Big Buddy Heater????

[Tim L]

If you have a canvas tent check the manufactures instructions.
Some say that petroleum products can hurt the canvas or treatments on it.

[30coupe]

Actually, guys, it is CO that kills you. We breath out CO2 with every breath. Carbon monoxide (CO), not carbon dioxide (CO2) will definitely do the trick though. CO is a byproduct of combustion.

At any rate, be very careful of heaters in confined areas or you will be a nice warm, dead body by morning.

[AkDan]

I use mine in a portable flip style icefishing house.  It works OK.  I think my pilot is getting dirty.

I'd add a inline filter to it if you use the big tanks.  Up till recently I only used the small tanks till I realized how much money I was wasting by doing so.  Now that I have it hooked up to a big tank, it wont work....damn the luck LOL!

We will use it icefishing down to -40, after that I stay home  

[Brian Krebs]

AKDan - take a daisy or red ryder bb gun- empty it; dry fire it to make sure its empty; and then hold the barrel right up to the pilot light. The small puff of air can dislodge the build up of by products in the line. Do it several times in a row.
 Do not try a smoking pipe cleaner (do they still make those ? ) or any abrasive.

 The gas is odorless; but it contains a chemical to provide odor. That stuff is impure; and bits of it clog the pilot light tube. By firing small bursts of air into it; the particles will dislodge; and when you turn it on - the flame will be yellow at first; then turn blue.

[Brian Krebs]

the shut off valve can shut off over 7000 feet in elevation automatically. These heaters are not intended for use therefore: over 7000 feet in elevation.

[AkDan]

Brian,

I dont have a bb gun up here.  hmmm..how about getting some of the bottled air (as embarassing as it is to say)?

I was going to rip things apart...one of those weekend projects   ...hopefully it goes backtogether !

[Bill Turner]

Thanks for all the input. CO is a major concern to be sure. I always have open ports/windows and a free flow of air when using my heater. The question about condensation came form another TradGang member. Since I have not used my Big Buddy in a tent I could not answer his question. As always, you guys have responded to the call.  

[TommyBoy]

Fumes and CO2 are not a problem.  I use one in my 12' fiberglass Scamp trailer all the time.  The Buddy heaters have a built-in oxygen sensor so it will turn off if there ever was an issue with CO2.  I have never had any issues and have been sleeping with it on full power all through the night for three years (at least when it's cold out. Buddy heaters are catalytic and designed to be used indoors.

[shadman]

I wouldn't trust my life or family to a sensor.

[MnFn]

Clay,
you brought back memories with the recollection of fire watch in tents at night. We did that as well when we had "war games" near Fairbanks in the dead of winter.

I have a Big Buddy heater and it is great for some applications. But as others have said I would not trust my life or my friend, families lives on a sensor.

[LongBow'erman]

Originally posted by Bill Turner:
Are there any Tradgangers out there who have used the Big Buddy heater in a camping situation? Do you have problems with condensation on the inside of your tent or trailer? Do any of you use the heater with a hose attachment and a large propane bottle? It is my understanding that a single hose equipped, with a fuel filter, will run the Big Buddy and is more economical then using the standard one pound propane bottles. Input from experience Big Buddy users will be appreciated. Thank you.    

I use the regular buddy in my 10x14 Kodiak canvas tent with no condensation problems. I use it with the hose and filter on 11# and 20# tanks. I do have to hold down the pilot light knob longer with the hose before it will light properly. I like this heater but wish I had the big buddy just for the added fan option. Take some safety precautions and you will be good to go. I unzip the vents on both sides of the tent and have never worried about carbon monoxide, also it helps that my tent is canvas and breaths.

[doug g]

Use mine in my ice shanty, and love it. Has th3e oxygen sensor and it owrks great. I often have to open a  door to let heat out.

[bowmaster12]

ive got the big buddy the one up to 18,oo btu's use it in my sturgeon spearing 8x8 shack it gots hot in there quick i sit in there with jeans and a t-shirt when shack is first heating up there condisiation but that quickly goes away have used it with a 20 lb tank in the shed will be using it on the ice this year have had no problems with fumes of any kind the fan is system is nice to move the air around all thu makes noise the fish dont mind.

[azhunter]

Best money I ever spent. I use mine with a bulk propane tank and line with filter. I set the tank outside my 8 man alaskan guide tent. No condensation. I unzip a little of two windows just as a precauation. I almost never have to use it higher than the low setting but occasionally on medium. I have used it for several years and it is the one item I double check to make sure I did not forget to take with me when going hunting or camping.