Really happy with my Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Picked it up for £160 last month (Currently £170 with voucher), has been on sale every few weeks during lockdown.
4.5stars out of 1700reviews speaks for itself.
These heaters work really well in small space and for camping.
Also, not trying to undercut your posting here but $80 for a used on is a bit high. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
your route is taking you through the rockys via I-70 this is notoriously difficult road to travel in winter. it’s no joke, they require chains and or tires. i would google it and check out all their recommendations. also, a lot of yellowstone is closed this time of year and especially now because of covid
as for gear i use mr buddy heater . works great, uses a small propane canister a night and can be used indoors, although i always keep windows cracked just in case. i hear people use 12v electric blankets, these are pretty affordable but you would probably need to keep the car running.
have fun but please be safe especially with a pupper!
edit: i would suggest going all the way west then up. you would see a bunch of pretty sites and don’t have to worry about the cold as much
Mr Heater portable propane heater for those cold nights.
Mr. Heater Corporation MH18B Portable Propane Heater, Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q82MG8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y-VMFb131HJ1V
Has an automatic low O2 shutoff, tip over protection, and can be adapted to run off a big propane tank. Idk if it’s available where you are, but I have used my buddys unit and it’s great. I’m getting one for my van/campsites.
It’s probably a really big expense for you right now but a buddy heater saved my ass last year when I was traveling in the northwest:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
The main downside is that it produces a lot of moisture but it’s safe to use in small spaces like a vehicle cabin as long as you keep stuff like paper away from the ceramic element. I’d use it for a few minutes when I was getting ready for bed and when I was getting up in the morning. Total upgrade for my quality of life in sub-zero weather. Due to my limited use the little propane tanks lasted for weeks.
I was fighting a losing battle before I bought a robovac. If you are just trying to lift dog hair I wouldn’t buy a roomba (in my opinion very expensive and an element of paying for the recognsable brand). I bought a Eufy off amazon for much cheaper and loads of the review say it works better than the roomba. Let me go get the link and will add it. Be right back!
EDIT: Eufy Robot Vacuum Cleaner [BoostIQ] RoboVac 30C, Wi-Fi, Super-Thin, 1500Pa Suction, Boundary Strips Included, Quiet, Self-Charging Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DDDB34D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_6j6THqCGx31ZH
I let mine run twice a day at the moment (I think he is losing his summer coat??) and I empty it each time. Looks like there is a chinchilla in there!
Last thing - I also REALLY recommend the “Furminator” grooming brush. All my other brushes did nothing for my lab. I can get enough hair off my Labrador to make a full Santa beard each time with this. Pricey - about £30 but a REALLY good investment in my opinion.
> It's complete bullshit that we don't have another option to go with
There are so many solar companies you could switch to it's hard to even keep track of them all. You could also get a wood-burning fireplace. Or these things. I mean, there are choices. I don't know why you think they'd be any cheaper though. Power is power. Its cost is heavily regulated.
A couple of relatively simple things:
(Even though it's indoor safe, don't run it while sleeping)
Also, some charged power bricks to recharge phones (although you can use your car as well).
A camp stove that you can also power with the same propane cylinders as #2.
I have one of these little guys:
Throws out a lot of heat. Might have one at the local hardware store, that's where I got mine.
Im sure its not exactly safe to use inside a nylon tent, but they catalyze the propane without producing CO2 and they absolutely crank. For small space heating like a camper cabin ot something, can't be beat.
Oops forgot to add the Amazon link for the heater. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=asc_df_B002G51BZU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167138746282&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17069833071559646060&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&am...
Theoretically it would be more energy efficient then the space heater. It takes less to get it to temp and then it holds temp. I personally wouldn’t like this still at an option. It’s a little bulky and dangerous in van.
You should just get one of these. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=54895223686&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrcH31Nvc-wIV1cDICh2thwBaEAAYASAAEgLB7PD_BwE&hvadid=410007733591&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9002576&hvnetw=g&...
My previous winter camp setup would interest you…
I was running a GFC rooftop tent with a Mr Heater Buddy which I kept at the foot of my bed. I ran my propane from the truck bed up into the tent so I could move the heater back and forth between the tent and truck bed. Had a synthetic fill winter bag (didn’t need to use my back packing gear as I didn’t need the pack-ability of a down bag. Paired with a down filled bag from Eddie Bauer.
Also, I mounted a separate battery powered CO detector incase the one on the heater failed.
I live in 230 sq ft and have the Big Buddy. Wouldn't even consider getting the smaller model. https://smile.amazon.com/Heater-Big-Buddy-Portable-Propane/dp/B00FPL6CNS/ref=sr\_1\_7?crid=4SDNFW713GWW&keywords=mr+heater+big+buddy&qid=1668261347&s=home-garden&sprefix=mr+heater+big+buddy%2Cgarden%2C202&sr=1-7
As others have mentioned, a Mr. Heater Big Buddy is a great option for portable propane heaters. Especially if you're looking for a directional heat source that goes one way.
As a second option to consider, if you want something omnidirectional that can also be used as a propane cook top, I recommend a Campy Gear. The model I am sharing is the largest but they do have several smaller ones.
buddy uses one of those little propane tank-top heaters and just turns it vertical, cooks his breakfast, then turns it back horizontal. (They're designed for this)
Yeah, heating with a 12v system just isn't a good idea. The amp load is too high. Even a modest 750w heater will draw over 60 amps (even higher with an inverter.)
Instead, maybe look at indoor-safe catalytic heaters if you just simply refuse to run the engine.
The reality is no matter what, you're paying for energy. Whether it's gasoline, propane, or the electricity to recharge a battery (which is really just gasoline if it's being recharged off of the alternator.) Unless you have a plan that involves solar energy, I think just idling the engine is the best idea.
This is a great thread. Marking it for future visits as well.
We started in Rochester, NY. With the climate change, Western NY is seeing some colder stretches now, a few sub-zero days. Usually a week or two so far, with warmth following. Summers are getting warmer, too, with some short stretches over 90F. Since the area is metro-to-rural with a pop of over one million, there is work available if you want it.
Originally, I am from New Hampshire and that still seems to have four seasons. Right now 9th June), it is 60F to 85F with sun and rain alternating. Lotta rural areas and tradition, but I have not explored the work or camping scene. I have heard there is a labor shortage here as well, though.
We did Mr. Heater's Portable Buddy during some very cold days during our build. Even before the coach was insulated, that little monster raised our interior by at least 15F. It comes with an internal regulator and runs off 1lb cylinders, so you have to bypass your onboard regulator (if you have one) to use the 20lb tanks. We did that without much fuss and the little guy seems even happier. When we finally post out build photos, Portable Buddy is getting a prime spot as we were able to work inside the bus from January through April mostly because of this heater.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU?ref\_=cm\_sw\_r\_cp\_ud\_dp\_8GRMDEY9C2R4HNR3KCHJ
We are also looking for a decent spot to travel for our upcoming first winter in later 2022 and even for later in the summer/fall. All clues and advice welcome!
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_KBG5BJ0Y6XK5K00EDD60?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Get this propane heater. They are safe to use indoors. At least for emergency situations like this
This one works very well for me...
Yeah, they're way too expensive. This is really nice for a quick emergency. Saved my butt once w/no power. Mr. Heater.
Since it doesn't sound like your roommate is going to change her mind about the temperature, have you considered maybe getting a portable heater for your room?
Something like this for example https://www.amazon.com/GiveBest-Portable-Electric-Certified-Thermostat/dp/B07XRQ7GHJ
So there are a few indoor propane heaters that you can get that have sensors on them so they operate safely. They might fit the bill perfectly for what you're talking about. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
While these are considered safe for indoor use, it still shouldn't be used while you're sleeping. But these create a lot of heat and the propane canisters are pretty cheap.
Mr Heater. It won’t fit in a backpack but it’s moderately portable. Runs on propane. Safe for indoors.
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8GDE805H2SVSXZ0CZ3Y8
Assuming there are places that will let you eat outside without heaters, having your own portable propane heater is really easy. I have a few that I used on my porch last winter. I highly recommend the Mr Heater Buddy heaters. Besides using them for sitting out on my porch last winter I've also used them for winter camping. They're catalytic heaters so the only open flame is a pilot light and they're rated for indoor usage. They are about as safe of a portable heater that you can get.
My Big Buddy Mr. Heater has been in service for 10 years and it still works with no hiccups. However, It struggles to heat up larger spaces like above an insulated 10'x10' room. We have a forced air propane heater at work and I've never witnessed something so hot in my life! It's at least 10x warmer than a campfire and warms up our 50'x100' shop in an hour. This is the first one that comes up on amazon
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_WBKDZRA2MDZCM6NWCXE0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Portable Propane Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPL6CNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_DRS0VGEA8EFKSWS19801
Mr. Heater Liquid Propane Hose Assembly for Buddy Portable Heaters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005LEXL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_BDN4PE12X5DW071Q03BB
Here is some links.
If you get one for them and see how great these are for all purpose cold weather emergencies I bet you’ll be picking one up for yourself too!
Look into a small portable propane heater. I found this one at Lowes portable propane heater and it gets so comfy and warm.