3 Ultimate Mr Heater Hacks (Simple Buddy Heater Modifications)

[@workingglass24]

Good video. Another hack is to use a 5 gallon bucket grid (for paint rollers) as a shelf for the fan. It locks perfectly to the handle of my Big Buddy heater.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That makes so much sense. In hindsight, I would do anything I can to not have to cut into the fan.

[@duhdims]

Also for emergency boiling of water or cooking. Much more sturdy than heater grill

[@jamesstuart3346]

Thermal fans are fan-tastic. I stuck two on top of my fireplace insert and the heat output was amazing. Great video! 😊

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

A fan atop my Buddy is what it needed to make it my Best Buddy!! Thanks

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is so great to hear! Like you, we wished we learned this one a little earlier. Such a nice upgrade to have.

[@19baitmaster51]

Been using the grill hack for years. Wrapping leftovers in alum foil, and bringing them with you makes a nice hot meal, instead of a cold sandwich.

[@pobo6113]

This was a great video thanks for posting. I just ordered my 1st buddy heater and have been trying to remember what that fan was. So when I saw the picture I watched your video. Did enjoy it. Thanks again. 👍🏻

[@martinschulz9381]

Right on...some helpful tips. A good way to stabilize and transport those propane tanks is to put them in an old fashioned milk crate box. They fit perfectly like those boxes like were made for them. My wife and I use a milk crate box when we put the tank/heater in our boat. Most outdoor stores sell them. They have million other uses as well.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great sounds suggestion. Thank you!

[@vangazmicvoyage5077]

Thank you so much for sharing. This device would have made the two years I lived in a van much more bearable in the winter.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You’re most welcome. Two years in a van that’s great. Out of curiosity, if you don’t mind us asking, what caused you to stop?

[@vangazmicvoyage5077]

@@PlayingwithSticks Pandemic. I shared van life with my disabled son for three years but the pandemic closed all campgrounds, national parks, national forests. Losing all the Planet Fitness locations too threw a monkey wrench in the works, we relied on them for showers and overnight parking, or, boondocking. They're open 24 hours and they don't mind us staying the night. We were forced to retreat to my camp in northern Maine for five months but it's uninhabitable in winter so we're now hunkered down in an apartment in the Bangor area for the duration of the pandemic. When it's safe to travel again we'll take frequent road trips but keep the apartment as base camp. Stop by my channel and check out our vanlife and travel videos. 😎 🚐

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@vangazmicvoyage5077 This comment was tough to read. Sorry to hear about all that. Hoping things get turned around sooner than later. Definitely will check out the channel.

[@denverdanoreno]

Well done production thank you very much for your efforts. Regards to my mr. Heater little buddy, I'm trying a new method I'm putting 3 cement blocks in front 12in away to pick up the radiant heat and lock it into the cement, retaining heat but also slowly delivering it into the atmosphere around me. The fan is a must that you demonstrated. I forgot about those , brilliant! And the emergency grill for the little buddy perfect!

[@MomIrregardless]

i use the Mr B heater in my pantry in an addition to my house that we keep quite cold. we bought the fan and ours came with a top mounting clip to use. It works like a charm, keeps the entire room (a converted bedroom_ maybe 12 x 15?) well above freezing. a 20 pound propane tank lasts for months, even in 50 below months! we love them!

[@sonny1597]

Was just going to build a portable diesel heater for my Ford Explorer .. but while checking things I ran across this .. and I have a Little Buddy .. I ordered the T fitting and 11 lbs tank from Amazon for $96 .. I like that tank .. good platform for the heater! Thanks

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are going to love that tank Al! We find it really is the perfect size for the drift boat, camper, hunting blind etc. As for the t-fitting. When you get it if the heater doesn't face the right direction you just need to put it on the other side of the tee. Also we just ordered the newer/current version of the tee and it seems to be shaped a little bit different than the original. It still threads on, but it is a bit tight getting your fingers in there. If you plan on threading it on and off often you may want to cut a bit of the plastic on the heater out of the way. This way you can get in there easy without bumping your knuckles.

[@merrittmeyer226]

@@PlayingwithSticks Is the new style you tested the MR.HEATER black pipe tee, part#F271733? With the large black QCC-1 connector?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@merrittmeyer226 No it is not. Interesting. I wonder if that one is more similar to the original I had. The one I purchased this round is amzn.to/3ldgO54

[@getlosttoday4045]

I bet that fan will work with electric heaters too. Best idea for a small camper! Thanks for sharing Drew!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We never even thought of that. Our little 200 watt heaters would be too small, but a larger one that sounds like a fun experiment. Now I just need to get my hands on a larger heater.

[@gericheng3156]

love this channel. good to see the sponsorship of a solid channel and such a professional and authentic endorsement of squarespace tastefully integrated into video.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I really appreciate this comment Geri. You definitely lifted my spirits a bit today.

[@j.w.m.rhynejr9766]

Thanks for the EDUCATION ON EMERGENCY PROBLEM SOLVING!!! AWESOME!! I LIVE ON TEXAS GULF COAST & EVERYONCE IN A WHILE WE GET SPANKED BY MOTHER NATURE HERE ,TOO!!

[@bryanswaykoski9779]

Great video. I found that mounting the fan directly on top of the heater ended up damaging the fan. I built an inexpensive metal frame which allows me to rest the fan about 6 inches higher. No trouble since.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for sharing this Bryan. Always nice to get a good work around.

[@kramerdm]

Was heater on hi or low when it damaged the fan?

[@bryanswaykoski9779]

@@kramerdm it was -34 and gusting winds so the heater was on high setting.

[@brandonkluck]

Yep, I just fried my fan from sitting it directly onto the heater frame. Melted the solder and released the wires. Now the fan blades no longer spin smoothly. It's got a lot of friction. Probably toast, idk. Glad I found this channel

[@kroakjr]

Hey Drew, my wife and I are a retired USAF family. We’ve had a travel trailer, pop up, fifth wheel, truck camper and now a T@g teardrop. We live in MD, but have family in AK. Steph and I have come “full circle” in RVing and I used to teach wilderness survival when I was younger. We are in our late forties now. I LOVE your balance of helpful tips/tricks, but more importantly, we love how you show your family component. Big hugs to you, May, East, and baby. Thx for keeping us inspired! Bless ya, brother! We are subscribers for life.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

First and most important, thank you for your service David. We truly appreciate it. We love running across folks who have gone full circle. So fun to hear from people who have had experience with all sorts of modes of travel. What part of AK does your family live in? The wilderness education sounds fun. One of my degrees is in Outdoor Recreation Management. I got the chance to learn a lot about wilderness survival and live it out a bit. But, unfortunately never got the opportunity like you to teach others. May and I have often said if this channel survives long enough our goal when the boys get a bit older is to integrate a lot more wilderness survival. We were hoping to maybe do it in a fun/game competitive way such as who can build the most improvised fire, fastest fire, etc. We thought it would really benefit the boys and then maybe give me the chance to one day teach a little bit about what I have learned. Especially around cold water survival as that was my main thesis, internship, and first career here in Alaska. Thank you so much for the kind words and hugs! Backcountry was kind enough to reach out to us for another sponsored video, which means we will be adding an extra video to our November or early December regular posting schedule. Meaning the family will be back as the main focus soon, as it is a video where we take them out snowshoeing and sharing our tips on winter camping destinations.

[@kroakjr]

@@PlayingwithSticks , our family in AK lives outside of JB Elmendorf-Richardson. Thanks for the kinds words, and I’m kinda jealous with your degree. I grew up in the Ozarks of MO, and always wanted to work for the MO Conservation Dept. since I was a kid. At 47, Alas! The good Lord had other plans for me, and now I’m trying to get back to my childhood dreams by staying in touch with your channel. Best of luck on your channel, and we’ll keep following.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@kroakjr What a great place to grow up. We have been camping through Missouri, but never the Ozarks. One of my father's favorite places on earth is the Lake of the Ozarks. He has showed us many pictures and told us many stories about the area. It has been high on my bucket list since I was a child. Love the idea of communities on lakes. Your story sounds similar to mine. I never truly used my degree either as God quickly placed me in Rural Alaska through my cold water survival job. For the last 15 years I have been working with preschool kids in the "Bush." An outdoor adventure with them is heading out 1 hour around the tundra, stealing food from mice that they gathered from the winter and picking berries. Not quite the adventure I had imagined for myself, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything.

[@kroakjr]

@@PlayingwithSticks , ok, I think we need to talk! Haha! (Not so Haha!)I have been to 48 out of the 50 states, and my wife is a teacher. My bachelor’s is in education, but you won’t believe what I actually do for a living! I’ll hold that secret until we chat. My wife and I lost our little “special needs” girl last year, (Abby) and we have another graduating this year at Liberty University right now. My youngest, Abby, is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. I am not only envious of your capabilities with technology (geez I want a drone), but I am living vicariously living through you and your family’s adventures. We need to connect, but I don’t know how - through youtube. I have soooo many questions, and I’m one of the few who actually WANT TO LISTEN to the younger generation (albeit I’m a young 40 something) in how we make 1. Less of an impact to ensure the survivability of nature to our kids. 2. We were 80’s kids from the “decadent decade” who loved our luxuries, as well as........... 3. We are kinda middle-aged, (although I refuse to buy it), and we still kayak, camp, hike, enjoy our youth, and try to encourage young folks like you and May to live our dreams for us. My question for you is..... How do we connect outside of FB.? Be blessed, brother. Seriously want to chat. BTW, if you’re on FB, my name is DAVID WEINBERG, and I am the pic of a guy in front of the podium with his finger out.

[@kroakjr]

@@PlayingwithSticks , Stay away from Lake of the Ozarks. You’re best bet is Tablerock Lake down by Branson.

[@keithbrookshire]

Great information. It looks like the Coleman tee is hard to come by these days but Mr Heater makes a 90 degree connector to hook the Little Buddy heater to a bulk tank. the part # is F276495.

[@williamkilcoyne1666]

Awesome fan hack on the Mr. heater. Just got my fan in from Amazon and tested it. Worked like magic. To make this hacks simpler just snip the top wire on the fan protector and use that gap to slide in the fan. That way you don’t have to cut the base of the fan. The metal wire will hold the fan in place through tension. Just snip in the middle with a wire snippers and then bend back.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I'm trying to picture this, but I am struggling. What is the "fan protector"? Like the metal wire for lifting the fan? Oh, wait are you saying snip the top wire on the ceramic heater? That I can picture. Would love to hear back from you. Simple sounds much better!

[@williamkilcoyne1666]

@@PlayingwithSticks sorry about that.... yes snip the top metal wire on the mr buddy. Then bend the wire back slightly to make room for the vertical section of the heat fan. The wire then holds the fan above the ceramic burner of the heat buddy.

[@KurtRein]

I just ordered a fan. I was about to ask what cuts the base of the fan best, until I saw this. Still working out?

[@jimsox881]

The fan doesnt necessarily HAVE to be "connected" to the heater. Just slightly above or behind blowing the rising heat in ANY direction . As long as it's circulating the air .

[@tburda823]

We just did a snow camping trip, and I picked up one of those fans for the buddy heater. I keep it on the floor of the tent under a table, and I used to use a heat reflector. The fan was enough to move 100% of the rising heat out into the tent and we didn't need the heat reflector any more. Using a fluke thermometer we found the temp under the table directly above the fan, and above the table was exactly the same. Before the fan, the temp under the table was hitting 150F and rising. I cant believe that they haven't come up with a fan attachment for these yet. GREAT suggestion.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have been having the same great experience with our fan as you. And just like you we can't understand why they don't have them as well. If I hadn't seen this fan work with my own eyes, I never would have believed how well it works.

[@flipykicker]

That little jumper is pretty coooooool man . Big sized ignition coil there

[@CodeBrownProductions]

Love the video man! Thank you for sharing my channel and I'm glad the hack worked out for you. I've been doing it for a couple of years now and thought I'd share it with the outdoor community that I love. Safe travels man and keep up the cool videos!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

How cool to see you on here! Thank you so much for this modification of yours. It has been such a blessing. At first when we set it up we thought this is nice we get a little airflow and it keeps the heat down. However, once we found the sweet spot over the heat source we were blown away, pun intended, on how powerful this fan can be. It gets going fast and when the temp gets up, this fan really spins! We can feel the heat hitting us across the 13' trailer, which is impressive when before we couldn't even feel it 5 feet away. Wish we had a mind like yours to think of creative things like this. Such a great little gift you gave this outdoor community! Safe travels to you as well.

[@dorianandrei6501]

This came at the perfect time! I was considering a diesel heater but after seeing how simple and portable these are, I’ve made my choice.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The diesel heater definitely has it's place. But, we would suggest running around with one of these first just to help you determine your needs a bit more. Even if you do get a diesel heater, our guess is that you will still carry one of these around to extend your outdoor camping into fall and winter. They are so nice to have early morning when cooking breakfast and having your morning coffee.

[@therandomdad790]

Holy crap heat powered fan!!! what a great idea.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I know right! I wish we were smart enough to come up with that.

[@jimbojones9665]

These are some great ideas. I know from experience that the little buddy will run for 7-8 days on a twenty pound tank. I like how this adapter allows you to attach it straight to the tank. It's much safer than how I did it.

[@hipzwhitetower7413]

Is that nights only or day and night??? I'm going camping next week and would like to know so I can be prepared, thanks.

[@jimbojones9665]

@@hipzwhitetower7413 that's day and night.

[@hipzwhitetower7413]

@@jimbojones9665 wow, thanks you...I'll keep that in mind.

[@mikeymike9118]

I like playing with sticks. So much so, I subscribed.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Much appreciated!

[@Ultrafrozen]

Don't cut the base so much, heat has to transfer through the aluminum up from the base into the guts of the stove fan to make it work. The top fins are the cold side. The difference in temperature between the hot and cold side is what makes it work. Enjoyed the video!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you for this feedback much appreciated. We definitely did a hack job on that base. You’re definitely right if you think about the bottom of the base heating up, this section needs to transfer the heat to through the middle up to the components. When you leave a thin strip like us you’re relying more on radiant heat vs conduction.

[@FuckPedophileBiden]

Thank you! : )

[@jasonstclair1329]

The bottom tab on the fan that lifts it off the hot surface to protect the electrical components will be 100% useless in your application 😉

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I’m not quite sure I understand.

[@denverdanoreno]

Epoxy a magnet on the bottom? Of course you would have to be a very heat resistant epoxy.

[@jeannemariebizeaujohnson8717]

Thermal fans work so well. I bought the buddy too. I was looking at how to incorporate the two.. Thanks This idea will come in handy.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad we could help! They make a great combo.

[@davidhowell7279]

Jossacolar fan kit on Amazon. Small tray made of sheet metal that clips on the top of the grate. Comes with a small thermo fan that fits in the tray. The tray is sized to allow the fan to be moved around a bit and point the fan in any direction. Incredibly easy to set up. I haven't tried it, but it would definitely be stable enough for a small vessel or pan to be set on it instead of the fan in a pinch. I've been using the refillable 1 lb Fuel Keg cylinders for my small buddy. They work great, but I will definitely look into the T connector for larger tanks. Tanks for the helpful video. 😊

[@Rain3Silver]

Awesome! Thanks for great tips! Happy camping days and nights.

[@donaldming4802]

The hack that I have seen is a paint roller screen instead of taking off the front. I Have used it with one of the fans you showed. It works great.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That sounds like a much better idea! Thank you.

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

I have an autowit. Its amazing! It lasts through summers and winters unlike batteries. The super capacitor is much more tolerant of high low temps.

[@scottsouder7544]

I used one of those EcoFans on my propane heater too and it worked great BUT it eventually overheated the motor and it stopped spinning. Thermal induction rising through the fan base from a hot, flat surface will activate the motor and keep it going virtually forever. However, the extreme heat that rises up the front of that heater as a vapor and into the fan with it's delicate wiring from those super hot burners is more than it was meant to handle. Just FYI. I learned it the hard way.

[@gharrett2092]

What if you upgrade the wires?

[@taraaaron1242]

I live the the hacks. I plan on trying this with buddy heater

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That’s cool to hear. I think you’ll be happy with the results.

[@ImBoones]

lol nice disclaimer, Mr heater is on top of thing they have commented on my cooking video. Love the fan idea wanted to try it looks like it works amazing.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That Argo of yours looks like it makes some great KZbin content. Always wanted to take a spin in one of those.

[@ImBoones]

@@PlayingwithSticks most of my views are just on the Argo, doing my best as a mobile only channel.

[@SomewhereSplorin]

I love your videos! I really enjoy your prospectives on minimal setups and would like to see your ideal build on a minimalist cargo trailer build. I currently live in a 6x10 cargo trailer and I’m always rearranging my build the “perfect” setup! ✌️ Take care!

[@rangerdoc1029]

I did the fan hack on mine & it is absolutely amazing.

[@ohiovetoutdoors]

Really love the fan idea. I am going to do that. Stove idea is cool

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you liked these little mods.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

Would love a way to connect that to my natural gas line in the house. When power goes out, there usually is natural gas available. Great backup plan. Especially if there were quick disconnect fittings too (keeps the code enforcers from bothering you lol)

[@fisherkieds6282]

I use a 4v Ryobi cordless fan on my little buddy,game changer

[@IronWolfOverland]

Love it! Just stumbled across this. I have been trying for a year to get more of the heat out into the tent and less heating up the top of my rooftop tent. I set the buddy heater on an ammo can to get it off the tent floor, but was unsuccessful in all previous attempts. This stove fan idea is brilliant!

[@jimsox881]

Well ... Duh

[@mikemead2315]

Interesting! Those fans are almost MAGIC! And I am an electrical engineer. Too cool. I never could get myself to buy one due to the really high price, so it is good to find there are reasonably priced models. Thanks! A related thermoelectric item is one that uses heat like from a tea candle to create electricity to charge a phone instead of running a fan. More Magic!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Aren't they amazing! At first when we had it set back we were impressed, but not jumping in excitement. Then when we put it over the grate, wow! These things really push air. And they are so nice and quiet. Really they are silent, you just hear the air movement because it pushes so well. Love the charging products you mention. Have you seen Biolite's products? They make some really neat charging stations that are based off of small fires and cook stoves.

[@mikemead2315]

@@PlayingwithSticks Yes! It is a Biolite I saw at a show-and-tell at Bob’s 2018 gathering in AZ. I was blown away!

[@josephpetrick3499]

The flame King gas heater has a 20,000 and 10,000btu models with.....a thermostat. It turns itself on and off according to the temperature you set. Perfect!💫

[@ortizle1]

I'm so happy I found your video. I am not out in Alaska nor am I going camping but I wanted some sort of heating option for when the electricity goes out. For some crazy reason when the electricity goes out, it goes out for three days. It's hard to find a hotel to go with two dogs. We have camped out in our house but it got too cold. I just purchased a Mr. Heater but the fan will surely make a difference. Thank you!!!!

[@pirateradiooffroad2460]

I have been heating my 800sq ft house for 3 winters with a big buddy heater. I use 20lb tanks. The heater is always on low unless it's -20c. Uses 2 tanks per week like clockwork. Maintains about 68F. I live in northern Ontario Canada.

[@pamflowers8364]

What a great hack for the Little Buddy. Otherwise I end up getting up in the middle of the night to change the green 1# bottle.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

We have been holding this little secret hack for almost a year! It was killing us. We wanted to give it away, but the propane tee's have been out of stock for that long due to everything going on. So glad to see them back in production.

[@sandyhobo2053]

@@PlayingwithSticks i just wish it didnt aim up towards the ceiling.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You and me both Sandy! We think it would be really neat if they ever came out with a swivel version.

[@josephcremeans]

Just buy the hose for your buddy heater and run a 20lbs cylinder.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@josephcremeans Great suggestion Joseph. Like you we also use the hose to run to our 11lb manchester for our Mr. Buddy. So much better than changing out those little propane bottles. And really saves in cost!

[@66racer]

Just ordered the 3 blade fan to try out. Who knew there were still SO many people with wood furnaces.

[@EnthusiasticWalksInTheWoods]

🙋‍♂️

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This four blade really puts out some air and I assume the 3 blade will as well.

[@66racer]

@@PlayingwithSticks did a little test run before cutting it and seems to do well. It is not a ton of air by any means but I think it will do what it needs to.

[@Coogi622]

I lived off grid and used my Mr. Heater Big Buddy as a stove. I took the removeable rack out of a toaster oven and flipped it upside down hooking the edge of the rack under the heater handle where I could place coffee or a small pan on the rack. Never let your pan or cup touch the handle of the heater or it will cause it to melt so be sure to leave about an inch of space between the handle and the item you're heating. Stay warm!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great tip on the needed space. Thank you!

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

I’ve been using the fan for as long as mr. heater has been on the market also have been cooking on them just as long. Soup in a ziplock bag cooks great hang it out in front not too close mix it by squeezing the bag I have a small pot and griddle pan great for hot grilled ham and cheese, I do all this on the LIL Buddy from up in my tree stand deer hunting in Michigan. I like the Coleman adapter idea 👍👍

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That’s need to hear you have been doing this a long time. You sound like you’d make a great hunting companion. Every time someone in my family pulled me out to a tree stand there was never any good food!

[@danieldeanmasterfinisher4715]

You have to stay warm you have to eat . I plan simple meals you stay warmer from the food and energy you get from it. It keeps you busy on all day sets time goes by faster I use a two man ladder stand nowadays so its a lot easier then my climber and eagles nest was.

[@TheTyrial86]

I used to, take cans of food with the label taken off. I would pop the tab on the can, and wire the can through the tap to a heater, to heat up my food. That would be one way to heat up food on these heaters. These are some pretty good tips.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is a great idea! Thank you for sharing.

[@jonnporter6081]

The Mr. Heater Big Buddy and Portable Buddy are currently on sale at Northern Tools. For those of you that already own one, if you have problems with the flame, try blowing keyboard cleaner compressed air IN THE BACK of the heater. Sometimes dust gets on the oxygen sensor and just needs blowing off.

[@garyb4929]

nice tip

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Really appreciate this tip John! Thank you. We have had that same problem with the sensor being blocked.

[@ZiggZagg11]

I have been trying to make the little heater work inside my truck camper for years. The size of the heater is perfect,... but having it attached to the small one-pound bottle as its base made it a problem. I was afraid to put it on the floor... and anywhere else was too high (close to the ceiling)... I tried to make a modification to a grinder base and used a rubber buddy hose to feed it from a bbq tank... It worked for a (very) short time... I think it must have gotten the rubber dust plug problem. After that, it would not work even with the regular one pound tanks... I finally threw it away... I have moved on to Wave 3 heater and they have been working perfectly in the truck camper... I wish I had known about the T adapter trick because it would have been the perfect solution...

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You sound a lot like us. We also did not want to give up on our Little Buddy. We tried everything with poor results. Finally someone in the community shared this one with us. Like you said, the benefit of this is you don't end up getting the hose issues associated with attaching these Buddy Heaters to larger propane tanks. We also believe the Wave 3 is definitely the way to go if you are setting it up for more of a permanent situation. The Buddy Heaters are great if you want to move them from camper to camper or head outside with them.

[@tracyranger]

The base of the Lil Buddy is absolute unstable trash. I have one for heating my cargo trailer that I converted into a toy hauler for my dirt bikes. I ended up screwing that plastic base to a heavy duty plywood square, and have a bungee cord system to keep the green tank seated securely in the base. You'd have to kick it to knock it over now. Really piss poor design when you basically have to engineer a whole new base for it to NOT be a gross fire hazard. 🔥😅🔥

[@jimsox881]

Hang it from ABOVE . Once connected firmly from above . You can set it down anywhere you like. Even with no Base . You could drive your car off a cliff and as long as you land upright. So will your propane heater. 👍

[@bobgade6733]

Woo! Little buddy info! Trying to find the tee/elbow adapter, but I think it's been discontinued to sell more pounders

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Boo! There was a time a couple of years ago before we made this video they didn’t make them as well. They seem to come in and out of production.

[@andemess3095]

The fan on top of the heater is a really good idea.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Isn’t it awesome! Wish we could say it was our idea, but Really glad we get to benefit from it.

[@dougvruggink2326]

The problem I have found with running the buddy heater on a bigger tank than a 1 pounder is you have to use a fuel filter which is sold separately . The 1 pound tanks are already filtered gas and a bigger tank it is non-filtered and you will clog up the orfice on the heater and eventually it will not work properly.

[@theneverman]

Yep, this is very important.

[@dbumstead88]

The oil you are referring too comes from the hoses when used. This tee doesn't use a hose so that wouldn't be a problem.

[@alexmartin1430]

The quick connect hose with a low pressure regulator does not require the filters. I know this comment is old but fyi

[@jazzwyld1]

I like the jumper. I ended up getting a NOCO jump pack, jumps a car about 10 times. I always keep it in the car.

[@carmenmartinez2882]

OMG I already have the fan for my wood burning stove, now I know to bring it to my trailer for the times it gets cold. Had I not watch this I would have never known. Thanks!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Right on Carmen! That is great to hear. Always nice to have items that have multiple purposes.

[@aspitofmud6257]

That grate idea looks like a great way to semi passively melt snow and ice for drinking water etc.

[@aspitofmud6257]

Subbed. 🤠☕🔥😎

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

I was looking for a little battery powered fan to do this very thing, but now I'm going t use one of these thermoelectric jobs. Thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome. We went down the same route of the electric fan before finding this solution. So glad we stumbled across this little hack. We are going to have to check out your channel. We have been watching a lot of fish home care channels lately.

[@DanHiteshew-oneandonly]

@@PlayingwithSticks Well I got you covered there. Lol I've got about 2500 videos about fish keeping.

[@jimsox881]

We use a little $10 3" USB powered fan from Amazon hanging from the ceiling. Works fine

[@jonnporter6081]

FYI get on the email and snail-mail lists at Northern Tools. They're usually a little expensive but they put the Mr Heater products on sale a couple times a year at good prices. They'll also send you coupons via snail-mail. They sell the universal fuel filters cheaper than the Mr Heater website. It may be a coincidence, but a lot of times when I click on something in the emails, that product is on sale in the next email.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for the tip! Love getting information like this.

[@conleycroom8813]

Great video. I also live in Alaska and hope you the best.

[@susananderson9619]

I have 2 Mr Buddy heaters, never used, yet. One says on the box for indoor use. This Friday ,I will see about buying a 20-30 gallon propane tank to keep in my basement, just in case. I don't plan on using it outside ,right now.

[@ReefMimic]

For those to be useful you almost need a 5 gallon propane tank. Unless you like filling the the 1 gallon tanks over and over. The new ones have oxygen sensors built with auto turn off I believe. You can go through 3 , 1 gallon tanks in a night

[@danriley5848]

Great information, my wife and I have been living off grid for our second New England winter and the buddy heater has to be given a new tank every 5 hours. I have been wanting to convert it for use with a larger tank. 👍✌

[@aaronpage1822]

It much to do to convert it, they sell an adapter hose

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It would be worth the $25 to get the hose. We use the one that doesn't require a filter. It has been working for us for 1.5 years. But, we only use it probably 3 times a week in the summer and once every two weeks in the winter. So we really haven't put it through the test yet.

[@elizabethjansen2684]

Just the recommended hose, if you use a non recommended hose. Personally I found putting a filter on the hose will reduce the pressure too much unless you get a pressure regulator.

[@loboheeler]

I used a Buddy and Big Buddy heater for 5 years indoors with the adaptor hose to a larger tank with no problem. The standard hose will pollute the system after time without a filter, but you can get a better hose.

[@raymondhines908]

How do you identify the proper hose for no filter?

[@ewreck944]

That capacitor is awesome!

[@bucktalesoutdoors7566]

Awesome video Drew, always appreciate you sharing your tips and tricks and knowledge in general. Keep em coming. Take care. Don

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thank you Don! I was hoping this would be a helpful video for folks. These hacks have really been a blessing for us. You guys take care as well!

[@tubularfrog]

Why not just use a small metal clamp to affix the fan to the Mr. Buddy grate? Then you don't have to alter the base at all. Love the little fan. I'm getting one for the wood stove too, thanks for passing the idea on. The super-capacitor demo: When you started the truck up with the capacitor, the battery was still connected to the starter, so the demo was a little bogus ;).

[@stanleytolle416]

I have a Li jump starter I started to use with a dieing battery in a Colorado winter. I was living in the van so the inside place I kept the jumper was in my sleeping bag. I was able start my van down to -20⁰F. I also had one case where purring the jump pack in my pants for 20 minutes did the trick. Shop around and you can find newer Li jump starters that are designed for cold weather. More power and some even have internal heating. I would use one of these over capacitor jump starters. There is a KZbin test out there that shows that these Li jump boxes out perform the capacitor jump boxes.

[@kfl611]

What cute children. I love when people show pictures of their children in their videos.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Thanks for the sweet comment.

[@richjoebushcraft]

Good tips for the those heaters, for sure!

[@standingmannequin7911]

Looks like I have a new way to make toast. Good to find and subscribe to your channel.

[@TVideoupload]

I use a usb powered fan with bendable shaft and rubber fan blades in a external battery pack that I also use to charge my phone, to provide circulation for heater and it works great. I think the fan was 3$ online and having those battery packs come in handy a lot for charging devices too.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is a great idea. We love any camping items that are dual purpose.

[@TVideoupload]

@@PlayingwithSticks if you’re curious what kind I mean USB Personal Fan (Chrome) www.amazon.com/dp/B015TNBFNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R21022JE3Q2EV7BWEF5R. There are similar ones to this but it may give someone an idea who can’t picture it.

[@deanthomas9225]

Thank you so much again. I noticed there were some dislikes and I wonder who in the right mind could possibly just like anything that you just presented is so stupid to dislike somebody who's spending their time to help educate others anyway thank you so much I sure do appreciate it and I've watched your the videos to their great keep up the work I can always use it thank you

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This comment means a lot to us. We get quite a few negative comments, so we love getting the positive comments like this that balance them out. Thanks Dean.

[@NeilDavidAdams]

Hey I just wanted to let you know that the “My Heat” personal heater in your Amazon affiliate site isn’t the ideal version anymore. More expensive and no Prime shipping. You might want to update that because I’m planning on buying it and would love to support your channel in the process✌🏼

[@dankirkjuggler]

Thanks. I got excited about using a 5lb tank with my Little Buddy heater but I can't find a tee connector anywhere. I wish I would have seen this a year ago.

[@mikemead2315]

Check for gas leaks. Seen two leaks that caught fire (tiny flame), but creeped me out. I now always have a little spray bottle of soapy water stored in the propane area (bit harder in the winter), so it is easy to remember and use. I just spray it on all the hoses and connections looking for bubbles before lighting. Takes 5 seconds. Propane bottles can’t explode or turn into shooting rockets, but they can make a really big fire.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Great point Mike! I actually had that on my video script, but completely forgot to use the squirt bottle. We use the same bottle mixed with water and soap that we use for doing dishes as our propane leak checker. That is good to know about the explosion capabilities. I had often thought that is what they would do. And yes, keeping the water from freezing is always a bit of a challenge. So far this is the first winter season where I haven't accidently froze mine yet. Key word is yet...

[@mikemead2315]

@@PlayingwithSticks, You probably did mention the soapy water test - probably where I got the great idea🤣. Guess I need to listen or remember harder😃

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Nope, I actually think I didn’t even say it in the video. But, like you though maybe I did and just don’t remember🤣

[@mikemead2315]

Your heating food idea really stimulated possibilities. I could see using a cookie sheet or frying pan to hold the pot to better protect against boil-over or spill onto the heating elements. It would need a stronger platform. Maybe like a metal table that sets over the heater. Height would need to be just right. Movement or height adjustment could make it cook or keep food warm. Interesting.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes. There are a few videos out there where folks have done exactly what you are describing. The hunting and fishing community use these pretty often as cook stoves. I just started doing it this season.

[@tracyranger]

I just use aluminum foil on the grate to protect anything dropping in the heating element

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@tracyranger Great idea. I am betting for the majority of campers/hunters we all have this on hand anyways. Such a simple solution. Thank you Tracy!

[@obfuscated3090]

You can PARALLEL any number of 12-volt power sources (batteries, jump packs etc) by making the proper cables in advance. If I lived where winter was severe I'd have a collection since wiring at any size is so easy to to correctly and safely. You can buy replacement battery terminals with multiple posts to connect additional batteries for any desired use. Kat5 and others make an interesting variety. You can also install Anderson PowerPole and similar "fork lift battery connectors" (where most folks know them from) on jumper cables, winch cables etc. You can make your own custom cables using welding cable (your local welding supply has a variety of gauges and will sell cut to length) which is FAR better (fine strand, high ampacity, heat resistant insulation) then common auto store chit. My personal Buddy heater hack is a BBQ cylinder adapter with a 90-degree 1/4" NPT female fitting between adapter and hose. You can piece this together from the usual LP fittings and hose offerings from RV suppliers. I only use baby cylinders for handheld torches. That makes for safe hose connections without tipping the heater. My next mod (I don't use mine much, they're for emergency use mostly) will be epoxying some hefty magnets to the base so I can stick it to anything large and steel to safely stick it anywhere in my shop or on any handy hunk of steel for extra stability because I'm a safety fanatic. I always have tested batteries in my CO detector when using any space heater or gas appliance indoors including my shop. Fun stuff for gearheads and weldors: The INSIDE of those BBQ cylinder valves is machined to CGA-540 for good reason (connection to older fittings). I've used spare welding regulators (Victor and other quality soft parts are rated for LP and in Victors case have the same part numbers) to feed all sorts of LP appliances and to cut using oxy-propane. I prefer the larger LP cylinders for heavy cutting but the small ones work great for salvage yard trips with a small oxygen cylinder if you're only making a few cuts.

[@belindahugheslifestyle]

Super hacks, thanks! New to your channel. You're good. Well done on the safety caveats. ^5 💖

[@TheHankerchief26]

A hack I had to do recently, as the heater in my vehicle had gone out, temperature was down around zero degrees, and the parts to fix it weren't going to arrive for awhile, was bypass the tilt switch so I could use my Buddy Heater to defrost the windshield/heat the car. I installed a three-position toggle switch and put the wire coming from the control knob to the incoming ternimal on the switch. Then I added one wire from one On position terminal to the incoming for the tilt switch, then ran another wire from the other On position terminal to a three-way crimp splice. I then cut the outgoing wire from the tilt switch at the middle and put the cut ends into the other two terminals of the three-way crimp splice. This allows me to still retain the tilt switch as a safety measure under normal use, but when it's in the car, I can flip the bypass switch so the heater won't go out every time I hit a bump in the road. Ideal solution? No. But it means I can both keep heat in my van and the windshield defrosted on my morning commute.

[@anthonylabeau6159]

Thanks for the comment, my heater is out also, and been using the Mr buddy to defrost, but man those bumps are irritating, lol, btw I would fix truck but its -30 and the shop wants 1000 bucks to replace a 40.00 part.

[@James-ke5sx]

Great video. It seems like you can put a fan on the safety grill like you did with the Stanley Adventure pot. Going to try that today. It would greatly solve the problem of having to cut up the base.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

It should work great! Or should I say it should work GRATE! Oh man horrible corny joke there.

[@James-ke5sx]

@@PlayingwithSticks HA.

[@Breal604]

Did you try it? Was it too heavy?

[@gebaril60]

I loved your idea and wanted to use on my Mr Heater Buddy. Unfortunately Amazon no longer carries the ‘T’ adapter.

[@sorrywrongplanet8873]

There are other places to shop you know. 😏

[@gebaril60]

I offered this information for general public awareness and was not meant to be a statement about my lack of shopping skills. At least your comment was timely and only 5 months too late. Perhaps you were busy finding other products that are no longer available at major outlets.

[@seymourrivers6169]

Awesome tips! The stove hack is incredible.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelkloeckner6353]

Thank You... This really helps me.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Glad to hear this was helpful Michael! If it helps one person, we did our job.

[@Adam-uo2mc]

A nice tip for propane tanks is to put them inside a milk crate that gives you 12"x12" surface for stability also you can mount the crate to the floor or the wall . This is a 50/50 tip any time I bring it up I get two responses. The first one is like showing a monkey a magic trick, the second is people looking at me like I'm the monkey . PSA- don't over stimulate the monkey's they get mad and throw poo.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I'm feeling like a monkey right now! Love this tip.

[@iship9705]

WE Love our Big Buddy, a one lb. bottle lasted 5 hours on Low

[@marktwo3160]

I would stick with my NOCO gb40 or gb50 for jump starting. No running around with 10 seconds to start. Units perform their job without issue for many years and many starts. Plus can charge phones or other items with it. MUCH less complicated to use for inexperienced as well as pros. U cant mess it up.

[@AndreaWestlake306]

Yep, the jump starters look good. Wondered why you put the comment in here though, but thanks!

[@glennhernandez4366]

Keep it going

[@david-marynoll5699]

Just picked up a Little Buddy off their Black Friday sale.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

That is great to hear! Love a good deal. We noticed with the latest production of the coleman tee it seems to be a bit shorter. It still threads onto our Little Buddy well, but it is tight for hitting your knuckles. If you find yours is tight you may want to make a small cut in the plast of the Buddy Heater lip to make it easier to take it on and off. The lip doesn't seem to have any structural or functional value. I think it is there just to look good (basically trim). The Little Buddy's are not for everyone. But for fisherman like you these are amazing in drift boats, on rafts, and obviously on the stream banks. That angle can't be beat.

[@E85_STI]

I made a portable air cooler using a radiator, ice chest and in-line fan. If this buddy heater was out behind the aluminum radiator to heat up the water I could force the heat with a 270 cfm blower fan.

[@TinyGoHomes]

My tip of the day is. The little buddy works great for bringing heat with you when your on foot during the winter. I use mine when I’m at the cottage. I bring it with me on the snowmobile, when I’m out back working and when I go to events. I used it at the freedom convoy protest so people can warm hands up fast. My feet get bad so it was nice to sit down and warm my feet up too.

[@davidpatton2894]

Great ideas, thanks!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

You are most welcome David. Wish we could say they were our ideas. But, we enjoyed passing the great ideas on to others.

[@BBBYpsi]

I liked the fan but you said you should use the fan to keep the heat from going straight up in air. Then your hack with the 10 lb propane tank it was pointing straight up in the air. I have 3 mr buddy heaters. The ones I have are the Portable Mr. Buddy,Little Buddy & my actual favorite the golf cart mr. buddy

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, good point. Two different hacks here. The fan for the Buddy Heater and the tank for the Little Buddy. The little buddy we use outside on the drift boat or at the campsite. Out there it actually makes sense to point up to the person in the chair or standing up. We will have to give the golf cart version a try one of these days.

[@ZiggZagg11]

If you are using the propane T on a tank method you could use a Buddy heater filter to raise the heater a bit away from the tank... Just an idea....

[@PlayingwithSticks]

This is a great idea. I was just watching a video that KZbin suggested to me this morning. It was a Little Buddy modification from Bob Wells and in that episode he used a filter. Thanks for sharing this!

[@arkansasgreg]

Absolutely love the Little Buddy Hack. ❤️ Wonder if anyone has engineered a fan for it? Wonder if the angle would permit it? Thanks!!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I was tinkering with this same idea the other day. I am pretty sure this would be a pretty easy hack. Well, easy for most people. For me it would take me three tries. I would show it to all of you and then someone would say, "why don't you just do this." And I would say, "why didn't I think of that." That is kind of how all these camping modifications seem to go for me 😂

[@arkansasgreg]

@@PlayingwithSticks IKR?!? Seems like there where I live....lol! Would be easier to throw someone a few bucks than me try to do it.... lmbo

[@PlayingwithSticks]

@@arkansasgreg I need to start using lmbo. I have never heard that one before. Much more family friendly.

[@judye6700]

You don't have to cut stove fan, you can use a paint roller metal grid/grate for a 5 gallon bucket. Just hook it to the gird on the Mr heater and ta da, you have a metal shelf on which to place your stove fan above the heat source.

[@williamchristy3063]

Great Video! However, I have a question: I've heard that some van campers use just the pilot light on the Mr. Buddy heater to keep their van at a tolerable temperature at night in cold regions. If this works, How long will a small bottle of propane last?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I have heard of people turning the setting below the low setting, but not just using the pilot light. I have heard for those who turn it below low that is causes improper combustion which often sets off the CO detector. As for just using the pilot. If that is the route you are after you may want to try something like this www.amazon.com/BRS-Outdoor-Lantern-Dreamlike-Portable/dp/B07546Q691/ref=asc_df_B07546Q691/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242012186291&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18416576585436682958&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033838&hvtargid=pla-406901060624&psc=1 This would give you a similar result, but much smaller to carry. As with any thing like this you would still need to properly ventilate your camper and watch for flammable items.

[@bradlaflamme6127]

@@PlayingwithSticks can this item be connected to say a 1lb propane cylinder? The typical fat green ones?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

I would think so. I have a stove that uses butane containers and it came with a fitting that allows me to connect the green cylinders. I used it all summer with the skottle. The stove I use is a Kovea Scout. I assume you can purchase the fitting from them if you can’t find it anywhere.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Now in terms of clean burning I’m not sure which is better butane or propane? That is something I probably should look up at sometime

[@peemun4545]

Nice clip. Have you run the fan on the high setting? The reason is that, I bought another type from Amazon Australia, around $150, but after two days stopped working, I have the same Mr heater but in Australia they sell at one setting which is 9000 BTU, so I think at 450-500 c the temperature I measured, it got burned out. I can't lower the setting of the Mr heater, so do you know if any of these fan can operate at 450-500 c without stopping? I know many of these fan stop working, would appreciate if you can share some other types or more info on what to purchase. Thanks

[@FreysOnTheSide]

Solid hacks! We will definitely look into the fan for our Buddy Heater. One of many ways to extend the camping season during the cold months.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

The fan is definitely worth it. At first we didn't think it worked well, but once we got it out on the grate. This thing blows air completely across our Shasta vintage trailer. Crazy that there are no batteries involved.

[@yhoshuajoshua7267]

Great to use in your home in case of emergency. No worries some one should always be on watch through the night for security.

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Yes, like you we have a rule that no sleeping can take place when using it in our household.

[@randyclement2429]

Thanks for the tip on the Little Buddy Heater what is that propane t called and who makes it thank you

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Sorry it’s been a while, I can’t remember the name. But I did put the name and a link to it in the description. It is made by Coleman I believe.

[@jasonbogdovitz7357]

Yeah my goo gooloo is 1/3 the size and I don’t have to take all the steps I left mine in my boat for six months during a cold winter and it still worked in the spring with 78% charge

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love hearing things like this. Thank you for sharing Jason.

[@lindafromidaho2932]

Can you flip the safety grate around like you showed for heating water, and then put the fan on that way - without having to make a cut in the fan base?

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Of course! Great suggestion. For us we keep the grate on as one more layer of safety with the little kids around. But, if no toddlers the flipped great would be excellent!