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Mr. Heater Portable Buddy
2/4/2012 7:54:41 PM
I picked one up today at Bass Pro, on sale for $79.99 Anyone have experience with tent heaters ?
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product__10151_-1_10051_10210207_325003002_325000000_325003000?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductads&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductads&affcode_c=17kw2359705&SST=2028340f-1158-6929-d394-00004aeaf78b
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product__10151_-1_10051_10210207_325003002_325000000_325003000?hvarAID=shopping_googleproductads&om_mmc=shopping_googleproductads&affcode_c=17kw2359705&SST=2028340f-1158-6929-d394-00004aeaf78b
2/4/2012 8:56:29 PM
I have had two of them for several years. I use one in my camp trailer and one in my stand, they are great. They will run for about 5 hours on the small gas bottle. The one I use in my trailer is hooked up to a grill size propane bottle with a hose.
2/5/2012 2:06:51 AM
We need to tack a thread on Buddy heaters!
I have one and I used it this winter while camping, I loved it.
I have one and I used it this winter while camping, I loved it.
2/5/2012 8:35:16 AM
They're great!
I use them in the tent during hunting season.
Just keep it ventilated.
I use them in the tent during hunting season.
Just keep it ventilated.
2/6/2012 4:15:19 PM
They work great. They have a low O2 shutoff although I never trust them...so keep the tent cracked a bit. A 1 lbs cylinder lasts about 5 hrs as stated above, with it running a little longer on lower settings. Invest in a adapter and hook it up to a 20lbs grill tank. Then just run the hose out the tent door and close up the zippers. I set it on something that isn't likely to burn inside the tent for obvious reasons. I've used it in Colorado above 11k' and had a few issues with it staying lit until it warms up because the low O2 sensor and lack of oxygen at that altitude. Kept me warm on a -18* night so it gets two thumbs up from me.
CMS
CMS
2/7/2012 5:29:39 PM
How much do these things weigh? Am i correct in assuming that they would not be optimal for hiking in cold?
2/7/2012 5:34:06 PM
Originally Posted By ShootToKill:
How much do these things weigh? Am i correct in assuming that they would not be optimal for hiking in cold?
How much do these things weigh? Am i correct in assuming that they would not be optimal for hiking in cold?
They don't weigh much at all. The problem is bulk. The smaller models might work well if you're only going out for one night. Between the heater and two fuel bottles you're looking at taking up 1/3 of a decent sized pack already.
CMS
2/7/2012 6:31:22 PM
Many times, last time last month.
When I first started using one, I used a CO detector, no problems. I've yet to have one go out due to their low O2 sensor but that's a great feature for tents. First time I used a Coleman in a tent, even vented per instructions, my zippo wouldn't light the next morning.
This heater I like enough, I have 3 of them now.
Recommendations.
Vent if in a single wall tent both high and low. A crack in the window and corner of the door does fine.
Use good fuel instead of offbrand. On high, the Heater Buddy drains that tank pretty fast and in really cold weather you get the frost thing due to the temperature shift and that an make you think the tank is empty and its not, usually about half a tank. A good technique to avoid this is turn is alternate low to high settings.
If you have a two wall tent, loosen the guidelines and let the outer wall lay on the mesh. Leave that wall open and there's a wind, you won't even know there's a stove in there.
Used in a 7x7 low profile double wall is about the best size for really cold temps. Just below freezing, drop the outer wall, on low does well into the 20s in a large tent, 9x9 to 12x12 standups.
I typically use ours to heat up the tent before bed then turn it off once in our bags, then relight in the morning before we get out of the bag. That gives you plenty of run time on one tank for a night.
Tj
When I first started using one, I used a CO detector, no problems. I've yet to have one go out due to their low O2 sensor but that's a great feature for tents. First time I used a Coleman in a tent, even vented per instructions, my zippo wouldn't light the next morning.
This heater I like enough, I have 3 of them now.
Recommendations.
Vent if in a single wall tent both high and low. A crack in the window and corner of the door does fine.
Use good fuel instead of offbrand. On high, the Heater Buddy drains that tank pretty fast and in really cold weather you get the frost thing due to the temperature shift and that an make you think the tank is empty and its not, usually about half a tank. A good technique to avoid this is turn is alternate low to high settings.
If you have a two wall tent, loosen the guidelines and let the outer wall lay on the mesh. Leave that wall open and there's a wind, you won't even know there's a stove in there.
Used in a 7x7 low profile double wall is about the best size for really cold temps. Just below freezing, drop the outer wall, on low does well into the 20s in a large tent, 9x9 to 12x12 standups.
I typically use ours to heat up the tent before bed then turn it off once in our bags, then relight in the morning before we get out of the bag. That gives you plenty of run time on one tank for a night.
Tj
2/12/2012 5:15:09 PM
thanks guys. my concern is the venting for a tent, standard dome type tent, either a smaller 4 person or a two room family size tent. and also will have for the pop up , just need the hose for the larger 20lb tank.
2/12/2012 6:24:36 PM
Originally Posted By 07Commander:
thanks guys. my concern is the venting for a tent, standard dome type tent, either a smaller 4 person or a two room family size tent. and also will have for the pop up , just need the hose for the larger 20lb tank.
thanks guys. my concern is the venting for a tent, standard dome type tent, either a smaller 4 person or a two room family size tent. and also will have for the pop up , just need the hose for the larger 20lb tank.
Small heater buddy an about 4" vent like a window up high and about the same down low at a door does just fine. Let your rain fly flap down on the tent of the Heater Buddy won't be much better than having a very piss poor fire.
2/27/2012 2:28:36 PM
Tractor Supply has the Buddy Heater on sale for $59.99.
2/27/2012 5:12:29 PM
Originally Posted By AL25:
Tractor Supply has the Buddy Heater on sale for $59.99.
Tractor Supply has the Buddy Heater on sale for $59.99.
That's the one I did the comparison thread on, its slightly different than the regular models. Short version, I like it a lot except the lighter which I don't like better than the old one. Still at $60, you can't beat the price. My lighter stopped working. After I tweaked the flame port, it works better but still easier to light it with a match. The one push to open valve and spark is a bad idea basically. Separate light button or the twist to light on the Big Buddy is much better.
The other new features, larger screen, fold out tank nozzle, and folding handle, I like better than the old model. ..............and way yeas, I love the tactical green color.
Tj
