Heater Options

[spicetrader]

UPDATE:
 It looks like we have two choices, one of which being a MR Buddy Heater.  Does anyone have edxperience with these in the mountains above 7k feet?  I'd really like to get one as they seem the most versitle.  Also, is there a way to temporarily disable that O2 sensor as we have a CO2 detector in the camper to protect us.

http://doitbest.com/Main.aspx?pageid=64&SKU=489387

The 2nd choice being Coleman ProCat Perfectemp Catalytic Propane Heater.  But I am concerned that it's 3000BTU is too small to heat the camper.  (Taos model)

http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-5053A751-Perfectemp-Instastart-Technology/dp/B0009PURYU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1257270255&sr=1-5



We are looking at heading to Yellowstone at the end of May 31-June 5th.  Pretty sure we'll have nights that are at freezing...maybe below.  The catch is our camper does not have a heater.  
We live in TX so rarely have use for it, and if we do, we have a little electric heather that has always done the trick.  But in Yellowstone, there is not electric at the campsites.  Other than getting a sleeping bag rated to ZERO, what options do we have?  I am nto sure we'd want to install a heating system.  
Are there products out there that are safe and easy to use that run on propane that aren't a permanant install?
I think if we can't figure out something easily, we'll have to leave Pup at home and rent a cabin.
Also I am worried if it snows...can pups handle a snowfall?

[GlennS]

Hi,

Don't forget to check into the campground you're planning on to be sure they allow soft-sided campers. And I'm sure you'll see snow in Y'stone in May. We had 6" on June 26 one year, so you're wise to plan for it. It's hard to tell from your avatar pic if you've got an A/C unit on top, but if you don't, I don't think you have much chance of accumulating snow equal to the weight of an A/C unit. If you do have one, check with your dealer or mfg to see how much extra weight the top will take.

Re a heater, we've got a Coleman/Fleetwood Taos, using 30 degree sleeping bags, and we've camped down in the 20's with a Buddy propane heater. It's small and you can use 1 pound tanks with it, or get an adapter to hook it to a 20 pound tank.

We also use the reflective covers on top of the bunkend (silver side down) to help trap heat, and we hang a light blanket over the inside of the bunkend zipper window. If it gets really chilly, placing a reflective blanket over your sleeping bag helps trap heat. We think that using one keeps us comfy for another 5 degree drop compared to not using it. The only thing you have to be careful of is accumulating moisture under the blanket. Don't let it cover the area where you exhale or you'll be wet in the morning!

According to Yahoo weather (weather.yahoo.com), the May average low for Y'stone is 25 degrees, with the record being minus 2. June numbers are 33 and 14, and since you're planning on the May-June break, you've got a good chance of being no worse than the 20's. I assume you'll check before you leave.

Enjoy and be safe.

Glenn

[flyfisherman]

The only heat I use for the little Starcraft is the Mr.BuddyHeater - had one since the first year had the pup ('00) - and it has been more than adequate.
It's my understanding their performance can be kind of "ify" around 7500' and higher in elavation.  Over this way in the Smokys about as high as I've used mine has been about 5,500'. But there at Yellowstone it will be a bit higher

http://www.yellowstoneupcloseandpersonal.com/camping.htm


However, on a fly fishing forum I frequent there was a flyfisher who used his big MR.Buddy (the MH18B model) at 10,000' and said it performed satisfactory. Mine is the smaller unit (MH9BX).

http://www.mrheater.com/ProductFamily.aspx?catid=41


When it's not too cool (Cold!), firing up the cook stove first thing in the morning for that cup of coffee will take the chill off the camper. But at Yellowstone elevation I'm a-thinkin' you'll need more than that!



Fly

[spicetrader]

Hi,
Re a heater, we've got a Coleman/Fleetwood Taos, using 30 degree sleeping bags, and we've camped down in the 20's with a Buddy propane heater. It's small and you can use 1 pound tanks with it, or get an adapter to hook it to a 20 pound tank.

We also use the reflective covers on top of the bunkend (silver side down) to help trap heat, and we hang a light blanket over the inside of the bunkend zipper window. If it gets really chilly, placing a reflective blanket over your sleeping bag helps trap heat. We think that using one keeps us comfy for another 5 degree drop compared to not using it. The only thing you have to be careful of is accumulating moisture under the blanket. Don't let it cover the area where you exhale or you'll be wet in the morning!

Glenn

We also have a Taos, and I like the idea of putting the blanket over the window.
I'd really like to get a Mr Buddy after looking at them, but am concerned we'll invest the $ only to have it not work for us at that elevation and then be in trouble with the cold nights.  I guess we could always then head to some campground outside the park that has power (which is less than ideal)

[spicetrader]

However, on a fly fishing forum I frequent there was a flyfisher who used his big MR.Buddy (the MH18B model) at 10,000' and said it performed satisfactory. Mine is the smaller unit (MH9BX).
Fly

Sure wish I had somewhere to test it out (TX = flat) maybe I'll see if I can find someone on a forum up in WY to see if they work.  
Thanks

[flyfisherman]

We also have a Taos, and I like the idea of putting the blanket over the window.

On my little Starcraft I cover the bunk ends with Reflectex and then cover that with 5'X7' plastic tarps. Night and day difference for retaining heat inside the pup. This will give you an idea ~ (don't mind the flyfisherman mess around the campsite!)



Fly

[spicetrader]

On my little Starcraft I cover the bunk ends with Reflectex and then cover that with 5'X7' plastic tarps. Night and day difference for retaining heat inside the pup. This will give you an idea ~ (don't mind the flyfisherman mess around the campsite!)

Fly

I am definately taking all that advice to production :-)

http://www.softsmart.com/popup/Temperature.html

[GlennS]

We've got the Buddy Junior heater (now replaced by the model MH9BX) and used it this September in Peaceful Valley campground west of Boulder, CO. Peaceful Valley is at 8650ft, and we didn't experience any shut-off problems. Do note that the Buddy has a very sensitive tip-over switch and almost any movement at all of the heater will cause it to shut off.

I would not make any attempt to disable the oxygen switch. It's part of the pilot light assembly and getting cold at night is not a problem compared to issues that could occur with malfunctions in those mechanisms. I'd rather have the heater shut off than hope the CO sensor picked it up soon enough. Just my $0.02.

Glenn

[sacrawf]

This sounds like a great trip.

My experiences camping in these temperatures include:

1. Using down comfortors help a lot. (reasonably priced at Kohl's).
2. Carry some grey foam insulation (sold in strips about 3 feet long and about 2" square) designed for use around window air conditioners to seal any cracks around doors, and place around the base of the bunkends to seal any drafts.
3. An electric hair dryer is useful for unthawing frozen grey water hoses and water tank inlet hoses.  Without 110 you may want to consider a 12 volt version, take some foam pipe insullation for these areas, and keep some gallon bottles of water inside your camper.
4.  Using rubber-backed throw-carpets on the camper floor under the seating areas makes a lot of percieved warmth difference on your feet, particularly during breakfasts and late night card games.

[AZCAMPPINAL]

My brother had the Buddyheater and has had problems with them. He had used the first one above 6,000 feet in elevation and after a couple of trips he had to have it repaired. The second one he used the bulk propane filter and again he had problems with the heater and sent it in for repair. He then bought a Dyna-glow and used it above 6,000 feet and at Big Lake (AZ) which is above 7,000 and did not have any problems. After getting his Buddy Heater repaired he only used it while camping below the Mogollon Rim and has had no problems with it. He has sinced sold his Coleman Utah and bought a Casita Travel trailer.

One of my coworkers has used the Buddy Heater at the same campgrounds as my brother but has not had any problems with the Buddy Heater. For camping trips to Big Lake he has used the Coleman Procat. He has a Coleman Taos popup.

I have a Quicksilver 8' model and use the Dyna-Glow heater and have had no problems with it.

Another coworker had made reservations for camping in Yellowstone and was not allowed to tent camp and stayed in something else at the park.

[spicetrader]

I have not heard of the Dyna-Glow heater I'll have to look it up, thanks!