Heaters

[deerhunter]

Was wondering what heaters you recommend for a shanty?  My irish friend has a Big Buddy heater and it works great when it works (we can't get the bulk tanks to work).  Any one use anything else?
Thanks for the help.

[Grizzly1]

Don't know if you've done it, but try a forum search here @ IS on Big Buddy heaters and you would probably find the cure to it's ill.  I would suspect it might need a bulk tank filter, which should be available from Mr Heater or one of it's dealers.  I'm looking at the Big Buddy heater myself, just haven't ponied-up the cash

[KGrant]

I'm thinking about getting one of these.  My shack is so small it would be nice to have the heater outside.  I would run it off of a bulk tank.  They say you shouldn't use it in winds over 5mph though, so I was thinking of building a box for it.  I havn't seen one hands on yet, but I havn't been able to find any bad reviews on them.  I think SW might have them, and I know I saw the small model at Sentry in Fairbanks.  But you need to haul a battery with you to run the fan.  For my hard shack that's okay because I have a battery for the lights.  But it probably wouln't be the best setup if you're on the move in a tent.
http://www.zodi.com/web-content/Consumer/zodihotvent.html

Right now I'm using the small Mr. Buddy heater and it will run me out of my shack, but that's ok cuz I need to open the door for freshair anyway.  So if I got the Zodi heater I should probably get the small one.  But it would be nice to have the bigger one that would work better in my tent shanty.  I havn't had any problems with my Mr. Heater on the bulk tank.  I run 2 of them in my boat of one tank.  It does take a bit to purge all the air out of the line though.  Try lighting it with a match instead of the electonic ignition?  Sometimes I can't get mine to light but it'll light fine with a match/lighter.  I did disable the tip switch on mine, now I can lay it down and cook on it too.  Plus I can use it in the boat without it shutting off on every little wave.  But be sure if you do have the tip switch disabled to mount it securley and be carful (my disclamer, lol).

Did your heater ever work with the bulk tank?  I know they make a filter and if you ahve run it on the bulk you could have plugged something up.  I don't have the filter on mine and I havn't had any problems, yet.  I do plan on getting a filter.

What kind of shack are heating?

[Fishin Fireman]

I'm using the Mr. Heater/cooker, it works great with the hose and the bulk tank. I'm currently using 20 lbers cause they are easily available to me because of my camper. It has a piezo igniter so it's easy to light. Then after I get all warm and snuggly in the hooch while fishing I usually get a hunkering for some food. All I do is tip it up throw on the skillet and add the sausages or water pot and wallah You can't concentrate on catching fish with an empty stomach otherwise you'll get 

Brad

[sladeheeb]

I have the Big Mr. Buddy, way too much heat for a two person shack, but works great in the cabin, I don't use the battery fan as I don't need it, my fishin buddy just bought the little one and loves it over his Coleman, runs about a can of juice in about 6 hours.  I have the 20lber hooked up for cabin use but only use the small bottles when fishing....Good Luck

[Muddskippa]

I have a Big Buddy and use a 20lb tank with no problems, other than it will run you out of a small shelter (too much heat!!!)  I'm only speculating but you may have a faulty regulator on your hose    good luck

Muddskippa

[Barleydog]

DItto on the big buddy or the reg. buddy heater!  There's even some knock off brand names out there that are cheaper and just as good, (I bought a Dyna-Glo years ago that sold for peanuts.)  Three things that sold me were: oxygen sensor, BTU's, and you can mount it against a wall without burning it down!

[Muskie Nut]

I have a small permanent shanty (5'x4'x6'tall), and I use the Coleman Blackcat.  I have a thermometer on the wall oposite of the table I keep the heater on,and on the coldest day last season, -10 outside, it had the shack heated at a cozy 60.

[Doc Stubbs]

I use the Mr Buddy heater (small) for my flip style Frabill and the 9000 BTU's heats up so much i have to open the door. 


• Designed and approved for indoor use
• Automatic low-oxygen shut off system
• Uses 1 lb. or 20 lb. propane cylinder with optional hose connection
(Mr. Heater Stock #F273701/02)
• Free standing or wall mount
• Quiet, odor-free, lightweight, portable
• Easy to carry
• 4,000 & 9,000 BTU high and low setting
• Heats up to 200 square feet

Doc Stubbs

[icy mike]

I like to eat 2 cans of lima beans the night before I head out.  In the morning I put a lighter in my pocket and throw on the old dry-suit.  I blocks out all of the wind (except the southern breeze inside the suit).  Then I simply flick my Bic and Presto!!!  Instant heat!!! 

Mike

[Tommyboy18769]

yea i got the little buddy and it works great....i am adding some computer fans to kinda make it like the big buddy...shoulds work just fine...