I lived in my RV for 3 years in cold country and ran the same heater with two bottles and never thought twice about it. I never had any issues with the heater which ran for mega hours and I'm still kicking. I did have the occasional dampness like you did in the video, but usually it wasn't bad and I never had a window open. The Mr. Buddy Heater worked well to neg 15-20 degrees as long as I was close to it. Any temps below neg 20, I needed to wear additional clothing to stay warm. I always slept right next to the heater to stay warm and in 3 years it never once quit running on me except when it ran out of propane.
Hey I wanted to drop you a quick thank you for this comment. I was a somewhat concerned about using this in our high top GMC van and you put my concerns to rest. Hope you have a wonderful day 🍻.
@@mohin8256 The big buddy is the way to go. 3 heat levels to choose. I use mine mostly on medium . Also I use a 20 tank which the big buddy has a quick connect which works great.👍
I worked and lived outdoors most of my life and have used Mr. Heater since they first came out. I used Mr. Heater in the winter to heat 8x8 and 10x10 tents without any problems with condensation and I'm still alive... ;-)
I have my portable buddy on right now, only a few feet from the co detector, and it says 0ppm They and the propane cylinders can malfunction (that's why I have the detector) but in general they are safe
Also keep in mind that some areas such as the Oregon High Desert have extremely low humidity levels compared to Tennessee which can create a lot more condensation. Remember how condensation forms when the warm moist air hits a cold dry material like a window or a plastic or metal panel so having some minimal insulation does help reduce the condensation buildup, same for most tents.
I've been using a Mr. Heater Buddy in small, enclosed spaces for 15+ years, and have never had a problem. Even though it claims to be safe in regard to carbon monoxide, I always use a portable CO alarm with a digital readout. In all of those years, the CO detector/alarm has never shown a reading above zero. I know the CO detector is working, because there have been other circumstances that have set it off or shown a reading above zero, such as using the propane stove in a camper. It is sensitive enough that it once detected a generator that was running OUTSIDE and sounded an alarm. The breeze was just right and it was blowing exhaust back into the camper. I feel extremely safe using the Mr. Heater Buddy, but I still always have a CO detector in my space. I have also inadvertently knocked the heater over on a few occasions. When that happens, it immediately shuts down. I remember using the old Coleman catalytic heaters 40+ years ago, and I still have one. Now those are scary, and they produce a tremendous amount of moisture. Your enclosure must be really well ventilated.
All of your position is fair and accurate. How, in your circumstance, part of your success is due to the fact that you have a newer better insulated shelter and little or no aluminum windows ( double pain?) And therefore less or no cold metals for condensation. My neighbors are in a fifth wheel with all aluminum windowsand door. They use a Mr Heater and have to keep a propane torch to de-ice the door to get out. That is scary to me considering an emergency scenario needing to exit instantly --- like a fire or ???. I personally occupy a micro cabin with wood heat and two back up Buddies Ive used for years with no such problems. But, I d have a wood door. My windows do accumulate condensation. I trust the Buddies and firmly believe they're the safest of the type made. My only problem is they're currently both cogged up and I cant dissasemble them ar enough to clean all the componenants. Grrr
Great video, I use mine exclusively for my ice fishing shelters. Only problem I've ever had was it not wanting to work in higher elevations where the air is thin, hence the oxygen censor. Thank you for this video and be safe.
For those of us that spend winters in the deserts of the Southwest don't have to worry about condensation because it's such dry air here. It still gets into the 30's at night so the Buddy heater is great to warm up in the mornings.
I bought one of those heaters a couple of years ago. Really awesome for early spring and late fall camping trips. Makes tent camping in the "shoulder" seasons a pleasure. Thanks for sharing some information about these topics related to using the heater.
Thanks ! I have the big buddy for my 10x14 Kodiak and I always run a fan at night to help circulate the air. I find it really helps to keep the tent very dry and comfortable.
Absolutely on point, I've used mine for about 10 years, different models. There are a few vented propane heaters that run on 12 volts and they are also a fantastic alternative. I'm thinking about going with a micro wood stove for our old Sportsmobile since it's hard to stretch the propane, gas and diesel when we stay at a place for longer than 2-3 weeks, thanks for the video!
I've been using Mr. Heaters now for 3-4 years in a van or cargo trailer conversion pretty much without issue. I have never encountered a CO problem, though I do have a CO detector out of an abundance of caution and always crack windows or the roof vent for ventilation. So far the only time the CO detector has gone off was when I forgot to close a rear vent window while driving! I have not run into issues with condensation either with the exception of a week in Wyoming last spring when it rained and/or snowed for the entire week. Still not sure how much of that was the weather vs. the heater. I am thinking about a diesel heater before next winter though just for the convenience and comfort.
Be aware that the Mr. Heater Buddy is only recommended for elevations lower than 7,000’. I believe it is the oxygen sensor that shuts off the stove at high elevations. Mine is iffy at 8500’ and does not work at 9200’. I replaced it with a Wave.
Mr. Heaters got a great track record, I been through about 5 or 6. but leaks can still happen with hoses and fittings. Spray with soapy water for peace of mind.
Just ran across your video by accident. I've given up on any type of propane heater especially the Mr Buddy type. Even though they are fairly safe with an open window I can still smell the fumes coming out of it. I recently bought one of those 12 volt diesel heaters that give off clean dry heat with an exhaust to the outdoors. Prices have plummeted so they are less then $80 now. Wow what an improvement in comfort
Just a heads up. The condensation occurs at specific temperature based on the percentage of humidity in the air. For instance, if the inside surface of your walls are above the condensation temperature, the water won't condense on the surface. What happens is the condensation temperature happens inside the walls, and that's where it gets wet. I think that you'd find that the area inside you wall, floor or ceiling is getting wet. I don't mean to be a downer, but it's probably turning into frost (if it's cold enough outside), or just getting the inside of your walls wet. Over time it will likely deteriorate, usually in areas that are closer to the floor, or the floor adjacent to the wall. That's because when the frost melts, it runs down and collects lower in the walls. If you're running a propane heater parodically, and then there's a good period of non use, things should dry out pretty well without mold or rot. If it runs a lot without being able to melt and dry, then there will be problems even though you may not see them. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but that water is somewhere, and it's almost always in the space where the temp gets low enough to condense, in your walls, ceiling, or floors.
The only way to solve this is to use solar heat in the day - at night Mr. Buddy heats ok - I use two in my van. The key is what and how you insulation the vehicle.
Hi Jason, I have a Mr. Heater BIG Buddy (dual LP tanks) and it is way overkill for my Tundra pickup bed/cap and even my 28’ travel trailer. The warm wood walls definitely helps as you said. I do get condensation in the trailer on the windows. Using a big fan to circulate the air helps a lot. I’ve also added a small dehumidifier that helps a bit.
Just got my big buddy and am currently in the testing / competency stage. For me, at the moment, it is strictly grid down scenario. Still learning. Thank you
And as Jason Knows, You can cook on a Mr Heater Buddy. That is a great positive when you are jumping in late and you just want to heat up something really quick. I do this all the time when hunting.
Jason, I have used a heater Butty heaters for years with no problems at all. Matter of fact I just got my 3rd one to take camping in my tent. The first one I just broke the seraric tile. The second one is a big Butty heaters I use in my motorhome. I don't have any problems with sweating in the motorhome. Ok later, Dennis
Just checked my Buddy heater with an Industrial Scientific T40 CO Rattler. 2ppm CO at a distance of 3 feet directly above. The T40 was just recently tested with reference gas in perfect working condition.
Love my Mr Buddy I have used it in 3 different builds 1st a trailer 2nd a truck topper and the latest an Alaskan camper all 3 were kept comfortable if not to warm down into tho single digits
I bought one based on your prior reviews and don't regret it at all. Must be warm there as the cabin door is open with snow falling. Thanks for the info!
Just got one of these and did some testing, carbon monoxide is definitely a factor and the warnings inside clearly explain this. 0-9 ppm CO: no health risk; normal CO levels in air. 10-29 ppm CO: problems over long-term exposure; chronic problems such as headaches, nausea 30-35 ppm CO: flu-like symptoms begin to develop, especially among the young and the elderly. 36-99 ppm CO: flu-like symptoms among all; nausea, headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, vomiting. 100+ ppm CO: severe symptoms; confusion, intense headaches; ultimately brain damage, coma, and/or death, especially at levels 300-400+ ppm I tested and so far I have gotten 30+ ppm of CO at times, in a not very enclosed space.
Just to add to the conversation: my camper/trailer is about the size of yours, and my Mr. Heater often kicks itself off due to the oxygen depletion sensor which is great for safety but very annoying. Also, finding a safe place to operate the device in a camper that small has been troubling. Finally, it does emit an odor that I can live with but would rather live without. So I bought one of those Chinese diesel heaters which I installed last night. Initial bench testing is very encouraging although I plan to keep my Mr. Heater as a back up. Thanks for the video!
I used a Mr. Buddy for years in my 43', triple-slide, toy hauler. I never had any issues with condensation. Honestly, I had more issues boiling water or making coffee. I always kept the farthest window in my bedroom cracked about an inch or so. (Maybe 12 square inches total.) I would then crack the ceiling vent in the hallway or kitchen, but not run the fan. I had no issues. I also had a carbon monoxide alarm to be safe. My daughter and I lived in that RV for 10 years...not a problem. These people with issues must seal the windows closed so no air can move.
The more time passes by the more people become drama queens. This technology produces NO CO. What is it in those two words that people cannot understand? As long as a vent is kept cracked it's just 100% fine. Thank you for clarifying things !
I use my Big Buddy in my living room in the winter hooked up to a 20lb tank. Old windows & doors allow air to drift in. Been doing this for around 6 years with no problems.
I use a Mr Heater also but switching so I can leave it on all night or day without worry and uses far less fuel. Also fuel is cheap. Yes the Mr Heater is RADIANT heat not hot air... but still I like the idea of the ability to leave the diesel heater on full time. Great video as always.
Good information, thanks. Going to have to try one of these when I sleep under my truck cap and see if the fiberglass retains enough heat to prevent that condensation buildup.
Thanks for the pro tips! I've also been eyeing that heat exchanger lol. I'm not totally set on a heat source yet. But this definitely helps clarify what using a buddy heater could do in a small space.
I can't wait for the video when you finally get one of those diesel or gas heaters, you are going to definitely say you wish you did it sooner. They are a big upgrade over the Buddy heater and exponentially increase the comfort and enjoyment of camping. Best thing I ever bought for camping, period
Dale Phillips eBay has them, punch in diesel heater, they have a exhaust pipe that goes out the trailer wall or floor, they used them in VW air cooled engines years ago to heat the cab of the vehicle
Mr Heater Buddy is a “catalytic” heater. The white waffle ceramic stone is designed to heat up (red glow) this actually causes a more complete combustion so CO is not formed like it is with just an open flame combustion like a camp stove.
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy uses a 1 pound propane canister. It has a electric on button and shut-off safety features if knocked over. However it uses a direct flame 🔥. Olympian Wave heaters are catalytic. Their pilot light (active flame) stays on for a few minutes before the mat is chemically activated. I have both heaters and have tested them on my channel. Olympian Wave heaters are safer! My Wave 3 sips propane and has low & high settings. Mr. Heaters are good while awake only or sleeping inside tents not tiny campers or vans. Read my blog and see how the 3800 BTU Little Buddy melted the plastic housing on my friend’s Cascade camper van. Wave 3 low setting is 1600 BTUs & high setting 3000 BTUs. Big difference in features! microvanlife.blog/2021/06/27/how-to-protect-yourself-cooking-or-heating-your-van-with-propane-butane/
Thanks for this video. I have a small 22foot boat that I'm wanting to heat. I think this may be just the thing. I was worried about CO and Condensation. I was running a butane stove with a frying pan and eco fan on top which works! But this looks much easier...
I’ve burnt a couple of brain cells over the years using my grandfathers old Aladdin standup Kerosene heater, tent camping in my 20’s. That being said, I could put my cast iron pan on it and cook up eggs and bacon from my sleeping bag, even though I was still a wee bit high at the time. 😂 The Buddy heaters are definitely a lot safer and if your concerned, just buy a portable gas detector for those nights when you forget to crack a window open after too much bourbon. 😉
Mr Buddy heater is a radiant heater,where it heats the objects first,then the air around it. It is a very effective source of direct heat,but still needs fresh air to promote new heat.
@@ThanksForTheLaugh Hey, George. I have 2x 6v batteries in series for 12v. I’m power rich for a teardrop. That said, you don’t need nearly that much for the 5kw diesel heaters. They use 9-10amps for 3-4 minutes on the initial startup, then drop to about .5amps (yes, 1/2 amp) to run on low. Easily run all night with plenty of power left on a single battery setup. This is the best $124 I’ve spent on the little trailer.
@@dalephillips8250 Hey, Dale. I believe all of these are made in the same factory in China, simply sold by different companies abroad and in the States. I bought mine via Amazon. Was on my porch in Oregon in 2 days. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JB7QZWZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I believe the reason why you're experiencing less condensation is because you're raising the temps inside your camper enough to also raise the dew point. There is still just as much moisture in the air, but since your temps are higher, the air can hold more moisture.
Not a question but I’ll share a (funny now) Mr. Heater Buddy experience. My wife and I tent camp, but rarely if ever in cold weather. Except once at Expo East 2018. We woke up Saturday morning to freezing temps and frozen condensation in the tent. I grabbed the heater, fired it up and in a few minutes we were toasty warm. Then all that frozen condensation started to rain down on us. Whats camping if not for all those fun experiences.
I've had multiple carbon monoxide alarms go off using the buddy, it definitely produces carbon monoxide. The condensation is also ridiculous, I'll never use the buddy unless it's an emergency. Good video 👋🇨🇦
In my minivan which for winter I have converted to a free-standing winter tent I use my Buddy Portable for an hour & can feel fresh air coming in under the sliding doors. After I shut off the Buddy I use a heating pad powered by my solar battery. My bladder alarm gets me up a couple of times a night so I just turn on the heating pad again & I'm nice and cozy with a good sleeping bag. In the morning I just crank up the Buddy again for an hour or less & I'm just fine.
I plan to use my Mr Heater in our Clamshell Popup tent with walls installed. I believe I’ll also use a Kolbalt work site fan to circulate the heat around inside.
Bro, i would love to see you do one of the diesel heater installs on the drifter.....run a pig tail to the van for auxiliary power for accessories on the cabin... Cheers,
I use one camping in Oregon as well. It is also my back up heater when I am home. I have gas heat but it don't work when the power is out. Went two days without power snowed in last year and it gets cold here in southwestern Oregon. Had to break out the cold weather gear to stay home.
Ive found that the anti-tip sensor is very sensitive and would often shut itself off throughout the night, had plenty of fresh air coming in so it wasn't a low oxygen level, I grew very tired of this and almost threw the unit away till a friend showed me how to open the unit and disable the anti-tip sensor, works flawlessly now, I've bought a couple more units for use at work and have done the same modification to them as well, they perform flawlessly now too. You can look up on RU-vid and see how easy this mod is to do yourself.
Timely video and great explanation. I use the Mr. Buddy in my Smittybilt roof top tent, works like a charm. I ensure good ventilation without any concerns.
I have a Coleman Polar Cat I think it's called . Used it in my tents for about 10 years . 3 years ago I made a stupid mistake and it was very painful and I'm glad I was the only one hurt . It was getting late and I was setting up the tent for my girlfriend and our dog . After making the bed and such I got the heater and changed out the empty propane tank for a new one . One problem . The new can wasn't seating correctly . It would hiss out a bit of gas and I had to back off . I did this 3 times and each time was about 2 seconds of gas coming out . The last try it froze up the connector and I thought maybe I should take it outside and deal with it . It had finally seated correctly and I waited a minute or so but I should of listened to the little voice that said don't light it . I saw my girlfriend and she was walking the dog down to the tent and I figured it wasn't that much gas that escaped . I like to camp with some extra comfort like a double thick queen air mattress and rugs nice hand woven ones inside and out among other nice arrangements . Well I pressed the piezo starter and as soon as it lit the burner it ignited a massive fireball and I jumped back into the mattress . I had blocked my eyes and face with my arms and I was wearing shorts and no shoes . It was over it a few seconds . I was in shock . Plastic was dripping down on me and almost all the inside bug mesh was gone . Most of the tent was mesh . My girlfriend shouted Oh God are okay and I said I don't think so . I got out and assessed the situation . My right leg really was hurting along with my arm and feet . I was pouring water on all the blisters that were forming . Dammit I was so pissed at myself . We were 35 miles from town and any hospital . I couldn't drive in the shape I was in . After 20 minutes I decided to go to the hospital in the morning . I took extra pain medication and we tried to patch up the tent as best I could , we took paracord and shoe laces and stitched the rain fly to the bottom fabric of the tent so our dog couldn't escape . The night was very painful and I couldn't wait for the sun to come up . I wrapped my leg up with a blue ice pack and a t-shirt . After breakfast we drove to the hospital and they told me I had 2nd degree burns on my leg feet and arm . I have never felt so much pain as that next week gave me . I would rather have been beaten with a baseball bat than go through the pain of burn recovery . Now on our camping trips I light the same heater outside a few minutes after installing a propane tank . No issues so far . I also use a home carbon monoxide smoke detector in our nice new 10' x 12' Cabellas tent . Oh and God's sake always listen to that little voice , it's there to help you .
Jason, Because the heat of a Mr. Heater is concentrated in one direction (unlike a campfire) it would be smart to be careful getting too close to it. You don't want to get overheated again. ;P
As long as he is standing by it, he's fine... Jason's too tall for that little heater to get him too warm. ;-) A campfire on the other hand could definitely be a problem. :-P
In my modified Explorer I use a moisture absorber/dehumidifier I get from the dollar store. Works great! Also, my space is so small that I use the Mr. Buddy Golf Cart Heater. It has a built in oxygen sensor shut off valve. I crack one window and turn on my small circulating fan. Toasty...
I’m boondocking right now. I added a feature, before I go to bed I turn on my 12 volt electric blanket that is on my sheet with my comforter on top. Warms up in 10 minutes. I climb in my warm bed and turn it off. Viola!
I use a Diesel heater and propane in my shuttle bus and in the Canadian winter it’s so hard to keep the batteries charged so propane wins , It’s definitely nice to use diesel sometimes but buddy propane is how you win Canadian winter in van life
I use a little buddy heater but only for a few minutes to heat up my camper shell. It does have propane fumes that give me a headache if I use it constantly. But it warms me up so quickly, no need to leave it on for long.
Cross ventilation keeps the moisture out of my Ford Cargo Van. Duct vent 2 sided insulation ,over 1/4 " foam art board. All the window /cargo recessed areas have 4×8-2 sided 1" foam board. Works in 34 degree to 90 degree weather. NASHUA duct tape adheres well even on wet walls. Which I had my first 2 months of van life, upon discovering cross ventilation. It also keeps the built in Oxygen safety switch from shutting Lil Buddy heater off at 4am . 🥶 😂. 🤣🤣
Good video. Everything you said was true. As an RV owner who uses this Mr. Heater Buddy and as a 35 year plumber I have some input. 1. These heaters do not have enough BTU’s to be carbon monoxide problems. Your propane stoves in your RV have more BTU’s. Use an additional carbon monoxide detector if you are concerned. I use one. I would be more concerned with placement and fire hazard than with carbon monoxide. Always a good idea to make sure there are no propane gas leaks also. 2. If condensation or moisture are a problem then those containers of Damp Rid help a ton. If you have electricity where you camp you can also bring a dehumidifier.
Just a suggestion... rather than opening a window I use a small towel or sponge and wipe the moist buildup and discard it, out. You can squeegee your windows and paper towel absorb and discard too.
I have a big buddy heater with the fan. I run the fan and have a separate fan pointed at the ceiling of my bus right above the heater and never had one drip of condensation. My bus is not insulated besides the insulation that was in the bus when built and I have factory metal roof. I leave the front door cracked open with the fan on low sucking in fresh air and the window above my bed cracked open. Zero problems. I also use a C/O alarm and it hasn't gone off one time!
I got a Mr Buddy heater last year. I have a truck tent for F150 long bed which is 5x10 including the tail gate. I have found that throwing an old king comforter then a tarp over that stops my condensation issue. 👍
I've found the most susceptible places for condensation are cold bridges such as aluminium door frames where heat transfers easily and also windows in particular single pane glass windows.
I bought this heater because of what happened in Texas in February. We lost power for a week and since my house has no fireplace I had no way to heat my house in 0 degree weather. I decided I’d never let that happen again so bought this heater. I will crack some windows open if I need to use it.
I live in a 20ft. travel trailer, and my Mr. Heater Buddy kicks ass. I always open the window above my bed, and it does the trick. I do get condensation on the other windows, unless I also open one up front. Hard to believe that little guy keeps my trailer toasty, ON THE LOW SETTING! I never use high, and we get down into the 20's at night. Really enjoy your channel, take care.
Thanks for the good info. I'm researching now for a way to heat my 10X10 double wall tent. I plan on some winter fishing in the Sierras this year and do have concern that high altitudes (over 7,000 ft) would set off the oxy sensor. I'll only need it if tent bound but after dark, it's too cold to sit around outside so I end up inside after about 5-6 o'clock.
I use it all the time in my mini van at work, especially when I go on lunch. I never have to wear a coat. I deal with condensation by using a hand wiper which can wipe off water from a window
I use a Mr buddy in an enclosed, foam insulated 6x8 hunting stand. My interior walls are birch Luan and very similar to your camper. The only place that I get condensation is on my closed windows. Like you say, my walls stay nice and dry.
Before getting this I was using a propane burner stove will a piece of marble on top when this works pretty good. Regardless of the heater it still drives my throat out even if I'm not close to it. I thought about the lack of condensation but because there's condensation coming off of the tank... Also when it's cold and nothing is on there seems to be condensation anyway and just stuff like carpet and walls that's cold feels like it's wet. The only time I have an exhaust fan on is when I'm taking a shower so the steam and moisture doesn't get into the rest of the room/ areas. I still like the marble I set up because when I want to go to sleep and turn the heater or the stove off I still have a warm source. .... one thing I noticed is that the windows get condensation no matter what but they are not double and although I place a thermal barrier to cover them there's still condensation on the inside in the morning. Do you think that is because they are single and that the draft from ventilation is placing moisture on them?
Propane, if adjusted properly, does not give off CO as a product of burning. I gives off CO2 and water vapor. Period. I have worked in the propane industry and know that for a fact. Like Jason shares, alway have a supply of combustable air available.
I've got a similar heater in my camper and a very expensive digital display carbon monoxide detector a meter away from the unit, the detector isn't showing any carbon monoxide in the camper when its on, which is good as that tells me my heater is burning cleanly, when my old heater had it the carbon levels would shoot up pretty damn quickly as soon as the heater was on, just be folks get a detector that way you know, better to be safe than sorry. Also with my camper i don't notice any condensation in the living area but the front cabin i will have water droplets especially on the windows and roof, i now keep the front windows open a tiny bit which helps a great deal.
Ventilation is key for it's claim of "indoor safe", says so on the box. So you're doing right by cracking your windows. It's still better safe than sorry to just keep an CO monitor.
@@18564864, he also said he doesn't use a CO monitor, I'm just pointing out it's better to be safe than sorry. Your life versus a $20 purchase at any hardware or big box store.
@@18564864 look, you wanna sleep with a propane heater and no fail safe like a CO monitor, that's up to you. You do you. I fail to see why you're so offended by someone giving advice like adding a cheap monitor that'll let you know you're about to die. That's like getting mad at a mechanic working on your car and wearing gloves or safety glasses, so angry. But i hope you have a better day tomorrow.
@@iamthecheese2737 I'm sorry but what your saying is dumb. Your saying what if Mr heater fails to read carbon monoxide what if co monitor fails to work properly??? And i dont trust cheap co monitor...o and yes i was a 10 year mechanic...NOBODY WEARS SAFTY GLASSES
I used a Mr. buddy heater one night while on a ski trip I felt like it added moisture to my camper but then again it could’ve been my imagination. I installed a diesel heater and love it and I think it’s a lot cheaper to run
Have used "Mr. Heater Portable Buddy" in my 10 man tent many. many times with no issues of condensation, carbon monoxide, or low oxygen (I do keep a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in my tent).
