Are BUDDY HEATERS SAFE Inside an RV ?? | Carbon Monoxide FULL TEST( REVIEW)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2019
- The question I want to find out is CAN YOU SLEEP all night long with a BUDDY HEATER turned on in your RV. What about a tent ? A room in your HOME ? Does is give off Carbon MONOXIDE ??
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Bad news for you. There is a reason most of the time it reads 0. That’s a homeowner co detector. The lowest reading you’ll get is 30. I spent many years as a fire fighter. Those detectors are not sensitive enough to detect under 30ppm. 30ppm is considered the safe level of exposure for up to 8 hours, as in working on a car repair shop. Problem is co builds up in your blood over time. And when you move to fresh air your system will never give up all the co. This is why firefighters have so much trouble later in life with high co levels in the systems. I bought the buddy heater and tested with one of the 4 gas meters from our fire trucks in my 8X12 camper with window open 3 inches as directions state. The co level quickly rose to 10 and drifted from between 10 and 20 ppm while in operation. Well under the 8 hour limit. But well over what would be considered safe for long term exposure. So I returned the buddy heater and just use an electric heater that runs off my small generator outside. I’m not saying don’t use it. But be careful. It does make low level co that will be in your blood. Blood is 9 times more likely to absorb co over o2. So it will be in your system and will build up over time. All I have to rely on is 20 years in the fire service. I’m not a scientist or doctor. But I would never use one inside a camper.
Very good point about the detector's limitation. What is your opinion on using this type of heater in an ice fishing house, made from thick canvas, with the vents opened? I use the big buddy while sleeping at night in the fish house, but I only install 1 bottle at a time. My theory is that, if there should be any CO, one small tank worth won't be enough to kill me. When one bottle runs out in 3 hours, it gets cold, which wakes me up. Get fresh air, have a smoke, install another bottle and go back to sleep.
They were kind of designed for ice fishing shanties and such where there is decent ventilation. Keep some air flowing and your probably OK. But if your getting sleepy in there it could be because of co. Drowsiness is an early first sign. Just be careful. There are millions of these on the market. As long as they are burning perfectly and there is decent ventilation they are probably fine. They just make me nervous. Too many years in fire service. Want to know for sure buy a hand held detector. Link below. Pretty accurate and cheap. You’ll have to replace it every 3 to 4 years. You can nurse more life out of it by always storing in a plastic bag. With a detector like linked below, Then you’ll have to decide. Co scares me. I have one of these in my garage. It’s amazing how little an engine needs to run to push it. He also ruined that co detector as soon as he put it near the exhaust. The sensors get coated with co and the other exhaust gasses and get even less sensitive in high co environments. If I was going to use a buddy heater I would always have a hand held and then you can monitor it and you’ll know for sure. Read the directions. Hand Held Carbon Monoxide Meter - High Accuracy and 1000 PPM Measurement Range CO Sensor w/Digital LCD Display Auto Power Off Safety Alarm Battery Operated and Control Buttons - Pyle PCMM05 www.amazon.com/dp/B005FU5J5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.B8zCbCTPVFPQ
Homebuiltcamper Dave also, doesn’t CO collect at ground level first?
The Arizona Homestead Project... No. co is ever so slightly lighter than air which is also part of the reason it is so dangerous. It fills the room gradually and very evenly. That’s why you don’t really want your co detectors all the way up near the ceiling where there can be dead air spaces. You want them in the air you are breathing. The common misconception that co is heavier I think comes from the camper world. Often in camper they are installed near the floor because they are combined with propane detectors. Propane is heavier than air so the detector has to be low to give the earliest warning, so the combo propane co/propane detectors commonly used in campers have to be low. My recommendation for standalone co detectors is put them shoulder to chest height in a room and keep them out of corners where there is dead air. I have mine right in the main hall outside the bedrooms, in my small house. In the camper I have mine at head height sitting on the bed. Then your covered well standing, sitting, or laying. You want the soonest warning you can get.
Homebuiltcamper Dave well thanks. I drive a semi and keep a detector close to the floor. Sometimes you get a guy parked next to you with a bad running gas generator and you can smell it in the truck. Never have problems with the diesel generators. I just don’t want to die in my sleep because some guy parks next to me while I’m sleeping. I’ve had it go off several times.
I’m in the HVAC industry and have a $2500 Co detector and I have use my heater for about 9 years now and have never detected co during operation. Pretty reliable heater, I use the 12’ hose connected to a big tank, way cheaper than the 1lb bottles, unless you’re going to refill them.
Huh? My professional CO meter registered 20-30 ppm of CO on low flame after a few minutes of operation.
I live in my camper. Have same heater and have used it for over 2 years. Absolutely no problems. I'm a heart patient and blood and lungs are checker regularly.
The unit heats up fast and is super quiet. It looks fancy th-cam.com/users/postUgkxl8Od2BvnGbn1ffwqsuFXW0QnmcZgMiVY and can be kept in the living room. It gets hot within a split second of turning on the unit. The build quality is exceptionally good and is safe to be around kids and pets. This one is super quiet and can be kept on while in office meetings, my wife loved it. It shows the temperature right on the unit which is very useful and adding a rotating feature helps to heat up the surrounding, so other people will not fight with you for heat. It is right as described in the description..!! Definitely recommend!!
Lived in Pertersburg, Alaska for 4 years. I lived in a one bedroom cabin and used the larger version of this heater for the duration of the time there. It was a fantastic tool of survival.
I love Petersburg! I lived in Juneau for 14 years and I had the inimitable pleasure of traveling to P-Burg with a fabulous group of performers called Heliotroupe. We took the ferry, performing for the passengers to pay for our tickets, and did two shows there. I got rubbings of the petroglyphs on the beach that I have on my wall to this day.
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last?
@@PeaceJourney... I should think it lasts 20 times longer than a one pound tank.
@@PeaceJourney... depends on temperature
@@elevatedgrubgardens118 so, if it's forty degrees outside and you want to keep it 68° inside, does it last for one night or more?
Just a heads up. What you had there was probably a CO detector, not a monitor. There's small amounts of CO around us all the time, and a sensitive monitor will always show a number greater than zero because of that. A detector, on the other hand, will stay pegged at zero until a threshold of danger has been crossed, then suddenly it jumps from zero up to 70 or whatever (and makes you wet yourself when it starts screeching). So don't be lulled into thinking that just because your detector reads zero, that this thing isn't putting out any CO.
Good info.
That's not encouraging
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. I guess I should have known at some point but forgot about the differences between the two. THANKS 😊.
Indeed, there's CO in the normal air around us and we breathe it all the time, about 100 parts per billion, so the scientists say. So simply seeing "0" and assuming there is a lack of carbon monoxide or no change in the amount present is a logical fallacy. OSHA gets concerned if it reaches over 50 parts per million. You're right PPB and PPM (parts per billion and parts per million) aren't the same thing, we'd need to shift three decimal places (1 PPM = 1000 PPB) so 50 PPM = 50,000 PPB or 500 times the amount normally found in the air we breathe.
Of course, all that info is useless unless someone holds an air sniffer, not a simple alerting device in front of an active heater to get us some real data.
It's also recommended to place those readers on the wall because they get a better reading from the CO that travels the wall. This I'd what I heard. I get the reading on mine for 30 and today it was 45 with my little buddy... so I am trying to get that number down but stay warm!
I lived in my camper for 2 years while I built my off grid home in Vermont. I used a Big Buddy as my heat source both winters. The RV has propane detector and CO2 detector and they never went off. Only issue was moisture that burning propane puts off collecting on the metal window trim. I’m still alive and kicking.
I don't know if you'll get this butt.. homeless and I live in my truck. Is it a good idea for me to use this if I keep all for windows cracked?
I lived in a van for over a year traveling around looking for a place to build off grid. I often used a Big Buddy for heat with a window cracked. Me and my dog were fine but some will say that is crazy. It's also crazy to freeze to death is what i would say. But you, do you. Here's looking up bud. @@justinkanicki8044
We have used a Buddy Heater for 4 years now and we love it... Our primary use is to supplement the forced air heater in our 32 foot travel trailer. Mainly to save on battery power in the winter. Our CO detector has never been triggered but we do keep the roof vents open just a crack...
We have seen temperatures as low as neg-15 deg, C and the Buddy heater keeps the trailer comfortable on low to medium heat most of the time.
I use one two but I’m not brave enough to sleep with it running as I’m afraid of not waking up.
How long would one canister of propane run?
@jmcdrawer5031
In truth, I've never used the canisters.
I only run 5 gallon or larger. The rub time of course will depend upon how cold it is, how warm you want it and the size of space being heated.
We mostly use it for our 32 foot travel trailer to supplement the trailers heater when it's really cold, like in the teens or colder....
Usually we use a 10 gallon tank and that lasts close to a week.
Just turn it to low when you get a headache. Thats what i do ice fishing in 20 ft camper.
I fainted from CO poisoning once sitting in a tank(army tank) and when my buddy dragged me out I had a headache for three days. I never felt it happening at all. Probably a great way to commit suicide. However I have used these a lot on boats and tiny cabins, but I would never leave it on all night.
dah. tank has an engine and sucky exhaust. heater no co like the tank?
My tank never had that issue m60-a3 and I don’t recall the heater working that great soooo there is that lol
Mine was a M-60 A1… it wasn’t from the heater, it was the idiots tank in front of us.
@@boathemian7694 good times lol
Note to self: can defeat tank with sleepy fumes
Note to self #2: sleepy fumes can defeat self when self no want to live anymore
There’s a little sticker by the knob that says indoor, garage, kitchen for the hi and low setting. I bought one of these which I’ll probably never use as I don’t camp but I have it just in case I ever need it. This is a good video for info for sure.
WOW! You were so thorough! Now I feel safe buying one for my home. Thanks! I’m glad you’re still alive!
I performed essentially the same test in my garage last night with a new Big Buddy, and instead of the Kidde CO detector I used an MSA Altair 4XR 4 gas monitor, the type of monitor that your local fire department would be using if they showed up for a complaint about a carbon monoxide alarm going off or a gas leak. My result was after 3 hours of run time in my small 1 car garage with no ventilation opened was that I read 1 PPM of CO. Generally speaking low level extended exposure is considered hazardous at 50 PPM ( if that space is occupied for an 8 hour period) , and 1200 PPM is considered an environment immediately dangerous to life and health. It is a best practice that anyone using any fuel burning heater have a CO detector like the one you have there installed inside the habituated space, as well as a working smoke alarm, as space heaters are a leading cause of fatal home fires when used in sleeping areas.
You deserve a thousand up votes. Thanks.
this reply needs to go to the top
I agree with your test. If the heater is stored it should be kept dust free. Dusty heaters could create CO. Keep them clean and they’re good. A small vent is always a good idea for fresh air.
Thanks to you and the firefighter that helped with information. I learned more in these few moments than I ever knew. BTW I did have a CO issue while pregnant and camping. It was cooler so we ran the on board heater. The trailer was borrowed and we didn't realize the vent was right below the window I had opened for my ventilation. Killer headaches sent me to the hospital.
Great test, I have used one of the large Buddy heaters in my uninsulated box trailer at shows and I have never set off the very same detector and never got any reading from the heater. But, once I fired up my propane camp stove and set the burners on high that reading went up fast!! So don't worry about the heater but definitely worry about the stove!
The difference there is that the stove uses an open flame to create heat.
Nice job, thank you!! I've had mine for like 8 mos and was too scared to use it over Thanksgiving. Honestly, I didn't know how to turn it on and didn't hold the pilot down long enough, so I appreciate that bit of your video. Going forward with confidence! And an open window! One consideration is that burning propane really increases moisture, so you do have to be careful of that/mold. Need airflow. Thanks again!
Thanks. I bought a used one awhile back for emergencies in case the power goes out. Recently had an issue with my furnace not blowing hot air, but I still had power, so I used portable electric heaters until the hvac guy came. It was before all this brutal weather we just had. Our temps got down to -25°F with windchill of -45°F. It was bad enough, but I cannot imagine those temps if the power goes out and there's no heat source. My heart goes out to all those dealing with the current crisis.
Great video - thanks for this. Just bought one myself for emergency use in case of power outages and wanted to know just *how* safe they were indoors!
Thank you for the review. I too had concerns about buying this in Canada for indoor use and It’s great to see a fellow Canadian doing some real world testing. Keep up the great work.
It's not certified for indoor use. Says so right on the box.
@@noname-zg8lh It says they have to put that warning on there due to federal regulations..But yes,as long as it is vented it is perfectly safe.
Canadians are silly, worried about a heater and a camper? Down here in Alabama we don't study a heater we study football.
@@noname-zg8lh that's to protect from liability. they can't sell it without adding that. no different than how everything ever made, causes cancer, but only in the state of california. guess why? because that's where most the world's damn lawyers live.
Don't use this indoors without having windows cracked for constant fresh air. Doesn't need alot but you need that fresh air.
Thank you, I just bought this heater and I feel better watching this!
I’d always keep a window or vent cracked open. I use a 30,000 BTU Mr Heater for back up heat in my ranch style 1300 square feet home. No issues with the kitchen window open a bit.
I have camped in tents with the buddy heater with 2 other guys in the tent with no issues.
I’d still open a vent or window no ,after what.
I have a Little Buddy for my A Frame pop up camper and have never had a problem with it. Heats up really well, keeps me toasty and will continue using it during my camping trips. Great video. Really informative. Kudos to you fellow Canadian!
Even after 4 yrs its still a very informative video. thanks for taking the time, please do others if you can.
Great video. Your personal results were very impressive. Not gonna lie, I bought one of those several years back and never used it because of the CO fear factors. I'm in Central Florida and running our full-on furnace heats my Motorcoach too harm. Using the little heater for the bedroom would be a great option, window vented, of course. Yep, might need to drag it out and give it a go I the terms get belo freezing a few times this winter.
My body has a low oxygen shut off feature too 👍 Double safe.
That's mad funny! Sensors bitch! Auto soul ejection feature lmao!!
🤣 lmao
Short answer: YES! They are designed to be used indoors. A heater that only works outside would make no sense at all.
A carbon monoxide detector is only about $15. You have no excuse not to have one.
Short answer: NO the carbon monoxide detector for the Buddy heater is located on the ground the last place the carbon monoxide is going to be. You can die from using these I nearly did.
@@zorbbful Carbon Monoxide is heavier than air, so the bottom is exactly where the sensor should be. If it was on the top like a smoke detector, you'd be long dead before the sensor realizes there is a problem.
@@AndrewPowerTower I’m afraid you’re mistaken. According to the US EPA: “Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance.”
Might you be thinking of propane, which is indeed heavier than air?
@@JeffFreemanPresents guys, what if we take 2 detectors, one we put in the floor second one to the ceiling. Cmon now... its just $15 per device...
@@jabuvduvatel By all means, do what you feel is safe for you.
And that applies to far more than smoke and CO!
Great informative video! Glad you did that "closed up" test. I'd hate to go to sleep one night and wake up dead the next morning 😁
Cool video. I camp in the winter and I use the larger version with 2 tanks inside my tent all zipped up and no issue so I trust it
I've used my Mr heater for several years in my 12x24 cabin in New Hampshire woods without ever having problem
I've done the same test so many times and came up with zero ppm. My tests were always in a tent camper between 1400 and 7000 ft above sea level. Then I was above 10,000 ft and I woke up again to 0, but after pushing the button to see the max reading ever recorded I found that at one point that night the CO meter registered 40 ppm before it went back down again. So keep that in mind.
Yup, It only takes one time. I think going forward with caution, a vented window, and a CO reader, and we'll be fine. Almost anything can kill us but we manage. ( ;
A really great presentation.
I will use in my unheated garage.
I will probably crack the door but the heater
will help keep my hands warm while using my lathe.
You great video has put my mind to rest while using.
Thanks,
Steve
I have the same one and use it for winter tent camping. I never had any issues with mine but my tent is ventilated so you have to keep that in mind.
They are safe, used one for years in my hunting “shack” it was an 8’x8’ structure and I never had any problems or CO issue! Great video and review!
I bet it wasn't air tight.
I use them all the time, vent your space and turn it off before going to sleep.
@@MrChancebandit they emit almost no CO when the burn is clean. Maybe an old unit that had no filter running a rubber hose to it would produce more CO but generally not. They are quite safe and have been used indoor/outdoor by millions for DECADES.
@@escapetherace1943 I used one with no filter and I almost died. Be safe
@@sumbeach5561 I was in a foth wheel trailer ...using a mr buddy Hester for full time heat....I forgot to open a window and ran the heater fpr a couple of hours. I started feeling really sleepy. And something wasn't right ...as soon as I got up to get outside the C02 alarm went off. I shut the heater off and aired out the trailer and the alarm shut off. I never used one pf those again in an air tight space ....I use a propane wall heater now not a mr buddy heater with bkue flame with an oxygen deficiency safety shutoff. And I always have 2 WI dows cracked for cross ventilation. Been using one for 6 years with no issues or alarms...couple times I left the trailer forgetting the heater was on and when I got home the oxygen difference shutoff worked great. DYNA GLO 20 000 btu blur flame is the one I have . Buy that before the buddy heater
Great video! We live full time in our 40ft 5th wheel. The furnace blower fan decided to go on the fritz last night with the temps dropping to 16°F. Our electric fireplace helps a lot in balancing the heat with the propane furnace but that alone does not do it. We have one of these and my wife was concerned about using it also last night. We will use it tonight to help. Warner weather is coming so hopefully that will give us time to stay warm and get the furnace fixed.
I have one in my work shop for winter. Works great keeping the chill out. I also use a co2 detector in the same area. However I have the 20lb hose adaptor and fuel filter. (the filter screws into the buddy connector, then the hose to the filter and tank)
If you get the hose adaptor, the filter is a must. The oils in the hose rubber to make it flexible can and will clog the pilot light, stopping it from working. Then you will have to take it apart to clean.
What exactly is the fuel filter for?
Hope you meant carbon monoxide, not co2
Thanks or the review well done. I have been using the Buddy heaters (single & double tank version) for about 5 years, only issues ever is the thermocouple on the single tank version has died and needed replacing. I've tested mine in both my tool shed & ice hut with digital carbon monoxide detector and have never gotten a reading other than 000 parts per million.
Then strolled outside and put the detector near the exhaust of my a ATV it would spike up over 850 ppm in a couple seconds.
So I have faith in these units remember to keep them clean, including the pilot light nozzle the thermo coupler and the ceramic mantel and
Thank you! I've been wanting to get one of these for a long time. They make one with a catalytic converter in it, I don't know what difference it makes. I have an older model that sits on top of the propane canister. Although it's efficient, it's a bit unnerving to light. Nevertheless, thank you for a well done review!
Thanks for doing this video. I have this heater and was afraid of this but sometimes it was so cold I would turn it on, but just leave it on for like 15-30 minutes so that I could at least get changed in some comfort. Now I have some reassurance that I can maybe push it further for my next outing.
A battery powered CO detector with digital readout like the one in the video runs about $30 USD and is a small price to pay for extra insurance. You can even fasten it to the heater with a velcro strip so they are always together.
Push it as hard as you can, after all the only thing that can happen is that u will fall asleep. Not like it's going to blow up...
Great vid. Great heater. I would definitely get this for my shed or garage. Only issue I would have with the heater is that there is no thermostat to turn it off if it gets too warm. Thanks for the info / review.
If someone hasn't already said so, the 4 square inch opening is for the heater to have enough oxygen to operate at optimum efficiency
Also, make sure you throw that CO Detector out. You killed it by having 900ppm put into it. The written User's Manual clearly state not to test residential units using vehicle exhaust. Will cause permanent damage.
Correct
I hope he read this.
Great Video.. Ive used a Buddy Heater for years in my Class A motorhome as I'm a full time RV guy and have had No problems.... "Works Amazing"..
Awesome video !!!
I love my Big Buddy Heater. When I lived in Michigan and our power went out for 5 days at 6* Fahrenheit our modular home stayed warm running 2 20# propane tanks. No pipes froze either.
Great video man! I appreciated the lengths you went to so as to cover all areas and answer any questions we might have. Also your sponsor seems like a really nice guy.
I went with the Wave 3 after looking at both. Love its performance.
Thanks a ton. We just bought one for our boat. Common sense and being informed always helps one cross the road, as I was taught over 60 years ago. Many thanks from a fellow B.C. Canadian. Happy trails and safe boating everyone.
Thanks from the North Thompson, BC
Make sure to use an inline filter if you use a 20lb propane tank with this heater. I friend of mine had his clog up from using large tanks without a filter and he could never repair it. Oily substance clogged up all of the lines and they are TINY.
Thank you, very well done. We bought one for our 26" trailer and I too wondered about the CO. And we do keep vents open.
I use one to take the chill off my bathroom before I jump in the shower or when I'm working in my garage. It's an awesome little appliance.
The catalist raises the Temperature enough to burn off the CO. CO is a flammable gas.
I really appreciate the very thorough way in which you tested this item. AND, you did a ton of research. You answered all my questions. Keep on doin what your doin. You ROCK! Thank you!
Thanks for the video. I too have the same 2017 Arctic Fox 990 (just bought from the original owner 4 months ago). Nice to know due to battery-saving considerations dry camping. Furnace eats up a lot of juice so this is a nice alt method. Thanks again!
Thank you so much I was freezing during the big freeze here in Texas scared to use the damn thing inside, Thank you sooooo much dude!
We have used them in the bathrooms of the house since last Sunday Mary...still here. We didn't close doors and we left the windows cracked in the bathrooms and it was nice to have a warm bathroom at night. We use them in deer blinds every winter.
Patrick Biggins
1 second ago
I live off grid and have been using my Mr heater big buddy for 5 years in my motor home,,, even in the bedroom section with door closed and vent closed and windows closed i have no problems,,, motor homes and trailers and tents have enough air leaks to keep oxygen levels pretty safe,,, I run mine 24/7 throughout the winter,,,about 5 months
@Mary Boyd I have lived in a 200 square foot tiny house for the past 6 years. I use a big buddy during the winter with no problems.I live in Ohio.
You should have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. They’re about $15. No excuse.
@@totallyfrozen I have one plugged into the wall and my fire detectors also have Carbon monoxide detectors.
The balanced equation for combustion of propane is: C3H8 + 5O2 = 3CO2 + 4H2O. The products are 3 moles of CO2 and 4 moles of H2O. ... In the presence of excess oxygen, propane burns to form water and carbon dioxide.
In a perfect combustion yes but when not perfect combustion it creates a bunch of carbon monoxide kill you especially since the sensor for shut off is located on the ground where carbon monoxide isn't because it's lighter than oxygen
@@zorbbful the sensor is for low oxygen not CO hence it will shut off preventing an enclosed area from being starved of oxygen which would also be a main reason for incomplete combustion.
Excellent video. "Mr. Buddy" is an excellent product. I have used them for at least 20 years. The video answers all the questions I had about mine over the years. The CO detector test really shows how safe the product is. Great video.
Excellent video and information. Thank for sharing all you findings with us.
I've been using buddy heaters for years. They work great for tent camping, also a great emergency heat source for power outages. I'll never be without one for backup. I highly recommend these heaters. I have the double buddy heater, which also does have a battery operated blower, which can also be plugged into 110v ac.
If that's really what they are called, I feel like they missed an opportunity: it should be called Buddy Double 😁
Once it gets below the 20s propane heat in a tent becomes very soggy.
Just sayin
I've had one for years and it is awesome. Tent, camper or inside as long as you have air flow.
Just bought one and plan to use it in a tent. Glad to hear it works
Have used buddy heater for 4 winters here in Canada and will say it'll definitely keep you warm, even at -22'c. Saved my life many times but it'll also rust your vehicle out and creates moisture/ mold
Good review m8😊
And so will the salt on the road.
Ok. Thanks for this video. I have one of these and have been nervous about carbon monoxide too. I use it in the truck as a heater. So far have used it for several years with no problems. However, I can smell a few fumes from the actual propane. I still think it's best to ventilate a little bit.
That was pretty entertaining. I had the same questions, wanting to use my heater in the garage, but imagining that the air in there was making me dizzy. I bought a Nest fire and co detector and put it in the garage. When I ran the heater the CO monitor never went off. Now I know why.
I use two of them in my home and garage when the power goes out, but I would NEVER use any kind of device that consumes fuel to make heat under any circumstances in a small enclosed space, and that includes a tent, camper, or a small room. Homebuiltcamper Dave is absolutely right. His 20 years as a fire fighter is all the experience I need to believe his cautionary tale.
I just used mine on a hippie living event and it worked good. It was in a van and only needed it in short bursts
(10+/- total) had a brand new detector.
It never set it off. Recomend cracking a window due to condensation. Mine was minimal but more use more moisture.
Thanks for the upload.
i've been using these for many, many years. got the coleman procat when it came out. still have it, and have added the compact buddy, the buddy in this video, and the large buddy heater to the collection. use them in fishing huts, hunting blinds, tents, everything. i've slept in the back of my jeep for years, on hunting and fishing trips. always used the buddy heater and never, ever even cracked a window. there's always air-leaks in vehicles anyways. these things are perfectly fine. i've never even carried detector either, although that's always a safe back-up idea, for even further protection.
I love my buddy heater, Its a good ( back up ) for me and because I refill the 1 pound bottles it costs virtually nothing.
my motorhome has a forced air propane furnace and it does use a lot of energy to run.
Thanks for the video. Very informative. People get paranoid over things they don’t understand or care to use some logic. I’ll bet you that you would get a little CO from using your stove or oven in the camper. That is flat out combustion without any catalyst to take care of the CO like in the Heater Buddy. I would use the Heater Buddy before the oven or stove burners.
As an aside I bought mine for $25 at Pep Boys. Never saw that price ever. Must have feared litigation !
Thanks for your video.
I use a similar indoor rated heater and something to note is that it creates humidity. I like it because where I usually camp it's quite dry, but it's something to be aware of. On days with more humidity I've woken up to find the windows 'sweating' on the inside. I like that it's quiet, uses less propane, and no battery power. I leave the RV's thermostat on in case it gets too cold for the little heater to keep us comfy.
I use mine all winter in a 29 ft trailer , never have a problem
@@TheMgd2929how much propane does it use per night if you don’t mind me asking
Thanks for the upload Taylor!!
I am a boondocker. I will camp for 1 to 2 months, & at temperatures as low as 4°. I have an R-Pod travel trailer and I’ve been using the Mr. Heater inside for many years because it’s much quieter than the trailer furnace! Since you have to keep it ventilated, I get the best of both worlds! Cold air coming through the windows, but it’s nice and toasty inside. I run a line out the window, from the Mr. Heater to a 5 gallon propane tank outside my trailer. So there is always ventilation, even if I forget to open up the other windows. I love it!
What type of line do you use connecting the propane tank outside to Mr. Heater?
Thanks for the information.
God bless and stay safe.
One morning, you'll waken cold and shivering. You'll wonder why you ran out of propane and go outside to investigate. Only to find your bottle has been stolen by a crackhead. Lol
Thanks for the practical use test! I just bought the smaller version for my 8x16 trailer. I will immediately purchase a CO detector too. And thanks for the temperature in C and F for an American guy!!! R
Thanks for taking the time to do this test...
4 years later and still great information. Thank you!
Nice review . I've always had these questions about it ,and I was also confused about the indoor /outdoor thing. I believe the box in California also says do not use in enclosed spaces. But it's a good heater I've used in in a tent and camper conversion. Toasty
I have this "Mr. Buddy Heater" for more than 7 years and use it for boondocking road/ camping trip in Girdwood, Whittier, Hope, Seward, Soldotna, Homer, Kodiak, Palmer, Denali, Fairbanks, Valdez, Alaska and Dawson City - Yukon, Canada with my 2014 Coachmen RV 19cb windows a little bit open. It did work also during our winter camping trip in Chena Hot Springs.
thanks for making this video. I feel much better about using one in my greenhouse now. I could use some heat, humidity and CO2 but no CO for sure. cheers
I’ve got 2 Buddy’s but never used them cause I was always afraid of the CO. Glad you did this test. Now I can safely use them.
I got one of these for my wife, she ran it night and day,...now I’m a happy single man patrolling the local bars, I absolutely love these things!
So, she gave you up for a heater? Pleas respond quickly. Tractor Supply is open two more hours.
bobberguy1 r/wooosh
LOL
Well..your both are likely happier.
Checked with my wife though and she’s against it...SURPRISED.
@@strangedays4 why are the girls whores?
I use the same one in my hunting blind @ 4 hours at a time with out a problem , thanks for video ....
Same here
It's nice to see when you take away more and more safety redundancy. How safe a product has become. But also keep using your safety instructions in case it fails.
We have one as a back up heater for when the power goes out and we can't use our mini split heat pump. Thank you for making me feel better about this choice. I think it will work great in those kind of situations.
You should try using a geothermal fan to put on top of the buddy heater it will take the heat that rises and blow it around. It is a very efficient and effective tool.
It has a built in fan
“Geothermal” 😂 so it uses the earth to operate the fan on top of the heater? Thermal electric fan.
ITS called Seebeck effect. Not geothermal
Heat from the stove creates electricity.
The Buddy Heater
Won't produce enough
Great video.. I'm going to look for one for my shed AKA man cave.. Thanks.. Oh living in Montana so it gets cold.m
Thank you for doing this . I just bought a big buddy for power outages here in Saskatchewan this winter and I worried about this very thing too.Now I can relax. I do have a co2 /smoke detector already in case of emergency.
Thank you! I'm going to pull my propane heater and hard connect this to my rv propane feed. I just needed to see it in action to feel confident enough to do it. I have always been a heat on window open person anyways, so away we go.
Thank You Very Much for the info. I read the fireman's report and that was informative, I think I'll use it sparingly.
I use this heater in my Dodge Grand caravan when boondocking. I've turned it on with no vent and fell asleep with it on. I woke up about 3 hours later cold as it had shut itself off due to the oxygen sensor. Very safe heaters and I recommend them but if your going to need it a lot based on location definitely get the hose and 20 gallon tank.
I crack my window a bit for oxygen and my buddy heater works all night in the Canadian Rockies. yup. COLD outside, cozy warm in my van.
Thanks very much Taylor. I'm looking at getting one for my boat and was wondering if it will heat enough, as well as will it poison me. I Googled and got lots of conflicting reports on these propane heaters. Your tests and subsequent results have put my worries to rest. Much appreciated.
they need to be kept level, so not sure how well they'll work on a boat. i've fished with a guy who uses those ones that mount on a 20 lb tank, for on his boat, and those work great.
@@zzz7zzz9 Thanks for that. I'm hoping I'll be OK in that regard because I get seasick quite easily so generally only go out in calm conditions.
@@keithscott9774 ya. And now that i think about it, i did take mine out a few times, on a friend's boat, trolling on winter days. The buddy heater did work fine while trolling.
@@zzz7zzz9 The heaters that mount on top of propane tanks are NOT SAFE. They generate too much CO.
@@Dxyzxyz ya, but this was out on a boat. No way of any harm.
you covered a lot in your video, thumbs up, and finally someone sponsering their own video hehe - loved it !
i have a smaller version that uses spraycan-like-size fuel, and i use it inside a few times pr month, just to get a bit more temperature inside while 2000w floor-owen doesnt feel like 'enough' - and i never felt any drowsyness etc. i treat the heater like i treat battery charging = never when i'm not present or sleeping :)
I like the exhaust test :) I was begining to think the meter was defective
Thanks for this very informative video. This has been one of my concerns about these buddy's. Now I can feel confident to purchase one. Thank you again.
thank you my new friend for this info. leaving out this weekend for a car race and pulling my new to me 65 airstream. glad to have found your site.
GREAT VIDEO! One of the best review videos I've seen! I'm looking at purchasing one of these heating units for my cargo trailer to hunting trailer conversion. You've answered all the questions I've had about this unit. However, I plan to connect mine to a 20 pound propane tank so it will last for an entire hunting weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Any plans available for this conversation?
@@packpride23 not sure if you discovered yet but go to a tractor supply or farm/ranch store that seeks these heaters and they should have a connector hose to run a 20lb tank to the buddy heater. 👍🏼
I purchased the big buddy 3 years ago as a backup in case my furnace failed. I have a 37 foot Class A. I now use it as my main source of heat as it sips the propane as compared to my furnace. Having an older RV, it has drafts and is not airtight. Also, the vent fan for the stove top is always open. I have smoke, carbon monoxide, and Propane detectors in the coach.
Even new RV's are not airtight. If I close my roof vent , yes i can smell something but otherwise ... the heater still burns clean.
Put in a humidistat. Complete combustion produces both CO2 and water vapours. If you are not careful, you could have mold growing especially if you have foam mattresses on plywood platforms instead of slats or a box base as those are designed to ventilate your mattress to remove trapped perspiration.
According to some posters here, not me, there's no way in hell that you're still alive.
@@terrywaters6186 I'm happy to report that the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated!😂😝😂
Great video, takin it in my trailer camping this weekend so this info was perfect and exactly what I was looking for! Thanks cheers my fellow Canadian buddy 🇨🇦🤙🤙
I just bought 2 one for a friend 95$ each. But this thing is great so far. My room was 3c°. Now 11c° Took as long as your video to warm that fast. Thanks for the reassurance! I think my flatulence is bad, glad to know my new heater buddy won't be giving off any gas!
You will get alot of moisture from that Mr. Buddy heater but you have vents so as long as you're comfortable with it then it's fine I've used it in a cabin and in a van for few days but they can cause mold and mildew if not ventilated good
Sounds good, it's also a humidifier.
Actually, that was informative. You put in some time and effort. Thanks
We've used this in our 17 x 9 vented tent for years and have never had an issue and we stay warm in 10° F. Set heater on board and not directly on tent floor. We use the 20# tank with extended hose so tank is away from tent and it runs all night.
Its 3 years later 12-22-22 , Thank you for this video...we just purchased this Mr. Heater with 4 canisters and the CO alarm. We basically bought it for indoors just in case. Thank you for demonstrating using it indoors
Merry Christmas 🎄🙋♀️
Nice video. First one that's given a more thorough answer
Of course you need open vents for the depletion of o2 alone. I recommend getting a diesel heater that has a sealed combustion chamber. You route the exhaust and combustion intake outside. They work great and have a pretty neat control module that shows you error codes. Very fuel efficient I use one to heat my house.
which one you use in your house?