Heater for small dwellings, AKA; Vans Catalytic vs Blue Flame, etc.

[Bodhi]

After reading the posts in here about dust ruining these catalytic heaters... I got to thinking.&nbsp; I have a Coleman camp propane heater and it probably has dust on it!&nbsp; So, I just dug it out and hooked it up and, although it was slow to start, it start up with a flash and got really hot really fast, just as it usually does.&nbsp; As soon as it cools down, I will be double bagging this thing and putting it in my camper away from cat and dog dander (well, lesser degree out there).&nbsp; <br /><br />Thanks for all the debate and thought provoking commentary here.&nbsp; I learn something new every day!<br /><br />Carpe the hell outta this Diem!<br />Bodhi

 

[Ballenxj]

You can also hook them right up to a larger propane tank if you have one, which requires a special filter or hose of some sort think there listed on the link above.

<br />I now have the filter on it's way. Any idea how long they last? Will one get me by for a long time, or is it something I have to change every now and again? <br />-Bruce

 

[raisingarizona]

Question? Can you use the portable buddy on a carpeted floor or do you need to keep it on a non flammable surface? How far from other flammable sources do you like to keep it? Thanks.

 

[HoboBerg]

You can also hook them right up to a larger propane tank if you have one, which requires a special filter or hose of some sort think there listed on the link above.

<br />I now have the filter on it's way. Any idea how long they last? Will one get me by for a long time, or is it something I have to change every now and again? <br />-Bruce

<br /><br />Congratz on your purchase. No Idea how long they last Sorry<img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" />. Id check it&nbsp;regularly I imagine youll no when it becomes clogged Id be interested to know?

 

[HoboBerg]

Question? Can you use the portable buddy on a carpeted floor or do you need to keep it on a non flammable surface? How far from other flammable sources do you like to keep it? Thanks.

<br /><br />Ive been using mine on a rug without incident for quite some time. When in usw I suppose I have my toes about 4 to 6 inches away, but not sure what the recommend.

 

[VanGirl]

only get one with a thermostat.<br /><br />VanGirl

 

[Vanimal]

I rock the Mr. Heater and its great. However this is what I want:<br /><br />http://www.propexheatsource.co.uk/air-heaters.php<br /><br /><br />Pretty much the radest heater ever. It's really a tiny furnace for vans. Designed for Westy's in the UK(of course) but available in the U.S. They make one that runs of prope or shore, but only 220v.(of course)<br /><br /><br />

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;That 1.7-1.9 amp draw is kinda worrisome when it comes to long-term boondocking during the winter.

 

[joey]

&nbsp; That is just like a Suburban brand heater used in the larger class A motorhome's.

 

[joey]

this one can run off of an Inverter..... http://www.campingworld.com/shoppin...nd-small-rv-air-conditionerheater-combo/67169

 

[VanTrekker]

I've been using the Mr. Heater buddy for two years in a Chevy Express van.&nbsp; It's mounted on the side door with a little automotive fan also attached to the ceiling above.. My redneck furnace...<br /><br />Low is usually adequate.&nbsp; If it's really cold, I'll crank it to high long enough to get up to temp before switching to an electric heater.&nbsp; The score this morning was van=82, outside air = 18.&nbsp; Since I usually have access to shore power, the Mr. Heater Buddy isn't used overnight though I have before.<br /><br />I get about 6 hours out of a bottle (on low) - long enough for some good sleep.&nbsp; In fact, when the bottle runs out and the temp drops, it's about time to wake up anyway... One tip&nbsp;- if using the green can, keep another handy at all times.&nbsp; There's nothing as bad as digging around lookin' for one while arctic winds are howling.<br /><br />I hate to suggest this 'cause it is BAD practice but if you have the Mr. Buddy Heater on the high setting, you an warm a hot dog with it... (I used a lean turkey dog w/out a lot of grease)<br /><br />V.T.<br /><br /><br /><br />

 

[Simran]

I've got a little buddy stove in my van. The only difference from mine to Brads is mine is hooked up to a larger propane tank. I too, have a circulating fan at the roof line to circulate the air. I also leave my vent open a bit as well, probably half way. I rarely have my heater on warmer than low. Only for a quick heat up. Then it will drive me out.

Gus

 

[Ballenxj]

VT, Warming a HotDog up with it? Just learned a new use for it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[DodgeRam]

Wished I'd have come sooner. Have had my buddy heater for awhile and felt I should shelve it higher..Not a good idea as the van celing got real hot. Problem with attaching it to the side doors is space (Mattress overhang and passenger seat) GUess it's back to behind the drivers seat again...Just wanted it out of the way....But what with a refill (For the 20lb tank) it's quite cheap heat cost.

 

[Van Tripper]

<br />I appreciate your answer Hobo. How many bottles a week or month will you go through then? I'm trying to compute the monthly cost if I were to go this way. <br />-Bruce[/quote]<br /><br />No Problem Ballenxj, Typically one bottle every 3 to 5 days, but I am constantly turning it on and off. I spend my winters in southern AZ so it definately depends on your location. If i had to use it more often id&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;be buying a larger propane tank. They also sell attachments so you can refill the lil green cylinders.&nbsp;[/quote] &nbsp;<br /><br />The refill is simple, get the adapter, think less than $10, then turn large tank upside/down, so liquid propane fills small bottle, not gas, then close valve on large tank, unscrew bottle (Self sealing), check small bottle for leaks with soapy water, store till needed. &nbsp;Can usually find empty small bottles in trash at camp grounds and save any you buy.

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks Van Tripper, I went ahead and bought a frame mount 20 lb tank. I will be using both the little green bottles and the tank. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br />-Bruce

 

[Van Tripper]

Thanks Van Tripper, I went ahead and bought a frame mount 20 lb tank. I will be using both the little green bottles and the tank. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br />-Bruce

<br /><br />No prob., saw it on YouTube, everything's on there, tried it, works great. &nbsp;Had a camp stove that used the little bottles. &nbsp;Met young couple, with a kid, that needed the stove, looking to get a heater now.

 

[bpeck]

Thanks Van Tripper, I went ahead and bought a frame mount 20 lb tank. I will be using both the little green bottles and the tank. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="bbc_img" /> <br />-Bruce

<br />Where'd you find this frame-mount propane tank? &nbsp;Got any links or photos?

 

[Ballenxj]

Hi Brian, This is the one I bought. <br />http://www.propanetankstore.com/shop/20-lb-5-gallon-horizontal-tank-cylinder-with-gauge/ <br />-Bruce

 

[Van Tripper]

Thanks for the link, Ballenxj.