On a recent trip to Quartzsite, AZ, the Walmart in nearby Parker was doing a brisk business on the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy propane heaters. That’s because of the hordes of RVing snowbirds who flock here each winter when nighttime temperatures regularly dip into the 30s.
Things were a bit too chill in Quartzsite before I got my Portable Buddy heater, but my RV now stays toasty, usually on the low setting. I was already familiar with the heaters and I had confidence in the brand, as I owned them in my home in Baja, Mexico, a place that runs on propane.
I knew that with minimal ventilation, these heaters are designed to safely be used inside. They run on small portable Coleman propane cans, but a better idea is to pick up an Ignik Gas Growler (or the equivalent) to do away with single-use propane bottles. It will also save you a ton of money over the long run.
Mr. Heater takes safety seriously. Therefore, this heater is made from flame-retardant materials and features:
- Patented self-extinguishing protection system
- Emergency low-oxygen safety system
- Tip-over shut-down system
What I especially like about the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy heater
- It puts out a lot of heat using efficient radiant ceramic tiles
- Has a low 4000 BTU and a high 9000 BTU setting
- Runs 5.4 hours on a 1-lb single-use propane bottle or 108 hours on a 20-lb propane tank (additional hose and filter sold separately for the latter)
- No electricity required
- Small and lightweight
- Heats up to 225 square feet
- Easy to use right out of the box
- 3-year warranty
What can be improved?
I honestly can’t think of a thing. After spending too many uncomfortably chilly nights in my RV, I am a much happier camper with my Little Buddy. It’s far more efficient than my furnace and I save the propane for running my fridge when boondocking instead of heating the trailer. I should have outfitted my RV with a Portable Buddy LONG ago.
Check out the Mr. Heater Portable Buddy propane heater at Amazon.
Do you need to heat a larger area? Check out the 18,000 BTU Big Buddy propane heater.
##RVT1139
Thank you, Cheri! Yours is the latest recommendation for this heater; many RVing YouTubers do too. So far, we have not needed this, but we do have a small, almost personal version of this that we have used while sitting outside in chilly weather.
This is just a advertisement for that heater. Why no mention of the vast amount of water vapor in the vehicle? Even with ventilation the condensation inside was like a rain storm. My vented RV furnace is the best thing for my warmth.
Do you put the Ignik Gas Growler 5-Pound Propane Tank inside the RV when using it to supply the Portable Buddy with propane?
Yes I do.
I had the Big Buddy (2-cylinder 18,000 BTU) heater explode in my coach’s salon. Using an oven mitt, I whisked the heater out of the coach while yelling at my wife to open the door! I cannot recommend the Big Buddy, but I agree with everything you said about the single-cylinder Buddy heater.
Tried the Mr heater buddy. HORRIBLE. Little control over heat settings, condensation like a steamy bathroom. Feels very unsafe. Uses way too much propane and now those little bottles run $10-$20 a bottle!!!
Two words…. Diesel Heater. Game changer.
Is there a ppm rating of CO for this?