Mr. Heater Portable Buddy 9,000 BTU Propane Radiant Heater

[cruiseroutfit]

With all due respect to Kurt, and it's a lot of respect, I wouldn't put a heater in a tent...

To each their own :victory:

While I agree with your suggestion on merit, Mr. Heater isn't a shoot from the hip company that tossed some heaters on the market, they've been a US based manufacture for 40 years . While I don't give give any "golden ticket" status to a simple certification, I would assume the American Gas Association doesn't just rubber stamp something that potentially kill. Beyond the AGA the Consumer Products Safety commission, CampSafe (PropaneProducts.org) and even the www.carbonmonoxidedeaths.com website have "supporting" remarks in regards to the Mr. Heater indoor safe heaters. Meanwhile other heater manufactures have been sued, recalled their products and even put a $250 bounty on their return.

You don't become "Americas most popular brand of portable heaters" by killing them

We don't use it enough to become complacent with the unit, but when sub-zero temps are upon us, the wife won't have it any other way Plus I don't mind it myself.

 

[kcowyo]

Kurt, with your experience in the field, I wouldn't be so hesitant to use a heater. For those who don't get out very much, I would be more leary of recommending putting a heater in their RTT.

I have no doubt that Mr. Heater makes a fine product, I've checked them out briefly. I'm just not sure they are the right solution for everybody or every situation. But of course, people are free to spend their money on whatever they choose.


*Disclaimer - my favorite feature of my FWC is the heater

.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...I'm just not sure they are the right solution for everybody or every situation...

I'll definitely agree with that, extreme care needs to be exercised with regards to use of a heater in a tent and I would err on the side of not using one if at all possible. We've done the sub-zero temp bags, we've got the liners, we do the bag liners and we go to bed with a fresh set of clothes... all steps anybody should take prior to doing the tent heater in my opinion.

I'm going to look into the 12V solution more myself, not to really put my foot in my mouth here but if a equal/better and ultimately safer solution exists, I'm all for it. What if one falls asleep with the heater on? What if it tips into a sleeping bag? damage to either your bag, your legs or your mattress is likely. And I would absolutely forbid anyone with children from using one, just no safe way to use it in a confined space like a RTT imo. Above and beyond that, use only to the manufactures specifications, which I might add includes not using over 7000 feet due to lower amounts of available oxygen at higher elevations, the combustion could be slightly "off", enough that Mr Heater cautions against its use. Most of our winter camping is done at lower elevations, if you anticipate anything in the 7000+ range, start searching elsewhere.

Somewhat 180 degrees from my earlier comments (again foot in mouth), while my experience with the unit has been satisfactory, I am reserved to just recommend it without tossing in all the "what if" scenarios that are very real.

On that note, here are some great ExPo thread on 12V heater blankets:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2855
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24633

 

[Corey]

Thanks guy's for all the tips here.

And Kurt, I am glad the heater worked out for you.
I will never encounter temps that cold, as I mainly camp late spring through fall.
And I think most here know that most using this type of heater do not leave it on the whole night, only to take the chill off before getting into bed and after waking up.

I am going to probably order a 12v pad today as seen in this thread.
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24633

 

[Hilldweller]

When it's cold enough, we leave it on all night; our Conqueror tent has a changing room though. I hook it up to a 10-lb propane tank and it's good for 4 or 5 nights. 15 degrees outside and 70 degrees inside --- nice.
We turn it on high for about 15 minutes and then on low for the rest of the night. Leave the side windows cracked to ventilate and reduce condensation.

 

[Corey]

Good news from Zodi, as I emailed them yesterday.
I would like to get into some cold weather camping in the future, and a combo of the heating pad I ordered today and a Zodi tent heater would be awesome.
I would have bought a Zodi tent heater if they were still available.

Hello Corey,

Zodi is working on the 4th generation Hot Vent HP and first generation Hot Vent X-40 Outfitter Heaters. These products are not available at this time and expected to be released at an unspecified future date. A press release will announce the availability of the products. If you would like an email notification when the Zodi Hot Vent HP and Hot Vent X-40 Outfitter heaters are available, please reply with the email address to send the notification to.

Thank you,
Customer Service
Zodi Outback Gear

Now all I need to do is wait for the next Overland Journal to come out, as I think there is a solar panel review in them.
And the one Martyn carries I need to read up more on that too.

A panel would be great to keep the batteries topped off since they would be running the ARB fridge and a heating pad, and possibly a future Zodi tent heater.