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Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater, Red-Black?
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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
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.
> 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.
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.
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...
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.
We just got this baby from Amazon. Real fast and gets the job done.
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_awdo_navT_g_B2H789KFJCKND56MHEC1
Nah. Space heater usually 1600W. Ender only 300.
Heating power is limited by 16 amp circuit. More than one big space heater will trip it.
Easiest way out is gas heater https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
Get a carbon monoxide alarm if you use that.
Other options are buying window heat pump or insulation.
Mr. Heater -- may go under a different name
Alright, if you own a home, just get a BBQ grill. No one will question why someone has a BBQ grill, you get a nice 20 pound tank, and you can be grilling burgers in the middle of a power out without a care in the world, and so will half your neighbors.
Equally so.. a Indoor rated Propane heater.. as again.. no one is going to question why you have a 20 pound tank of Propane, if you have a BBQ grill, just get the proper adaptor to your 20 pound tank, and maybe get a second 20 pound tank, and you will be good to go.
I hear about and see this guy in all sorts of van life build etc videos but no first hand use experience here. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=57670388818&dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvO2IBhCzARIsALw3ASqlsRobMXx5-U1A0rOMtMytktPiO-rbHNvAb3nULGfdthzK6EJ80RwaAk6NEALw_wcB&hvadid=409975108...
I use 2 different tent heaters and they are awesome during colder nights. Tent heaters are safe for indoor use. But if your tent has the vents on top, then you’ll be extra safe. I personally prefer the Buddy Heater.
Electricity is going to get expensive in zone 6... you're not just talking about a few nights of heat, but days as well, maybe even for a few weeks at a time. You'll likely need a propane solution.
Lots of people use camp stoves. I've actually been looking at something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ I'd get an adapter so I could hook up a large propane tank, like the one my barbeque uses. I haven't tried this yet, so take it with a grain of salt!
Some Mr. Heaters are marketed as indoor safe. Such as this one.
Mr buddy heaters work pretty good. Buy a oxygen/co2 detector too, leave a vent open. Plenty of testing has been done with them, as long as you have good ventilation and a device to warn you/wake you of gas buildup/oxygen depletion there's no worries. Also you'll need a way to support the heater so it doesn't fall over, most have auto cut off but it's good to be safe.
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
They have a smaller one but it just doesn't heat that well imo.
Buy 12 hand warmers that she can pop during the night to keep her sleeping bag warm. :)
There are also these propane heaters but I personally wouldn't leave them on when I'm sleeping because of safety concerns. But they might be good during the evening or morning to get the tent properly warm to change clothes etc.
There are actual indoor safe versions at least according to packaging since it has a oxygen safety in it. I think this guy was thinking of the less expensive ones without a safety. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_AVS1DbB2XX224
Using a generator for a space heater is inefficient. It's also expensive.
If all you need is heat, go for a catalytic propane space heater. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
That one is expensive at $70, you can get decent models as cheap as $20 that screw onto the top of a Coleman propane cylinder.
I'd agree with u/muelleej that propane is definitely the way to go for occasional use heat like this. I'd personally recommend a catalytic type heater instead of a direct fired burner though, as the catalytic ones don't produce carbon monoxide. Even when rated for indoor operation, they can still burn up all the oxygen in the room (most have safety shutoffs if o2 gets too low) so you'd need to keep a door or window cracked none the less, but they're a much safer alternative for indoor use.
edit: Here's an example, I have no idea if this brand or model is any good though: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_8fyCDbWPJPNC8
Try a Heater Buddy.
Used one September through near the end of November while traveling through colder areas in Montana & Wyoming. Lifesaver.
Only downsides are the little tanks only last 6 hours so you have to wake up and re-light. Bigger tanks are an option though.
Might be wise to buy a carbon monoxide detector just incase. It says you can use it indoors but I don't know how small and tightly sealed your van is.
FWIW, I would go with one of these over that all day. It uses propane, so that's a bummer, but these are incredible. Far more heat output, but you can dial it back. (I also have one of those dish style) It has an oxygen and tip over sensor, so it is crazy safe. I use one in my ice shack, and these things can take abuse.
I don't remember if I mentioned this in the Ars thread, but the Mr. Heater Buddy is a fantastic propane heater. I used one for all the years I lived in Ramona (desert nights get cold!), and it's still going strong. It's rated for indoor use, too.
[edit] There is a reasonable amount of water produced by burning propane, but in the desert it was a bonus, as it made nosebleed-dry air a little more tolerable. Something to be aware of, though.
When you need better range in the winter what do you think about small kerosene/ethanol heater in the cabin? http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1454884480&sr=8-4&keywords=kerosene+heater
Says in the Q&A that some people use it indoors just fine but you need to crack a window. Which defeats the purpose, and tells me that it's not in fact safe to use indoors.
This one uses propane instead and is safe indoors:
http://www.amazon.ca/F232000-000-BTU-Indoor-Safe-Portable-Radiant/dp/B002G51BZU
I've got a Mr. Heater Buddy for my tiny camper:
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
It's approved for indoor use and you can get a propane tank to hook it to that will last you months. For my camper I basically use it to take the edge off.
One item that has been indespensible: http://smile.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448153698&sr=8-3&keywords=mr+heater
Works nicely inside, and even takes the benzomatic propane bottles for brazing. Which, while the coleman green ones were sold out, no one had touched the benzomatics.
THIS is what we use. But we still use a sleeping bag. heats it up enough to where you can put on your pj's though.
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/
Mr Heater portable propane heater for those cold nights.
A couple of relatively simple things:
- An inverter that you can run off your car that could power your furnace (and know how to make the connections before you need it).
- An indoor safe propane heater like this:
(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.
>Should I bring a normal rod too?
Wouldnt recommend but there's no reason it can't theoretically work.
>Are there state laws about setting up shanties on the ice?
Look up laws for where you are. In MN I believe you have to be at least 10' from anyone else and you have to have a permit to leave your shelter up without you in it. Try not to be too close to someone else unless youre fishing a tightly focused spot-on-the-spot. 99% of people are nice though
>Fires on the ice if its thick enough
Yes, you can use heaters at any ice thickness. Ice insulates itself extremely well and heat rises away from the ice. There might be a tiny puddle of water under a heater after a full day of fishing. Gold standard for heaters is Mr Heater brand, I'd recommend this one or they make a bigger one if youre heating a large space or want to sweat in your shelter lol
>What kind of lures/bait should I use?
Way too broad to give you any concrete answer but my favorite jigs are Demons by Custom Jigs and Spins. Make sure you get the ones that glow. Pink, red and blue are my favorites. They sell these pretty much everywhere you can buy fishing tackle. Note that larger number means smaller size here; I recommend size 4-6 for walleyes and 8-12 for panfish.
So if youre starting from nothing I'd recommend...
- Some kind of sled like this to pull your stuff out on, the bigger the better imo
- Some type of ice house like this that pops up. Doesnt have to be that one specifically but something of that style. Theyre super light and compact but can be difficult to set up on windy days, would not recommend on days where wind is above 15mph.
- your hand auger and some kind of heater
- 2 rod/reels. One combo thats decent and another that's just cheap. (in most places youre allowed to fish 2 lines simultaneously during winter and i think maybe even 3 some places)
- Fishing LINE that is specially designed for the cold. Jay Siemens recommends braided line but I really dont. Good quality monofilament or fluorocarbon in whatever lb-test youd use normally.
- If you can afford it, some kind of flasher (see video 6 of the video series i linked up top). While theyre not strictly necessary, I cannot possibly overstate how useful they are. I dont ice fish without them anymore. Just get a basic one, see if you can find one used on craigslist or some kind of secondhand marketplace. Lots of people end up upgrading but still have their basic one. I'd recommend the Vexilar FL-8 but MarCum and Humminbird also make good stuff. Dont bother with a fancy one yet. If you have some extra dough, having a flasher with "bottom zoom" is also helpful (vexilar FL18 or FL20) but not necessary. Dont bother with cameras or livescope yet unless you truly have an unlimited budget lol
- Booze to celebrate when the fishing is good and stay entertained when it isn't!
First, your spot is blown. Time to move.
I camped out for two winters while working.
1st winter: In my tent I had an air mattress with a 40° bag on top, a 10° mummy bag on top of that that I was in, and a thick comforter on top of that. An air mattress won't insulate you from the cold by itself. Put something between you and the mattress.
The second winter I bought a Mr Buddy heater, a 15lb propane tank and a 10' hose. Get the heater that is square. It's closer to the ground to keep your feet warm if you need to change clothes before you bail in the morning. It's made for either the little one pound bottles or hooking to a big tank. They're made for tents. I had a tent that was big enough to stand up in, and could handle two queen size air mattresses. It was a Walmart six man tent. I kept the tank outside the tent and fed the hose through the opening for electrical cables.
Tent: Ozark Trail 6 Person Dome Outdoor Camping Tent https://www.walmart.com/ip/390708302
It has a built in regulator so don't get a hose with a regulator.
Hose: They make 3 of them. This one doesn't need a fuel filter. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=mr+buddy+heater&qid=1669000773&sr=8-2#
You can get a regular bbq propane tank anywhere. The first one is gonna run you about $60. After that you exchange them for around $20. Usually lasted me a month or so, and I never cared how much I was using. Also used it for a two burner stove. Just disconnect the hose from heater, screw into stove.
I wound up putting a 10x20 tarp over the tent and found some fleece used for crafts that I stuffed where the rainfly stood off the tent in front. I was smoking weed in a tshirt in 20 degrees.
You're probably gonna hear people who've never done it tell you not to put a heater in your tent. These are designed for it. Obviously don't do it in a short tent. I cooked in my tent too.
If you can swing it it's a sweet setup. I showed it to other homeless campers and they all bought the same stuff. None of us had an issue .
This one is both portable and wireless:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
Europe will not cut off residential heating unless something goes horribly wrong -- it'll cut off industry first -- but it will doubtless try to tamp down on residential energy use as far as possible by letting prices rise a lot.
I did point out, a while back, that there are some other small heaters that don't rely on natural gas or energy sources bound to natural gas.
> Electrical resistance heaters can only help so much, because the EU also relies on natural gas to generate electricity. It does let coal and whatnot be used to the extent that generation capacity still exists, I guess. > >There are a couple of other options that come to mind. I'm not sure how far they can scale in time. > >It's possible to use small propane heaters. I recall some Italian guy here talking about using a propane stove, so I know that there are propane users and suppliers and infrastructure in Europe. > >Looks like these: > >https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ > >I've not heard of people using them in the US, but I recall that in East Asia, use of small kerosene heaters are common. Look kinda like this: > >https://www.amazon.com/Sengoku-KeroHeat-Portable-Convection-CV-23K/dp/B00E9UNNB0/ > >Finally, Japan -- which isn't known for having good or sometimes any insulation, despite having areas with cold climates, uses what's called a kotatsu. That (probably, depending upon the type one uses) requires electricity, but it's pretty efficient, as it's only heating a small, insulated space, and it's also designed to pool body heat from multiple people. Does kind of constrain a family to one room of the house, though the Japanese seem okay with it. > >https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu > >All of the above could be combined with a reduced whole-house temperature -- just heat the particular room one is in. > >I know that some places in Europe still burn coal directly for home heating, and I imagine that they're sitting pretty, though I bet the air pollution is going to be pretty epic this winter if lots of people are doing that. > >https://notesfrompoland.com/2021/05/21/poland-to-stop-subsidising-coal-fired-heaters-under-clean-air-programme/ > >> The programme was relaunched in May last year to make it easier for people to apply to have their heaters exchanged and to shorten waiting times. But by the start of this year, only 70,000 old-fashioned coal furnaces had been replaced from a target of three million within ten years, reported Gazeta Wyborcza. > >I suppose the 2022-2023 winter being partially-already-handled in Poland may be a silver lining of that program not really going anywhere.
Electrical resistance heaters can only help so much, because the EU also relies on natural gas to generate heat. It does let coal and whatnot be used to the extent that generation capacity is still used.
There are a couple of other options. I'm not sure how far they can scale in time.
It's possible to use small propane heaters. I recall some Italian guy here talking about using a propane stove, so I know that there are propane users in Europe.
Looks like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
I've not heard of people using them in the US, but I recall that in East Asia, use of small kerosine heaters are common. Look kinda like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sengoku-KeroHeat-Portable-Convection-CV-23K/dp/B00E9UNNB0/
Finally, Japan -- which isn't known for having good or sometimes any insulation, despite having areas with cold climates, uses what's called a kotatsu. That (probably, depending upon the type one uses) requires electricity, but it's pretty efficient; it's designed to pool body heat from multiple people. Does kind of constrain a family to one room of the house, though the Japanese seem okay with it.
Get 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_8V0VSGHJQ6M1KJZMNTY6
Hm, batteries are good for running filters but when talking about heating they have pretty limited capacity. Regular 65Ah car battery would run 100W heater 65Ah/((110V/100W)*(110V/12V)) = about 6½ hours. Not very viable for longer times.
One solution would be getting some propane heater which doesn't need electricity and is indoor safe.. like these: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU It only fits small bottle but with hose like this: https://www.amazon.com/SHINESTAR-Braided-Connects-Portable-Appliances/dp/B07VWV185K/ you can connect whatever size gas bottle to it (i'm not what sizes you have in US), around here 10kg (about 20lbs) bottles are common and such would run that heater about 50 hours at full power.
And for aeration (or diy filter) you can use those small USB air pumps.. I got one in mail today, it seems same as these: https://www.amazon.com/Mylivell-Portable-Aquarium-Hydroponic-Supplies/dp/B07S47F578/
Because they are usb powered they can be run with several things if electricity is off, power bank and laptops can run such for days but it can also be run with plain old batteries with bit of tinkering (or power bank which has that feature).
And when you have working air pump you can do something like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJM57Rl7Kzc
Just take sponge/bio media from existing filter and stuff in such plastic bottle. It won't be very powerful filter but it will keep beneficial bacteria alive and kicking and also move water enough to provide oxygen.
I did quite a bit of research a few months ago. To prepare, I got this indoor safe, propane powered space heater, this large flashlight/phone charger, this propane powered camping stove stove (not indoor safe), obviously some propane, and handheld flashlights.
The space heater puts out a ton of heat, and has an exposed flame. It is probably not safe around children or pets.
Yeah, they're way too expensive. This is really nice for a quick emergency. Saved my butt once w/no power. Mr. Heater.
There are some propane heaters that are safe to run indoor. See this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S9M2MNYY8TJ1H7A00EMT for an example.
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_PYAF1WZE4BYMYBFZ08XE
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
Look into a small portable propane heater. I found this one at Lowes portable propane heater and it gets so comfy and warm.
Basically, this. It's rated for indoor use and the propane canisters are a standard type that are usually easy to find as long as you stock up before the emergency.
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
Also, it's a good idea to invest in a carbon monoxide detector if you run any type of gas heater indoors just to be safe.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-CO605-Monoxide-Detector/dp/B014KEPQLE/
I ordered one of these last week. Sucks to have to spend the money, especially in Texas, but these are the times we live in. I also got a single burner camping stove for about 30 bucks.
Get a Mr. Buddy with a 20 lb. tank & extension hose. Easy to use, and will heat the tent in moments.
I went with this
With this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08P7H13Q4?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image
And 2 20 gallon (gas grill sized) propane tanks.
So $240 gets you about a week of reliable heat for one room.
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
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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_38N1FN55JK8B474QZAYR
We use ours year round. Here's one from a ski trip tip Yellowstone last December
Obviously, you need to dry camp in winter. No water in the lines or tanks. (Be extra sure to drain that water heater)
And the floor could be better insulated. Right now we wear warm slippers to deal with it, but I've got plans to put in some insulating foam panels under the floor, and to sheet over the foam with sheet metal or plastic for protection.
The heater does a great job of heating it up. But the furnace IS loud, and its cycling can keep you up at night. So we bought a Buddy Heater ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU ) and run it on low through the coldest night. Buddy heaters are quiet. Mostly we just bring a good down comforter and wear hats to bed and we do just fine.
Additional Winter Emergency Prep on a budget for those of us in apartments:
- Make a plan now and stick with it. Plan now. Act now. No regrets for inaction later.
- Open purchases up and make sure everything works and that you don't need any extra parts to make things work. Nothing is reliable/works until you have verified it as working and in good order. Restock materials if needed. There's a reason Apt Complexes do yearly fire inspections. Things break, get used, ect.
- Try to pick the smallest room possible to setup as your warm-room. Or use a tent with a rain cover.
- Think ahead and game everything possible out.
- Heat.
- Water.
- Food.
- Pet's needs.
- Clothing.
- Lighting.
- Use mylar emergency blankets to insulate the windows. Bought in bulk and using very little space, this is a great way to add extra insulation in an emergency.
- You can get them for about a dollar each.
- Get push-pins from the dollar store to tack them in place.
- Back off the edges of the windows by over an inch so that you aren't pushing into the aluminum cornering that you won't pierce.
- Buy a propane powered heater designated safe to operate in enclosed spaces with an adapter kit to run it off of a 20lb propane tank.
- This link is to one such heater that is currently $50 off the normal price. (non-affiliate link)
- Adjust the flame so that it's as all-blue as possible. Any yellow flame means that the flame is not burning efficiently. This means extra carbon-monoxide and a waste of propane.
- Get an adapter kit with a regulator to run it off of larger propane tanks as this costs less than buying a bunch of smaller propane tanks.
- Get your propane now. It stores indefinitely. Within reason, buy as many tanks as you can afford. 4 or 5 should do the trick for both heating and cooking for another multi-day outage.
- Camp stoves are great, but are meant to be used outside. And again the 20lb tank with a regulator is a better buy than the single pound tanks. A case of 6 1lb canisters costs ~$50 on Amazon right now. A 20lb tank can cost as little as $40.
- Sleeping bags aside, put a blanket between you and your mattress.
- Batteries. Buy your batteries now so that when the lights go out you can replace the batteries in your flashlights.
- Regular flashlights and lantern-style. Lighting up a large space efficiently is handy. Being able to shed light on a specific spot for momentary tasks is invaluable.
- There are other sub threads on the parent post here that cover winter clothing and layering much better than I care to right now.
Electric heating is great when you have power, but it just can't compare with flame heating. I have a radiator heater for my room. It's considered super efficient and low cost for heating while also being very safe to operate. My girlfriend wanted me to look into us getting a battery pack of some kind with a solar panel to recharge it so that we could run the radiator off of it. The radiator heater uses 900-1700 watts to operate. At that wattage, any battery you buy is going to drain rather quickly, assuming it can even handle that throughput of wattage all at once. And most budget battery systems or budget gas powered generators won't be able to handle that much wattage being used by a single device. Go with propane. Just make sure it's designed for where you intend to use it or use it for where it's intended to be used.
An indoor safe portable heater.
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
I bought the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU from Amazon a year and a half ago for 70.00.
Get a buddy heater. https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
And some Reflectix. It will insulate the cold side and reflect 98% of the heat generated from inside the caravan. Should heat up a small caravan in about 10 minutes or so. https://www.amazon.com/REFLECTIX-BP24010-x10-Foil-Insulation/dp/B000BPF22U
I've been looking at this one, although I'd need an attachment to hook it up to my barbeque propane tank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/
>usually smoke indoors at a place around the corner from me but covid is changing t
Buddy heaters work great - small, robust and don't need ventilation.
Plug-in ceramic heaters are great, too!
Buddy heater really improved my life last year https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
you buy one built for it on amazon, Mr. be incredibly polite to people answering your questions on reddit.
We are in a similar situation as you, with all electric appliances and no natural gas service. Our preps for five days without power, include:
- A buddy heater or two
- A 2-burner propane camping stove, along with 2lb and 20lb canisters of propane. Also a portable propane grill.
- At least one 20lb adapter hose, allowing you to connect your propane stuff directly to a 20lb (or bigger) tank
- A gasoline-powered portable generator, sized to power a standing freezer and a refrigerator, along with the occasional single appliance (~4000W). We keep maybe 2-3 days' worth of gasoline on-hand for immediate use, and we can store up to 5 days' worth if we have advanced notice. We change the fuel out every 6 months (just pour it into our cars). Modern ethanol gasoline goes bad quickly, so this strikes a balance that keeps gas rotation from being too fussy. Every gas can has a tag on it, with the last fill date written. Gasoline will keep for longer if you get it without ethanol, but those gas stations are harder to find.
- Lithium portable power banks, to keep the phones and tablets charged. The generator (or a small solar panel if desperate) will keep the power banks charged.
The above will cover basic heating, cooking and power for several days; longer if you are willing to stock extra propane.
You don't need to heat the whole house- just one or two common areas, and to keep the pipes from freezing. Pick a designated common room or den, and tack up thick blankets across the doorways to trap the heat in.
I like the appeal of propane-fueled generators, but I have concerns about maintenance. The more affordable dual-fuel generators also tend to come with mushy warranties, and no approved service centers. Would your local engine repair place be able to service a Champion or Westinghouse dual-fuel generator? I dunno.
https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
Run that for a little bit, turn off and go to sleep. Wake up cold, run it again till its hot in there, turn off and go to sleep. Rinse and repeat as needed.
Propane heater
Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy 4,000-9,000-BTU Indoor-Safe Portable Propane Radiant Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G51BZU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_A6yDDb4CB1JKR
And for when it's hot , we hang on the Olympic peninsula
Electric blanket is an energy hog, not worth it.https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
On Amazon.com most 12V heaters have pretty bad reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=12v+heater
Heating a van is sometimes a pretty controversial topic in this subredddit.
Most vandwellers use a propane Portable Mr. Buddy Heater:
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
Remember to keep your windows open a little for ventilation.
A Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector is also recommended.
I would use one of these. http://smile.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/
Safe for indoor use. Just spent a night last weekend in a tent with this running on low all night. Cozy!
What altitude will you be at? Are you using a Mr. Buddy?
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU
It doesn't snow here in L.A. so I don't worry about heating, but I have herd from a lot of people here that this is the perfect thing to own if it snows where you are, or if it is too cold. http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU I'd suggest you give it a try for the winter. It has really good rating here and in amazon, so it likely is very good. It has a built in detector for oxygen levels, but you should also pick up a Co2 sensor. I got one. Go check out the ford transit connect with the EcoBoost engine. It is smaller than the express, but has better millage. If you want MPG go for the Transit Connect, but if you want space then Try out the Chevrolet Express, or if you have the money pick up the Long Wheel Base Ram Pro master. It is half a foot longer than the Long Wheel Base Chevrolet Express. Anything longer than that is a Mini-Bus and those won't give you great MPG. Longest vans are the Long Wheel Base Chevrolet Express and the Long Wheel Base Ram ProMaster. The ProMaster being Half a foot longer than the Express. It'll be expensive to own an RV+Car. If you use the shower/toilet you will also have to go to a dump station every so often and refill the water tank. These are just things you will have to do on top of everything else. I don't recommend dumping the water on the street since it gives a bad image. If you do get an RV though I suggest you get like a Geo metro, something that gives you a lot of MPG because you will be returning to the same location everyday. I guess it would depend on how mobile you want to be. For me I travel about 10-15 miles mon - sat then do about 20 - 25 on sunday. Not much, but it is better to stay at the place you are going to than having to return to your RV on a daily basis. It just doubles the drive. that also cuts down on the MPG of the car you use since you have to drive around more. Then there are the other expenses I mentioned. If the RV has the fridge, stove, toilet, heater, ac, pump, and electricity working then it could be worth it. but you have to make sure they work. It would be like returning to a regular house. Other wise it would be like going back to a large boxy van.
If you're car camping in cold temperatures a lot, and have a little spare floor space and decent ventilation, a propane heater is a wonderful luxury item. Our Mr Buddy is sufficient for keeping our 10 person tent probably 20F warmer than outside. Camping with groups of friends who spend a lot of nights in the the cold, everyone who comes in our tent and experiences it winds up buying one of their own...
Burns through 2 1lb propane bottles per night, unless you have a 20lb tank w/ adapter and extension hose so you can store it outside the tent.
Again, you MUST have a vent open, though. Maybe even a battery powered CO alarm. CO poisoning is no joke.
indoor safe propane heater, making one is going to be harder then you think, buying an electric one is a much better(and safer) idea imo
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