PROPEX HS2211 - How to heat your tent

This is one of my most requested videos! Since mentioning this heater, I've had weekly emails on how to set it up to heat a tent. It's really easy to use and transport, and makes those cold nights so much nicer!
Buy the Propex here: www.vancafe.co...
(I know it's regularly out of stock, but keep checking back!)
1/4" BSP to 3/8" NPT (1786N204): www.mcmaster.c...
Optional 3/8" NPT elbow (50785K441): www.mcmaster.c...
3/8" NPT to 3/8" flare: amzn.to/3wg30N5
3" duct: amzn.to/31EuzBH
3" hose clamp: amzn.to/3wjnbtm
12v adapter: amzn.to/2PQgdvu
Powered by REDARC Manager30 and a 100Ah LiFePO4 battery: redarcelectron...
The system pulls about 2 amps while running, so for a full 10 hours of run time only requires 20Ah.
*Affiliate links where appropriate

[@K_H-Channel]

Would be great if you can make a video to show how you set it up with your tent.

[@TacoBruso]

This is an excellent video, I have been following along for all your heating videos. I really wish you had shown some video on your setup on the truck ie on the rack, where you set your fuel and set your power etc. Thanks again.

[@carloszeigler]

I bought the Propex kit from VanCafe based on your video and my other research. I plan on putting it in a storage box for transport and protection. Thanks much.

[@henrikm4657]

I got to try my Propex heater out last weekend. I put a quick connect for the propane on the BSPT to NPT angled adapter so it sits close to the body of the heater. And because I don’t sleep well with any kind of fan noise, I ended up getting the ridiculously expensive soundproof felt duct, and the “stealth kit” for the exhaust. It’s now wonderfully quiet. The felt duct is thinner than the duct you use, and will actually fit inside it which will protect it in wet weather. The only annoying thing about the Propex stuff is as you mentioned, the supply chain issues. I ended up placing an order each for the heater, duct, and stealth kit, and it took a long time to get the parts.

[@RevereOverland]

Could you post links to the parts you used? I’d love to check them out - especially the quick disconnect!

[@jd.coleman]

Henrick: can you post links ?

[@henrikm4657]

@@jd.coleman see links in my response to Revere Overland’s question

[@henrikm4657]

@@RevereOverland very weird, I tried posting the links twice today, and it looks like it succeeds, but then the response doesn't show up. Maybe it requires your approval first?

[@henrikm4657]

@@jd.coleman I posted some links today, but for some reason, my response hasn't shown up yet. I suspect that @Revere Overland has to approve the post first.

[@LeaDxPainT]

Thank you for the fitting parts list! I was surprised to see that Propex wanted me to use compression fittings. I'm mounting mine inside the trailer so I'm not taking any chances.

[@MountainRoots]

Really good video on this type of heater. Seems like a very legit option, without many of the drawbacks of the various other heaters. 🤙-Josh

[@seanmclainbrown]

Thanks for your help! I configured my Propex per your example. Works great! Will try out in my FreeSpirit High Country 80 mounted on my FSR Overland trailer.

[@ccwstraightshooter9761]

A diesel heater running on fan speed 1 only pulls .5 amps. A Propex propane heater pulls 2 amps running which will only give you 1 night of heat if you are using a 500 WH power station. 2.5 nights on a 1000 WH station. A diesel heater is way more efficient. At fan speed 1 you’re only consuming .5 amps on a diesel heater. That will last you 3 nights on a 500 WH station. 6-7 nights on 1000 WH station. Also a lot less fuel is consumed with diesel vs propane. Most overlanders use a 5 gal propane tank. That means you will only have 1.5 nights of fuel till empty. My diesel heater 7 liter reservoir lasts me 3 nights on fan speed 1 or 2. Also, if propane heaters are $1,000, let’s compare apples to apples. If you spend $1,000 on a quality diesel heater like a Webasto, you won’t get smoking or any of the other problems that cheap Chinese diesel heaters have either. The more expensive diesel heaters have auto altitude adjustment. Even some Chinese diesel heaters have auto altitude adjustments, like the Maxpeeding Rods brand or HCalory and several others. It’s not a problem if your diesel fuel reservoir is attached on the outside of your rig (like on your tire carrier). Just run a quick connect fuel line to the diesel heater. If you wouldn’t transport your gas filled rotopaxs inside your rig why would you transport your diesel filled rotopax inside your rig. Also the propex will kick on and off all night long which is a bit noisy. Not consistent white noise. Also between the on/off phases all night long the propex has large gaps in its ability to hold a consistent or steady temp. So if you set the thermostat at 68 deg it’ll bounce between 60 deg and 70 deg. Super annoying. Some complain about the diesel heaters fuel pump clicking noise but you can buy a $30 quiet fuel pump upgrade of Amazon. The advantage of the diesel heater in comparison is having consistent soft white noise all night long. In my opinion the diesel heater beats the propane heater in almost every category… efficiency in fuel, Battery consumption, cost, weight, space of transporting fuel, temp hold, quieter etc. Propane heater doesn’t have app control. Newer diesel heaters do have app control. I think your frustration with diesel heaters you’ve owned is that they all have been cheap Chinese ones. If you’re willing to spend $1,000 on a Propex propane heater then spend $1,000 on a serious diesel heater. Apples to apples.

[@manitou_blacksmith]

Thanks for the video - it saved me a lot of time. Can't wait to get this thing going and hit the mountains!

[@gpc8337]

Best straight forward explaining heard …..thank you

[@shaweehillsworkshop4226]

Make sure you still have a co detector, heat exchangers can crack.

[@RevereOverland]

And unlike a diesel heater, you’re not going to instantly smell the exhaust if it does!

[@HoglundOverland]

Great video and thanks for the advice on getting this. It's been a great addition. I'll pick up one of the elbows, that'll make storing it easier for sure!

[@rael6_4wd]

I agree about the Buddy Heater. I own one, and it’s a great little heater, but it’s NEVER allowed in my tent.

[@cobaltt88]

no bubbles, no troubles.

[@kayotehalcyon3824]

I have been looking for this for a while thank you, let me know if you ever in southern Oregon i have great river trailer to show you

[@ihatemybosses]

You can also use a TVA-1000 to check for leaks.

[@Niafifia]

Thank you!

[@davidrucci]

Trying to figure out the adapter to regulator situation you used? So the regulator you have has a 3/8’s NPT female connection point? Any chance you can provide a link to that or edit the description links? 🙏🙌. Haha totally bought this thanks to you. I as well was against hauling diesel specifically for a heater for the fam. So glad they made this and you introduced me to it. Thank you!

[@philipcaseyfilms]

Hi! Do you have a link to the regulator to use? From what I'm gathering online you have to have a specific pressure like 30 or 37? Do you have any insight? Thanks.

[@vince4316]

Check out the portable diesel heater at Lolo overland is awesome, self-contained and only $649. Another option...

[@WolfSurvivalUK]

You can run the diesel heater on RED diesel. Half the price per lt. Just don't use that to top up your car tank!

[@MsPolleyVision]

Looking for the adapter to go from compression threads to the NPT thread…. And a 90 degree adapter if possible. The links were not visible as mentioned previously…. Where to find that part (1/4 compression to 3/8 NPT)…. Thanks!

[@marydaly9764]

Instead of the graduated connectors for the propane adaption, the use of a flange spreader tool was suggested. Could u explain this please?

[@ThadJB]

Have you done any temp on/off checks? I.E., if you set it for 70*F what temp will it cut off and then back on? Thanks

[@soph_ieca]

awesome video, keep up the great work! :)

[@explorationcaptured8684]

very informative, well done

[@ihatemybosses]

This could be a replacement swivel vent for those needing the 3" or 5mm size. Search EBAY "75mm Air Diesel Parking Heater Exhaust Pipe Air Vent Outlet Net Cover Cap yd"

[@RevereOverland]

Yes!! Thank you!

[@jd.coleman]

Thanks!

[@mikesavage6900]

I'm a bit confused and concerned about sealing the connection between the heater's LP input that has a parallel male British Pipe Thread with the suggested adapter from McMaster which has a parallel "BSPP Female" thread (per the McMaster description). Are the two really compatible for sealing a gas connection? The heater comes with a ferrule (or olive) and a nut to fit the input. The olive is a compression fitting which provides a seal for liquids or gas (although in north American flares are generally used to provide the seal). When using the McMaster part, what is providing the seal? There is no ferrule and there is no flare. I'm a noob to all this, but it looks to me like gas fittings seal one of three ways: compression using a ferrule, compression using a flare, or a tapered thread (with yellow Teflon tape?). Should yellow Teflon tape be used on these parallel threads and is that adequate to form a gas seal? Thoughts?

[@Tiesdk]

Did you eventually reach a conclusion regarding this? I am wondering the exact same thing. Based on what I can tell, a sealing washer is needed to create a seal between a BSPP male and BSPP female thread. The McMaster part does not come with said washer, but they do sell it (I wish I had purchased it as part of my order). Either way, I bought a 1/4 BSPP sealing washer from Ebay, so let's see how that'll do. I suspect that with sufficient yellow teflon tape it might not leak anyways, but that is just conjecture, I haven't tested it.

[@shandelebroyles1099]

If not tent's and enclosed spaces, then where?? Just curious, your thoughts on it.

[@diypunx]

I ordered the Propex HS2211 after watching this video! Do you need an inline fuse wired in or will the fuse in the cig lighter be good enough?

[@katieh3236]

Please can you help me with the 12 volt aspect? I am in a motorcycle trailer and don't have preset wires etc... But I have batteries, an inverter, .... How do I connect the 12 volt?

[@ii1825]

It comes with a regulator that doesn't even fit without additional pieces?

[@insaynbcr]

British heater. We don't regularly use British fittings int the USA, so adaptor are needed.

[@RevereOverland]

It doesn’t come with the regulator. The stuff it comes with is designed to have a hard line going to a propane supply in a van/camper.

[@stevenflynn]

@@RevereOverland what regulator did you use? Are they all essentially the same (except for the high pressure type)? I have a regulator left over from a LPG fire table that I had converted to NG that I would like to use with this heater.

[@Bob-fm9pt]

Did you just buy the 2 Stage LPG Regulator with hose and NPT connector online, already assembled, or can this be found at any big name hardware store?

[@persiangulf3438]

Can you run these on cng? Where i live cng fuel is available everywhere. in fact many cars have cng tanks on them by default. so it'll be awsome if these can run on cng.

[@RevereOverland]

Probably not, since this is designed to run off propane (LPG). You could check with the manufacturer, Propex, to be certain.

[@davidk6668]

I see you are using a rubber flexible hose to provide propane to the heater. When people have used these hoses with Buddy heaters oils from the hose will eventually foul the unit. Is this a problem with Propex heaters? Thanks

[@RevereOverland]

This is the first I’ve heard of them causing any problems at all!

[@davidk6668]

@@RevereOverland Jason with Primal Outdoors has a good YT video about the problem. Evidently Mr Buddy hoses don't cause a problem though other brands can be a problem. You can buy a filter for the problem hoses.

[@JoshuaSeward]

Are you going to hit any spots this holiday weekend? (Thanksgiving, 2021) I am thinking about heading to the Smoky MTNs from Ohio. Always looking for great spots between ohio and Tennessee for my shorter trips.

[@brandtdaniels]

The propex link is broken

[@davidk6668]

Is that Propex unit rain and snow proof?

[@theprepperfrog167]

Thank you, sir.

[@davidlamb6455]

Why this one over one of their others that’s seems to be more available like the Propex HS2000 Heater?

[@RevereOverland]

This one is weather proof, so can sit out in the rain. You can get the other ones as long as you mount them in a box or out of the rain.

[@numb-lock]

How hot does the unit get to the touch? And how loud is it at low and high settings?

[@numb-lock]

From Richard at Propex: "The main heater body does not get hot at all. The area 'immediately' adjacent to the exhaust pipe will reach approx 120 C and the area immediately adjacent to the warm air outlet will reach approx 90C." That's 248 F and 194 F respectively.

[@kirkgossage2332]

Have you had any problems with the duct tube out gassing? I've tried 2 different brands from Amazon (including the one you linked), and both have a horrible chemical out gassing smell when hot that I'm concerned about breathing. I really want to use 3"flexible duct because it's easier to pack up than the stiff aluminum tube it comes with, but concerned about the fumes. This is surely a problem with diesel heaters too.

[@alexnaz]

Hey man. Did you ever figure this out? I’m having the same issue..

[@kirkgossage2332]

@@alexnaz I ended up using the Hon&Guan 3" duct I found on Amazon. The outside coating of the duct did outgas, but the metalized inside didn't, so no smell in the tent, just outside.

[@diypunx]

Can you use the propex heater without putting the air return line into the tent? I know that seems to work fine with a diesel heater just having the hot air tube coming into the tent. I only have a slot in my Jumping Jack tent trailer for one 3" tube.

[@RevereOverland]

Yes, but I wouldn’t advise it. After a heating cycle the Propex runs air through the system while it cools. If you’re drawing air in from outside, it’ll be pushing cold outside air in. Diesel heaters can do it just fine because they’re always on and heating.

[@davidrucci]

I was going to ask the same. Plan on building this into a cargo box and mounting on a side molle panel. Having to run 2 ducts rather than one will have to do. Next to conquer keeping the box insulated and protected from melting from the heat of the adjacent exhaust areas of the unit…

[@bonifacicd]

Great video, thanks for the incredible content! Just curious, what is the general temperature difference inside versus outside the tent using the Propex? Just recently purchased a smittybilt roof top tent and would love to use it for winter camping while skiing. Need to convince my fiancé that she won't freeze to death first lol! Thanks in advance for your help!

[@mega-hb4re]

It’s a good option but I still take the diesel heater over this.

[@Ethan7s]

Holy cow, $900 for something you can make for $50!

[@ii1825]

Better get to making and selling them if that's the case.

[@insaynbcr]

@Ethan Please prove your statement.

[@henrikm4657]

You couldn’t even buy the stainless steel box it’s mounted in for $50. I agree that it’s expensive, but they are very high quality heaters with a lot of stuff inside (electronics, heat exchanger, fan, etc). They’re mainly designed for permanent installation inside vans.

[@Ethan7s]

@@henrikm4657 it’s not difficult to buy a sheet of thin steel and fold it into a box. It wouldn’t look as nice and professionally done as this, but certainly doable.

[@henrikm4657]

@@Ethan7s I didn’t say it wasn’t easy. I fabricate stuff all the time and have welding machines, hydraulic press, etc. But metal isn’t cheap, especially not stainless steel and aluminum. It would be hard to make the box alone for $50. And that’s just the top of the iceberg. If you can make something comparable for $50 that is as rugged, safe to use, and durable, I’m dying to hear about the details.

[@krover01]

Awesome idea, but not for $1k... My buddy heater keeps me plenty warm. yes its not ideal, but I cant justify that price when there are cheaper options. Id be in at $250...

[@RevereOverland]

Yeah it’s not for everyone. A heated blanket is another good option, but then you need $500+ in batteries.

[@krover01]

@@RevereOverland I actually use a heated blanket as well. It shuts off automatically after 45 minutes, but I can run it 3-4 times a night with no issues. Usually my 100ah battery is down to 65% in the morning.

[@RevereOverland]

@@krover01 I have the same setup for when it's not too cold!

[@williamlee7782]

Am looking at a heated mattress pad over a heated blanket due to safety (less crinkling to cause shorts). It runs on average 3amps. I can't imagine $500k in batteries to keep one warm unless there's no sun to charge from solar. I suppose capturing sunlight in certain parts of the world during winter may be difficult. If you move around often, your RedArc manager should charge the batteries sufficiently. And as a fellow rooftop tenter, I don't see a reason to have the whole tent heated. That's just fancy. :) Vanlifers, perhaps.

[@katieh3236]

WHAT IS THE SMELL LIKE COMING OUT OF HERE..?