Winter Van Life Cheap Heat for Van Living
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- čas přidán 6. 08. 2024
- This is the second in a series on how to heat your car, van or RV when you live in them. Today we look at another choice which is to use a Coleman 1-Burner Propane Stove for heat. I've been doing it for more than 15 years without any problem and I am going to continue to do so. However, this is going to be a "Do as I say, not as I do video!" Every safety expert will tell you using a propane stove for heat is dangerous, unsafe, and potentially fatal!! IT CAN KILL YOU!!! And, they are right!! So I do not recommend you do this, I can only tell you that I have weighed the risks for myself and I am willing to take the risks--YOU SHOULD NOT!!! IF YOU DO, YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ALONE ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WEIGHING THE RISKS AND LIVING WITH THE CONSEQUENCES!!
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Thanks for watching!
I just bought my first Coleman butane single burner stove for least than $20. I live in my SUV full-time due to a abusive marriage. I experienced being cold and was watching this video and decided to go to Walmart to purchase mine. My SUV was heated immediately of course I cracked all 4 windows for ventilation. I kept the stove on for least than 30 minutes and turned it off and went to sleep like a Baby. I am personally learning a lot from watching your videos. Thank you
How are things going for you now?
Hope you have found peace now your out of that relationship. Blessings
Well done you for being brave enough t leave that monster 🌸💓💪💪
I have a 2004 SUV also. I just keep turning my SUV on and running my heater for a little while and then turn the vehicle off but that eats my gas up. I'm 70 years old and live in Texas so we do get cold but not bad cold. I'm glad you got out of your abusive situation. God bless your full time SUV living.
I wonder how long a butane burner would burn on low🔅
For anyone who is in really cold conditions and it's a life and death situation, a snow mobile suit is unbelievably warm. You climb in the suit and zip it all the way up, hood on your head, gloves, and boots and you will be warm in 0 degree temperatures. I used to ride my motorcycle in 15 degree conditions and not get cold at all (except my face would get a little cold under my full face helmet but I'm going 60mph in and the wind chill is probably 30 below). But when hiking in the snow or just sitting outside in extreme cold I stay nice a warm in the snow mobile suit. This should be an emergency cold item for anyone. You can always put on the snow mobile suit at night and sleep in it if you get an unusually cold night and you must get warm. Those snow mobile suits (even the cheaper ones) are amazing at keeping you warm.
That sounds wonderful, great tip! Sleeping bags just the same, too, with the appropriate rating, or several nested in each other.
All you’ve said about Mr. Buddy is true. However, what I’ve found using my medium size Buddy for 6 years and months of cold mountain winter temperatures is it never breaks provided you do one important thing:
I use a 5 gal propane tank with a hose. Never turn it off by the switch. Put it on high setting and turn off the propane bottle. No special hose or filter required.
When starting it, turn on tank gas valve, hold open the starter valve on the Mr. Buddy for about 5 or 6 seconds., release and then push down the igniter. Mine always fires up, immediately. Let the starter pilot flame burn for 30 seconds before turning setting to high. After a couple minutes can turn to low setting.
The most important thing is to never turn it off at the heater. Turning off the propane bottle with the heater on high will burn off any of the chemicals that build up and clog the heater and/or hose.
NO green hose or filter required. 6 years later and my Mr. Buddy has never failed using the aforementioned procedures.
I lived on a sailboat that had a propane stove. I would turn the stove on low and put a small clay pot upside down over the burner. It worked great and was a radiator that radiated the heat horizontally as well as vertically. The clay pot would also remain hot/warm after the burner was turned off so one could turn off the stove and be comfortable for quite a while.
Much better technique.
Bob I want you to know how grateful I am for your videos. I had toxic mold in my apartment and no money to move right away , i had no choice but to move into my van at 48 waiting on a disability hearing for 3 years with my dog and scared to death. This video saved my butt , waking up one morning at the beach where i lived and freezing to death. I hadnt even thought of how cold it could get in my van with no insulation. Steam was coming out of my mouth. I did the single burner small propane tanks. Rolled the windows down a couple inches and had a down comforter. I stayed toasty all winter. About 2.00 bucks a night. You helped me so many rimes thank you so much. Your a good man and i hope life treats you well . God Bless
Black molds are signs of dampness, meaning that windows have been long closed and that rooms don't get sufficiently ventilated. You have to open windows for at least 10 minutes everyday. I open mine for few hours. Ventilation dries out the rooms and so your dry rooms will feel warmer. Dampest rooms are often the coldest.
@@ritageraghty4404 A friend was crippled from mold in a wall that was moist inside from a tiny leak in a pipe, no outward sign. Another bought a house with mold around a window that was improperly installed. He caught it right away while upgrading window. May not ave been her fault.
I'm 46 and fighting insurance over mold. Live in Indiana and currently sleeping in my SUV. Looking for ways to keep warm as I have limited income right now and issues with the heating system in my car. You're not alone friend. Keep positive. Things will get better.
Lori I have the same problem and been dealing with for years. Had major surgery in my sinuses 3 times and almost didn't make it the second surgery. The apt I'm in now has mold and I'm leaving very soon because I bought a van to live in. Sorry about your situation. I do take Neem capsules to help kill the fungus/mycotoxins but still not strong enough.. Wish you the best!
@@ritageraghty4404 in an apartment if tenants block the vents to do drugs and smoke...it creates mold. This is my situation.
Bob, I wonder if you realize how much you serve those of us who will probably never live the nomad life. The bogeyman of possible homelessness is destroyed in the light you shed on the simple practicalities of living free of a house. Bless you!
Bob, I've also been using my propane stove as a heater in my 1958 Alaskan camper for over 2 years. It works incredibly well. A few TIPS - I bought a scrap piece of aluminum block to set on top of the burner...it acts as a heat sink and once heated it REALLY throws out the heat. I keep the burner on little more than a flicker during the night and it keeps the whole camper warm. Block dimensions are roughly 6" x 5" x 4". I also have a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and a LPG gas detector installed...along with keeping my window cracked open. I've never set off any of the alarms and I've never had a single issue.
EXACTLY
How much did it cost for all those detectors?
Good simple solution! Before watching this I built myself an indoor fireplace of sorts with items foraged from a thrift store: stainless cup set inside a cement planter, planter filled in with sand. Add a few ounces of 91% rubbing alcohol to the cup and light it. It produces a clean flame sufficient to raise the temperature of my minivan in the morning before I get out of bed. The sand holds the heat and it produces No soot except where the flame touches the inside of the cup. Yes it’s an open flame and that’s a hazard but I’m also magical.
In addition, I find if you place a cast iron skillet on the stove and heat it, when you turn off the flame, the iron will radiate the heat for some time.
Stay warm, stay safe🕊
Get a iron skillet pan with a lid, fill with volcanic rock , heat & turn off!
Works great for a foot warmer at night also
This is a really good and safe solution. I will use your idea.
That's what I would do. Or put on a pot of water and heat the rocks there first--you'd be able to wrap the hot rocks up in foil and a blanket and warm the bed up before getting in and maybe keep some in there with you. They hold heat a long, long time!
Another wonderful idea. Now I don't have to get rid of all my cast iron pans, would a kettle with lid work?
@@painterken2542 e
Bob, the hot water bottle is a blessing.
My problem has been over the years breathing in cold air.
Thank you for the hot water bottle.
About 9/10 p.m. I boil water, fill the bottle wrap it in a dish towel. The dish towel is not to thick. I put the bottle around my shoulder area tuck the sheet and blanket under it. Form a 2-3 inch high blanket wall around the water bottle extending to allow the heat to help my face warm which is not under the covers.
Thank you for the water bottle.
I was literally going to go buy a buddy heater today cuz I've been using a two burner coleman stove for heat in my camper shell for the last five years and I thought I was doing something terribly wrong. Just happened to see this video and wow it's going to save me over a hundred dollars. I've always used safety precautions and it's worked fine. Thanks for this great tip.
Here is the thing, you screw up once and your dead. At least, the my buddy has a fail safe built into it so you won't die if you screw up. Your life IS worth the extra money. Would you skip batteries for a propane/carbon monoxide detector? It is a fail safe for the same problem (and others as well).
The more people watch cheap hippies trying to sell people on this, the more people that will be doing it and someone WILL make a mistake and die. Likely more than a few somebodies.
I don't find Mr. Magic's flippant attitude toward safety entertaining or wise. Yes CheapRVLiving guy YOU are going to get people killed to save yourself a few cents. Next time you are doing something that puts your own life at risk don't share it with the group please.
Awesome!!!! Just make sure to have a good CO detector. I use an alcohol stove in my boat and I always keep the hatch open when I use it, and even then my CO detector goes up to 30PPM sometimes.
I sleep with a hot water bottle every night in the winter, cozy comfy and cheap. :-) love to all from Scotland.
Love you too! Blessings!
Hot piss bottle?
Not me. I get too hot as it is. Hot Mama! 😁
Greetings. My family was Scotch-Irish, immigrated here at least as early as the American Civil War.
@@youarehere1251 interesting idea.
I don't live in USA I don't see myself living in the van even in my retirement but your videos give me a vibe of freedom and happiness I just watch your videos to absorb a little freedom from you guys and of course I appreciate your research and work that you have done that I believe will revolutionize the way intelligent humans will live in the future
808middlesex
small candle in a coffee can is a really good solution to keep the temp up overnight. As long as the coffee can is on/in something that it won't spill (ie sink or on the middle of a table) you wont have to worry about it tipping over. Also you'd be very surprised at how much heat you get out of a small single candle. I've done this when I spent the night in my car a bunch of times. It works wonders for keeping it at least marginally warm. Also, yes it's still an open flame, but it's also surrounded by a metal can.
I've used a candle too and it works well. I used unscented regular wax candles.
@joe smath I think that would work yes.
sand in the bottom of the can
Ikea sells metal tealight/candle lanterns from 3.99 and up which I use during power outages but they could also work for a heat source with the benefit of providing open flame protection. Stay safe :)
@@terrapintravels3829 At freezing. Degree outside ,dos it work ? I know humidity is the factor that make is so hard for lungs and all , back to my question ,did you tried it at freezing degree ?
Bob, I have a portable ceramic plug-in heater I bought at Wal-Mart a year ago or so ago. NO FLAME, NO COMBUSTABLE FUEL, and NO CARBON MONOXIDE!
I bought the heater which works very well for Winter, and an ARTIC AIR A\C for Summer .
BOTH ARE PLUG - IN and can be bought at Wal-Mart and similar stores for around $20.00 each. The Arctic
Air has a water tank to fill and simple instructions on how-to set it up. So simple even I can do it level set up!
In a camper, I would make sure the HEATER is a safe distance away from flammable materials - Check these for tip-over shut off safety.
One tip I'd give for using that stove, is to get a stone, big enough to fit across it, be it pizza stone, or even a couple of bricks and heat them up with the stove. Then when you go to bed and turn off the stove, the stones will continue to radiate heat for a good long while.
This is an excellent idea. I used to heat up water for my hot water bottle. Bottle got a hole in it so i went to stones/bricks. They worked well held heat longer than the water bottles.
A pizza stone should be the perfect size to fit over the top of that style of stove.
You can use stainless steel thermos instead of water bottle. Better yet put tea or coffee in it and if its not too cold you don't have to get out of bed to get your caffeine.
I don't live in a van but I do heat my small place with a wood stove . I keep a few big rocks on top to radiate heat after the fire goes out
Very good idea pizza stone and a couple ceramic bricks would work fine.
Bob. You are the man. A simple 5000 BTU propane burner is an awesome idea. Especially since you can turn it down to low. I was a development engineer for Chrysler for 10 years and worked in the scientific labs and I worked in Aerodynamics and Thermal Management for quite some time. We'd put smoke bombs (big uns) inside a vehicle in the shop and then look for where all of the smoke leaked out. Sealing up air holes also gives you less 'road' noise. Let me tell you, all cars leak like a sieve. So cracking your 2 front windows 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch is still a good idea. Now. Bob. I have an assignment for you. When you are in the desert you are going to look for the "PERFECT" rock. Its going to be TOTALLY FLAT on the 'bottom' and lets make it nice and round on the top. Make it about 40 lbs, just easy enough to move around and you are going to place that nice beautiful rock on the pot supports on your burner. Since its nice and FLAT on the bottom it wont interfear with the flame pattern. Interfering with the flame pattern and getting a yellow flame is the 1st sign of the creation of carbon monoxide. As long as your flame is pure blue, you're ok. High temperature combustion is something I'm very familiar with. An hour before bed you are going to crank up your stove and heat up the rock. It will heat YOU and the ROCK at the same time. Now, there is nothing magical about this, you are just storing the heat in the rock. So when you go to bed the rock is hot and it will slowly release the heat nice and even over the next many hours. If you can't find that perfect rock, you can go t big lots and maybe dollar general and get a 12 quart 'stock pot'. It'll be stainless steel. 12 quarts is 3 gallons. Put 2.8 gallons of water in it. Fill it up. Almost. Now 7.3 lbs of water per gallon so 2.8 x 7.3 = 20.5 lbs of water. It takes 1 BTU to heat 1lb of water 1 degree F. So, if you take your 50F water and heat it up to 210F on the propane stove, then turn it off. 210 - 50 = 160F of "Delta T" (difference in temperature). So the # of BTU's stored will be 20.5lbs x 160F = 3280 BTU's of stored heat. This will slowly release itself into the van environment as it cools down. Hope this helps some of you van dwellers.
You can also use s smaller flat rock, heat it, and place it in the sleeping bag just like the hot water bottle, but w/o the risk of leakage. My grandparents would heat the bed before getting in with a bed warmer.
mankind has been doing this for thousands of years. still works today thankfully despite all of the nerfs to other heating types over the last few dozen patches.
Steven Harris, thank you for a good read. Loved it. Going to scour the fields for a flat rock to put on my wood stove. Lol, has to be "cool" or the wife will make me get rid of it!
Steven Harris my mom was born in 1924. They use to heat up bricks to wrap and place at the foot of their beds to stay warm
What about condensation from the water in a tiny space?
Thank you Bob 🙏 My Winter solution in Germany is: When I wasn’t hiking: I drove around and heated the car for ten minutes each hour until I slept (because here it’s forbidden to leave the motor on while parking) and wore several layers of winter clothes all the time plus at night used a -40 degrees Celsius sleeping bag and put 6 blankets on top.
I lived on the hook for a couple years anchored in a roadstead in Vancouver and I had the same problem. Also sometimes I would be weightless, come right off my bed. Everything flying around. You guys have it easy. Got a -20 or 30 degree sleeping bag and I still needed a blanket. Standing in a bucket pouring hot water over my head for a shower sucked but the florescent Star shows and cormorants riding on my dingy, baby seal climbing up my boarding ladder to escape a killer whale made it all worth it.
Would love to hear more about you being weightless, care to elaborate? That's got to be frightening and fascinating at the same time
I have been attending the "School of Bob Wells " and am very close to my degree in ~MAGICAL POWER'S~
LOL ... great channel Bob !!
I started living in my SUV about a month ago on and off, trying it. It is really working!!!!! I am so so so thankful for you and for all the people you bring here to show us how they are doing it. I learnt A LOT from you. I am building on what you have reached. It is not hard for me, I bet it was for you when you get started. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with you knowledge and great spirit; because of you, now I am free on the road!!!!!
Thank you for the honesty! Im a proud home cook and cooking generates ample heat. This makes sense, I balk at the idea of buying more things to carry.
For heating a car consider a japanese cast iron tea warmer fueled with a candle or small can sterno. The cast iron acts as a heat sink which slows down the dissipation of heat and retains it in the immediate vicinity. The concept is similar to the terracotta clay pot heaters which uses tea candles. Tea candles are dangerous because of their inherent clumsiness. The japanese tea warmers are intended to be used with cast iron tea kettles within which to warm up water so you double the cast iron heat source and can have water on hand if you like. I'd like to see a video on this apparatus. They aren't cheap, but less than $75.00 yet the combo serves a dual function and is aesthetically pleasing.
Gosh I had no idea the number of people living in so many different ways!! Bless your hearts. Big hugs too all.
It's a CRISIS out here....
All the help we can get is GREATLY Appreciated.
I'm a 64 yr old woman w minimal retirement.
No addictions or wrong choices to put me here.
Gentrification took my store & appt of 20 yrs so they could triple rent.
Thanks & God Bless you ALL for your positive contributions.
I'm a rich, bored housewife. (Rich is relative of course, Mr. Trump would find it difficult to visit my house.) My interest in this is more like a nomadic calling but I am stupified at all of the different folks's circumstances.
when last I lived in an RV when waking on frosty mornings I would light the stove top propane burner and put on coffee pot...2 problems solved...by the time the coffee was done the small camper was toasty warm...I rarely had to start the heater...so I think you are right on with this one
Living full time for 2 -3 years now, in my rv. I use my propane stove and oven for heat. Works well, and as long as I have a few inches of my two driver cabin windows open, i have more then enough air flow for ventilation purposes
Thank you so much for all of your videos. I’m about to move into a ‘73 Shasta full time and it makes me feel so much better and so supported watching these videos and reading these comments. Much love 💗
There are people like yours noble, generous, wise, providers of...GOOD MEMORIES. I want to believe that God protects you.
Always learning something useful ... love going over older videos and comparing how you have changed your mind on things and are always willing to share what you have learned. I remember a time you recommended the mr. buddy...and now you have evoved with experience and take us along with you. I wish that you would put some kind of notice on older videos saying you have updated your knowledge and put a link to the new info....otherwise people will sometimes purchase things based on outdated info. Just a thought. But thankyou for your constant stream of knowledge that evolves every day along with your experience.
Hi there, I am new to nomadic living and haven't Figured out my heat yet. Are you saying that bob has a new recommendation now for keeping warm? TIA
Thank you, I enjoyed the video! I have an A frame pop up style camper made in 2011. Watching your videos makes me realize how much more I could use it.
I Bought a Toilet from Amazon, it folds-up, it Cost me $35 Dollars, love it, it's so portable, great Product......I Live in New York and found out-lets in a Park that uses Solar Panels for their Company Vehicles, so I get to power-up my 400watt Power-Station, My Wife Passed-away, so I Took Your Advice to this Van Life, Thank you.....
I feel people certainly overlook hot water bags from boiled water. Also hot rocks wrapped in a sealed towel. I have never burned myself. I layered and sewed towels together and made a warm insulation bag for hot rocks. Lasts hours but keeps the bed warm for much longer.
Oh Danny Boy hey I.put a 2 ltr.stainless steel water boiler on the stove on low .the water boils very slowly creates hot steam and creates a nice warm.space and the steam kills germs within that area.also nothing can fall on the flame cos of the stainless steel water container.so u have the heat fr.m rhe flame plus the steam for heat .u can also make tea coffee soup boil those red sausages hotdog thingys and boil eggs while the steam.and flame heat ur space .gotta b creative and use our brains sometimes cos the simple things in life r the easiest and the best and cheapest.u can boil the rocks in this stainless steel container and like u said..put them in ur sleeping bag or ur swag
The last thing I need is something hot in my bed. I’m comfortable even with the heat off all night. I drape a towel or t shirt over my head sometimes. It’s getting up to a cold camper that sucks. That’s why I want quick radiant heat and slippers for the cold floor. That’s why I think a Olympian or Buddy heaters are great. Or an electric dish heater that directs the heat onto me.
What I do need in bed is something that keeps my arms warm if I’m reading or whatever.
@@andrewvardanega2251 In a UK winter the steam from this would be a big no, too much condensation and wet heat that turns Cold and Damp when heat is off.
Just Gotta say it......I just love this man. I learn something new or just get inspiration from him with every video I watch. I will soon be trying the van life and am scared and thrilled all at the same time. Thank you Mr. Bob
All the best to you, my friend!
✌🏼💕🐈
Don't be scared Ebbra. I'm a 63 year old lady and I'm in my 7th year of full timing in a schoolie after many years of part tming. Start out at the common places like walmart and flying J, and in a commuity you are familar with to get the hang of it. Soon you won't be able to imagine life any other way.
@@angelereynolds2122 Angela was just wondering about how much money will it take to live as a Nomad I know you are in a schoolie I am 56 and just went on disability due to my second back surgery. I will not be able to afford to live here in San Diego on what I will be getting each month. I do have a van That looks like it will be my new home but have fear of the cost each month to survive. Many fears actually but none the less it soon will be my new life.
@@dionpaschini4536 I live in a Toyota truck full time. I spend 380 dollars a month on food each month and 120 on gas. Since I also travel, I do maintenance which in 2022 has run me about 1700 dollars. Buy a Jackery power station and cook your own meals. The Jackery will power up all of your electrical devices, and cooking your own meals won't cost but maybe 200 a month in food. Do your required vehicle maintenance so you won't end up stuck. I've been stuck more than once. No fun. Also, make sure to have a credit card.
I can't help but be hopeful after watching all the great videos and guests, Bob. I'm finally making the jump going to a skoolie but until I buy it and get it ready, I'll be living out of my midsized Nissan car. At first I was very apprehensive but with all the success I've seen with your guests, I feel like I'll be ok.
Try a clay plant pot over the flame. When you place it on upside down the little hole allows plenty of oxygen for the flame and the clay pot helps heat.
survived many a winter night with the flower pot alternative on a single burner, great radiating heat source actually . . . my hippie van days were much better and a lot more comfortable in a wider range of environments with said heat source . . . Really miss those days and seriously dream of going 'truckin' again though I would need a bit more than a cheap sleeping bag on a shag carpeted floor, tie-dyed curtains and hand printed cardboard boxes lol
A friend of mine rigged something similar but w/ no gas stove. So you're saying the clay pot would just sit on the 4 metal wires? (i'm confused by bob's presentation; how is he running it w/out any gas attached?)
There are ways to use a candle too with a clay pot!!
@@bikinggal1 I've seen a calculation once of using candles. Its cozy but it's not cheap!
@@hnritube12 some of those tea lights burn for 8 hrs..I would like to give it a try at home just to experiment.
Best channel on CZcams with a talented, honest, knowledgeable host with amazing expertise and experience. I look forward to it every single day. Hooked on CRVL!
I just wanted to thank you for the videos, i will become homeless again but have decided that this time will not be like before when i was homeless 2.5 years. I have learned a lot from your videos. I am a 68 yr old woman with 3 dogs to keep me company, i have always wanted to either get a van or a small rv. Again thank you for all the great tips on living in a van or small rv. Also would like to say thank you to all the other people that have given great ideas. Could you please tell them thank you from me. love your videos keep them coming.
patchesdoreen7 s
Doreen7, I am also thinking of van dwelling and my brick wall has been my dogs. Can you tell me the difficulties of having multiply dogs and how you address them? Thank you in advance. Diana Tuttle
patchesdoreen7 : bless you sister. I hope you are wrong about becoming homeless again. Love and prayers 🙏
patchesdoreen7 my gf is homeless as well and we live in NJ and it is getting cold. Consider purchasing an inexpensive heater that uses a usb to charge it (usb is what you plug smartphones into). They are on eBay and Amazon. She also has a dog. Or a wireless heater. I would not use anything that runs on gas or propane unless you are able to ventilate your car enough with fumes. There are also small generators you could keep outside the car and use an extension cord at night to plug a heater into.
Actually I have 2 big buddy heaters, really great for the cabin. I can also use the wood stove, but with the big buddy I don't have to gather fire wood in the snow, wet and cold. Especially if I pull in at 1 in the morning... big buddy, easy snap-on hose and electro ignition.
I love this channel! I've been subscribed for about 6 years, I think.
Van life is something I wish I could do to save money, but, it just isn't in the cards.
Keep the awesome videos coming!
Just ran across this video after researching Mr. Buddy heaters. Glad I did. I was actually thinking yesterday about using my Coleman cooking stove as a heating source or a backing stove I have.... thanks for adding to my thoughts of this.... I enjoy your knowledge and all that you do.
Diesel Heater 138$ eBay works and designed for cars and RVs, works fabulously. Uses about a tenth of the fuel, compared to propane.
When I use open flame for heat, I put two bricks on the grate over a low flame. The bricks collect and disperse the heat nicely and will continue to give off heat after the flame is turned off. The heat off of bricks is very nice for cooking. I can cooked grilled cheese sandwiches evenly without burning them. It's good for pancakes too.
Wow, I am going to try this, thanks!
I tried it and it never really worked for me. Maybe I ought to try again!
We use large stones for campfire circles. Helps keep the heat in the fire.
@@erictodd1088 I'm not sure that's why. Isn't it to keep the wind from blowing coals? Smokey the Bear no longer recommends using rocks btw ;-)
I built a wooden box big enough for my little buddy heater ....the front of the box is open.....the 3 sides and the top of the box are lined with concrete board......the front of the box is open and covered with metal mesh to stop anything from touching the flame coming from the heater .......I have a 10 foot hose attached to a typical BBQ gas tank.....I also leave the roof vent open about 1 inch.....I run the little buddy heater ALL night long .......I've been doing this about 10 years .....never had a problem other than moisture .......I also get about 80 hours of heat from a BBQ tank.......if set up right the little buddy is the best.
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Not sure why but this is one of my favorite Cheap RV living vid's. I must've watched it 4 times over the years! LOL
Hey, I'm new to youtubbing, mostly I watch travel/food channels. YOU ARE A SIMPLICITY GENIUS!!! Thank you so very much for everything you do. I very much appreciate you!
Great vid! Another thought.... During the flame on cycles heat a large cast iron skillet. Then you'll have radiant heat during flame off cycles...
That could save your butt too. Might get burned, but won't light off.
That is what I was thinking, too. And maybe put some rocks in it as well. After the heat source is turned off, that whole thing should radiate heat for quite some time without any danger of an open flame to deal with.
i like this idea.
good idea but the grease would be stinking the heck out of the room lol
I really appreciate your sense of humor, Bob! That's for another great video.
I really enjoy your programs on survival in the real world and the training tips of what where how when etc, my friend.
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the Wave heater information.
Bob never ceases to amaze me, he always makes me laugh, he truly does have magical powers!
Be careful.
This old ignoramus is killing people. CO KILLS!
Bad magic.
I have watched this so many times over the years and I love your magical powers Bob.
made my 1st camper out of a van in 1977, used a portable propane heater until they were banned, I'm still here and I'm very glad Bob is here.
This resonated true for me! We have a buddywe picked up for $15 for emergencies so no money wasted however it is way too hot and you have to turn it off after 5 minutes max and then freeze a couple hours later so you're getting up constantly turning it on for a moment and then turning it off.. it is a pain. This just makes a lot of sense! I can't let it get too cold we have a pet turtle.. ❤️
Finishing up with the loading of my SUV this morning.
Can't wait to start this life.
Barb, tell us about your first year. I bought a cargo van that I've converted.
Bob. I really love your videos. Great instructional video. Clear and easy to understand. Happy trails
Thanks Bob and thanks to your magical powers, lol... I've been car camping in a tent for some time now here in Indiana and now that I'm older appreciate a lil warmth in the mornings when I get up and get going! So thanks for all your insight, Mark...
great concept, Bob, whether with magical powers or without a perfect solution. Also the bed bottle is totally great and what I can add: combined with a big sheep fur as or on the matress simply unbeatable, that fur keeps you all night warm.
Just wanted to add that I have seen recently on YT (forgot on which channel) some van dwellers using two of these chimney bricks (don't remember whether it was pumice or fire clay or whatelse material, I mean these stones used inside chimneys and big bakery or pizzeria ovens) which they had simply bundled together with a metal band, and they had made a handle on top. Looked little bit like a square iron or so ;-) These guys kept these stones for half an hour or so on the flame, then shut the fire down and used then simply the heat stored in these stones.
I think these stones are also a great solution if you stay in the desert, just keep them the whole day in the sun and bring them in the evening inside ...
bangalorebobbel Good tip about putting them in the sun. Black painted bricks would be even better.
Used the same method as your self for over 20 years but in proved it in several ways. Firstly I bought a medium sized Dutch oven nothing more then a thick cast iron pan and lid inside this is a smaller cast iron Dutch oven with locking lid. So I put me jacket potatoes covered in foil inside the fist locking Dutch oven locking the lid closed this then goes inside the next larger Duchy oven the lid is then put on. On top of the pan lid I place a heat powered stove fan. This is truly the best heating and cooking fan assisted device ever. The flame on the hob is far more controlable then any propane fire I've owned ever and it's on very low but the 2 Dutch ovens trap and slowly release the hot air into the room. I'm working on improving it more by adding another fan and making a copper heat trap I'm certain this is the way forward I'm very aware the dangers of open flames but that's my next job I've obtained an old fire guide that has very fine mesh and manufacturing a safety guide that I belive makes the risk of danger now 99% safe. This device and heat exchanger uses so little fuel have mine on approx 12th hours per day in the winter months. Just make certain you have air intakes and out takes where ever it's used. Never sleep when in use.
Thank you so much,you are such a tremendous help and blessing,I am so excited for my new adventures,I am waiting for my SS settlement and I will be out there living my dream.
i just put almost everything on your list into my Amazon cart. I like the idea below about the cast iron pan.
Top 5 ideas for keeping warm in a Canadian winter...CZcams......look on eBay to find usb heated throws...with usb their best idea ...a portable cellphone battery charger will run these all night..They charge it with solar during the day.pretty neat!
can you send me a link?
Wouldn't that be the same as running an electric blanket off a deep cycle battery?
Great ideas. I’ve been in my microbus for 6 months and I thought about buying a mr buddy. I’m going to try using my Coleman in a fashion like yours.
I absolutely loved this video !! Great practical information and done with a wonderful sense of humour, I loved every single bit !!
Lovely tip ! The aspect you had the experience using in difficult situations in real life , I think a lot of people will benefit from watching this video ,nice 👍
I put a clean Cast Iron frying pan on top of the cooker with Ceramic Briquettes inside of the frying pan...then you put the cooker on low...then you don't have to worry about something falling on it as much!
That way the heat spreads out more!
Great idea love it, thank you for sharing.
Except for the cast iron skillet full of hot coals falling all over when you bump them?
I use a cast iron dutch oven . I turn it upside down over the very low flame. It works great .
Great ideas thanks😘
A cast iron pizza pan looks pretty easy to tuck away when not using it.
Thanks Bob,
I really liked your demonstration of how to avoid, setting your backside on fire. Classic! Also, thank you for being real and giving us an idea of what one needs to do, to stay warm in a van. Rachel :)
your asking for trouble doing this!!!!
I love your take on things and make this lifestyle reasonable and practical
Here's a trick I use in my sleeping bag. I put a small therapeutic heating pad under me. It uses about 48 watts & I only need to run it about 15 min once or twice each night (in 35° temps). Not effective in heating the whole camper but sure works well in my sleeping bag. I'm running it off the batteries.
What batteries ?
@@sageunknown6307 I have two 35 amp hour deep cycle AGM batteries that I charge with solar panels. Some people use their vehicle battery but I'm afraid of getting stranded. I'm happy to let my truck battery power the truck. Check my You Tube page if you would like to see my set up. It's not a good tutorial, though.
"I just set my butt on fire!" lol Love you Bob! Hope you are doing well.
I've been living in a 30 ft bus for the last 4 years.
My kitchen is all Coleman or it's equivalent, for that indoor/outdoor option.
I added the Cman camp oven for real baking and discovered that it increased the amount of heat put out. And if I put a tightly covered bowl/pot of water inside when I go to bed, I have hot water for my French press coffee pot when I wake. Plus the oven is already preheated for breakfast baking.
I do have a Little Buddy heater for additional heat, if needed, but prefer my Colman setup.
When I was a kid, we used a Coleman white gas lantern for heat in our camper. The only hassle was pumping up the pressure every so often. Now they come ready to use with the disposable propane bottles. I use it a lot when tent camping and in the winter during our frequent power outages.
A wonderful material for absorbing and then radiating heat is soapstone. I'm not fond of flames running while I'm asleep and sucking up the oxygen, so I would use a combination of items to keep me warm at night. Hot water bottles and stones warmed up on the stove before I went to sleep, then an electric blanket that runs off the cigarette lighter from the main car battery, and finally a 250-watt electric heater with a fan placed on an 8-setting timer to run for 20 minutes each hour off an inverter and 75ah deep cycle battery. I would set up the heater to blow across the stones and aimed at my sleeping area, with the first timer setting to start an hour after I went so sleep. That may all sound like overkill and a lot of effort, but keep in mind I was living through northern Minnesota winters, where temperatures could drop to 30 below zero. On warmer nights, you could skip some of the steps, but much of your day was often devoted to chores centered around keeping warm, including driving around to recharge your batteries and to use the car heater. More important than heating sources, actually, is learning how to properly insulate the vehicle, shut out drafts while maintaining decent ventilation, deal with moisture/condensation, and how to use both space blankets and layers of materials to keep things warmer. Your heat source doesn't matter much if you're losing heat quickly and/or it's too damp - trapping, absorbing and reflecting heat while keeping things dry is essential to surviving cold climates.
Hot water bottles are amazing and require no clearance! :) Great option for people sleeping in cars overnight. Boil water, pour into hot water bottle, wrap in a blanket or use a hot water bottle cover, and place at your feet.
razzlenel he said in the vud that he does that
I like the hot water bottle and blanket idea. My thought is to put both items in and ice chest (without ice obviously) and the extra insulation will keep them warmer longer until needed at bedtime. Plus could be kept in the trunk out of the way during the day.
dont here anything sid about an 12volt heating blanket in your bed. would be eaiest thing to do only need a drycell battery for shore power?????
The heating blanket uses a lot of power. If you plan on running it all night you will need an expensive battery, that you will still discharge and ruin quickly.
Heated rechargeable usb jacket from eBay. Runs on a powerbank for up to eight hours. Great for cold mornings in the van.
Thanks for the great video. I'm moving from Hawaii to the mainland and plan to move directly into an RV. An apartment sounds lonely and boring, not to mention expensive. I'm retired and want to fit one more chapter into my life. Hope to meet you out there some day. Aloha!🙋
You won’t be alone out there.
Bob! I had a huge light bulb moment!! 💡 💡!!!! I live in a mobile home park ( single woman 57 divorced) and I always thought I couldn’t go out on the road only. Where I live is fairly rough. But no one has bothered me. Well Duh! It would be no different than traveling on the road alone. And I would be a lot happier! Now I can’t wait to figure out what kind of rig I want. Thank you Bob!!!!!!!!!
I have a 12 fit truck camper and I use either a oil burning lantern which I light after dinner and the camper is warmed up from cooking dinner I set the lantern on the stove under the hood vent. It keeps the chill out of the camper. Another option for a small confined space if your in your car or Van is a candle lantern or candle heater. You get your car warmed up shut it off and light up your candle. Works great. And I always have a carbon monoxide alarm-detector.
I love this channel so much. I'm hooked.
me too! It doesnt really even matter what the topic is either,always enjoyable and feels good to watch.
Ya....hes cool
agreed~!! its been so helpful with my nomad travels
RAVEN WAYS I agree with you Raven this adventurous gentleman is funny, kind, entertaining, intelligent, interesting, informative, and most importantly, caring. I appreciate his effort and enjoy his channel.
I do kind of the same thing. Except I put a rail road tie plate over the burner as a heat sink. They are 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick steel and It absorbs and radiates a lot of heat! You can usually find a loose one along the tracks, especially around junctions and yards. The pot holders on the stove hold it securely so there's little chance of it sliding off. You might be surprised how well it works. If you clean off the flat side, it makes a good griddle too, lol.
Bruce McIntyre I was thinking of a nice chunk of steel as well. Isn't there a cast iron heat driven fan for old time stoves?
Like a Sterling engine?
Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but search 'heat powered fan' on Amazon.
Sadly, those are nothing more than little toys. None that are commercially available can be put to productive use.
Couldn’t you use a cast iron skillet to do the same thing?
Yeah I had to run my Mr Buddy on pilot after warming up the cabin of a teardrop and I just no longer want to risk it and thank you for all this great info. Yes Subscribed
Hearing the discomfort of those who try living, cooking, bathing, & sleeping in cars or vehicles with inadequate winter-grade insulation reminded me of a snow climb we did. We tented, and cooked dinner in a small pan with a little backpacker's stove. Our tent was very cozy and warm on the snow so we washed dishes, got ready for bed, and slept well. In the morning that little stove did a great job of coaxing us out to start the second day of the 3 to the summit. I share it because many people are trying to sleep in tight, below-freezing conditions.
Those stoves fold up, use a Sterno can for fuel, and weigh about 8 ounces. Look up backpacker stoves. Might be cheaper than running the motor with the heater on high for a cozy but cramped sponge bath in icy weather. Either way, I assume it's easier to remember to shut it off with an alarm or 2 at bedtime. I highly value all the great advice we read here. Thanks!
During my time in the Canadian Army, we used to use "coleman-type" (with mantels) lanterns to heat the tents while on exercise in the camp. I think that could also be a good source for heat also. it id still an open flame (low thought it is) so care and air source must be adhered to. Thanks for the great video, Bob! I have been camping off and on for more than 30+ years now, soon to take on van-life with my wife. Love your source of videos for my foray into the nomadic lifestyle!
A Coleman lantern in standard equipment for heat in many ice fishing shelters.
Coleman lanterns are liquid gas.... so it is more dangerous. I had an OLD coleman lantern that the gaskets were old. When I lit the lantern, gas fumes started spewing out all over the place! It was like a little FLAME THROWER! If this had happened while I was sleeping ,it would have been deadly. Sometimes, it is the things that happen that you NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT that can and do happen and they are deadly. What would happen if the propane powered stove was turned really low... but the flame went out? The gas would continue to come out of the valve and would not take too long to fill the van with fumes. One spark and POW! the van would explode. You never know when your magical powers will disappear when we get old.
Served as a Cold Weather Instructor... Marines. Used Coleman lanterns in Norway. -20F. We were in the tents with T Shirts. However, this was in the 80's and did not have CO detectors. Would use a detector now.
I love the idea of the warm water bottle!! Thank you😃
If you don't have a water bottle. Find a big rock. Keep the rock up as hot as it can get that you can stand it wrap it in a towel and stick it in your bed by your feet keeps you warm. That's how they used to do it in the olden days.
thank you for sharing this heating option! it was really useful information that is easy enough and affordable enough for beginners!
For now, we only camp on occasion and since it always seems that the temp. at our campsite choice gets about 8 deg. colder than predicted, we never travel without our tent heater (our tent is a Springbar 8x10, good size). We do have ventilation AND a CO detector and have never had a problem. It uses propane and really takes up very little room. I do like the idea of the wind guard/heat direction for the single burner Coleman.
I LOVE my Buddy Heater! Used it in my minivan camper with no issues at all! It heated up my minivan to a comfortable temp quickly then I’d turn it off. Though I will say, I ended up using the vans heater more because it seemed to stay warm longer- Turn the key, run the heat through upper and lower vents, turn it off then get into my 25 degree sleeping bag and all good! Don’t forget a wool cap and socks!
How long have you had your heater?
ParamedicMarine Three years.
@@kellydoyle Thanks. Is it still fully functional?
@@franka7691 Yes. It’s been moved around quite a bit and still fully functional. Zero issues so far.
Ive had big buddy for seven years, use tinfoil on the floor in front and the heat isnt an issue. Proper ventilation is my thermostat and No moisture ever with airflow. Clearance never an issue and when too hot the ventilation gets open more and if people use common sense to not have anything flammable near, its fine. Filters are only for when a large tank is used and i dont. I get eight hours with two tanks on low, better than freezing and dont get used often. The heater depends on your location, space and needs. Not everyone has access to warm areas. Buddy uses less flame and mostly ceramic heat. Cover it and keep it clean of dust and pet fur and it wont fail.
TONS OF VANARCHY only problem i had was it got too hot. When it died my brother watched a video and fixed and i let him keep it. I bought the smaller one... love them. I use an adapter and filter w a big tank.
joel minjock yeah they can get hot and when you need it, its good to have. I just open the windows more but i live central alberta so i never complain about heat. ;)
This is the best idea to warm yourselves up when having to live in a van or car! God bless you for telling us this! ❤🙏
Choosing to, not having to. This isn’t about people forced into homelessness.
Bob , thanks for all the help. You are an inspiration
Try using a 7 in clay flower pot over the burner. turn burner down low, & clay pot gives off lots of heat! Cost $2
Gave this a shot, the clay pot cracked within days.
Probably a defective pot. Try another one.
The amount of heat given off is determined by the source of heat (flame) and has nothing to do with the clay pot. It changes the rate of heat transfer and causes absorbed heat to radiate from a larger source (the pot). It doesn’t change the amount of heat given off by the source. Never will.
@@SylvanSecrets Clay pots are cheap! Get another and press on! Heck buy 2 or 3 at a time.
@@ericbulington2421 yeah, what's the deal with the clay pot comments? Are they actually to keep the flame from being an open flame? It's not like the pot can self produce heat
I'm so glad I watched till the end. Great ideas - especially the hot water bottle. Psst. I have magic powers too.
You are absolutely right about the Buddy's failing. On the stove you can put on a pot of water for humidity in a cold dry climate. I use the stove by cracking one of my top vents to let any carbon dioxide out.
OMG I used to do that up in Steamboat Colorado, in my buddies uninsulated 12x16 shed/cabin, thank you for jogging my memory. I oh you a pint or 3. When in Colorado look me up. Im going to put a wood burning stove in my 119 Promaster with electric and Coleman stove backup. You da man.
Any and every method of heating described, suggested, or explained anywhere on the internet today has to be of interest to anyone in the uk Bob, for obvious reasons...but as I intend to remove the original LPG heating system fitted in my Lesharo as soon as I decide on a good alternative, I check out anything at all which would be quieter (original has a noisy fan) less expensive to use, give as much heat (original is fine in that respect) save weight (original is a heavy item) and occupy less (valueable) space. Whilst I don't feel the idea of the cooking burner as a heater that you talk of in this video is for me, it's undoubtably a very simple solution for people who either can't afford much else, or maybe don't need a heater very often. As you mentioned, all THIS idea needs is ventilation and to never be left unattended or lit whilst you sleep. I just hope the negative comments don't make you think "why do I bother", because if and when I need advice about van life, motorhomes, or RV's as you Americans call 'em,...who better to listen to than someone like you who's done it for many years, and met & spoken with so many other folks doing the same.
Thanks for all the videos you've done so far, (some must take a bit of organising?) and long may they continue. Although they don't all 'translate' into the van world in the uk, they're still helpfull in many respects.
Racist.
Genius! Thank you so much Bob! I was afraid to get a Mr. Buddy Heater last winter, because of the clearance issues, and went with a Clay Pot and Candles which did very little to keep us warm. I was planning on going ahead and getting the Mr. Buddy Heater for this winter, and figuring out how to make it doable in our van. This idea is so much better though, because we already have a stove and know how to set it up and use it safely in our van! Yay! Thank you! 👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤👍❤
"and went with a Clay Pot and Candles which did very little to keep us warm." -points and laughs...ha ha.... Of course it isnt going to give you much warmth, it is a scam. the clay pots may 'store' energy and release it slower, but it doesnt create extra energy...you still only get the amount of heat released by the candles. put a small pot of water over it and it will do the same, and also add moisture to the air which holds energy in the air/holds heat in the air and it will feel warmer too...still wont actually BE warmer, still the same amount of energy created/released....but will feel warmer,and transfer to your body/skin more also.
Clay pot and Candles? You mean you actually believed that shit? LMAO just give up now lol
The clay pot and candle system is not only useless, it is super unhealthy. The yellow in the flame comes from heated soot. That soot doesn't magically disappear: you inhale it. It is also dangerous, because you'd have to leave it on for very long before you start noticing anything, so chances are, you won't watch it, so fire danger.
It's funny how in the US most people would think that humidity makes the air feel warmer. In the UK and other Western European countries it is generally the opposite: people think that humid air feels colder.
It is actually a bit of both: too dry (as it often is in the US) and it will feel cold because the dry air dries your skin, turning you into a swamp cooler. Too humid (as it always is in the UK) and the cold air just cools you faster because humidity increases thermal capacity of the air. But the main issue with humid heating is that when the air cools down (by touching your windows, or the metal frame of your van) you get condensation, and then mold. You have to find the right balance!
Thanks Bob , been thinking about what I’m going to do.
Saw this before but needed to remember again,thank you bunches 🤗, happy holidays
Purchase a Cabela's Alaskan Guide sleeping bag rated for -40 degrees and you won't need a heater ANYWHERE, at ANY TIME!
Dan cockerham BINGO!
Kinda overkill for the southwest...a 15 deg bag will do.
which works well if all you do is sleep ! some of us do other things besides sleep duh !
After watching these videos,I've decided a hot tent with a wood stove is the best for me.If it were just myself I could take a lot more cold but my 10 year old dog ....not so much.I want to boon dock this winter ,rent my home and save money for some serious travel.-40 sleeping bag sounds awesome and Cabela's have some amazing gear.
Good luck, those ratings don't come close, -40F maybe 20F will do, maybe
Hi Bob, I’ve thought about some of these issues myself and wanted to mention a possible hazard with the stove and a foil shield. It might gas off toxic aluminum if it is very hot 🥵 which it probably is. May I instead suggest something you mentioned: about a 2 quart or bigger pot of water to redirect the air flow around the stove-and in addition, give you hot water for the morning, and a heat reservoir all night. I liked your idea with the hot water bottle. BTW, I’m in a Thousand Trails Park right now for $160/month in California where I am from. I also love Nevada and the West. They used to have a park in Pahrump, but it might be sold now. Almost unbelievably, this includes free electricity which could be a $100 value in the summer months in a small trailer, and $10/week 5 Mbit WiFi is extra, but I always buy it. Is there a way for you to get unlimited cell data cheaply? I’m curious.
Here, I run a large rice cooker full of water all night on low, which also produces heat and gives me hot water that’s ready when I wake up. It’s a similar setup. Happy to visit with you anytime, and I’ve watched half a dozen of your videos already! You are really a great presenter with a great spirit. One of your videos on $500/year camping in AZ had maybe a few too many disclaimers, but you can easily manage that. Thanks for the help, Bob! If you wanted to do a 1000 Trails video-and similar deals you may know about-I’d be happy to help with a script.
Yeah, don't do what he is doing.
So smart and so funny at the same time! 🤣 Love your humor Bob. I just bought a minivan and I have a cockatiel. Trying to figure out the best way to keep my van warm at night to keep my precious girl warm.
Don't depend on mechanical stuff to keep living creatures alive !
My girlfriend and I have been living in class c rvs, boondocking for 5 years. We just upgraded to a Cobra rv conversion van and what a move(stealthy)! Its has an rv bathroon and furnace. The rv furnaces are notoriously inefficient. We bought the small Mr.Buddy last winter, it saved our lives, if the buddy ever messes up, it's usually the filter. We continue to completely depend on it, it has been very good to us. Love your videos!