Is It Safe To Run A Little Buddy Propane Heater In A Tent?

[@DaveMarx-t1t]

I'm literally homeless and winter is coming so I just want to say thank you for such a useful review.

[@MikeWilley]

Sorry to hear about your circumstances. Glad to be able to help out a little bit. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your feedback.

[@jodellcook1747]

I live in my van...this is a P.O.S HEATER.... DOESN'T last long

[@Bighannes410]

Hope you have a good year bro

[@newenglandoutdoorlore]

Good video! I've had my little buddy for maybe 5 years now and use it in my 8X8 Bigfoot by Clam ice fishing tent and it works just right depending how cold it is out. On warmer days I have to take my coat off it's so toasty in there. 👍

[@MikeWilley]

So awesome. I've never had the opportunity to Ice Fish. Definitely a bucket list item. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@newenglandoutdoorlore]

Nowadays, if I can get out 3 or 4 times a year then I'm good. I used to go more when time allowed. It definitely helps break up the winter blues and cabin fever. lol @@MikeWilley

[@fiddler1861]

I live my Little Buddy for camping in a rooftop tent with lower floor addition. I got a short section 4 in ch pvc pipe, and a toilet flange pvc, and mounted those to a 14 circle plywood scrap. The green propane tanks just fit, and the board makes it really sturdy. I don 't use the plastic base that cam with it.

[@MikeWilley]

Love it. Ive been trying to come up with something to provide heat safely inside my RTT. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@sx20Ramar]

I've been running a Big Buddy with a 20lb tank in the cold months, in my living room, for the last 15 seasons. I run it on medium (9000 btu's) and it keeps both dining & living room nice in evening when watching TV. Old house with drafty doors & windows.

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@TinyGoHomes]

I ran mine during the freedom convoy in my hummer in the passenger foot area. I mounted a usb fan over it and opened the window where I have a rain guard. I ran into someone who told me he been doing it for years so I took him to his word and tried it. Perfect little unit for saving fuel. Since it’s the smallest one it burns the least amount but still gives great heat for survival scenarios. I built a base for it so it’s way more stable and now it’s a one piece unit. Can still use 1lb and big tanks. It’s light enough with a 1lb tank you can carry it around with you for heat on the go.

[@MikeWilley]

Thats awesome. I love this thing. With some creativity like yours, its incredible for all kinds of situations. Thank You for your service and I appreciate you watching.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Freedom convoy? You mean Snowflakes daytrip.

[@MivhaelMemes]

@@hawsrulebegin7768nice

[@SystemofaDowns]

🤭

[@daviddegrote5174]

Just used mine to heat up my 99 sq ft tent up here in Alaska. Temperatures dropped down to about 43°F. I would love to say this thing kept up but the tent was too tall. This is year 3 of having and using it sparingly, and I accidentally left it outside, uncovered all winter. Thing lit right up with zero issues.

[@MikeWilley]

Awesome feedback David. Thanks for watching.

[@97smerch]

Was it just the 3800 BTU model or a bigger one?

[@shevelleht]

We used ours this weekend along with a usb fan in the ceiling of our marmot fortress 3p tent. It wasn’t long before we were coming out of the sleeping bags and turning the heater off 🥵 lol

[@MikeWilley]

It can put out some heat for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@bebopkirby]

Nice review. Have heard they run for about 6 hours at 7-9 dollars a propane pop, plus no adjustment switch gives me pause for concern.

[@mazingerzeta777]

LOL

[@chicagochris1988]

I’ve have a big buddy and regular buddy and have had them for a couple years. I have used them in tents and rvs over many cold nights and winters and never died lol. They are amazing. If you fill Your one pound tanks yourself or get the adapter hose for a 20lb tank they work great for a little extra heat or for main heat. Never had an issue in 4 years of them in enclosed spaces

[@MikeWilley]

Awesome feedback. Thanks for the support.

[@yezzir5464]

Thanks. Heat went out on one side of my car. Costs about $1,100 to get fixed. And getting new car in next 30-45 days. Using this for about 10 mins before I hop in. Thanks for the info!

[@MikeWilley]

Love the creativity. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@UnknownUnknown-vv6hb]

Love that heater I once forgot my cooking propane burners and all I had was that heater , I threw some hotdogs in the front face of the Mr Heater😂😂😂 and it cooked hots dogs right up , and they tasted good lol

[@MikeWilley]

Literally watched a KZbin video last night where a backpacker cooked his food on it. Love the creativity. Thanks for watching.

[@888infinitewisdom]

Hi there, thinking to buy one for cold weather car/tent camping. Wondering if it’s safe to use in an 8 person tent? Worried about co2 and that I could die in my sleep ! :(

[@MikeWilley]

Absolutely, just follow the recommendations in the video. Thanks for watching.

[@aycandy805]

Hi! I'm researching these right now for tent cabins in Yosemite. I'm going to buy a portable carbon monoxide detector to use with it....

[@carmenmartinez2882]

@@aycandy805. I was just in Yosemite in mid April and used it, just make sure you bring a carbon monoxide detector and crack a window just a couple of inches, I have a Gazelle T3 and slept like a baby.

[@GPS-rr1fo]

You can set in in a milk crate with your extra bottles and the the tip over problem is solved. Been using one in my Lucky’s Blind portable deer blind here in Michigan for years using the milk crate method with no issues. The Buddy Heater Golf Cart model is even smaller for smaller tents.

[@MikeWilley]

Nice hack. Thanks for watching.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

I run my Mr. heater in my tent all the time when cold, I warm up the tent then put it in pilot, crack a window and always with a carbon monoxide detector, the pilot keeps us (myself and dog) warm enough all night after I ran it on low for about 10 minutes, I have a Gazelle T3 thus not a small tent and this works perfectly for me making it comfortable when temperatures dip into low 30s to upper 20s and of course a good sleeping bag. 1 lbs canister can last me almost 3 nights this way. The one thing is that I will not run it without the carbon monoxide detector.

[@MikeWilley]

Its a awesome device. I'm going on a trip to Ricketts Glen next week and night time temps are supposed to be in the 30's. I think I'm going to fire it up for the season. Thanks for contributing.

[@itr0863]

I’m going camping with my son this weekend and temps will be in the low to mid 40s at night. I think what I’ll do is I’ll run it until my son falls asleep and then I’ll stay up for maybe another half hour and then shut it off when we go to bed. Thank you so much for the video.

[@MikeWilley]

I get it. Its kind of nerve racking at first but you'll see. Its money.

[@itr0863]

@ literally just got back from the camping trip with my son a few hours ago. Lows at night were low 40s. Thats cold for florida haha. But i ran it til he fell asleep and turned it off then went to bed. Woke up both nights around 2am freezing just to crank it up again and it got warm so fast. Its so easy to use and turn off! Takes no time to get my gazelle pop up tent nice and toasty. Used one propane canister for 2 nights. Thanks again! Its a perfect mix of size/portability and how quick it can warm up a tent

[@user-xm6oq9gz9u]

I bought this before watching this video. It really work well to warm up my mini camper van but I can’t stand the smell. Just doesn’t feel healthy to me. Going to return mine tomorrow and just do a diesel heater

[@MikeWilley]

All fuel based heaters will have some smell but I completely understand. I don't think theres anything harmful from it but the last thing you want is to be worried about something like that when you're supposed to be having fun. I like the diesel heater idea but thats more of an investment financially. Thanks for watching and good luck.

[@brianthegreat1-j4w]

Same here I tried it in the back of a truck shell. The first couple hours I felt dizzy, cracked more windows then I felt ok. Oil burning off?

[@bike4him589]

I may have missed it, but what was the outside temp?

[@MikeWilley]

I don't recall the outside temp but I think its in the video. Thanks for watching.

[@GigaHuxpin]

I have to smoke in my All Wooden shed that is easily 30 feet by 20 feet and is about as tall as my one story trailer home. I just bought this thing today and literally have not even put it together. First I want to ask, can I have candles for light at the same time as using this thing? Second I want to know if I should leave one of the doors open for ventilation? And lastly, is the CO going to kill me if I am in the shed with the doors closed?

[@MikeWilley]

I wouldn't use candles (with real fire) in any roof top tent ever. Leaving a door open is unnecessary. The CO will not become dangerous in a small environment like a shed however I'd suggest making sure you have a alarm detector whenevery you're using it anywhere other than outside.

[@Simsonlover222]

what would your advice be for a tent this size with something you can regulate the temperature?

[@MikeWilley]

Advice regarding what? The little buddy is perfect for a tent this size.

[@Simsonlover222]

@@MikeWilley sorry my english is not the best :D i watched the video and you said that the temperature is just too high for this tent, i figured out there is no real solution, except for maybe putting the heater outside with the right distance to bring the heat from outside in the tent :o these heaters have a minimum heat energy wich cant get lower than the minimum, thats why these heaters are not perfect for putting in tents smaller sizes :o

[@serendipity-f3r]

Pretty good test. He is using the same device I have which is a carbon monoxide monitor. Its job is to warn of dangerous CO levels. It is not designed to continuously report the CO level. If the alarm went off, only then would the number change from zero.

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the input.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

Also if that's a co detector co is lighter than air so it'd be better in the roof pocket

[@geraldmcneal7110]

Will this work in a van or suv if going camping and sleeping in a van or suv and not die from carbon if no issues with carbon in would work in a small rv no issues

[@MikeWilley]

100% but make sure you have the Carbon Monoxide detector. Its designed for confined spaces.

[@davefletch3063]

Lil buddy, buddy and big buddy are awesome and work great

[@MikeWilley]

I'd agree completely. Thanks for watching and contributing.

[@Yowzoe]

Can you adjust the amount of heat on the regular size Mr. Buddy? In other words can you have a very, very low setting on it?

[@thomastaylor2513]

How warm was it outside when you did this test

[@MikeWilley]

50's I believe.

[@Coyote5555]

This was a great test! apprecite the effort

[@MikeWilley]

Thank you for the support.

[@chuckhines459]

Mine has fallen out of the stand a few times wish they made the canister fit tighter in it.

[@MikeWilley]

Good to know. Thanks for the feedback and I appreciate you watching.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

My stand fits really tight

[@STho205]

Next size up Buddy heater $70 is much more stable and hard to tip. Walmart now sells the old DynaGlow heater for $50 to compete with Buddy. However in a small nylon tent I just use a nalgene filled with boiling water and stuff it in a sock in my bedroll. Lasts about 4-6 hrs.

[@STho205]

As you mentioned the biggest issue with this model is putting it somewhere stable if you have a small tent...while sleeping. If sitting up as you did here...fine, but there is no safe place for a tight tent with 1 or 2 restless sleepers. I only use them in my canvas A frame when I'm sleeping on a cot.

[@MikeWilley]

Awesome contribution. Thank You

[@MikeWilley]

You definitely need to be very careful when in close spaces. Don't want to wake up unexpectedly hot. Thanks for commenting.

[@Connollyoutdoors]

Done it many times in a hot tent. It’s safe never had a problem!

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for contributing and watching.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

Hot tents are different because they vent at the bottem and co2 is heavier than air

[@einthomas9981]

Is it safe to put it in front of the tent facing door. Afraid burning tent door. Like, what's the safe distance facing tent door and still capable of warming up the tent?

[@MikeWilley]

I would try and maintain 8-10" clearance but the heat dissipates fairly quickly as you move away from the unit.

[@einthomas9981]

@MikeWilley Thank you so much! I will try this

[@ericj810]

If it worked in a tent that small, ( abit of a tight space for the heater ) it should do fine in a taller bigger teardrop camper id think.

[@MikeWilley]

I think your right for the most part. It may struggle a little once you get into 4+ person tents but it'd still take the edge of at a minimum. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@zom8863]

Your starting temp was 59.5 and the highest temp I saw was 63. What would happen if your starting temp was 40? Or 30? Is it only warm right in front of it (radiant)? Exploring options for mid season tent camping in temps going down to 30's.

[@MikeWilley]

I'm not positive on that but I'd say it would be close to the same ratio at those temps. I'll try to remember to test it out this winter. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AbsolutelyCasual]

The tip sensor is right under the heating unit. That's why it tips at an upward angle. If it doesn't stay at that angle, it will turn off. That is the rattle you hear when you move it around., I just bought the little buddy. And I bought it for my car. That does not have any heat in 2006 Ford. Fusi'm watching this video in hopes to figure out if I'm safe using it in such a small space. A packaging and advertisement says it is safe to use in confined spaces. But I was still kind of nervous. I don't have any experience. It's using stuff like this. But it's sitting right on top of my cup. Holders wedged in between the cushions safely to the point where it doesn't even move. But I still keep my hand covering near it. I want to take tighter turns., I will mainly just use it to defrost my windows before I even start driving but I figured my first time using it. I might as well test it for the whole 20 minute. Drive to See How Well It Does Like I Said. It's not really 14 more for just clearing my windows.

[@MikeWilley]

In my experience, the heater is incredibly safe and works very efficiently. I wouldn't fear using it in most situations however I always keep a carbon monoxide detector around just in case. Little Buddy was literally designed for small spaces. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

It says it's not supposed to be used in moving vehicles

[@jamesjohnson3302]

How long did the gas last on this?

[@MikeWilley]

Not sure about the exact time. Thanks for watching.

[@kevgoes]

About 5hrs from my experience

[@cobyveron]

3:15😂😂 yup thats a no for me

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Wyldyflower]

Hey thanks for this!

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for watching Wyldyflower

[@CarterCrap-22]

How big would ya say your tent is area wise? I’ve got a 8ftx6ft truck bed shell that I’ll be heating up. You think itll be safe oxygen wise? I don’t have decent sized vents on both sides of the shell.

[@MikeWilley]

27-28 sq ft. I have no idea but take a detector and let us know. I think it would be fine but I can't say because every tent is different.

[@Yowzoe]

Did you try one of the buddy heaters in your truck shell? What did you find out? Did you use a buddy or did you end up with something else? Thanks.

[@madventuresnstuff9178]

Do you think this will be safe for 2 dogs around 15lbs and 6lbs dogs?

[@MikeWilley]

I don't think any heater in a tent would be safe with any dogs. I have two dogs and I would never try this with dogs. It has a safety tip over switch but I don't like to test the universe like that. lol

[@NateHodge-o3y]

As long as you tent has ground and roof vents, carbon monoxide is lighter than air and would get pushed out the roof vent and carbon dioxide is heavier so it'll get pushed out of the ground vents. I use mine with mine in a 4 person tent with my cat but my cat is on an elevated bed above the ground vents. I just use it for about 15 minutes at a time to warm up the tent every half hour or so before I fall asleep

[@dusty59smith]

How A Bout A Small Fan Light Combo Hang From Top To A Push Warm Sir Down And Move Air Around...

[@MikeWilley]

Thats a great idea. One of the wireless ones would do perfectly. Thanks for commenting.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

Where do you get those? Are they rechargeable?

[@NateHodge-o3y]

It would be nice to see if the co2 detector you bought was reliable. Someone tested 30 co2 detects and 40% of them didnt go off in hazardous conditions

[@MikeWilley]

It was brand new 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@NateHodge-o3y]

@MikeWilley all the detectors in this experiment were also brand new. They tested different brands not a bunch of random ones from a thrift store.....?

[@ag5gar347]

What about the bigger buddy heater?

[@MikeWilley]

I have one but I've never tried it in a tent that small however i'd say it is probably a bit to big for this tent since the Little Buddy heated things up really quick and well.

[@fiddler1861]

I have a two story rooftop tent. The Little Buddy heater raises is about 20 degrees. The Mr Buddy heater needs a timer, because it makes it really warm in a few hours.

[@paulwilliams2024]

I used a buddy heater and I just leave the tent door open to prov sufficient ventilation

[@MikeWilley]

I recommend just getting an alarm. Their fairly cheap and this heater is made for that environment.

[@DoritosResidue]

I just used my buddy heater in a 6 person tent while camping this past weekend . I didn't keep it on the whole night only when I felt it get too cold. I didn't die lol. Next time I'll definitely have some carbon monoxide alarm

[@MikeWilley]

Definitely better to play it safe. Thanks for the contribution and I appreciate you watching.

[@farmkess1931]

You didn't test the heater to stop if tilted.

[@MikeWilley]

My bad. It works. Thanks for watching.

[@dadandlokiinthewoods8806]

I use my heater in my 9x7 dome tent all the time. Common sense kids, it has a rain fly, sits 2 inches above the tent. Ventilation handled. Please stop being worried about everything.

[@MikeWilley]

Its education and to be fair, you didn't know what you do know....until you learned it. Everyone is at different levels of that and if we are tired of dealing with uneducated people, we need to teach them. Some people are just really stupid, I get it.

[@dadandlokiinthewoods8806]

@@MikeWilley very true. I keep forgetting that not all people have the same knowledge. It just seems people are scared or worried about everything now a days

[@HomeschoolHistoryShow]

I think I have that same tent.

[@MikeWilley]

Awesome tent. Thanks for watching.

[@jdmartinezrmz111]

My co sensor read 19 ppm

[@MikeWilley]

Very interesting. Thanks for the feedback.

[@NateHodge-o3y]

Osha standard says you're not allowed to work in anything over 50ppm for 8 hours

[@keithloucks7167]

As an Engineer who has designed propane/ natural gas heating systems, direct burn system require a CO sensor that will shut down the system to meet code. Use at your own peril.

[@Outback69]

Got the Kobalt one the blue is better

[@MikeWilley]

lol, all I care about is it working.

[@VoyagersQuest-c4m]

You never put the monoxide meter on floor . Can’t measure anything like that . Monoxide is lighter than dioxide , so goes on top.

[@MikeWilley]

Excellent point. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@SamOlson-ik4mu]

If your highest monoxide levels are at the floor, why wouldn't you want the detector at the floor to pick up the highest reading? Also where you are breathing?

[@knarfster]

$430 for the tent? A Tarptent Rainbow weighs 4 oz less (carbon fiber pole) and costs more than $100 less. been using one for over a decade.

[@MikeWilley]

Good to know. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AgitatedDrifter]

Has your lil buddy ever quit working? And if so, what was the problem?

[@MikeWilley]

Never had a problem with it outside of simply running out of fuel. I assume you've had some issues?

[@volvotango8363]

How long does a canister last running non stop?

[@petertosh4748]

They got pills for that now...

[@noahbaker-kang5148]

@@petertosh4748wow 😂

[@youngboyharless9769]

5-6 hours they claim​@@volvotango8363

[@mario373a]

Just worried about the carbon monoxide risk. Not worth it. Good video tho!

[@MikeWilley]

I get it. I wouldn't suggest it without a reliable monitor thats been tested just prior to use.

[@leeinwis]

3:45

[@MikeWilley]

Thanks for watching.

[@joeblow8206]

Why would you use this in a tent???? Its called a sleeping bag people

[@MikeWilley]

JoeBlow, I'm don't think you've been camping in the actual cold. Sleeping bags are great but come 4am you'll be shivering if its cold enough.

[@XploreAz]

Why would anyone start a campfire? It’s called a jacket. 😂 Get over yourself dude.

[@georgeenke7482]

So…. ZERO concern about carbon dioxide with these little dudes?

[@MikeWilley]

I didn't say that. I said to take a monitor, the product is designed for small spaces, has a safety shut off, and when used responsibly is more than safe for using in most tents.