The Best & Safest Heater For Vanlife - Olympian Wave 3 Propane Safety Heater
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2024
- #vanlife #diy #fulltimevanlife #mrheaterbuddy #propane heater
For the last six years, I have been using an Olympian Wave 3 propane safety heater in my minivan.
Over the years, I have tried out several different types of heaters in my van but the Olympian Wave heater has been the best and safest heater.
These Olympian Wave heaters are often confused with the Mr. Heater Buddy propane heaters, which is unfortunate. The two heaters are vastly different and have different use cases.
The Olympian Wave heaters do not use any electricity to operate. They only require propane. And the Wave heaters are very efficient as well. Running on Low, they consume about 1 pound of propane every eight hours.
I am often asked why I don’t use an electric heater. The answer is simple, electric heaters use a lot of electricity, more electricity than my solar power system generates in a day. I would need at minimum, two more batteries and several more solar panels to recharge those batteries. It’s not a viable option especially since I spend most of my time in the Pacific Northwest where there is minimal solar in the winter months.
If the Olympian Wave heaters are out of your price range, there is a budget Catalytic Heater option. You can search for the Flame King Portable Catalytic Heater model# YSN-AD03. If you are in Canada, there is a similar heater marketed under the Martin brand. While I don’t have any personal experience with these heaters, they are a true catalytic heater which will mean that they are a safer and more efficient option versus a Mr. Buddy Heater. 
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
Over the years, I’ve learned you don’t need to have a big skill set to build your own campervan. And that living as a minimalist and utilizing solar power can be a less expensive way to live. I’ve also learned that a minivan can be a very comfortable home.
Please follow along as I document my journey.
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Please read the video description as it has some extra information
Hi, Scott! After a lot of research and listening to your video a couple of times, I am going to move forward with getting the wave 3. I plan on living in colder areas and want to be prepared. Thank you!
Scott is one of the only vanlifers I know of who review products only after using them for an extended period of time and not doing just a promotional video for a quick payday. Keep doing what you're doing Scott!
Thank you. I’m not likely to do product reviews anymore. I’m going to stick to reviewing only products that I buy.
@StaticCamperVanthat opinion by itself has gotten me to sub to you. I have started my van project. I look forward to all of the advice you have to give! Thanks man.
Definitely and love his realism and truthfulness.
Great video. Subbing now. Thanks.
This is the best explanation I’ve ever heard of the wave heater. So you’re saying that this wave heater can run all through the night I presume? But maybe only because you’ve got it hooked up to the larger propane bottle?
Good to hear you have your vents open. Water vapor is a natural byproduct of burning propane and other hydrocarbons. You’re not getting a buildup of moisture because of the radiative heat vs conductive heat and the fresh air exchanges. The radiative heat heats up whatever mass the radiative heat is aimed at, i.e., the walls, your bed, items in your van. Those items in turn radiate heat to other cooler areas. The conductive heat of the Mr Buddy heater heats up the air. Your Olympian heater still produces exactly the same amount of water vapor per gallon of propane burned, that’s just the way it works chemically, there is no getting around that. You’re also probably burning less propane per hour with your Olympian heater compared to a Mr Buddy heater, so you have less water vapor in that respect.
Great to know that there is no buildup of excess water vapor to the point of condensation with an Olympian heater when used with proper ventilation.
Absolute facts here, thanks.
Correct. The presenter is qualified to share his experiences, but not present the physics of how this functions. People/ youtubers should resist explaining things outside their realm and admit what they don't know. Those are the traits wise people respect.
Agreed on the combustion byproducts. It's impossible to burn hydrocarbons and not get water vapor. You're oxidizing carbon to produce CO2 and oxidizing hydrogen to produce H2O.
I think the real benefit is the low BTU's. It allows the entire van to come up to temperature instead of just spiking the air temperature and shutting off. Therefore you don't have intermittent large streams of moist air slamming into the cold surfaces in your space.
It upsets me when this kind of errors have to be corrected. Also, the lengthy preamble about not changing minds and both sides sticking to what they know gave me a bad vibe. There is no way of not getting water vapour when burning any fossil fuel, unless the fumes are vented outside from the combustion chamber like in diesel heater. They are called hydrocarbons for a reason. For a moment I though the heater has also a chamber and is venting fumes outside, but it isn't the case. So the video thumbnail is wrong - somewhat safe and wet heat ;)
He vented through the floor.
This channel is growing on me, simplicity and honest opinions without all the rainbows of forced advertising.
I also have one, and everything you said is true. Besides keeping you warm, it doesn’t use your battery power, and uses less propane. It’s a great investment.
Very fishy internet articles have appeared recently with propane concerns. Family traveled around for years full time in a 5th wheel using propane when I was a baby & we are all still alive. Got to have sensors, ventilation, & proper fittings. Scott does research knows how to make it work & safely. Thanks for sharing.
@marlanavanputten3383. Those articles seem to have shown up around the same genera time as the ones telling us how bad meat is, how nutritious bugs are, and how happy we will be to own nothing. We are in for a great future. A Great.......Reset...if you will.
@@BiggiifulUnbelievable how quickly the world we knew has been turned completely upside down 😵💫
In this crazy world, your videos are so relaxing. You have a goodness about the way you speak and the information you have shared is so important to van lifers. 🌞thank you.
Thank you
Keep it covered when not in use. Thanks for the video. ✌️
I still can't get over you have been doing this van living for 7 plus years....I think it's awesome!
It’s been a great decision. I had mo idea how good it would be
I honestly haven't gone back to watch the early years do the early videos say why you started this way of life??@@StaticCamperVan
Yes, of course. There are a couple of Q&A’s way back, too
I use the wave 6 in my rig and love it. I live in a 12ft trailer and once the heater is warmed up and running I never have to go over the low setting. The heat is cozy and the subtle glow of the catalytic rug i find to be nice ambiance in the dark. The best part of these heaters is the fact it takes no power and sips on propane
My buddy offered me a Wave 6 or the Wave 3. I think the 6 would have turned my van into a mobile sauna
@@StaticCamperVan you without a doubt made the correct choice going with the wave 3 for your setup. I’m in about 70 sqft and the wave 6 is almost too much
@@Traveling.Chuck2861 my van is not insulated and I live in the North East, so we have big cold winters. My van is an Astro. I'm thinking I may need a wave 6 and just open up window more if needed. Do you guys still think it'd be overkill with the wave 6? it gets freezing cold here for months. Thank you in advance
@@Kimbers58 in my opinion it’s better to go a little bit overboard on your heat source as to make sure your never cold regardless of outside temp. You can always let cold air in if it gets too hot
@@Traveling.Chuck2861 Thank you!! That's my thinking too, mainly because it can be freezing here or under freezing here for months. Thank you very much for responding, I need all the info I can get
Bob Wells has a scary story about his rubber hose fraying and catching on fire. Bob now changes those hoses every two years.
You deserve a sponsorship from Olympian Wave! Great review 👍
I’m no longer interested in collaborations or sponsorships
Hey Scott I used the same heater myself for years and loved it. I have since upgraded to the propex HS2200 propane heater after I got a full size ford E250 cargo van. The propex was a game changer for me keeping me warm and dry with the forced air and thermostat. Of course I’m here where it’s really cold . Wishing you well and safe travels my friend 😊
The first thing I thought when I read the "best and safest" in the title was...it has to be a Propex! I got the HS 2800 for those -20 F nights when I'm out hunting.
@@twotwentyswift yeah these propex really worth the money
Thank You for the excellent information and explanation of it all. Love your clarity...
I have the Propex HS2000 in my E250. I love it! Very warm and dry. I had the Olympian Wave 3 and it didn't produce enough BTUs. It also wasn't as dry heat like the Propex.
Is the Propex heater a catalytic heater like the Olympian is?
I’ll be frank with you, I really do trust your judgment. Just recently, I snagged the exact model of a Smartwool “toque” you have, for $14.74 (on sale) at the flagship REI store - a purchase I never would have made without your recommendation. I’m sure this heater is not only warm, but also safe and reliable. Thanks, Scott!
Hey good deal there. You’re welcome
I had a Wave 8 in my 25ft class A motorhome for my fulltime boondocking yr.round in NH and VT for 3 yrs.....the best Ive ever used and actually extremely fuel efficient !!!! .....not to mention Me & the Dog are still alive and never had any problems at all !!!!........I still have the heater and use it now to heat my workshop and have used it on my last hunting trip to heat my cabin tent !!!
I'm grateful for your knowledge and I learn a lot from your videos
I believe you and thanks for clearing up the question of expelled moisture.
That was a great indepth video. I appreciate it! We generally just travel in our van in nicer weather and so I use a tiny electric heater that plugs into my Jackery, but only use it for about 10 mins at a time- just long enough to change etc. I wasn't sure what kind of heater to look into if we decided to travel in colder weather. And what a great way to mount your heater! I never would have thought of that. 😊
If it's worked for you for 6 years, then it's obviously a good heater. I use a diesel heater tapped into our van's fuel tank; a kind old man gave it to me for free - it's an Eberspacher model, retails for £1200.
That's what I've had for 6 years Saul in my van, they're great heaters, quick to heat, safe and dry heat too. My only issue is the amount of electricity it uses over winter.
I can get away with using around 20 amps or less over 24 hours in winter until I run my eberspacher.
It uses...Boost: 3amps
High: 2 amps
Med: 1 amps
Low: 0.6 amps
Standby: 0.5 amps
If I run it on medium only (my van is not well insulated and is especially draughty in wind) the heater will use 24 amps from the battery over 24 hours.
This is 44 amps that need replacing every day.
This means at least around a 1 hour 45 minute drive every day to get a Good charge in my batteries but closer to two to be certain as it would be set on High occasionally.
I can usually get away with a 45 minute drive every day for adequate power if I don't use the eberspacher except to heat while the engine is running.
This for me is inconvenient, sore on diesel as I'm burning it twice and extra miles/wear & tare on my van, just for heat...I don't think the perfect van heater has been built for small vans in the UK yet.
Refillable gas stations are shutting down regularly here and are not so close when you need one (especially when filling small tanks every time) and exchanging propane bottles are far too expensive to use for heat, Great for cooking though.
There are Good Marine diesel heaters that don't use electricity but don't cope well when ran low...so you sweat like a champ or open vents/hatches wide, wasting precious fuel, plus they require adequate space, not much good in a small van.
@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN thank you for taking the time to write this detailed answer. I intentionally did not bring up the diesel heater option as my long windedness would have made an hour long video. Haha.
The power draw is the biggest issue from my perspective. And it should be closely considered as it adds to the overall price of not only the purchase but running costs and maintenance.
@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN
Try charging your batteries like I do with a 30 amp victron charger of a 1 kw hour honda suitcase generator much kinder to your van engine cheaper then running your van as well
@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN I should add that I don't live in my van full time, we use it for holidays and trips up north (I live in Scotland close to Loch Lomond). My van is a VW Transporter from the year 2000, I think they may have been called Vanigan or Eurovan in the States. It does get really cold up around the Isle of Skye in winter, so I have 2 230 amp hour leisure batteries in the van that are charged by driving via the alternator. The longest trip I've done was a two week trip to Sweden in June, via France etc.
@@pa_maj.MARTINI-van-MAN Sounds to me like you just need more battery bank. 400 amp hrs runs a diesel heater a long time. But I only heat the van up at night and in the morning. If there's a bit of sun I can put out the solar panel as well. In that situation I can stay out a couple weeks camping in the woods and not run the DC charger.
Not a fan of propane heaters of any kind.
Thank you for the general propane education, I was one who was afraid of it and it's nice to have real information (I like the braided line!). My main concern with any heater really is noise but especially in my camper van and my second concern is moisture/condensation! This sounds ideal. I like how you said it heats like the sun, sounds gentle and noiseless.
Hi Scott, you have so much knowledge on everything you put in your van. Your van looks soooo cozy. I like the idea that this is your home so you don't have the stress of following any landlord's rules nor the ridiculous expenses in a regular home. But can a girl know all these things you got to know in a van. Your home is soooo confortable. Thanks for sharing your life with us.😊😊😊❤❤
Very informative, and always great hearing you Scott!
Scott. Your videos are brilliant. So soothing. Thanks and please continue. 👍
I used these for many years too, and yes there are many benefits, but I no longer use them and here is why. In order to use this heater effectively in a small space like a camper or a van, you need to be able to meter the heater down much lower than the stove allows. I modified mine to run on a lower gas pressure that allows me to actually use the 3 settings. Secondly, these heaters produce way too much moisture that creates a very poor living environment. Look at the combustion reaction formula if you doubt this. The primary biproduct of catalytic propane combustion is water! This can be remedied by building a vented housing for the heater. I also did this with my heaters, and it worked well. I'm an engineer so designing all this was well within my grasp. Of course this can be remediated by running a ton of air through the camper as described in this video, but how does that make any sense? That ends up wasting a ton of propane for nothing. Of course you need a small amount of air exchange, but by the time you eliminate the moisture and the excess heat, you are literally burning twice the propane that is actually needed to heat a small space. The problem with all this, is that you end up with a heater that is twice the size that it needs to be, and the manufacturer, Camco, just has no interest in updating this design to make it a truly usable unit. What we need is a tiny true catalytic heater with thermostatic control, enclosed in a vented housing. It's just that simple. It only requires 500 to 750 BTU to heat a small camper from 25 degrees to 65 degrees with proper insulation and properly designed cabin ventilation. That does not mean leaving a window open! A top heat output of 1500 BTU is all that is required with proper thermal management. It could be a wonderful alternative to diesel heaters and all the rest, but it has become a relic because of neglect. A properly designed unit could heat a small space like a van or camper for easily 2 months possibly longer, on one fill of propane. Until such a unit appears, I'm done with this type of heater. By the way, yes ,you do get a lot of thermal layering with these heaters because they have no fan to stir the air. I literally had cases where water jugs left on the floor would freeze. I solved this by using a tiny muffin fan in a duct that pulled air from the ceiling and pumped it down to the floor
Sounds like you could create this product! Engineers are so smart. Mad respect-
I really enjoyed your in-depth discussion of the heater. I especially liked your use and comparison of the Buddy heater, which you've used in the past. Thanks for another excellent video !!
Really enjoyed this video. Very thorough coverage and comparison with the Buddy heater.
Just a compliment here..... Your sooooo well groomed! Great video!
I agree with everything you say about the Olympian Wave heaters. My first Wave 3 was too small for the high roof Promaster. Switched to a Wave 6 in the 2nd year. I do use a Little Buddy to supplement in super cold mornings. The buddy heater is like having a bonfire in a van.,, be careful. 👍Rock on 🙂
Several of my friends have experienced fires due to the buddy heaters
@@StaticCamperVan I believe that. Always have a fire extinguisher at hand 🔥
I used one of these for years in my boat wheelhouse and it never failed.
Great find and thanks for the shared info Scott! Stay well out there 😊
Brilliant use of that mount!
Hi Scott always a pleasure to see your videos ,hope you are doing well,
I was going to build a rig for traveling and so I ordered this same catalytic heater online a couple years ago. But I returned it because I couldn't find a gas hose/regulator available for it at the time. I only found one that was going to cost me a 1/4 the cost of the heater, so I said forget this. Seeing this video, I wish I would have kept it because NOW the price has doubled. You can heat a medium size travel trailer around the clock 'on low' for two weeks on a **25lb propane tank which holds 4.7 gallons, the bbq size tank as you mentioned....take care.
**25lbs, not 25 gallons 'corrected'
Thanks for a very thorough explanation of the differences between the way the Olympian and the Mr. Heater style heaters do their job. Your vent system is very interesting also.
Thank you for your full review. I have been researching these for a few months because I'm about ready to take my van to the RTR in January so heat will be a must have.
Stay warm my friend. Good job.
Another great video Scott. I'm currently camping at Assateague National Park and have been running my Wave 3 heater all evening in my Promaster City. Paid over $300 for this heater but consider it money well spent to ensure safe winter camping. Started out with a Mr. Buddy but always worried about potential for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Wise decision indeed
So glad I came across your channel very thorough Review keep them coming Very interesting
I needed some of your calming energy today. Thank you!
Wishing you a pleasant evening, Sarah
@@StaticCamperVan , thank you 💗🙏💗
Thanks Scott. Great info. We use a similar set up in our house to heat the living room.
Long video, but i stayed on. Thank you for your effort, and info.
Hey I’m glad I just found your video, I was close to buying a buddy heater. I like your approach to conveying your van life wisdom!
Thank you. There are so many choices for heat. The Wave 3 works best for my situation. But my hope is to share that there are other options besides the Buddy heaters.
Diesel air heaters are another option that should definitely be considered.
Love watching you Scott
New Sub! Im sold on the Olympian already. Had a butain heater in my Dodge caravan which worked great without promoting any mold or moisture but after 3 years it just conked out. You did great on over explaining both pros & cons.
You are correct about mr heater buddy heaters creating a lot of moisture! I really like the flat tv mount for safety and convenience, genius idea. Glad i now know about the wave heater. Thank you for a well and easily understood explanation. Glad i watched it!!
Thanks I will be installing my wave 3 heater this week just waiting for the propane hose to come in thanks for the grate info
I've heard they are great heaters. As always, Thumbs up 👍
I've been curious about these, and thank you for the information.
Thanks for your detailed info Scott. I love your idea to hold the heater, you have such great ingenuity with these things. I've heard bad things about the mr heater buddy also.
I have the privilege to park and plug in, thank goodness😊
I have an air dryer (used a lot on boats) and an electric heater, that turns off when gets to my setting. I feel very blessed 😇😉😊
Ah, that’s great
Hi Scott. I love your videos mate. Cheers from down under.
Very good review thank you. I was considering this heater before as I used the buddy heater and it really burns propane quickly. I will definitely try this heater.
Have a great night Scott. Stay warm.❤
Well done.
We have a Wave3 at home and love it!
Used in vanlife as well.
Mr Buddy Heater is dangerous and moisture issues inside the vehicle are horrible even with ventilation.
Thank you. You answered many questions of mine. This is a very helpful video. I will definitely look at purchasing this.
I added some info on a budget option catalytic heater that you can read about in the video description. With a purchase like this, it’s best to consider all the options.
Thanks for watching
Excellent informative video upload
Thank you ❤
Having a delightful time of it watching Scott here at home for the first time on my new 55-inch Samsung Smart-TV discussing his Olympian Wave-3 heater. It's like having Scott as a guest here in my living room! If you haven't done so, I highly recommend! He made a similar video on his Wave-3 quite some time ago that motivated me to get one, which I did, with delightful results!
Congrats on the new TV!
You should see it, your videos look great on the big screen
Yes, this is a very helpful video. I've been debating back and forth about heaters, and I already have a huge problem with condensation. I use electric heaters while plugged in, but I need a good one for boondocking.
NICELY DONE 🎉
Thank you for such a great introduction n review❤❤❤❤❤
Excellent review.
Very very good video Scott you did a great job thank you.
Have a wonderful day.
Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your video.... it opened my eyes and it should open other viewers to.... I have a big buddy Mr Heater and I love it.... but if this new wave is more efficient I definitely will love that and be saving
Always enjoy your insight and experience. Stay safe and warm.
Listening to you is pure meditation.. I travel on the rithem of your words.. It brings me home.. And yes, there is Joy.. But youll have to have youre antennes up the right way.. Greetings from the Netherlands..
Thank you. I hope you are having a great weekend
@@StaticCamperVan far from... 😪
@adrigroenendal I'm sorry, hope you get through it quickly
I love sleeping in my van all cozey on really cold or especially stormy nights! I really sleep good in the winter.
Thanks for sharing scott that heater seems like it does the job. You do great videos. Good information Thanks for the information
Yes! Helpful and informative. While I think I've listened to you talk about your heater choices before, I think I've gleaned some new tips. Thanks!
Your welcome
Thank you Scott! Great information!
I wish I had this information while I lived in my suv during work-since retired and thinking going full-time for a while but living on my land right now..still a drafty cabin could REALLY use the help!!! Love your vids..
I had an Olympain and it heated my 21 ft. Toyota RV great. I like how quite they are. I found a bigger one i think its called a Black Cat and has an exhaust pipe and is made in Olympia Wa. But i could not get it to work. I forgot i had it untill i saw this vid. But this type are one of the safest, most fuel efficient and QUITE.
Good work Scott 👍👍👍
Nice heater review and information. I have tried the Wave heaters and didn't care for it. If you don't have the heater pointed directly at you it doesn't keep you warm as you mentioned. Glad it works for you. I use Ice House Propane Heater. It provided lots of heat and I like it HOT! with limited moisture in van.
Awesome video, thank you! I recently purchased a Mr. Heater Buddy. It's great but uses a lot of propane. It's nice to know there are additional options.
Thanks for sharing … i also tried the Mr buddy heater, small & large in a 25ft class A during a very cold winter, single digits. Condensation which turned into ice on windows and also set my co2 sensors off. It was a very bad experience. I’ll try this, perhaps the medium sized model and always keep my vents open! Thanks again!
This is very compelling for sure! I was under the impression that these would have the same issues as the Buddy heaters but you’ve convinced me otherwise. I went straight from a Buddy to a diesel heater, which I don’t regret. However, my fuel line coincidentally melted at some point within a day or two of seeing this video 😂 It’ll be an easy fix, but I won’t be able to stop thinking about the Olympian now. Being able to fall asleep with it on and not get over-heated sounds amazing. And it would be a lot more “stealth”, although I know you don’t like that word. Anyhow, thanks for sharing!
Diesel heaters are great if you have the power to run them and the patience to keep on top of the maintenance and repairs
Thanks a lot for sharing and education
11:49 nice gift indeed! Glad for u. Running $350 on Amazon right now and see as high as a bit over $500 elsewhere. Good for you!
I've also had Buddy heaters, and the Wave 3.
Buddy heaters have lots of issues from oily precipitation forming in a rubber supply hose that eventually clogs the Buddy internal piping ( yes, I know about the differences in hoses, that Mr Heater does make a Buddy-specific hose), to using the "filter", which isn't a filter, it's a "trap", to having unregulated LP line pressure at about 150psi as opposed to about 5-10 psi with a tank mounted regulator.
The Buddy internals are crude aluminum piping and compression fittings.
The Wave internals are quality copper.
The Buddy casing is mostly plastic that becomes brittle and cracks easily.
The only plastic on the Wave is the control know and sparker button.
I've had to disassemble Buddy hearers to clear the piping of the precipitate, and I absolutely believe they are made like crap.
I've even had Mr Heater send me parts after complaining about the unit, and I'm shocked that they will actually send parts knowing that a consumer is going to take the Heater apart and reassemble it! That's gotta be a liability black hole, but they did it.
The only safe way to use a Buddy, the single burner panel unit, is with 1 lb green bottles that you refill to keep cost inline with bulk propane.
There is a need that the Buddy heaters do fill, they put out a lot of heat, they're relatively inexpensive, and with smart care can be used.
But compared to the Wave, they're crap.
Buddy heaters fail while using hoses from high pressure bulk tanks because the oils leached from the rubber, if not trapped by the a filter, gum up the Low Oxygen Shut-off sensor.
I need to sleep 9-10 a night too! Ever since I turned 48-49 or so. I’m 61 now and I really need that much sleep now for sure.
This is very informative, thank you.
Hello Scott.,your not kidding colder weather has kicked in with lows in the teens and the high today was 31 f. I do like the Olympian Wave-3 heater alot but opted for the Lavaner Pro diesel heater and it's been working without any problems for about a year and I'm in more comfort in my mini camp machine than in the house in cold weather. Great video Scott it's so very important to be comfortable in cold weather and there are a few heaters out there that are much better than the Mr Buddy heaters. I believe I have a friend that's going to put a Olympian Wave-6 in his Dodge Pro Master campervan after sharing your video with him. Thanks again and take care my friend.
Awesome. I’ve heard so many rave reviews about the Lavaner Diesel Air heaters. It seems like the biggest drawback is the ordering process.
Thanks for pointing me to this recent review. This heater is a great solution for my van which is similar in size to yours.
You’re welcome. There’s some information in the video description about a budget option that is similar to the Wave heaters.
👋 Scott
Great video. Stay warm.😊
It’s cool how u have the 2 cameras set up. Makes for good filming.
Some people might find a honeycomb ceramic soldering board useful to protect surfaces from excessive heat. They are super light and not overly expensive via Amazon. The board you used as a mount would be fine for someone like me who has researched these heaters, but it had me thinking of a soldering board I have. Maybe it would make people feel easier to have one blocking any perceived heat from a wood mount.
I tried to demonstrate how safe the heater is by repeatedly touching the outside with my bare hands.
@@StaticCamperVan Understood. I believe they are safe. I only brought up the honeycomb ceramic for those who might not want to use the wood.
Great info! Will check it out for some my other systems. 👍👍
I agree, Great heater I used it for 10 years every year..... Its a safe heater .My first heater was Mr Heater which was trouble free for years until I switch over to Olympian.
Thank you Scott.
I use a Wave 6 heater in my RV. It's my only heat, I use the Wave 6 version and it works quite well in my 27' class C.
great review
yes - love the wave 3
Thank you for information on the Wave 3. I had heard the Buddy heaters were just like you described. Even though the Wave 3 is $300 if divided by 6 years only $50 a year. I think thats a great price. Have a good week.
That’s a great point. Although I paid $175 for my old Wave3
Catalytic heaters are really good. Very efficient and the catalytic system gives you heat with no open flames
those heaters that you have are good. i would have one. they don't need electricity as the diesel heaters do. so that is a plus to me. but also on another note they cost more than a diesel heater to buy and run, in my opinion. if money was no object i would have one too. it might be the best of both worlds to have a diesel heater and one like you have. in worst case scenario when power was down because of snow or bad weather when no solar comes in. then your heater would be the best. but i feel in a day to day usage the diesel is cheaper. i will say that i run my diesel heater in cold weather about 18 hours a day and i am happy with the results.
It is a great heater! I have Wave 6 its a few years old ,I usually put my socks in front to dry cuz they never get fully dry at the laundry mat!
That information is good to know. Thank you
Great idea! Off the floor good
A Mr Heater buddy is 100% a catalytic propane heater. They have just configured it with a smaller catalyst and more convection across the surface so it dumps more heat by convection. The olympian has a larger ceramic honeycomb that's arranged to experience less gas flow across the face so it sends more IR out and less warm air from the heater.
Because the Mr Buddy is putting out between two and six times as much heat as the olympian it is burning 2-6 times as much propane and releasing 2-6 times as much H2O. If you hooked up several olympian heaters and ran them in your van it would be very much like running one mr heater buddy.
Venting is still an issue. The higher the BTUs, the more ventilation is needed. That’s why I spent so much time talking about ventilation
Great video! Thank you!
Thanks for this video! I have an old Wave 3 from my 5th wheel, it has legs for the floor to keep the dogs warm on cold nights. I was trying to figure out a way to use it in my minivan with no floor space, never thought of a tv mount! I think that will work for me. Thanks again.