Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Mr.Heater Big Buddy
| Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151465] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 17:55  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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I read a few places people use the Mr.Heater Big Buddy. We tend to camp in winter to lower alt. So after some research I just ordered one. I thinking instead of running (4) 6V, it would be cheaper and better for my use to just add a radiant heater.
I may just run it on its own 20 gal tank. I never used a radiant heater like this but read a lot on how they work. I liked the idea of the safety features it has. I was thinking the best place to keep it while in use is on the step between the drivers/passenger seats. Does anyone here use a Big Buddy? Where did you mount yours? And how has it worked for you?? Anything to keep the furnace from coming on no stop will give me piece of mind.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151468 is a reply to message #151465] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 18:26  |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
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I use one, and got an adapter to run it off a 20gal tank. I use it to keep the place warm when I'm inside working on projects, or napping to escape chaos in the house. I just put it on the main floor at the foot of the steps to the cockpit. It's kind of in the way, and on the steps might be better with the tank up on the cockpit floor. I may have to try that.
I love it. Does a Great job of heating. I have a small cigarette-lighter-plug-in fan that I run to keep all the heat circulating instead of collecting in the ceiling where it gives you a hot head when you stand up. Runs a long time on a tank of gas. Never worried about ventilation, never had any feelings of toxicity. Only problem is that like all such heaters it creates moisture, and if it's raining outside (in Portland??? LOL) the external humidity is so high that the extra that's created by the heater ends up on the walls etc. I've tried running a dehumidifier that draws about 6a @ 12v, and it definitely pulls water out of the air, but certainly doesn't eliminate the dampness. I suppose it would be worse without it. But the dehumidifier is pretty extravagant power-wise, so I can't run it a lot.
Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 17:55:45 -0600
> Subject: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy
>
>
>
> I read a few places people use the Mr.Heater Big Buddy. We tend to camp in winter to lower alt. So after some research I just ordered one. I thinking instead of running (4) 6V, it would be cheaper and better for my use to just add a radiant heater.
> I may just run it on its own 20 gal tank. I never used a radiant heater like this but read a lot on how they work. I liked the idea of the safety features it has. I was thinking the best place to keep it while in use is on the step between the drivers/passenger seats. Does anyone here use a Big Buddy? Where did you mount yours? And how has it worked for you?? Anything to keep the furnace from coming on no stop will give me piece of mind.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151581 is a reply to message #151465] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 16:25 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I use one. I have it sit on a cookie sheet sitting on some wood blocks right up in between the front seats. with the gas line running out the side window to a 20 pound tank.
it works good. but does not keep up when it is super cold. but helps the furnace.
the side window where the gas line goes out, gives the ventilation it needs. there is a spec in the instructions as to how much vent(fresh air) it needs.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151614 is a reply to message #151581] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 19:54 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Keep in mind that they have internal regulators so if you run them off an auxiliary source you need full tank pressure. If you want to tap into the GMC propane lines, you will need to remove the internal regulator. Those mods are poated on line.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151626 is a reply to message #151465] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 20:52 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Thats good info. I think I am going to make something to put the 20# tank on outside the passengers vent window when in use. I really thought about which way to go. (2) more 6V batteries and a bigger solar panel. Or just use my two brand new 6v, and a heater buddy and use my old solar panel I got for free. I picked that! I just want to keep the kids warm. In AZ it is not usually super cold where we dry camp. Every once in awhile it is however. If the heater buddy can keep the furnace from coming on more then it should my (2) 6v should keep up fine. Its a 23ft, with (2) adults and (2) kids, we use window insulation at night, and I'm going to make a curtain to separate the cockpit area. I think the Big Buddy will help out. I'll report back since late dec we should be camping again. Last year it was 18 degrees and our furnace wasn't working, the entire family all snuggled up in the back. It was kinda fun, but the kids grow to fast to do that again this year! lol
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151631 is a reply to message #151626] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 21:28 |
jayrabe
Messages: 509
Registered: June 2009
Location: Portland, OR
Karma: 0
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One more thing: Any objects in front or to the front/side of the heater and within about a foot will get Very hot. When I had mine sitting in the aisle at the base of the cockpit steps, even with aiming it away from the couch, I still found it necessary to put a small sheet of rigid insulation between the heater and my upholstered couch.
FYI
Jay Rabe
76 PB
Portland, OR
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: radioactive626@msn.com
> Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2011 20:52:46 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy
>
>
>
> Thats good info. I think I am going to make something to put the 20# tank on outside the passengers vent window when in use. I really thought about which way to go. (2) more 6V batteries and a bigger solar panel. Or just use my two brand new 6v, and a heater buddy and use my old solar panel I got for free. I picked that! I just want to keep the kids warm. In AZ it is not usually super cold where we dry camp. Every once in awhile it is however. If the heater buddy can keep the furnace from coming on more then it should my (2) 6v should keep up fine. Its a 23ft, with (2) adults and (2) kids, we use window insulation at night, and I'm going to make a curtain to separate the cockpit area. I think the Big Buddy will help out. I'll report back since late dec we should be camping again. Last year it was 18 degrees and our furnace wasn't working, the entire family all snuggled up in the back. It was kinda fun, but the kids grow to fast to do that again this year! lol
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151651 is a reply to message #151626] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 23:27 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Call me "Granny", but every time I read about these gas heaters (not
furnaces), and using stove burners, I get worried about losing GMC friends.
It's no secret that I don't intentionally go to cold places so I don't
pretend to be an expert in cold environment survival. But, my inadvertent
exposure to cold weather has taught me a couple of lessons that anyone
trying to keep warm should learn:
1. Cellular blinds, with aluminum lining in the cells, are excellent
insulators -- I've even seen claims that their R factor is better than
thermopane windows. The Hunter-Douglas ones have been in our 23' for over
12 years and look brand new, despite the fact that the one rain leak I've
never been able to fix runs down the outside of one of them. Short of
impractical taped-up aluminzed bubble warp, I don't know of a better way to
insulate windows.
2. Surrounding the cellular blinds with full, tight-fitting, valences is
essential. Our valences are all wood, fitted to the contour of the coach's
wall, and just wide enough to allow the blinds to move easily. Especially
important is the bottom seal. Without those valences, cold air from the
windows will move freely into the living area, cascading out the bottom and
leaking around the sides.
3. Probably the biggest improvement to heating (or cooling) the living
area is isolation of the cockpit with a behind-the-seats curtain. There's
really no effective, easily implemented, way to insulate that big ol'
windshield. Our cockpit curtain is a pair of clear plastic shower
curtains. Ours are on a custom curtain rod, but the OEM track should work
as well or better. The curtains are sealed permanently to the cockpit
walls to prevent infiltration there. Where the curtains meet at the center
when closed, is sealed with Velco strips. In our case, only short
distributed strips, but a continuous one would be better for extreme
conditions. Our curtain just hangs down the step -- Velcro would be better
for those with a real problem. With that curtain closed, the living area,
especially in a 23', is so small that body heat can overheat it in moderate
conditions.
4. For extreme cold, I definitely would stay with carpet and a good pad.
Our pad is a 3/4" thick hypoallergenic variety with a solid plastic film
on both sides of the foam. That, with the OEM urethane under-floor
insulation and aluminum pan, keeps the floor warm in winter and cool in
summer in every condition we've found between Fairbanks and Key West.
With those additions to a 23' which has been well insulated and sealed, I
just can't imagine 4 people needing a furnace to run a very large
percentage of the time in 'most any conditions. I KNOW I wouldn't run a
gas heater in such a well sealed unit unless I was POSITIVE that its O2
sensor worked. We just not have any significant infiltration into our 23'.
JMHO,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:52 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> Thats good info. I think I am going to make something to put the 20# tank
> on outside the passengers vent window when in use. I really thought about
> which way to go. (2) more 6V batteries and a bigger solar panel. Or just
> use my two brand new 6v, and a heater buddy and use my old solar panel I
> got for free. I picked that! I just want to keep the kids warm. In AZ it is
> not usually super cold where we dry camp. Every once in awhile it is
> however. If the heater buddy can keep the furnace from coming on more then
> it should my (2) 6v should keep up fine. Its a 23ft, with (2) adults and
> (2) kids, we use window insulation at night, and I'm going to make a
> curtain to separate the cockpit area. I think the Big Buddy will help out.
> I'll report back since late dec we should be camping again. Last year it
> was 18 degrees and our furnace wasn't working, the entire family all
> snuggled up in the back. It was kinda fun, but the kids grow to fast to do
> that again this year! lol
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151674 is a reply to message #151465] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 09:05 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I will add, I have battery powered propane alarm, and a couple carbon monoxicide alarms.
MN is just plain cold. and I am used to using different heaters to keep cold in all sorts of situations.
the alarms are a must. and some common sense. you still read about people dieing, running their generators in their homes.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151684 is a reply to message #151465] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 09:52 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I think I'm going to add a second CO alarm, and I don't have a LP Alarm. But thats coming quick. My LP system for the coach doesn't seem to leak at all. But a alarm is one of the things I'm adding before my next trip.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151716 is a reply to message #151651] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 12:55 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""Call me "Granny", but every time I read about these gas heaters (not
furnaces), and using stove burners, I get worried about losing GMC friends.
It's no secret that I don't intentionally go to cold places so I don't
pretend to be an expert in cold environment survival. But, my inadvertent
exposure to cold weather has taught me a couple of lessons that anyone
trying to keep warm should learn:
""
Agreed! I use the smaller Heater Buddy and put it on the kitchen counter. I'm always worried about something close to it igniting. That sucker gets hot and who knows what I flail around in my sleep.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151730 is a reply to message #151716] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 13:39 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I was thinking a Mr. Buddy, a line running from the main propane tank with a
quick coupling and a shut off valve. Keep it right on the kitchen counter as
you said. Have enough safety detectors and a ceiling vent open a tad.
I think waking up dead would mess up my lifestyle !
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
----- Original Message ----
From: Bob de Kruyff <NEXT2POOL@AOL.COM>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, December 5, 2011 12:55:44 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy
""Call me "Granny", but every time I read about these gas heaters (not
furnaces), and using stove burners, I get worried about losing GMC friends.
It's no secret that I don't intentionally go to cold places so I don't
pretend to be an expert in cold environment survival. But, my inadvertent
exposure to cold weather has taught me a couple of lessons that anyone
trying to keep warm should learn:
""
Agreed! I use the smaller Heater Buddy and put it on the kitchen counter. I'm
always worried about something close to it igniting. That sucker gets hot and
who knows what I flail around in my sleep.
--
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151762 is a reply to message #151733] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 15:45 |
Ray Erspamer
Messages: 1707
Registered: May 2007
Location: Milwaukee Wisconsin
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I looked at the wave units Dan, looked pretty pricey for a wave 8 which only had
8,000 BTU's. For about $100 the Big Buddy goes up to 18,000 BTU's. Am I
missing something?
Yeah, we'd be dangerous living close by....we could add Steve Southworth to the
group and we'd be like the 3 stooges !
Ray
Ray & Lisa Erspamer
78 Royale "Great Lakes Eagle"
Center Kitchen TZE368V101144
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226
Email: 78GMC-Royale@att.net
414-745-3188
Web Site: http://ray-lisa.page.tl/
----- Original Message ----
From: Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Mon, December 5, 2011 2:07:18 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy
I think waking up dead would mess up my lifestyle !
Ray
[/quote]
Ray, good thing you and I don't live closer together, we seem to think a lot
alike. I have a quick disconnect under the countertop. I had a Mr Buddy but
wanted more. It worked but not good enough for us. Grabbed a Wave 6. That thing
will really heat the GMC. I turn it off and set the thermostat as low as Teri
will let me when we go to bed. The Wave Catalytic Heater does not get hot behind
so it can be hung on a wall.
Dan
--
Dan & Teri Gregg
Soft White LED Lighting
http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
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Ray Erspamer
78 GMC Royale Center Kitchen
403, 3.70 Final Drive
Holley Sniper Quadrajet EFI System,
Holley Hyperspark Ignition System
414-484-9431
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| Re: [GMCnet] Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151817 is a reply to message #151730] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 20:32 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""I was thinking a Mr. Buddy, a line running from the main propane tank with a
quick coupling and a shut off valve. Keep it right on the kitchen counter as
you said. Have enough safety detectors and a ceiling vent open a tad.""
Ray--if you want to hook it up to a regulated supply here is how to mod it:
http://www.rvtechtips.com/?p=219
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Mr.Heater Big Buddy [message #151823 is a reply to message #151465] |
Mon, 05 December 2011 20:47 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I looked at the Wave Heaters as well, and decided on the Big Buddy since it was more then 1/2 the price of a Wave. Its safety features were a bonus. My young kids get cold easily and I'd like to keep them warm- Since its a radiant heater wouldn't it be better to direct the heat towards the area that you want to warm?
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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