Mr Heater Buddy vs Olympian Wave Heaters - Best for Van or RV Life?

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A heat source is at least desirable if not necessary for many nomads, snowbirds, RVers, and van dwellers. Even if "chasing the weather" you are still likely to encounter some cold nights. Two of the most popular options for travelers who want a simple heater that does not require electricity are the Mr Heater Portable Buddy and the Olympian Wave 3 (or Wave 6). These heaters operate on propane, but are designed for safe, indoor usage without additional venting. Both models also feature tip-over and low oxygen safety sensors.
In this video I share my thoughts on both the Mr Heater Portable Buddy and the Olympian Wave 3, along with some brief considerations of the differences between similar models of propane catalytic heater.
Which propane heater is best for a van or RV? That's probably a subjective decision based on your needs - vehicle, weather conditions, and budget. These are the two heaters that most van dwellers and small RV dwellers seem to choose most often, and that is because they work well in that situation. A growing number of people are also trying diesel heaters. Stay tuned for a future review of a hot air diesel heater in a van.
Don't Buy This Heater! - • Don't Buy This Heater!...
- Mr Heater Portable Buddy (Amazon) - amzn.to/3dr62ap
- Olympian Wave 3 - amzn.to/3aCrGXj
Thank you to @DebraDickinson for joining me in this video and sharing her experience with a Camco Olympian Wave 3 propane catalytic heater.
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Опубликовано:

10 сен 2024

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Комментарии : 75

@travelduckwonder8013 3 года назад

I can report my Wave 8 has been working great for 4 years now in my 23 foot class c. Have also found that it saves onboard propane compared to an RV furnace but still uses a good amount. I use it on low regularly. If I had it to do over again, I would get the wave 6 because it puts out similar steady heat but saves even a bit more on propane. Very pleased with the Wave 8's performance. Thanks for the review.

@AdventureswithJane 3 года назад

Nice, this has been my experience, exactly. I have the Wave 3 and it is absolutely reliable. Most often only use it on its low setting. I have 60sq.ft in my little trailer so it’s just about perfect. I do, because I’m a masochist, carry the Little Buddy! 😂 When it’s in the teens and I can get it to light, it’s a nice sublimate to the wave. Also, in the morning just to warm things up quick. The Wave NEVER fails to work and it’s going on 5 years old, the Little Buddy is very effected by the dew point. Sometime, propane does not atomize and it just won’t light. On these days, even my Coleman stove gives me trouble. In fact, butane lighters won’t work. My tip is; to always carry GOOD matches (not those POS green ones). OK, this is too rambling for a RU-vid comment! 😂 You did a nice job! Stay warm, and see you down the road. 😊 -Mark

@slowingdownjo276 3 года назад

Not rambling, good points to consider, I thought a match was a match, didn't realize there was a difference. Now I have to figure out good vs bad

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Mark! In my limited experience with the Wave 3 I have been very impressed. Debra has actually used both when we were camped together as you described - as a supplement or just to warm things up quickly in the morning with that 8,000 BTU output. I had not run into the Portable Buddy not lighting in certain weather conditions - just them dying altogether after a year or so on average. I have had trouble with butane not lighting or burning so poorly as to be useless, and have also run into butane lighters not working in cold weather. Good point about the matches as a backup.

@shawnhenderson1130 Год назад

Keep the lighter In your sleeping bag it will always work at body temp

@penguinchick6563 3 года назад

I loved my wave 3, on low it ran 24 hours a day for 8 days on a 20 pound tank... the buddy? 4 hours on a 1 pound tank, both on low. 👍

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Those numbers pretty much match what I have experienced and heard a lot of others report. I do like the Wave 3 and found like you that leaving it running on low was more effective than trying to warm up a cold rig.

@mtradz 3 года назад

Well Robert, you've done it again. Just when I thought I knew everything about My Big Buddy, you come out and tell me to keep it covered when not in use. Sage advice like yours should not be ignored!! 😉

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

That tip was passed on to me by @debradickinson when I picked up my first Mr Heater some years ago now, just as it was passed on to her by Bob Wells. (Debra traveled and camped with Bob for quite some time when she was new on the road.) I’m happy to be able to share that tip to help others as well. I have heard of people fixing them when they quit working, but I know most people aren’t going to want to disassemble, clean, and repair one of those heaters so anything we can do to make them last is a good thing.

@authordebradickinson 3 года назад

That is the biggest den I think I’ve ever seen out in the desert. Wowza! I’m thinking it may even be fox holes. IDK. I know you did your journalistic research (smile) but I am envious of the way you can give information, specs, and safety precautions off the top of your head. WTG. Great info, great vid Robert

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

I did review some details in advance of recording this video to make sure things were fresh in my memory :) That is the largest den I have ever seen as well! I just had to capture that on video to share. I would tend to agree about it being a fox den, but unfortunately I did not see any tracks or other evidence of what critters were calling that home.

@junemacintyre5289 3 года назад

Thank you great video I have a mr. Buddy Heater and I just gave one to a friend of mine because it literally saved my life couple years ago it got very cold out there

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

After more than five years of traveling full-time I think it is essential to have heat - even if chasing 70 degrees. Cold snaps happen everywhere (including Texas apparently). Sometimes it is possible to reposition to avoid it, but sometimes the cold is affecting too large of an area. Living in any type of vehicle is pretty miserable without heat when it gets really cold.

@patinthehat6384 3 года назад

Another great one, Robert. I am seriously considering upgrading my Buddy to a Wave 6. The cost is a issue right now.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you! The cost is certainly an issue for many people and is the reason I still have a Mr Heater Portable Buddy. The good thing for me is that I was able to test the Wave 3 for more than a month in winter conditions so I now know that if I upgrade to a Wave heater it will be the Wave 6 as I found the Wave 3 to be reliable but underpowered for serious cold even in a reasonably insulated van. My plan last year had been to either purchase a Wave heater or a diesel heater before this winter as an upgrade to my Little Buddy that did not impress. Then a cold snap arrived in Wyoming early and the budget concerns won out over my grand plans :)

@scraps270 3 года назад

also get a carbon monoxide detector 4 safety. When you shut down the big heater if you're connected to a big tank close the valve on the tank and burn the excess propane out of the line to keep it from clogging if possible

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

I do have a carbon monoxide alarm just to be on the safe side. Definitely a good idea in my opinion. So far the only time the CO alarm had gone off was when I forgot to close a rear vent window in my old van before driving. It was a good reminder about the dangers of engine exhaust leaking into the vehicle!

@scraps270 3 года назад

@@RobertWitham very important!

@kathyharris1277 3 года назад

Robert this was another good informational video. If these 2 sticksnbricks dwellers ever do take off for destinations unknown, we will be informed on some things thanks to you & Debra. Ohhh that sky, I want to slap a 'for sale' sign in the front yard everytime I see the pics of the sky y'all post!! Thank you!

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you, Kathy! I think that I can safely speak for Debra too when I say that we never try to convince anyone to adopt this lifestyle. It works for us, but we also realize that it is clearly not for everyone. That being said, it does offer some opportunities to have fantastic experiences. There is certainly a “learning curve” through and we do both try to share information that would be helpful to anyone traveling in a similar manner, whether part-time or full-time, voluntarily or out of necessity. The desert sunsets really are pretty incredible probably more often than not :)

@brianracz2553 6 месяцев назад

Thanks!

@RobertWitham 6 месяцев назад

Thank you for your support! We appreciate it! I'm glad you found this video helpful.

@johncole3010 8 месяцев назад

The Mr Buddy heater wins because it was free. Thanks for your review

@VideoByPatrick 8 месяцев назад

Wasn't you sure what you said regarding sending Wave back for service; yeah or nay ?

@RobertWitham 7 месяцев назад

I do know people who have sent their Wave heaters back to the factory for service, though I'm not sure about the details on that. Last I heard it was quite a bit cheaper to have it serviced than to replace the Wave heaters, though it does take time for shipping and repair. I have heard a few people mention recently that the turnaround time was becoming so long as to be an issue, but that's second-hand information. I did have an opportunity to borrow one for a winter trip a few years ago and found it to be reliable.

@Just.Cathy.Not.aWanderingGypsy 3 года назад

Great info! The coyote was cool! And the Eagle!!😊🐎

@katelynnosborne2576 3 года назад

Again, super helpful video. Thank you

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you, Katelynn! I'm glad you found these videos helpful.

@Greg_Jones 3 года назад

There's 5lb tanks available now. I haven't seen one except online. The size is definitely better, for a minivan than a standard grill tank. They're just at $50 for a plain, ordinary miniature white propane tank. If that would be an embarrassment on Instagram REI has a "Growler" version with leather top and bottom covers/straps that will protect your dignity for $130.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Very cool! I hadn’t heard about the 5 pound tanks yet. I can see that being convenient for a smaller vehicle. The 10 pound seems reasonable with the space in a full-size van, but I can see it being annoying in a minivan or similar. Love the “Growler” version idea. That is cool! I used to rely on one pound propane cylinders since I generally don’t need large amounts of propane for my limited heating needs and even with cooking a fair bit could usually get a week out of a green bottle. Lately I have found it nearly impossible to find butane canisters or one pound propane cylinders so will be switching to just using bulk propane.

@freedomdove 3 года назад

Thanks, Robert.

@whitetrim1 8 месяцев назад

Interesting, thanks for sharing!

@MannyWC Год назад

I wish they would add a timer and a thermostat!

@RobertWitham Год назад

That would be a very nice feature on these models!

@rhondatraywick3724 3 года назад

Love the hat, it’s a good desert hat! Great sunset pic

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you, Rhonda :) I had been looking for a broad-brim hat for a while to wear when the sun is hot. I found that while I was in Mexico for medical stuff and snagged it. I also like it because it has a chin strap to help keep the hat on my head when it is windy - as it often is in both the desert and in Wyoming where I spend part of each summer. LOL

@pamelag2223 3 года назад

Good tips! Thanks Robert!

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you, Pamela :)

@sarahjackson6714 3 года назад

Really like your glasses. 😊 thanks Robert good video

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thanks, Sarah :) I got the glasses in Los Algodones this winter. Turns out I hadn't realized how much I needed them until I could see clearly again! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I'm still using a Mr Heater Portable Buddy, but am considering trying a diesel heater for next winter. Might just keep the Mr Heater as a backup though just in case.

@jarrodharris5929 3 года назад

You forgot to add the difference in the moisture they produce, my experience is that the portable buddy heater created a lot of moisture, and too much heat all at once, where the Olympian takes longer to warm the area, it is a heat source that i can leave on all day if necessary, and the moisture level stays insignificant. My problem with the buddy is they blast heat and then you have to shut them down and they increase the humidity so much that when caught in winter weather, by the end of the day there's so much moisture in the van that it gets cold very quickly, but the wave 3 you can run all day and it keeps a more consistent temperature with very little moisture

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Good points, Jarrod! My only real experience with the Wave 3 was this winter in Upstate NY and Wyoming. It worked reliably, but 3,000 BTU was underpowered for the temperatures I was encountering. It was also so damp and humid in Upstate NY that moisture was a chronic issue. I have heard that the Wave heaters produce less moisture though which is an important consideration. Totally agree about the Portable Buddy. There have only been a few occasions where I was camped in weather cold enough to be able to leave it running for any length of time. Usually it is more on and off every few minutes because it puts out so much heat. I have definitely encountered moisture problems or needing to use it much as well. All in all I think the Wave heaters are the better option if one has the budget.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

By the way, I was thinking of you guys yesterday as I was catching up on social media comments. My fall and winter especially ended up being pretty crazy this year. It’s normally the time of year when I do more socializing, but that didn’t happen this year. I’m sure our paths will cross sooner than later though :)

@jarrodharris5929 3 года назад

Safe travels Robert, maybe next winter we can catch up

@cindyc-thedogsandme. 3 года назад

Great video Robert! I have had both heaters. Love the hat!😁

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Thank you, Cindy! I have the Portable Buddy still while Debra has the Wave 3 now (she used a Portable Buddy for years). They do each have some advantages. I am inclined to think the Wave 3 is a higher quality product overall, but sometimes the higher heat output is nice too. Of course, one could always but a Wave 8, but that’s one heck of a price jump from the Portable Buddy! LOL

@cindyc-thedogsandme. 3 года назад

I liked the wave 3 but it would kind of blow up as I ignited it. Maybe I did it wrong but it scared me. I had a 13 of tank I also bought. Little pricey, tank 70 bucks Amazon.

@missreg333 3 года назад

Thank you Robert and Debra ! Can the Olympian wave 3 operate with a 20lb tank?

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

Yes, and many people do that. Debra and I each have a 10 pound cylinder, but that is just due to space limits in a van. Some people still fit a 20 pound cylinder in a van though. Technically it is not advised to carry propane inside a vehicle. It’s worth securing the cylinder to avoid it flying around in case of a crash, closing the valve before driving, and storing it where the sun will not shine on it during the day I think. My opinion (and this is only my opinion) is that it is no more dangerous than having a bunch of one pound propane cylinders and/or butane canisters inside or having propane lines running inside of a vehicle if you forget to close the on-board propane valve.

@barackmycat9448 3 года назад

I see a lot of RV`ers going with the diesel heaters. I don`t think they really fit a van but anything bigger sounds good.

@AdventureswithJane 3 года назад

I have a very good friend (Nomadicdane RU-vid) who full times in a VW suv! He uses a diesel heater with great success. Only down side is the noise.

@robertw1962 3 года назад

Love my diesel heater in the van.

@dangeroustoman 3 года назад

Diesel heater is also cheaper to run and you can get diesel or kerosene 24/7 just about anywhere and it's a dry heat. Oh and remote control.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

I have been thinking about trying a diesel heater, but I didn’t have the electric supply to reliably run one last winter in the gray van. This winter just ended up being too chaotic with the unplanned trip to NY, etc. Maybe I will try before next winter, but I will definitely share my experiences with it if I go that route.

@MannyWC Год назад

@@dangeroustoman How long does the diesel tank last if say keeping temp average about 60 degrees?

@64MAGA24 3 года назад

Robert, I was reading a Camco post and it says the 1 pound canisters can be used. I’m still a bit nervous around propane after a blow up d S o I want to make sure before I use. Thank you and love you both!

@carolynpederson6904 2 года назад

Thanks for the video hon

@4yellowwolf 3 года назад

Great information

@sekoushumba8115 Год назад

Nice job

@PeterKruseMusic 3 года назад

Is humidity an issue for you with your Wave 3? I have one in my minivan and sometimes notice humidity from using it... I keep the windows cracked of course and have a CO detector.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

I have heard that the Wave heaters produce less moisture than the Mr Heater heaters, but don’t have enough personal experience to have an opinion myself. I rarely have trouble with condensation in the desert, but the air is drier and I typically don’t need to use heat all that often or for all that long. On the other hand, I have had a terrible time with condensation in Wyoming and Upstate New York while winter camping with both heaters, but it was also very cold, damp, and I was needing to run the heater for many hours each day. Keeping windows cracked seems to be enough to avoid problems with light usage in dry climates in my experience. Winter camping in damp climates always makes me think the van would rot in short order if I needed to do it for a long period of time!

@321naturalTV 3 года назад

@@RobertWitham thanks for the reply! I tend to turn it on just when going to sleep and then turn it on in the morning when waking up. I have a nice sleeping bags that's usually enough. Other times I use it are when working on the laptop in the van, but I don't always keep it on. I think in the extreme winter months up north, it's helpful to spend the day somewhere warm and use the van mostly for sleeping. There are times I've kept it on all night but that is rare. As long as the windows are open it usually prevents any sort of major moisture damage for me.

@420BLUNTLEY 2 года назад

Does it make less condensation! ?

@savedby_faith 2 года назад

Just When covid hit I bought a wave 3. Was very expensive $600 then hose was $50. It took 5 months to get to me then it didnt work!! The pilot light lit but no blue flame. I tried to get it replaced but seller said no returns. So now I'm stuck with it. What a RIP off.

@duffydieu122 2 года назад

reach out to Camco ,, there a stand up company

@carolmaplesden916 11 месяцев назад

Robert please tell me where i can get a straw hat like yours pleeease

@RobertWitham 10 месяцев назад

I actually bought that from a street vendor in Los Algodones. It mostly rides on the dashboard in my van, but I do break it out from time to time for special occasions!

@carolmaplesden916 10 месяцев назад

@@RobertWitham thats cool 👍

@HH-zg8zm 2 года назад

I will stick with my buddy heaters Haven't had 1 issue in over 5 yrs. With no service work done except cleaning with glass cleaner. I own 2 little one big buddy buying more soon . I have ran hundreds of 20 pound tanks through them no filters. Hoses easy to get DEPO. Never did like catilist heaters to hard to clean. To easy to destroy. I move mine around alot even to job sights. Broke a wave in 1 job. Anything bumps that catilist is all over I will stay with solid panels .

@joesalemi2414 3 года назад

What are the clearances needed for the camco 3. I can’t find a manual online.

@RobertWitham 3 года назад

That is a great question! I don't have access to a manual for that particular heater unfortunately. They probably include it with the heater, but that doesn't really help for planning. I know with the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy there are no clearance requirements for the rear and bottom, but there are for front, sides, and top. It's honestly pretty tight in the best of situations in a van, and likely almost impossible in anything smaller (minivan, SUV, car). I am considering switching to a diesel heater for next winter in part because of clearance concerns. In the meantime, I always check the temperature of any surfaces near the heater periodically and also keep two fire extinguishers in the van - one front and one rear of the living area - just in case. I also do not run these heaters when I am sleeping, again just to be cautious and safe.

@joesalemi2414 3 года назад

@@RobertWitham so right now I do winter camping in my cab high fiberglass topper. The last few years I’ve logged maybe 20 nights using a big Buddy heater and I sleep with it on. I keep it low, I vent the space until there isn’t any condensation and I figure that assures all gases also are vented out. The clearances are 30” top and 24” front. The biggest hazard is combustible material falling in the flame clearance. In my rig that would be bedding falling off the sleep platform. To control for that I set the heater on a 10” platform at the head of the bed platform. The bed is higher than the heater. I set a 30” long and 20” tall piece of plywood next to the bed platform as a wall. This prevents any bedding from falling within the required clearance. Everything is lined with bed rugz and none of it has ever gotten hot. Fire extinguisher is at my feet by the door. Smoke detector. I use a -20 bag just as a blanket. And that heater heats the space great even with my windows both open like 4” each. The truck bed with a topper also leaks air at all four corners. I love it. I can see all around. I can hear outside and I’ve slept in all kinds of places and conditions. I point her right into the storm and ski my ass off. But my new build will also be a topper but a commercial ARE Aluminum with a 36” (above the rules) topper. That gives me a 56” floor to ceiling. Nice and light. Maybe a diesel heater, maybe a Propex brand propane (also draws 4 amps for the heater fan). A DC TO DC SPLIT charger off the alternator plus shore power also rigged to charge the 200wh battery via converter. I drive a lot on these trips so I don’t think I need solar as long as my split DC TO DC is working right. A fridge and some LEDs. A rear out door lamp on a motion detector. This will sleep two with a 68-70” EAST WEST platform and a 6’4” north south. I’m usually solo. Wife on occasion. Usually driving north out of Chicagoland into Wisconsin and western UP or West to Denver 4-5 times per winter, 1,000 miles. She flies into Denver, I drive the rig.

@peskybobcat 10 месяцев назад

Any gas heater needs to be vented I’m gone

@skapunkoialternativeliving6522 Год назад

What a lot of people fail to tell you is with these heaters they don't want the whole place up as people say they do they do not they're only warm up the immediate area if the heater is in you need a heater with a fan that will blow the heat further into the vehicle that's the only way we'll do it this is where you need a diesel heater with a fan heaters with a without a fan it's a waste of time Tony warms up one little area..