Vent Free Heater

Casey Freswick · 08-03-2017, 08:38 AM

Has anyone ever installed vent free propane heater like Mr. Heater F274800 4,000/9,000/18,000 BTU BIG Buddy Portable Propane Heater? These units do not need electric and are of course very quiet.

(https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mr-Heater...S03u97z4v0lmvs)

**Kidkraz** · 08-03-2017, 08:53 AM

Not sure what you men by installed, but many of us have a Mr heater buddy. I've used mine several times and plan to use it in our up coming trip to Yellowstone.
They are quiet, but you should be aware they do need some venting when used in doors.

Larryjb · 08-03-2017, 09:46 AM

I just ordered the Olympian Wave. It's more expensive, but if you ever plan to camp in high altitudes, like the Canadian Rockies, you will likely need the Olympian. Other than that, I would have gone for the Mr. Heater Buddy.

Casey Freswick · 08-03-2017, 09:47 AM

I was wondering if anyone has hooked up vent free heaters to the TM's propane system. Like putting a T in somewhere or removing the normal heater and using that propane connection. Has anyone used a quick connect connection. I had a Coleman pop-up where you could remove the stove and connect it outside.

Casey Freswick · 08-03-2017, 11:55 AM

Larry, what wave model did you get? From where?

TM Pilot · 08-03-2017, 02:19 PM

Big Buddy, Mr. Heater, and Olympian Wave are NOT "vent-free." Yes you don't have to vent the propane heater to the outside, but you still have to crack a window - which to me seems counterproductive. If the instructions say you have to crack a window FOR VENTILATION, it's not "vent-free" in my book. Some people buy a vent-free propane heater, don't read the instructions, don't crack a window thinking it's "vent-free" like an electric heater, use it in a confined space, go to sleep, and then never wake up!

One thing to keep in mind with actual "vent-free" propane heaters that neither have to vented to the outside nor have to crack a window (check instructions - very small air leaks around doors/windows is sufficient for safe use) - they can only be used up to an altitude of about 5000ft MSL. To my knowledge, I don't know of any propane heater that is actually "vent-free" and can be used at high altitudes above 5000ft MSL. If anyone knows of one, please post a link. For the ones used below 5000ft MSL, they are usually for larger spaces/multiple room buildings to supplement other heat sources. Using in small rooms or small areas like travel trailers might still be hazardous if a window isn't opened. Be safe.

klpauba · 08-03-2017, 04:09 PM

I always thought the "vent free" meant that there was no need to exhaust the water/CO2. There is at least one "direct vent" catalytic heater where the H20 & CO2 are vented to outside the trailer and would be my preference (http://ventedcatheater.com/index.html). All of these types of Infrared heaters require O2 for combustion so ventilation is necessary to prevent O2 depletion -- although most/all? have depletion sensors that will turn them off if necessary (and is why they don't work particularly well at high altitudes where there is less O2)

Larryjb · 08-03-2017, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey Freswick

Larry, what wave model did you get? From where?

I just ordered it from Amazon.com. That seemed to be the most reasonable price for the Olympian Wave heaters. I got the Wave 8. From what I hear, the Wave 3 won't be enough to heat the entire trailer. I'm planning to take it to the Columbia Ice Field where it gets down to 30°F at night.

If you're not planning to camp in high altitudes, I'd got with the Mr. Heater Buddy. If you have hookups at high altitudes, you could probably just use the trailer furnace.

I may be crazy, but I'm going to try the Columbia Ice Field dry camping for a night with two kids and my wife.

Larryjb · 08-03-2017, 07:17 PM

As for "vent free", I agree it's not truly "vent free" in that you need to have two windows open a few centimetres (or window and roof vent). The vent free terminology comes from the fact that you don't need to have separate vent ducts to keep the combustion exhaust separated from living spaces.

Make sure you test your CO detector as well. The catalytic styles (Olympian) produce nearly no CO. While the Mr. Heater Buddy isn't catalytic, I understand it doesn't produce much CO either. The Olympian is rated at 99.98% efficient while the Mr. Heater Buddy is at 99.9%, slightly less.