Kodiak Canvas/Buddy Heater

[MallardSX2]

I was using a 100ah deepcycle battery. And never ran out after a few days. Then I bought this

https://www.litime.com/products/litime-12v-100ah-tm-deep-cycle-lifepo4-battery-for-trolling-motors

I can get a week out of it using the heater all night. I brought a 5 gallon can of diesel and came home with over a gallon.

With the lithium battery I would keep it inside and route your wires into the trailer. It comes with 3foot long leads but you can just wire in as long as you need.

You could mount the heater inside and route the exhaust out but I’d feel safer mounting the heater outside and routing the heating vent in. Just my .02

Edit: one more thing, these diesel heaters actually dry your gear out and lack condensation. I originally bought this for ice fishing and no longer have a roof full of water and have to dry out my hut when I get home.

Thanks!

One last ?. Any issues with it at high elevation?

 

[MuleyFever]

.

Got a link? Was it the indoor safer catalyst burner type?

It was this one. It was nice because it warms up the space very fast.

https://www.calranch.com/products/home-improvement/heating-cooling/heating/mr-heater-15000-btu-single-tank-top-portable-propane-radiant-heater-02814f216500

 

[BRTreedogs]

I use a blue flame heater, no battery needed, has a thermostat so it turns on/off as needed, heats better than a little buddy.

What’s the highest elevation you have ever used it at?

 

[huntinfool84]

What’s the highest elevation you have ever used it at?

according to OnX, camp last year was 7396'. that is probably the highest I've used it at.

 

[svivian]

Thanks!

One last ?. Any issues with it at high elevation?

Ive used it at just under 10,000 ft regularly with no issues so far.

 

[fmyth]

The diesels are interesting. Are they noisy?
I’m still thinking a Buddy may be better for my case.

If camping in a humid environment or camping in a synthetic tent I would take the diesel heater. When camping in a arid environment in a canvas tent I prefer the Buddy heater for its simplicity and ability to run with no electricity. My diesel heater works great but is larger, has more parts, requires electricity and makes more noise including the constant ticking of the fuel pump. I am looking into upgrading to one of the new "silent fuel pumps" that have recently become available.

 

[fmyth]

.

It was this one. It was nice because it warms up the space very fast.

https://www.calranch.com/products/home-improvement/heating-cooling/heating/mr-heater-15000-btu-single-tank-top-portable-propane-radiant-heater-02814f216500

Does this one has a low oxygen safety shut off?

 

[MuleyFever]

Does this one has a low oxygen safety shut off?

No, it is not rated as indoor safe but I only ran it for short periods. I wouldnt run it for hours.

 

[Blackdog317]

In September 2023, we used a big buddy in a 12'x12' Kodiak Canvas at 11,800' with no issues. Temps were in the high 20s to mid 60s. We used a 20 lb bottle with the 10' hose designed to connect to a big bottle without the filter.

10ft Buddy Series Propane Hose Assembly

10ft Buddy Series Propane Hose Assembly connects appliances that are designed to be connected to a 1lb bottle to 5 to 20lb tanks.

www.mrheater.com

It was more than enough heat, even on the lowest setting. We used a rechargeable Carbon Monoxide sensor and vented the tent. I would do the same if needed in the future.

 

[BRTreedogs]

according to OnX, camp last year was 7396'. that is probably the highest I've used it at.

Hmm
Mine would not really stay lit at 6900 feet in neg -15

 

[CorbLand]

The diesels are interesting. Are they noisy?
I’m still thinking a Buddy may be better for my case.

I have the same tent, but in a 10X14. I have used the the tank top heaters in it for short periods of time and it works perfect. Heats it up quick and holds heat for a decent amount of time after turning it off.

The little diesel heaters went on sale for around 100 bucks and bought one so I could run it all night without fear. I dont even trust the buddy heaters. I love sleeping but waking up is pretty great too.

I havent used the diesel heater as I havent had a reason to camp late season since buying it. I was going to try it ice fishing but we didnt get much ice this year.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Using it one the evening and morning is all fine and dandy.

But how do you dry out clothing if you don’t have a heater that runs all night.

Is everyone that does that only a fair weather hunter that never gets wet?

 

[cnelk]

But how do you dry out clothing if you don’t have a heater that runs all night.

Is everyone that does that only a fair weather hunter that never gets wet?

Answer:

 

[huntinfool84]

Hmm
Mine would not really stay lit at 6900 feet in neg -15

Can’t say it’s ever been that cold when I’ve used it.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Using it one the evening and morning is all fine and dandy.

But how do you dry out clothing if you don’t have a heater that runs all night.

Is everyone that does that only a fair weather hunter that never gets wet?

Speaking for myself this is all truck camping stuff so I change clothes and boots for the next day. I've had to leave pants on my dash in the truck and hanging from the seats at times.

 

[svivian]

Using it one the evening and morning is all fine and dandy.

But how do you dry out clothing if you don’t have a heater that runs all night.

Is everyone that does that only a fair weather hunter that never gets wet?

Propane heaters produce alot of condensation. They are not going dry well compared to an old fashioned wood burner. However if you get one like a nuway, that you can vent the exhaust, you would have alot better success drying out gear.

This is why I have moved to a diesel heater when im lazy and dont want to set up a wood stove. Im still getting dry heat all night(if needed).

 

[BRTreedogs]

Propane heaters produce alot of condensation. They are not going dry well compared to an old fashioned wood burner. However if you get one like a nuway, that you can vent the exhaust, you would have alot better success drying out gear.

This is why I have moved to a diesel heater when im lazy and dont want to set up a wood stove. Im still getting dry heat all night(if needed).

My blue flame heater is fantastic when it works, I’ve never had a problem with moisture even tho it’s vented.

Maybe some in the bottom of the foam pads on the cots but other then that it’s dry and drys clothes fantastic.

I’ve just had issues with the low oxygen sensor at elevation.


Also how do you guys keep snow if your roof when base camp is unattended?

The heater running helps keep the snow off the roof as well.

I and mine for 7 days in high 20s this yr 24/7 @ 5400 ft to keep my flex bow from collapsing under snow load.

 

[svivian]

My blue flame heater is fantastic when it works, I’ve never had a problem with moisture even tho it’s vented.

Maybe some in the bottom of the foam pads on the cots but other then that it’s dry and drys clothes fantastic.

I’ve just had issues with the low oxygen sensor at elevation.


Also how do you guys keep snow if your roof when base camp is unattended?

The heater running helps keep the snow off the roof as well.

I and mine for 7 days in high 20s this yr 24/7 @ 5400 ft to keep my flex bow from collapsing under snow load.

I bought their rain fly which pitches over the bar on top. Helps make a slope for the snow to fall off.

However I think i remember you selling one but didnt use? lol not saying to be a dick but it would have been worth trying

 

[BRTreedogs]

I bought their rain fly which pitches over the bar on top. Helps make a slope for the snow to fall off.

I think it’s possible we have experienced different conditions.

I tarped mine with a blue tarp, steep, tire, slick.

Tons of juy outs

Tried to keep the heater at 50 and still almost had a collapsing problem after 3days in the backcountry.

A foot of wet snow.

 

[BRTreedogs]

There was so much snow I had to dig out to take the tent down.

I was so tired from packing out I almost just left a new flex bow in the woods and headed home and just bought another one for this year.