😉

[@Savagecamper]

Hey Regena thank you!! I'll meet ya in the middle it's a warm idea 😀. If you happen to try this, would love to hear what you think. I Googled "Duvet cover", and yes this is perfect! Not only for the heat blanket, but possibly my memory foam pad too. "Duvet" is a new addition to my vocabulary as well 😄. Thanks for this tip it's a great trade of ideas!💡

[@regenakowitz]

@@Savagecamper 😂 Happy to add to your vocabulary! We have a down comforter in our Four Wheel Camper and the duvet cover makes keeping it clean easy! I love sharing ideas and I'm always up for learning new things! Hope you're doing well!😁

[@Savagecamper]

@@regenakowitz I have a down comforter packed away, so maybe I'll give that a try as well! All is well here just working away so I can earn some more outdoors play time 😊. Looking forward to following where & what the Kowitz family is up to next!

[@kennethharding9118]

I picked up three of them travel blankets at Walmart they were in the discounted shelves I paid three bucks for them I didn't think anything of it but now I'm going to get a batterie supply one that can be charged by solar or plugged in thanks for the video it was helpful

[@Savagecamper]

@kennethharding9118 sure no problem. Thanks for watching. Sounds like a good deal on the blankets

[@nyrubin]

I started off with the same blanket from Walmart, i machined washed mine lol, but I bought a king size one from temu for 36usd to wrap myself in better than just a small personal size one

[@Savagecamper]

@@nyrubin i bet that is nice and warm!

[@nyrubin]

@Savagecamper I'm a big baby and run a 500w heater with it, but the two together is good enough, above 40 degrees I run the heater on low drawing 250-300w, that with the heater blanket is gucci

[@vanwhalen3719]

Great video about how to stay warm with little energy consumption. I bet you could run that all night on a Jackery

[@Savagecamper]

Thank you! Yes, you are correct...simple way to stay warm at night without needing a lot of power

[@chasallallbright4877]

Yes you can! Works well for me!

[@adriansovcik7109]

Great idea 💡😊

[@RichPohlman]

Simply place a thin washable blanket over the heated one to protect it.

[@margarethansford9303]

Check out a heated mattress topper they don't take up a whole lot of electricity and are very warm and don't turn off when you sleep on top of them like electric blankets do and they can be washed

[@Savagecamper]

@margarethansford9303 thanks for the tip I'll check it out

[@itsame4002]

turn that maxxair fan on dude, condensation should not be an issue. i lived in a van for 7 years. trust, you should NEVER have condensation if you're doing it right. If you do have condensation, that means you're ventilation system is not dialed in yet and you need to experiment until you get it right. Love the blanket idea though, that's a great solution for those cold nights

[@Savagecamper]

You are correct sir I also open the vent and turn fan on minimum

[@oysterfleet5669]

I have a 2x1 foot 12v heating pad. I bought it for several reasons. Heating Pad, Lithium battery heater and Propane tank heat. It has a very long electric cord and will reach outside to the propane tanks. I have yet to use it for any of those things, but it's there if needed. Also my small pad uses 3 amps, as much as a full blanket.

[@Live-Your-Passion]

I have the same heated blanket , i try not keeping it on all night to conserve power but it only stays warm for a few minutes

[@shwartz166]

thank you for this helpful video

[@joycebelk4634]

I had a 12 volt blanket that totally drained my car truck battery in less than 2 hours. As mentioned in other comments mine also said to lie on top of the blanket.

[@Savagecamper]

For the 12V heated blanket I use, I made it it had a low amperage draw (less than 3 amps) which will last all night. My truck has dual batteries, but I only use my camper power station battery for the blanket to avoid the dead truck battery situation you experienced. A separate 12V power station can be charged from a running vehicle, solar panel or A/C shore power if it dies.

[@chadperling2766]

There are machine washable, 12-volt electric blankets with multiple heat settings, timers and safety auto off.

[@Savagecamper]

Thanks for mentioning.

[@xj35s]

Fleece blanket sewn in half for a type of sleeping bag liner to put the heated mattress in? Just a thought that popped in my head.

[@DGraham-i3y]

I use an oversized heating pad under my legs. It wouldn't do to develop a sweat in that cold.

[@Savagecamper]

That's ok...any warmth helps!

[@DGraham-i3y]

@@Savagecamper I love my heating pad. So does the dog.

[@Savagecamper]

Your dog is probably an additional heat source :)

[@LaurieFloodTeacher]

That's a really good idea! Even if you only leave it on long enough to get your bed warm, then you can sleep through the night as your body keeps your sleeping bags warm. By the way, if it is well below zero, I find that my torso is where I need to add more heat.

[@CampingwithRadios_kg6dve]

Nothing like a three dog night when camping.

[@trishaleaver3581]

Duvet cover

[@Okierover]

Super helpful. Thanks.

[@danjam2955]

I had the same heated blanket and it only lasted about a week!

[@amputeemother]

I sure wouldn't worry about it getting to dirty. One can put a waterproof mattress cover on it but why? I keep heated matress covers under another matress cover. The blanket could be placed under the foam and still warm fine. I can't sleep on the fine wires in them.

[@markb3326]

Before you buy a $20 12v blanket ,especially if you are going to sleep on it, just throw a match on your camper. If you look at comments, recurrent them is fire, fire, overheat, wire broken, burned me. Electrowarmth 12v mattress pad costs $100+, but last and last. Thermostat saves amps, but keeps you warm. No problem running all night.

[@Savagecamper]

2 years through winters with it, not burned down yet, and not dead from hypothermia either :) Put the blanket over you. It's a very low power blanket. You idea is a great one. I'd have to look at amp draw to se of its viable for my setup

[@chasallallbright4877]

Yes spend the money works better safer and longer!

[@markb3326]

@@Savagecamper I, and others watching, may have misunderstood you. "Sandwiched between"; we thought you were laying on that blanket, which is definitely advised against. That said, as you read reviews of these inexpensive blankets (many without settings or thermostat), burns and fires are noted.

[@willnthewoods]

Ok but lets talk run time. What is the watt hours consumed on that. How quickly is your battery going to be dead. What are the outside temps you are trying to overcome? As well as who wants to sleep on a 80 degree bed?

[@Savagecamper]

An 80 degree bed is awesome when it's low 30'F out. sleeping 2 full winters through in this camper it kept me quite cozy instead of freezing my butt off. Obviously summer is different. 3.5 amp blanket draws 42 watts, but it has an auto temp switch in it, so it shuts off at times when getting too hot, meaning somewhat less power draw. Many power stations can handle this no problem. Mine is only a 77 amp hour agm battery and it handles it all night.

[@kennethharding9118]

don't be dumb there are different settings

[@DennisWintjes2]

Thanks for sharing. Like 1K+

[@Savagecamper]

@@DennisWintjes2 you're welcome!

[@homermcclain4599]

I have 20 lb of covers on my bed I have a half gallon Pyrex jar that I put a pound of rice in microwave it for about 10 minutes place a clean sock over the Pyrex jar with the rice still in it no water and look carefully it is very hot tie not in the end of the sock keeps my feet in my body warm for a solid 12 hours at night electricity is too expensive around my apartment

[@Savagecamper]

That's a great, cheap DIY idea for keeping warm Homer make due with what you've got I like it 🙂

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

Most electric blankets are not designed to have your body weight on top of them.. the coils can heat unevenly and cause burn or a fire.. you can have them on top of you with a layer of space blanket or even reflectix in a pair of flat sheets sewn together like a thin duvet cover.. then add a light synth down over that.. not too heavy.. if you can find a 12V mattress pad.. those work slower but are safer and last longer… would guess you want a quilted layer on top of the memory foam with the mattress pad between the 2.

[@Savagecamper]

Great advice thank you. Yes a quilted top over the memory foam would be nice. I've been using the 12V blanket as you've suggested lately it still does a great job of keeping me warm and eliminating condensation build-up

[@jlr3636]

Question about your camper when it’s raining, how do you ventilate, do roof fans, roll up vinyl, or slide let rain in? I’m concerned about heavy rain and hot weather.

[@Savagecamper]

Great question. I crack open one or both Maxxair roof vents on low setting they draw very low power. I leave the windows on the marine siding closed no rain inside. In hot weather I open both roof vents marine siding windows and my slider windows below

[@BonnieJeanTlq]

They make 12 volt blankets that are washable ✌🏼❤️🎸

[@Savagecamper]

Thats great!

[@homermcclain4599]

Warm toasted rice all night long

[@carlgrussendorf8849]

USB heated throws!

[@glenfilby7637]

Does the heating elements go all the way to your feet?

[@Savagecamper]

Not on this size blanket, but there are larger sizes. I found the heat trapped from this size under the blankets to be sufficient so far. Thanks for the comment

[@glenfilby7637]

@@Savagecamper thanks you savage man,for that info..... all the love and all the power filbz

[@paulpowell4871]

so it monitors the heat with a sensor.....as opposed to glowing red and causing a fire and or Burns? egads

[@Savagecamper]

I don't think it operates like a toaster oven to glowing red. Its maximum achievable heat seems to be safe I've been using it now in 2nd winter season.

[@kennethharding9118]

and again dumb

[@rhemeon]

Beautiful truck! G.H

[@Savagecamper]

@@rhemeon thanks!

[@danmanlivingthedream]

Does it eat much power of the battery?

[@Savagecamper]

It draws 3.25 amps when on, but it shuts off intermittently for temperature control, so it probably draws 3 amps or less per hour. 20 amps used throughout the night probably.

[@lisagossett5085]

How would you hook up 2

[@Savagecamper]

you can use a 12V socket splitter. Here's a link to one on Amazon costs less than $10: amzn.to/44q8CEm

[@landrywycough2748]

Most Amazon 12v blankets seem to have an auto shut off after 30, 45 or 60 mins. Does this brand have that? Or can it stay on all night?

[@Savagecamper]

Hi Landry...this 12V blanket seems to shut on/off based on temperature, so it stays on all night but shuts off for a bit when reaching max temp to prevent overheating.

[@chasallallbright4877]

Mattress pad stay on all nite and are safe and washable. Gina spend a few bucks but last years and are safe

[@scottr2940]

Use a comforter duvet, it’s washable.

[@Savagecamper]

Thx Scott I'll check it out :)

[@kcg7861]

I would not put it between blankets it says right on there not to do it I have the same heating blanket I bought them every year they go on sale at Walmart at the end of the winter Legos on sale for like less than $5 but again I would never put it in Sandwich it between a blanket that's not safe

[@Troche571]

Have you had any issues with the heated blanket? I had purchased two, and it left burn marks on the sheets.

[@Savagecamper]

No I haven't. Mine seems to have a cut-off switch when reaching a certain temp. What brand did you purchase?

[@USARAY1947]

Did you lay on them while they were on?

[@Savagecamper]

I did yes

[@GrantSR]

Great intro. It is quick and concise. And it tells me exactly what you're going to be telling me. However, I would move that "sponsored in part" bit to AFTER your standard "title page" bit. When I first click on a video, the exact first thing that I want to see is your face telling me exactly what you're going to tell me. And you could do it easily just by taking that one, two second piece, and shoving it farther down the timeline.

[@Savagecamper]

I appreciate the feedback. I was required to do this per KZbin policy. Not sure if the policy is still the same, but it's why this is at the beginning.

[@GrantSR]

@@Savagecamper They literally make you put it at the exact very beginning? That seems kind of counterintuitive and dumb on their part. They want people to be watching videos, and then they insist you put things at the beginning of video that is going to make people not want to watch the video? Big corporations can be insanely stupid sometimes, can't they?

[@williespoonemore3392]

Just keep it under a couple sheets

[@Mr_Right]

Machine washable? Who needs that? Just mix some detergent and water in a spray-bottle, hang the blanket and spray it. Let the detergent work 5-10 minutes, then hose it down. Let it dry. Simple as...

[@Savagecamper]

@Mr_Right great advice thank you!

[@steveffuksake]

Even put a 12v car seat cover inside your bed it could save your life or a hot water bottle and Bob's your Aunty 😊

[@Savagecamper]

Great idea. Could definitely save your life and prevent hypothermia

[@crankshaft007]

Not sure how you got 20.00

[@Savagecamper]

Price went up since I posted. It's now $23.95 not a big discrepancy....

[@herbertwerner2287]

@@Savagecamper 29 $ now wonderful economy

[@leeinwis]

what a bunch of wasted space.

[@Savagecamper]

Care to elaborate?

[@stevethompson1488]

Joe said to put put the heated blanket between 2 Welding blankets