Make sure nothing can fall on it and catch fire. I knew someone who burned to death because their bedsheets fell on their heater and caught fire. Also have a fire extinguisher as well as a CO detector.
as far as the big buddy heater goes you are right they will clog up with oil in jets if not turned off properly! you have to turn propane valve off and let the heater burn out on its own. since i've done this my heater has lasted me 5 years!
So dude if i go uut to colorado or alaska we are not going to want to be cold at all we wznt warm and cozy 24/7 7 daysca week we dint care how much propane is ig F nessary well get 100 pound take and build a somthing to hold it in olace while we travel. But we need names makes models bud thnx for your help dude
@@sharriceowens913 leave the heater on and turn off propane tank and let it burn the fuel out off the hose if you are using an external tank....just turn it off normaly if using small tank on the side!
Seen a lot of great info on heating in various videos from you - To my mind one of the best ideas for heat is an inexpensive remote starter for your rig. A person can stay pretty comfortable under blankets on cold nights - electric blankets make it even easier - But with remote start (and your rig heater switch On) you can start your rig from bed and let things warm a bit before you crawl out of bed
Thing that's important is when you have connected your gas take a toothbrush and some Soap liquid with a little drop of water dip your brush in and running it back and forth over the connections, after you have turned on the gas ,so make a froth if you have a leak it will show up as blowing bubbles, that's not the ones your making, but the obvious bubbles that are coming out , if you have obvious bubbles coming out, tighten up your connections, and let your cooker burn and turn of your gas at the bottle then after the flame has gone out switch of the cooker as well , be safe .
Oh, man, Bob-- this is all Greek to me, have never used this stuff before, have only heard horror stories about it, and here comes winter 🌬️😣 Listening to your instructions in segments, trying to decide. Thank you very much for this very helpful comparison and instruction 🏆👏
Note that you don't need the fuel filter for a Mr. Heater if you buy this specific hose Model# F273704 available on Amazon. It is designed to handle the high pressure without leaching oil (special compound in the hose). I have used one for a couple of years without a problem. You must use that specific hose as other hoses do have the problem. It is a little more expensive to buy but eliminates the cost of filters.
Can you talk about the small wood burning stoves that are made for sail boats that so many others are putting in their vans/Rvs? They advocate for these because they do not add to the humidity that so many van dwellers seem to have trouble with. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these units.
I thought about doing that but from what I’ve heard it’s a pain having to keep all that wood on hand. While I think it would look cute in my cabin style van, just seems safer and more compact to have one of these.
i love my mr heater. mr buddy. this keeps me warm and alive in the winter. i do not have heat and i use a mr heater and a ceramic heater. i am toasty in the winter with no heat at all. do it and you will love it.
I live in canada and read the manual for big buddy before getting it. It stated it was safe for indoor use with proper air. I have been using big buddy for many years in up to -45° C winter conditions. I always leave two windows open enough for good ventilation depending on the conditions at the time and never had any moisture issues with the ventilation, it did NOT get "too hot" with the ventilation and the detector did not say a thing.
Have been using Big Buddy for 5 or 6 years on the 3rd one. Yes they do break but cost for the Buddy compared to full size RV heater I can keep buying them for years. Best thing we ever did pull the old RV heater and use the Buddy. Haven't died yet.
is it normal once you turn it off for the propane bottle to be iced up with the remainder inside? and should you always take off the propane bottle when not in use? I just bought one the other day and I'm using the green bottles.
Doris C. it is normal for the bottle to ice. we leave the bottle hooked up until we either run it empty or we are moving. it sits outside on the ground. we run the hose out the old vent for the heater.
THANK YOU BOB! PERFECT TIMING! This has been a huge concern for me as I graduate into a more permanent nomadic life. I don't need much heat AT ALL, so I find most heat sources waaaaay too much. Also, when I was in Yellowstone this past June and there was a freak winter storm that dropped 4" of snow in my 2nd campsite and 11+" at my 1st, I found out immediately that my lungs and overall body did NOT respond well to either propane or butane burning in the small space of my van. I had a terrible headache, sore throat, and felt sick to my stomach. To be fair, I also was suffering from food poisoning, which eventually forced me to end my 2 week Yellowstone trip short to 9 days. I only needed to run the heat 2 min and I was overheated. I still haven't figured out how to stay warm, without running these fuels that bother my throat and stomach, and that burn me out after just 2 min! Think I'll try an ammo can that burns wood, or something similar built for shipboard use. THANKS AGAIN for this demo!
Having been raised in Southern California I don't do well in the cold! I live in a one bedroom apartment, the only heater I use is a Mr. Buddy. Electric heat would be $200 a month so propane keeps my dog and I warm!
Thanks to You Bob I have learned quite a few things- Stealth camping in a van is what i do now i know what i do. My van is insulated and im in the south. Doesnt get too cold however a small heater would help out. . I have a long cooler from Sams and I stealth rural yet a couple of bags of ice and im good for a few days. Its nice that local city PARKS PUT OUT GRILLS.- I USE A SMALL LITTLE CAMPER STOVE and put it right over the grill provided and cook burgers, chicken, veggies, and eat good. city prks provide bathrooms. I may get a sleeping bag. My dog and i cuddle up. When you feel free people notice it and i get a lot more smiles from folks. I know you have to promote items that you use and it is helpful and i know it helps your situation. You are a good guy Bob. You make people feel connected even though most of us are independent. I enjoyed your interview with the comedian and stealth tips. You cover everything so well. I worked in Radio and once had a pickup with shell and was fired because the mgr got word i was sleepin in truck in parking lot. a lesson learned. i HAVE A CHEVY 3500 EXPRESS CARGO vAN AND ,, life is gooooood. Btw spent the night recently at cracker barrel myrtle beach. Great experience. I hope you get your 4 wheel camper truck soon. Take Care and we will talk to you soon
I use the Mr Buddy heater connected to a 20lb tank and fuel filter. I LOVE this heater!!! I keep it on the low setting and it will keep my van around 65 degrees inside when it's only 10 degrees outside. My 20 lb tank lasts me 2 weeks running it around 12-15 hours/day on low. This will be my 3rd winter with this heater and I haven't had any problems with it. I highly recommend!
Alvara DaCosta, I keep one of my side windows cracked (that's where I run my hose into van) and one of my front windows cracked about a half inch. I haven't had any problems with moisture here in the western states.
When you open windows for ventilation, there is no moisture issues. Moisture is usually when its an air tight area...im surprised he never even mentions this in his videos.
He did mention it a bit, but he could have explained it a bit more. I can't speak for what it will be like back east, but here in the West where it's not humid out I almost never wake up to condensation on my windows if I keep a couple windows cracked.
Thanks for making a video on my major concern when I come to the RTR. Also for answering my email. I’m so excited to come. Thanks for always being so encouraging to live our best life!
I have used a mr buddy for almost 2 weeks straight during hunting trips plumbed into my RV propane tanks, use roof vent /vents / windows to regulate the heat, condensation can be a problem but the right ventilation helps a lot. Perfect solution is shore power and a electric heater with a thermostat.
i was wondering that, I have a campervan with a propane furnace but I think it uses too much electricity can I plug a hose through a window and plug mr. buddy right into the van propane tank?
Really appreciate all the specifics because now I know Mr. Buddy items are not for me. I will however get the small propane tank and find a way to carry it on the outside with an outside only propane double burner camp stove with a wind breaker and a small portable BBQ at some point. I love cooking outdoors. My best times raising my now 38 year old son was traveling in my VW Van and just using his Boy Scout gear on the road. He knows my long term goal is to be on the road again at 70. He watches these videos too so is supportive of my endeavors. He is a gifted outdoorsman as I raised him to be. In a van I can then visit him and my lovely daughter in law in the summer up by the Canadian border in Washington and visit family and friends enroute. I managed to become debt free and even with a modest income can dare to hit the road when I can somehow manage to acquire a van. I lost everything in the hurricanes in coastal South Carolina three years ago. My road tripping goal and these videos really helped me struggle past the overt PTSD from one too many worldly losses. That and the small hospice rescue dogs I started to Foster a year ago has brought a new balance and purpose that allows me to have held onto my lifelong wanderlust. This is my community now if shared mission and vision.
Thanks for the great review Bob. Broadacres Swap meet in Las Vegas has many buddy heaters for 30 to 40 bucks. I just bought the red Mr Buddy yesterday for $25 at the swapmeet. Saved 75 to 100 bucks. There were several vendors with heaters out there.
I have the big buddy in my van and you’re right it’s WAY too much heat, I always run it on low or medium . I like it anyway because sometimes I’ll take it outside and use it to keep warm outside when I can’t have a fire. Or even to heat my garage when I’m working in there . It has been great so far have had it about a year no problems but it doesn’t get used a ton.
Yes the other key thing other than crack a dang window or vent (common sense to me) is do not run them at night! Not sure how many of those comments I made in FB RV groups. People still say “you will die”. Oh well... let them plug in somewhere and live heheh.. oh wait what? That’s the first time I heard you say Mr Heater’s break a lot?! Yikes... moisture - there are non-electric dehumidifiers that you empty and those keep dry things that absorb. Seem to work for those using them and propane heaters.
One thing I think was lacking in the "safety" talk in this video was discussion of always checking your connections for leaks (using a mild solution of dish soap and water). Gas leaks can and will also kill you, so safety doesn't just come down to ventilation and clearance.
A good point , but in reality , in re to leaks - the stench will let you know, and if you cannot smell that ? then either you have no sense of smell, or are so drunk you are passing out anyway = a hazard to self !
I'd rather spray a little soapy water on the connection as soon as I connect it than wait to smell gas. If I've waited long enough to smell gas, that tells me a small spark might set it off and cause a fire. It takes so little effort and time to use soapy water to check your connections. Also, there are some people out there who don't have a sense of smell because medical reasons. Furthermore, Propane sinks, so even a small leak that might take awhile to smell could still accumulate enough gas on the bottom of a van/RV that a small spark from an electrical appliance turning on could start a fire. Even when I connect a tank to my grill outside, I always check my connections with soapy water. There have been times that it showed me my regulator went bad and was barely leaking (but such a small amount I couldn't smell it while using). For a grill outside, it probably wasn't a problem, but when it comes to stuff like LP, I want to be as safe as possible.
Key Topic; Don't rely on being able to smell propane leaks. Propane is heavier than air. There have been many propane explosions where people didn't smell the leak. Unlikely in a van but common in a basement.
Hey Bob, I've been using one of those radiator type oil heaters when plugged in. It drys everything like dishes, a floor on rain days, etc. instead of putting out moister.Works like a charm for me. I even have to keep it on low or it gets hot in 22 foot RV. But, thats is plugged in. Love all your hard work to keep us informed. Keep em coming. Thanks
The furnace was unfortunately beyond repair in our 1973 Shasta compact when we purchased it. After researching our options we decided to go with the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy and three years later it’s still running strong! We stay super toasty, and feel super safe using it even over night in the chilly PNW.
I've been using my Wave 3 for 2.5 years in moist Vancouver Canada. These are my settings: 8C and above = off. 4 to 8C = heater on low and maxxair on low. 1 to 3C = heater on low and maxxair off. -2C to 1C = heater on high and maxxair on low. Below -2C = heater on high and maxxair off. I live in a very well insulated low top chevy express. No moisture issues.
Hello sir. I just got a 79 Dodge sportsman class c which I will need to heat the living area of 8 by 14 feet, so around 112 square feet. I plan on re insulating the rig very well. Do you think a wave 3 would be enough for the space? It's description says it will heat 130 square feet but I'd like the input of someone with experience with them. Thanks in advance.
The C.T.K. 1000 Depends how cold your climate is. Last year we had a particularly cold winter where it hit -10C on a regular basis. At that time I was in a Hightop extended van and with the those low temperatures I felt the Wave 3 wasn't enough. If it was a low top it may have been fine. Your size RV may require a Wave 6. Best of luck!
One Awesome Inch Thank you very much. Where I live, Midwest US, rarely gets down below 20° F. It sounds like it would be enough, but I may just go with Wave 6 just to be safe.
Timothy Keller Vandweller, do you mean you don't put the Wave 3 on if it's above 8 degrees celcius? For me that would be a little cool to be sitting around without any heat for a prolonged period of time. I'm trying to work out the following: for a camper that has 60 square feet standing area & a sleeping area of 25 square feet (with a lowered roof, you can sort of half sit up in the area, but not much more than than), would having a Wave 3 on low for one full day and night uninterrupted make it too hot inside (with a 4 seasons hatch cracked open at top and side windows on either side open a little for ventilation, in lets say, outside daytime temps of 7 to 12 c and overnights at 1 to 9 c range, with a non humid climate and wind chill outside of maybe 1 to 3 degrees cooler than the temps I've mentioned? Could you guess from your experiences (obviously minus the humidity you experience in Vancouver) how hot inside the temp would get, in a reasonably insulated rv (with the dimensions I mentioned), keeping the Wave 3 on low for more than 24 - 26 hours straight? Also, would it be worth getting a low draw fan, like a Sirocco, to mount near ceiling to help push warm air down and keep it circulating?( It's not possible to install a maxxair in the camper I'm referring to). Sorry about my very detailed message, but I don't want to fork out for a Wave 3 if it's not suitable.
I love your common sense approach. It goes a long way. I`ll watch any video you make. Oh, and if I already know something it`s good to review it again and make it sink in.
Great information, Bob. I have the regular Mr. Buddy in my van but have not used it yet. I had to use it in our home when we had a 34 hour power outage after an ice storm. I used two of the one pound (green) bottles, each lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours on high as it was extremely cold outside which obviously affected our indoor temperature. I also keep a 270w ceramic heater in the van as a backup. Hopefully by next year I will install a Webasto dry heater system (gas model) as it is expensive at $1600 including installation.
Love your videos there is often a lot of repetitive points. Over all what I appreciate about your videos is your a very regular everyday guy and that is very comforting and easy to watch.
We love the infrared heating of our Olympian Wave 6 in our 5th wheel. It heats you instantly, and that counts because we only use it when we feel chilled to the bone.
We have a Mr Buddy heater that takes either 1 or 2 bottles. They last about 6 to 7 hours on high. My heater also has 2 temps to run, low and high with a blower to move the heat. But we are heating a 30 foot fifth wheel camper on low and it can still run you out. They do work but yes you need to take care of them and use some can air once in a while to blow them out. Thanks for the heater video as it is very important. Even a little tent heater can make a big difference.
They should have named those things Mr. Jekyll and Hyde Heaters. I keep it on low and turn it off before I go to sleep and it hasn't tried to kill me since.
Good vid. Mr. Heater also sells a special hose that can be safely used without a filter. As mentioned before, I just refill my greens. But never more than 3x. I get new ones at the campgrounds. There are always some that people dump in the trash. And some still have fuel in them!
Zero Hedge Safety reasons. Older cylinders get rusty. Valves wear out and tend to leak more after a few refills. They are designed for one use. I have no problem finding new ones so better safe than sorry. They sell 1pound canisters that are designed to be refilled now but I have yet to try one and they are not cheap.
I live in Minnesota and I go camping in the shoulder seasons. A low temperature sleeping bag will keep you *alive* at the temperature it is rated for, it will not necessarily keep you comfortable. And it most certainly does not help when you have to pee at 4am.
I live in a very old house in S California with no heat. For a couple months a year I use the exact same one burner coleman stove you show at the end of the video for heat. I set it at the most extreme low level I can keep a flame going and crack the windows, no problem for 3 years.
there is a specifc kit made to safely fill "refillable" specif 1 lb containers. They run about 10 bucks, the refill kit to exchange the gas from a 20 lb tank is around 35. Will save you tons of $$$
Great video -- thanks. I just bought a Buddy, and based on my home testing, it will work just fine for my upcoming SUV camping adventures -- to which I'm brand new at!
I wrote extensively on my post to your first video on heaters negatively against the Lil buddy. I found it as inconvenient as having a wood burning barrel stove in a van. lol ...I hate it. It is a pain to even get lit. For anyone that has not seen the 1st part of Bobs heater video please go watch that. The Coleman one burner adjustable stove that Bob uses with magic powers, will both cover your heating and cooking needs. Keep it simple and travel light. Multi use items like the Coleman adjustable stove make sense and save money and space. Peace Bob. See you from afar. I'll be waving a friendly hello, and then ,like, you get back to my peaceful, wonderful outdoors existence.
Helpful information. Thank you. The buddy heater sometimes doesn't work and one might think the propane tank is empty but it may be needing the dial to be set higher up.
Thankyou for letting me know I needed a filter for the Mr buddy if using a large separate tank. I did not know that. I bought a used mr buddy with no manual So you saved my heater
Not totally accurate to compare cost of propane to cost of green bottles. For one, the green bottles include the cost of the bottle itself (where the cost of propane isn't factoring in that there is a cost for a bulk bottle). Sure, the bulk bottle is inexpensive and over time, is a much better value than just buying new green bottles over and over, but there is an adapter that lets you refill the green bottles from a bulk bottle, so there is a way of using both that would reduce the cost of the green bottles. A possible set up if people were wanting to use a Little Buddy but not always have to buy green bottles: 1. Buy two green bottles 2. Buy an adapter for filling green bottles from a bulk tank 3. Buy a bulk tank and have it filled 4. Use one of the green bottles 5. When it's empty, switch to the other green bottle and refill the first using the adapter and bulk tank 6. When the bulk tank is empty, go and get it refilled IMPORTANT: I don't know the exact details, but it's best not to reuse the green bottles too many times. For this reason, the green bottles are still a less than ideal solution, but just pointing out, they aren't quite as expensive to use as this video makes it appear.
The problem with refilling the green bottles. They must not be filled over 80% of the volume of the bottle otherwise they may explode from hydrostatic pressure (expansion of the liquid propane ). I use my refrigeration weigh scale to weigh in exactly 1 pound. Most people don't have a scale and have no idea how much propane enters the bottle. That's risky.
Thanks, Bob! Other ideas bouncing around... radiant heat, insulated coveralls, bib overalls, even motorcycle gear with built in heat and most importantly, dogs! Sooo much better than hot water bottles. ^-^ Plus they liven up things when they photo bomb your videos.
Bob thanks for posting this...very helpful! I’m about to downsize from my overpriced apartment in the city to a micro camper and I was unsure about how the mr. heater products worked. I’ll be getting a little buddy for sure! :)
Thanks Teresa I think it's a good solution to get the smaller heater that only runs on green bottles and refill them from a larger tank. I found the adapters and hoses as you described and I'm ordering on Amazon now for my van. Bob should take note, and also take Mr. Buddy off of his recomended list. :)
Be sure to turn the larger propane tank upside down once the green bottle is connected. Then, use a flat head screwdriver to push in the release valve on the bottle until propane starts to come out. That way, you can completely fill up the propane bottle. If you don't, you'll only half fill it.
to use the Little Buddy with a bigger tank - You might try to take a large tin can (coffee can, maybe a tall [46oz] juice can would be a better fit - maybe a shorter 'beef stew can') Drill a hole, or cut a slot, in the side of can to accommodate the hose and set the heater on top the can - homemade heater stand ...
Good explanation on heat sources Bob. I see behind your van you purchased a RadRover. I just got a RadMini and love it! They're a great way to get around. See you at the RTR. Drive safe.
Oh the world is just filled with grumpy buttheads just looking for an excuse to use their thumbs down button! Who knows?! They might get lucky and actually hurt somebody’s feelings! 🙄
Great video!! Thank you so much! You probably just saved our lives by stressing the importance of the venting!!!! I was under the impression that if your propane was outside that you are safe!! I might not have even noticed the open window portion... hopefully I would have... but now I know how important it is and have changed my mind on where I would use this in my house! I even have a carbon monoxide detector thinking that was my safety. Thank you!
In a travel trailer your kitchen range exaust vent should give you the 4 square inches ventilation necessary. fan does not need to be running as long as vent is open.
I saw someone on RUclips using a wave 3 with a Coleman green bottle. They had it hooked up with a low-pressure regulator hose and had an adapter to fit the green propane tank.
Glad you mentioned the blanket. It uses a USB port to power it so if you get a lithium power bank it will heat all night long and more. The power bank is small and light enough to velcro to the blanket if you want portability. I also use it inside the sleeping bag on low and it keeps it toasty in the most extreme cold.
William Martin Like anything else there are several different manufacturers so quality varies. I just did a quick search on Amazon and found a few with 4 and 5 star ratings and then the majority came in around 3 stars which still isn't bad. I like to stick to the top reviewed products with numerous reviews. But saying the reviews are horrible doesn't evem fit close to what I just looked up now...
Please link to some that get 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon and have more than 10 reviews (which are often written by the manufacturers' employees and salespeople). I can only see one little hand warming pad that meets those criteria. The problem is that you just can't draw enough power from a USB socket (maximum is about 12 watts) to do any significant heating, especially of something as big as a blanket.
I'm sure you are capable enough to find them yourself if your interest is piqued. It works fine for me inside a sleeping bag. Most negative reviews say not heating enough. But again it depends on how they are using it, I suspect they might think it should make them hot not just warm. Again many reviews were 3 stars = OK. It is what it is...
Careful with those. Unless they are properly insulated so that the heat they produce doesn't escape, they can draw significant power from your batteries. Also, they need to have a thermostat in the blanket itself to keep from overheating and catching fire.
I have found that the heater in my van, a 2001 Dodge b1500, really makes the best heat. I've tried the Little Buddy and I tried an electric heater. Those didn't work. I'm going to have a remote ignition switch installed by the bed so I don't have to get up to turn it on and then up to turn it off. From cold it only takes about 10-15 minutes to get really warm. As long as I'm under my down sleeping bag it can get as cold as it wants, it's just getting up is when you need the heat. I hope it works.
My UCO Candlelier puts out a tiny amount of heat, and the 3 candles can heat a beverage. Not for everybody, but suits me in my truck canopy in southern climes. Nomad On!
You are correct Bob. The Mr. Heater Buddy products are made with plastic outer trim panels. Those panels break easily. I finally removed all of the plastic from my heater. It still works but is unsafe as hell.
I'm putting a winner well wood stove in mine. Making the stove portable and use the propane heater in an emergency. You can find sticks about any where and cook on it to. Take it out side and use it for a safe fire yearround
I’ve been using the big buddy heater for a couple of years now the last year I got a stove fan that runs on the heat from the stove I’m currently just about out of propane and the end of the month I don’t get paid for another week. So I put a clay pot on my stove and didn’t notice much difference but I had my stove fan just setting there not doing anything so I sat it on top of the pot covering the hole after a minute or two it started running and you can definitely feel the warm air about 3 feet away with the stove turned all the way down I’m definitely going to try with the candles and the fan during the time it took to wright this about 5 minutes I ran out of propane the pot is still hot and the fan is still spinning fast it was almost 58 degrees when I put the pot on the stove and the temp is still going up it’s now at 67 degrees. I made a fold down gypsy wagon on a harbor freight 4 x 8 trailer it’s a little wider I made a box that’s 6 x 8 so it hangs over the wheels on both sides the walls are 4 x 8 sheets with 2 x 2’s around the edges to hold the 1/2 inch used fiberboard rigid the front and back are hinged so they fold down to travel and when up I have a 2 x 4 running down the top and 2 screens that are 4 x 6 sheets of 4” x 4” squares of wire like used for reinforcing wire or concrete these panels are connected on the sides of the box so when folded down I have a box that is 4 x 6 x 8 sitting on top of my trailer. I used 3 - 2 x 8 for the floor with 4 x 8 plywood underneath and removable panels for the floor inside so I have a 4 x 8 x 7” deep box underneath the floor for storage the back extends around 3 feet behind I’m working on putting a kitchen in and the box can be lifted off the trailer if you want when you put the ends up with the board down the center and pull the wire down together then I toss a couple sheets of the double sided bubble rap over then a white tarp and tie it down. I have a double door in the front but my dog likes to run in and out all night so I just leave it open and I hung a couple of curtain over the opening. I don’t think the wagon box weighs more than 500 pounds it’s basically 6 sheets of around 1/2 inch plywood a tarp some rugs on the walls and floor for insulation. Well it’s been around 30 minutes it’s 48 outside and I ran the pot with the fan for a round 10 minutes and it’s still 64 degrees inside my little trailer I think the stove fan really made a big difference it kept moving the air for a good 15-20 minutes after the fire went out. 👍
Hey Bob I took your word when you said that the Wave 3 would be good for a van well it works pretty good I've had it for 2 months now up in the NW but when it doesn't work very well is when it gets down to about 39 degrees but I still stay comfortable.
Make sure nothing can fall on it and catch fire. I knew someone who burned to death because their bedsheets fell on their heater and caught fire. Also have a fire extinguisher as well as a CO detector.
I was pushed in the van life a few years ago, and I was able to survive because of you and your show
Menopausal hot flashes can be very effective.
Ya! Save on fuel!!
I hear you!🤣🤣🤣
Omg yes they are 🔥
My wife could melt an igloo at the north pole
You are the gold standard Bob. I tune in to learn the right way of doing this stuff. Thank you for what you do
as far as the big buddy heater goes you are right they will clog up with oil in jets if not turned off properly! you have to turn propane valve off and let the heater burn out on its own. since i've done this my heater has lasted me 5 years!
So dude if i go uut to colorado or alaska we are not going to want to be cold at all we wznt warm and cozy 24/7 7 daysca week we dint care how much propane is ig
F nessary well get 100 pound take and build a somthing to hold it in olace while we travel. But we need names makes models bud thnx for your help dude
What u mean turn valve off ..how if not using the off switch on the heater
@@sharriceowens913 leave the heater on and turn off propane tank and let it burn the fuel out off the hose if you are using an external tank....just turn it off normaly if using small tank on the side!
Seen a lot of great info on heating in various videos from you - To my mind one of the best ideas for heat is an inexpensive remote starter for your rig. A person can stay pretty comfortable under blankets on cold nights - electric blankets make it even easier - But with remote start (and your rig heater switch On) you can start your rig from bed and let things warm a bit before you crawl out of bed
I ran my mr. Buddy heater for about eight years never had a problem I guess I was the lucky one
The Mr Buddy has a low oxygen sensor in it and will shut off automatically as well as a tip sensor. They are great heaters
Thing that's important is when you have connected your gas take a toothbrush and some Soap liquid with a little drop of water dip your brush in and running it back and forth over the connections, after you have turned on the gas ,so make a froth if you have a leak it will show up as blowing bubbles, that's not the ones your making, but the obvious bubbles that are coming out , if you have obvious bubbles coming out, tighten up your connections, and let your cooker burn and turn of your gas at the bottle then after the flame has gone out switch of the cooker as well , be safe .
Oh, man, Bob-- this is all Greek to me, have never used this stuff before, have only heard horror stories about it, and here comes winter 🌬️😣 Listening to your instructions in segments, trying to decide. Thank you very much for this very helpful comparison and instruction 🏆👏
Note that you don't need the fuel filter for a Mr. Heater if you buy this specific hose Model# F273704 available on Amazon. It is designed to handle the high pressure without leaching oil (special compound in the hose). I have used one for a couple of years without a problem. You must use that specific hose as other hoses do have the problem. It is a little more expensive to buy but eliminates the cost of filters.
Can you talk about the small wood burning stoves that are made for sail boats that so many others are putting in their vans/Rvs? They advocate for these because they do not add to the humidity that so many van dwellers seem to have trouble with. I'd love to hear your thoughts on these units.
I thought about doing that but from what I’ve heard it’s a pain having to keep all that wood on hand. While I think it would look cute in my cabin style van, just seems safer and more compact to have one of these.
i love my mr heater. mr buddy. this keeps me warm and alive in the winter. i do not have heat and i use a mr heater and a ceramic heater. i am toasty in the winter with no heat at all. do it and you will love it.
This might be one of the best reviews of anything I have seen.
I live in canada and read the manual for big buddy before getting it. It stated it was safe for indoor use with proper air. I have been using big buddy for many years in up to -45° C winter conditions. I always leave two windows open enough for good ventilation depending on the conditions at the time and never had any moisture issues with the ventilation, it did NOT get "too hot" with the ventilation and the detector did not say a thing.
Have been using Big Buddy for 5 or 6 years on the 3rd one. Yes they do break but cost for the Buddy compared to full size RV heater I can keep buying them for years. Best thing we ever did pull the old RV heater and use the Buddy. Haven't died yet.
is it normal once you turn it off for the propane bottle to be iced up with the remainder inside? and should you always take off the propane bottle when not in use? I just bought one the other day and I'm using the green bottles.
Doris C. it is normal for the bottle to ice. we leave the bottle hooked up until we either run it empty or we are moving. it sits outside on the ground. we run the hose out the old vent for the heater.
THANK YOU BOB! PERFECT TIMING! This has been a huge concern for me as I graduate into a more permanent nomadic life. I don't need much heat AT ALL, so I find most heat sources waaaaay too much. Also, when I was in Yellowstone this past June and there was a freak winter storm that dropped 4" of snow in my 2nd campsite and 11+" at my 1st, I found out immediately that my lungs and overall body did NOT respond well to either propane or butane burning in the small space of my van. I had a terrible headache, sore throat, and felt sick to my stomach. To be fair, I also was suffering from food poisoning, which eventually forced me to end my 2 week Yellowstone trip short to 9 days. I only needed to run the heat 2 min and I was overheated. I still haven't figured out how to stay warm, without running these fuels that bother my throat and stomach, and that burn me out after just 2 min! Think I'll try an ammo can that burns wood, or something similar built for shipboard use. THANKS AGAIN for this demo!
Having been raised in Southern California I don't do well in the cold! I live in a one bedroom apartment, the only heater I use is a Mr. Buddy. Electric heat would be $200 a month so propane keeps my dog and I warm!
Jimmy Fischbeck keeps I warm too!
@@briannab5296 ..one thousand one...one thousand two..one th.....
Thanks to You Bob I have learned quite a few things- Stealth camping in a van is what i do now i know what i do. My van is insulated and im in the south. Doesnt get too cold however a small heater would help out. . I have a long cooler from Sams and I stealth rural yet a couple of bags of ice and im good for a few days. Its nice that local city PARKS PUT OUT GRILLS.- I USE A SMALL LITTLE CAMPER STOVE and put it right over the grill provided and cook burgers, chicken, veggies, and eat good. city prks provide bathrooms. I may get a sleeping bag. My dog and i cuddle up. When you feel free people notice it and i get a lot more smiles from folks. I know you have to promote items that you use and it is helpful and i know it helps your situation. You are a good guy Bob. You make people feel connected even though most of us are independent. I enjoyed your interview with the comedian and stealth tips. You cover everything so well. I worked in Radio and once had a pickup with shell and was fired because the mgr got word i was sleepin in truck in parking lot. a lesson learned. i HAVE A CHEVY 3500 EXPRESS CARGO vAN AND ,, life is gooooood. Btw spent the night recently at cracker barrel myrtle beach. Great experience. I hope you get your 4 wheel camper truck soon. Take Care and we will talk to you soon
I use the Mr Buddy heater connected to a 20lb tank and fuel filter. I LOVE this heater!!! I keep it on the low setting and it will keep my van around 65 degrees inside when it's only 10 degrees outside. My 20 lb tank lasts me 2 weeks running it around 12-15 hours/day on low. This will be my 3rd winter with this heater and I haven't had any problems with it. I highly recommend!
Andrew H ... what about the moisture?
Alvara DaCosta, I keep one of my side windows cracked (that's where I run my hose into van) and one of my front windows cracked about a half inch. I haven't had any problems with moisture here in the western states.
When you open windows for ventilation, there is no moisture issues. Moisture is usually when its an air tight area...im surprised he never even mentions this in his videos.
He did mention it a bit, but he could have explained it a bit more. I can't speak for what it will be like back east, but here in the West where it's not humid out I almost never wake up to condensation on my windows if I keep a couple windows cracked.
You can refill the green bottles with the larger propane tanks. Need an adapter though but its cheap
Thanks for making a video on my major concern when I come to the RTR. Also for answering my email. I’m so excited to come. Thanks for always being so encouraging to live our best life!
I have used a mr buddy for almost 2 weeks straight during hunting trips plumbed into my RV propane tanks, use roof vent /vents / windows to regulate the heat, condensation can be a problem but the right ventilation helps a lot. Perfect solution is shore power and a electric heater with a thermostat.
i think i am going to use my mr buddy til it breaks and then move to electric too...safer and cleaner
i was wondering that, I have a campervan with a propane furnace but I think it uses too much electricity can I plug a hose through a window and plug mr. buddy right into the van propane tank?
Really appreciate all the specifics because now I know Mr. Buddy items are not for me. I will however get the small propane tank and find a way to carry it on the outside with an outside only propane double burner camp stove with a wind breaker and a small portable BBQ at some point. I love cooking outdoors. My best times raising my now 38 year old son was traveling in my VW Van and just using his Boy Scout gear on the road. He knows my long term goal is to be on the road again at 70. He watches these videos too so is supportive of my endeavors. He is a gifted outdoorsman as I raised him to be. In a van I can then visit him and my lovely daughter in law in the summer up by the Canadian border in Washington and visit family and friends enroute. I managed to become debt free and even with a modest income can dare to hit the road when I can somehow manage to acquire a van. I lost everything in the hurricanes in coastal South Carolina three years ago. My road tripping goal and these videos really helped me struggle past the overt PTSD from one too many worldly losses. That and the small hospice rescue dogs I started to Foster a year ago has brought a new balance and purpose that allows me to have held onto my lifelong wanderlust. This is my community now if shared mission and vision.
Thanks for the great review Bob. Broadacres Swap meet in Las Vegas has many buddy heaters for 30 to 40 bucks. I just bought the red Mr Buddy yesterday for $25 at the swapmeet. Saved 75 to 100 bucks. There were several vendors with heaters out there.
I have the big buddy in my van and you’re right it’s WAY too much heat, I always run it on low or medium . I like it anyway because sometimes I’ll take it outside and use it to keep warm outside when I can’t have a fire. Or even to heat my garage when I’m working in there . It has been great so far have had it about a year no problems but it doesn’t get used a ton.
Yes the other key thing other than crack a dang window or vent (common sense to me) is do not run them at night! Not sure how many of those comments I made in FB RV groups. People still say “you will die”. Oh well... let them plug in somewhere and live heheh.. oh wait what? That’s the first time I heard you say Mr Heater’s break a lot?! Yikes... moisture - there are non-electric dehumidifiers that you empty and those keep dry things that absorb. Seem to work for those using them and propane heaters.
One thing I think was lacking in the "safety" talk in this video was discussion of always checking your connections for leaks (using a mild solution of dish soap and water).
Gas leaks can and will also kill you, so safety doesn't just come down to ventilation and clearance.
A good point , but in reality , in re to leaks - the stench will let you know, and if you cannot smell that ? then either you have no sense of smell, or are so drunk you are passing out anyway = a hazard to self !
I'd rather spray a little soapy water on the connection as soon as I connect it than wait to smell gas. If I've waited long enough to smell gas, that tells me a small spark might set it off and cause a fire. It takes so little effort and time to use soapy water to check your connections. Also, there are some people out there who don't have a sense of smell because medical reasons.
Furthermore, Propane sinks, so even a small leak that might take awhile to smell could still accumulate enough gas on the bottom of a van/RV that a small spark from an electrical appliance turning on could start a fire.
Even when I connect a tank to my grill outside, I always check my connections with soapy water. There have been times that it showed me my regulator went bad and was barely leaking (but such a small amount I couldn't smell it while using). For a grill outside, it probably wasn't a problem, but when it comes to stuff like LP, I want to be as safe as possible.
Key Topic; Don't rely on being able to smell propane leaks. Propane is heavier than air. There have been many propane explosions where people didn't smell the leak. Unlikely in a van but common in a basement.
Hey Bob, I've been using one of those radiator type oil heaters when plugged in. It drys everything like dishes, a floor on rain days, etc. instead of putting out moister.Works like a charm for me. I even have to keep it on low or it gets hot in 22 foot RV. But, thats is plugged in. Love all your hard work to keep us informed. Keep em coming. Thanks
You need to look at the tank top radiant heater. It’s a mr buddy that attaches to you’re tank. You can even cook with them.
You’re the man Bob.
The furnace was unfortunately beyond repair in our 1973 Shasta compact when we purchased it. After researching our options we decided to go with the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy and three years later it’s still running strong! We stay super toasty, and feel super safe using it even over night in the chilly PNW.
I just moved from Portland, and wonder about the Mr Heater Buddy. Did you leave it on all night?
I've been using my Wave 3 for 2.5 years in moist Vancouver Canada. These are my settings: 8C and above = off. 4 to 8C = heater on low and maxxair on low. 1 to 3C = heater on low and maxxair off. -2C to 1C = heater on high and maxxair on low. Below -2C = heater on high and maxxair off. I live in a very well insulated low top chevy express. No moisture issues.
Hello sir. I just got a 79 Dodge sportsman class c which I will need to heat the living area of 8 by 14 feet, so around 112 square feet. I plan on re insulating the rig very well. Do you think a wave 3 would be enough for the space? It's description says it will heat 130 square feet but I'd like the input of someone with experience with them. Thanks in advance.
The C.T.K. 1000 Depends how cold your climate is. Last year we had a particularly cold winter where it hit -10C on a regular basis. At that time I was in a Hightop extended van and with the those low temperatures I felt the Wave 3 wasn't enough. If it was a low top it may have been fine. Your size RV may require a Wave 6. Best of luck!
One Awesome Inch Thank you very much. Where I live, Midwest US, rarely gets down below 20° F. It sounds like it would be enough, but I may just go with Wave 6 just to be safe.
Good idea☺
Timothy Keller Vandweller, do you mean you don't put the Wave 3 on if it's above 8 degrees celcius? For me that would be a little cool to be sitting around without any heat for a prolonged period of time. I'm trying to work out the following: for a camper that has 60 square feet standing area & a sleeping area of 25 square feet (with a lowered roof, you can sort of half sit up in the area, but not much more than than), would having a Wave 3 on low for one full day and night uninterrupted make it too hot inside (with a 4 seasons hatch cracked open at top and side windows on either side open a little for ventilation, in lets say, outside daytime temps of 7 to 12 c and overnights at 1 to 9 c range, with a non humid climate and wind chill outside of maybe 1 to 3 degrees cooler than the temps I've mentioned? Could you guess from your experiences (obviously minus the humidity you experience in Vancouver) how hot inside the temp would get, in a reasonably insulated rv (with the dimensions I mentioned), keeping the Wave 3 on low for more than 24 - 26 hours straight? Also, would it be worth getting a low draw fan, like a Sirocco, to mount near ceiling to help push warm air down and keep it circulating?( It's not possible to install a maxxair in the camper I'm referring to). Sorry about my very detailed message, but I don't want to fork out for a Wave 3 if it's not suitable.
I love your common sense approach. It goes a long way. I`ll watch any video you make. Oh, and if I already know something it`s good to review it again and make it sink in.
Great information, Bob. I have the regular Mr. Buddy in my van but have not used it yet. I had to use it in our home when we had a 34 hour power outage after an ice storm. I used two of the one pound (green) bottles, each lasted approximately 2 1/2 hours on high as it was extremely cold outside which obviously affected our indoor temperature. I also keep a 270w ceramic heater in the van as a backup. Hopefully by next year I will install a Webasto dry heater system (gas model) as it is expensive at $1600 including installation.
Thanks, looking forward to hearing about the wave heater.
Idaho Rider
I like the heater Rolling Earth Ship has, the Webasto which runs on fuel. It is connected right to the gas tank which makes it very convenient.
I love to hear you talk and your videos seem like you are just talking to me ❤
I wish I had known about your "how to" videos before I started out in 2012. The information you share is extremely useful. Thank you for sharing.
You addressed my next issue.. how to keep warm with no solar or 12v YET! Thank you Bob your Videos are so helpful to me...
Love your videos there is often a lot of repetitive points. Over all what I appreciate about your videos is your a very regular everyday guy and that is very comforting and easy to watch.
We love the infrared heating of our Olympian Wave 6 in our 5th wheel. It heats you instantly, and that counts because we only use it when we feel chilled to the bone.
We have a Mr Buddy heater that takes either 1 or 2 bottles. They last about 6 to 7 hours on high. My heater also has 2 temps to run, low and high with a blower to move the heat. But we are heating a 30 foot fifth wheel camper on low and it can still run you out. They do work but yes you need to take care of them and use some can air once in a while to blow them out. Thanks for the heater video as it is very important. Even a little tent heater can make a big difference.
you deserve my upvote just because you're so good at providing safety knowledge to the people
Thanks for the tip about the fuel line filters. Never crossed my mind.
I'm afraid of ALL forms of heat now! I don't want to die!!😉 Thanks for the safety heads up Bob!
Follow the safety protocols laid out in the manuals for devices, use a carbon monoxide detector, and you'll be perfectly fine.
Just be very careful, if not you will never wake up to tell the story.
Eastern Cowboy yes, I don't want to wake up and realize I died in my sleep due to neglect.
Thanks Bob!
They should have named those things Mr. Jekyll and Hyde Heaters. I keep it on low and turn it off before I go to sleep and it hasn't tried to kill me since.
Why turn it off when you go to sleep? If the room is properly ventilated you can run it at night while you sleep.
@@patricklee780 Ive had the flame go out with propane still in it as if the propane froze, then still release propane, and woke up with burning lung.
GR8 LESSONS ABOUT HEAT AN SAFETY BOB 😃THANKYOU SOOOOOO VERY MUCH ! ✌ 💘 & HAPPINESS MY FRIEND!!
Good vid. Mr. Heater also sells a special hose that can be safely used without a filter. As mentioned before, I just refill my greens. But never more than 3x. I get new ones at the campgrounds. There are always some that people dump in the trash. And some still have fuel in them!
Zero Hedge Safety reasons. Older cylinders get rusty. Valves wear out and tend to leak more after a few refills. They are designed for one use. I have no problem finding new ones so better safe than sorry. They sell 1pound canisters that are designed to be refilled now but I have yet to try one and they are not cheap.
Thank you for making this video were new to living in an rv and its starting to get a little cold at night. Thank for the humour as well 😂
I live in Minnesota and I go camping in the shoulder seasons. A low temperature sleeping bag will keep you *alive* at the temperature it is rated for, it will not necessarily keep you comfortable. And it most certainly does not help when you have to pee at 4am.
I so needed that I'm getting mine asap THANKS AGAIN BOB WELLS YOUR THE BEST !!!
Thank you Mr. Bob. You taught us much.
No-Nonsense Bob...love it!!
I live in a very old house in S California with no heat. For a couple months a year I use the exact same one burner coleman stove you show at the end of the video for heat. I set it at the most extreme low level I can keep a flame going and crack the windows, no problem for 3 years.
there is a specifc kit made to safely fill "refillable" specif 1 lb containers. They run about 10 bucks, the refill kit to exchange the gas from a 20 lb tank is around 35. Will save you tons of $$$
Great video -- thanks. I just bought a Buddy, and based on my home testing, it will work just fine for my upcoming SUV camping adventures -- to which I'm brand new at!
I wrote extensively on my post to your first video on heaters negatively against the Lil buddy. I found it as inconvenient as having a wood burning barrel stove in a van. lol ...I hate it. It is a pain to even get lit. For anyone that has not seen the 1st part of Bobs heater video please go watch that. The Coleman one burner adjustable stove that Bob uses with magic powers, will both cover your heating and cooking needs. Keep it simple and travel light. Multi use items like the Coleman adjustable stove make sense and save money and space. Peace Bob. See you from afar. I'll be waving a friendly hello, and then ,like, you get back to my peaceful, wonderful outdoors existence.
Thank you for an informative, thorough lesson. You are an EXCELLENT teacher.
Helpful information. Thank you. The buddy heater sometimes doesn't work and one might think the propane tank is empty but it may be needing the dial to be set higher up.
Great info , Mr. Bob!! I'm in need of reliable safe heat as o make my way southeast from NJ to meet y'all January 11th (my birthday ☺)
Thankyou for letting me know I needed a filter for the Mr buddy if using a large separate tank. I did not know that. I bought a used mr buddy with no manual
So you saved my heater
Rich Greene rustic, tool man van google mr buddy heater pdf manual. ;)
Thanks Bob. You youtube videos are still awesome! So are YOU!
5-6yrs after you have made video, I am in need of this info. Thank you.
Any better heaters in late 2022 ?
Not totally accurate to compare cost of propane to cost of green bottles.
For one, the green bottles include the cost of the bottle itself (where the cost of propane isn't factoring in that there is a cost for a bulk bottle).
Sure, the bulk bottle is inexpensive and over time, is a much better value than just buying new green bottles over and over, but there is an adapter that lets you refill the green bottles from a bulk bottle, so there is a way of using both that would reduce the cost of the green bottles.
A possible set up if people were wanting to use a Little Buddy but not always have to buy green bottles:
1. Buy two green bottles
2. Buy an adapter for filling green bottles from a bulk tank
3. Buy a bulk tank and have it filled
4. Use one of the green bottles
5. When it's empty, switch to the other green bottle and refill the first using the adapter and bulk tank
6. When the bulk tank is empty, go and get it refilled
IMPORTANT: I don't know the exact details, but it's best not to reuse the green bottles too many times. For this reason, the green bottles are still a less than ideal solution, but just pointing out, they aren't quite as expensive to use as this video makes it appear.
It is illegal to refill the "non-refillable" small green bottles. There are refinable small bottles but they cost about $20.
Illegal to do. You may not get caught, but you are subject to having a disaster. The seals on the green bottle are not made for repeated use.
The problem with refilling the green bottles. They must not be filled over 80% of the volume of the bottle otherwise they may explode from hydrostatic pressure (expansion of the liquid propane ). I use my refrigeration weigh scale to weigh in exactly 1 pound. Most people don't have a scale and have no idea how much propane enters the bottle. That's risky.
Thanks, Bob! Other ideas bouncing around... radiant heat, insulated coveralls, bib overalls, even motorcycle gear with built in heat and most importantly, dogs!
Sooo much better than hot water bottles. ^-^ Plus they liven up things when they photo bomb your videos.
Bob thanks for posting this...very helpful! I’m about to downsize from my overpriced apartment in the city to a micro camper and I was unsure about how the mr. heater products worked. I’ll be getting a little buddy for sure! :)
Hi how are u? How did it go? Are u still 8n it?
You can also buy an adapter to fill your green bottles from the larger propane tank. It's not that expensive and Amazon has it.
Thanks Teresa I think it's a good solution to get the smaller heater that only runs on green bottles and refill them from a larger tank. I found the adapters and hoses as you described and I'm ordering on Amazon now for my van. Bob should take note, and also take Mr. Buddy off of his recomended list. :)
Be sure to turn the larger propane tank upside down once the green bottle is connected. Then, use a flat head screwdriver to push in the release valve on the bottle until propane starts to come out. That way, you can completely fill up the propane bottle. If you don't, you'll only half fill it.
Thanks William I have copied your answer for my future reference.
thank you!!!!!
Correction: the release valve must come OUT, not go in. You can pull it out a bit with a hemostat or just a pair of needle nose pliers.
Love what you said at the end. Be HAPPY!
Thanks for the info. You're a great teacher. :).
to use the Little Buddy with a bigger tank - You might try to take a large tin can (coffee can, maybe a tall [46oz] juice can would be a better fit - maybe a shorter 'beef stew can') Drill a hole, or cut a slot, in the side of can to accommodate the hose and set the heater on top the can - homemade heater stand ...
Thanks Bob great job as usual!
You should do a video about mini dehumidifiers they are around $20-$40 i believe. Hoping to be able to run it on solar / batteries
Good explanation on heat sources Bob. I see behind your van you purchased a RadRover. I just got a RadMini and love it! They're a great way to get around. See you at the RTR. Drive safe.
What is a radrover?
Larry Peterson it is an ebike! Well priced
great vid. great info. for the world of me cant imagine why some people gave it the thumbs down
Oh the world is just filled with grumpy buttheads just looking for an excuse to use their thumbs down button! Who knows?! They might get lucky and actually hurt somebody’s feelings! 🙄
GREAT VIDEO BOB! thank you :)
Great video!! Thank you so much! You probably just saved our lives by stressing the importance of the venting!!!! I was under the impression that if your propane was outside that you are safe!! I might not have even noticed the open window portion... hopefully I would have... but now I know how important it is and have changed my mind on where I would use this in my house! I even have a carbon monoxide detector thinking that was my safety. Thank you!
In a travel trailer your kitchen range exaust vent should give you the 4 square inches ventilation necessary. fan does not need to be running as long as vent is open.
I saw someone on RUclips using a wave 3 with a Coleman green bottle. They had it hooked up with a low-pressure regulator hose and had an adapter to fit the green propane tank.
I bought a device that refills the green bottles from a 5 gallon tank.
i got that and i think it s a pain in the rear but i still use it to refill them
Have a buddy heater in my big bunk semi 10 years.ventalate it an sleep in your u skivies in Michigan. Lol.
Glad you mentioned the blanket. It uses a USB port to power it so if you get a lithium power bank it will heat all night long and more. The power bank is small and light enough to velcro to the blanket if you want portability. I also use it inside the sleeping bag on low and it keeps it toasty in the most extreme cold.
I've checked them out on Amazon, and they get terrible reviews.
William Martin Like anything else there are several different manufacturers so quality varies. I just did a quick search on Amazon and found a few with 4 and 5 star ratings and then the majority came in around 3 stars which still isn't bad. I like to stick to the top reviewed products with numerous reviews. But saying the reviews are horrible doesn't evem fit close to what I just looked up now...
Please link to some that get 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon and have more than 10 reviews (which are often written by the manufacturers' employees and salespeople). I can only see one little hand warming pad that meets those criteria. The problem is that you just can't draw enough power from a USB socket (maximum is about 12 watts) to do any significant heating, especially of something as big as a blanket.
I'm sure you are capable enough to find them yourself if your interest is piqued. It works fine for me inside a sleeping bag. Most negative reviews say not heating enough. But again it depends on how they are using it, I suspect they might think it should make them hot not just warm. Again many reviews were 3 stars = OK. It is what it is...
There are also heating pads called "bunk warmers" that you can find at truck stops or where you get truck parts.
Careful with those. Unless they are properly insulated so that the heat they produce doesn't escape, they can draw significant power from your batteries. Also, they need to have a thermostat in the blanket itself to keep from overheating and catching fire.
I have found that the heater in my van, a 2001 Dodge b1500, really makes the best heat. I've tried the Little Buddy and I tried an electric heater. Those didn't work. I'm going to have a remote ignition switch installed by the bed so I don't have to get up to turn it on and then up to turn it off. From cold it only takes about 10-15 minutes to get really warm. As long as I'm under my down sleeping bag it can get as cold as it wants, it's just getting up is when you need the heat. I hope it works.
Thanks Bob. Very good info. The wife and I will be on the road full time soon and this is stuff I can use.. thanks so much
Thanks for keeping us informed
You can use a Propane pole for the little heater. We use one years ago for a Propane light.
My UCO Candlelier puts out a tiny amount of heat, and the 3 candles can heat a beverage. Not for everybody, but suits me in my truck canopy in southern climes. Nomad On!
Another great video! Thanks.
It also answered the question about why you insulate your van, reason: enjoying Colorado in the fall. Sounds great!
You are correct Bob. The Mr. Heater Buddy products are made with plastic outer trim panels. Those panels break easily. I finally removed all of the plastic from my heater. It still works but is unsafe as hell.
Thanks for the Clarification!
I'm putting a winner well wood stove in mine. Making the stove portable and use the propane heater in an emergency. You can find sticks about any where and cook on it to. Take it out side and use it for a safe fire yearround
I’ve been using the big buddy heater for a couple of years now the last year I got a stove fan that runs on the heat from the stove I’m currently just about out of propane and the end of the month I don’t get paid for another week. So I put a clay pot on my stove and didn’t notice much difference but I had my stove fan just setting there not doing anything so I sat it on top of the pot covering the hole after a minute or two it started running and you can definitely feel the warm air about 3 feet away with the stove turned all the way down I’m definitely going to try with the candles and the fan during the time it took to wright this about 5 minutes I ran out of propane the pot is still hot and the fan is still spinning fast it was almost 58 degrees when I put the pot on the stove and the temp is still going up it’s now at 67 degrees. I made a fold down gypsy wagon on a harbor freight 4 x 8 trailer it’s a little wider I made a box that’s 6 x 8 so it hangs over the wheels on both sides the walls are 4 x 8 sheets with 2 x 2’s around the edges to hold the 1/2 inch used fiberboard rigid the front and back are hinged so they fold down to travel and when up I have a 2 x 4 running down the top and 2 screens that are 4 x 6 sheets of 4” x 4” squares of wire like used for reinforcing wire or concrete these panels are connected on the sides of the box so when folded down I have a box that is 4 x 6 x 8 sitting on top of my trailer. I used 3 - 2 x 8 for the floor with 4 x 8 plywood underneath and removable panels for the floor inside so I have a 4 x 8 x 7” deep box underneath the floor for storage the back extends around 3 feet behind I’m working on putting a kitchen in and the box can be lifted off the trailer if you want when you put the ends up with the board down the center and pull the wire down together then I toss a couple sheets of the double sided bubble rap over then a white tarp and tie it down. I have a double door in the front but my dog likes to run in and out all night so I just leave it open and I hung a couple of curtain over the opening. I don’t think the wagon box weighs more than 500 pounds it’s basically 6 sheets of around 1/2 inch plywood a tarp some rugs on the walls and floor for insulation. Well it’s been around 30 minutes it’s 48 outside and I ran the pot with the fan for a round 10 minutes and it’s still 64 degrees inside my little trailer I think the stove fan really made a big difference it kept moving the air for a good 15-20 minutes after the fire went out. 👍
And yet ANOTHER great video. Thanks Bob!
Do you have an updated version on comparison of these propane heaters?
Thank you for sharing this great video.
Great presentation. Thanks, Jim
Love your informative videos. Love you and your channel!
Hey Bob I took your word when you said that the Wave 3 would be good for a van well it works pretty good I've had it for 2 months now up in the NW but when it doesn't work very well is when it gets down to about 39 degrees but I still stay comfortable.
Thank You so much! Great Life Saving Information, from Such Really Cool Gentelman☺👍✌🌎
i just got a hose for mr buddy at ace... you have to order it online. it is called the mr. buddy heater assembly hose. only $13
as always ....great advise .... thank you.