Pinned comment to address Buddy heater safety and Propex fittings comments/questions: Buddy heater safety: I've had quite a few people incorrectly commenting on here that Buddy heaters are catalytic heaters, so don't/can't produce CO. That is false for two reasons. The first is that Buddy heaters are NOT catalytic heaters. The second reason is that catalytic heaters can still produce CO. It's an incredibly common misconception that catalytic heaters can't/don't produce CO, but the catalyst doesn't actually change the chemical reaction at all. You have all of the same byproducts. The difference a catalyst makes is that it makes the reaction a lot more efficient. There is less propane used, therefore less oxygen used, and a much lower chance of CO being produced. That being said, the chances of CO problems with either are incredibly slim with adequate ventilation. The fire risk is more likely to cause issues! Propex fittings: The Propex comes with a male 1/4" BSP fitting, which doesn't play well with the American NPT propane fittings. I went to my local plumbing supply store and they found what I needed. I had xB4R7x suggest the following fitting from McMaster Carr (a great store that I've ordered from multiple times) and adapter for a 3/8" regulator hose: BSP adapter: www.mcmaster.com/1786N204/ 3/8 flare adapter: amzn.to/2LAnmxD

Quick piece of advice; if you're worried about something tipping over in a tent that's hot set it on a welders blanket. You can get them in multiple sizes and it won't transfer heat from a falling stove/heater. A baking sheet isn't going to actually provide much protection, they're just too thin and the materials, though fireproof perhaps, are not heat resistant.

That last heater sounded like a great option for me until you said $800 and I thought, “Think I’ll just buy more blankets and sleeping bags.” 🤣💀

I've used a Buddy heater in my tent for years and never had an issue. Will continue to use it, but great information!

I just have my wife remind me of all the mistakes I've made for the year, that fills the space with hot air AND puts me to sleep.

Best policy in my 40 years camping/ white-water experiences: count on your own body heat overnight in a good sleeping bag. I've been wet and cold (did I mention "wet" in overnight torrential downpours in a pup-tent?) and ya gotta be warm. Propane is GREAT for breakfast later, but not for staying warm overnight.

I’ve been using the buddy heater in tents and campers since they first came out. Proper ventilation is key. I’ve never had one issue, ever. I’ve used them in below zero weather at 10,000 feet on elk hunts. We set the heater across the sink of our rv, run the hose through the screen of the kitchen window to a big propane bottle outside. We crack windows on the front and rear of the rv and sleep cozy.

I used a Little Buddy heater inside my tent for years without an issue. Mainly use it in the evenings and mornings to take the damp chill out. I camp solo in a 14 person tent so I have lot's of inside space. I use a heat activated wood stove fan mounted on the top of the Little Buddy to disperse and circulate the heat. I also mount the Little Buddy heater to a base plate so that it cannot be tipped over. I also keep two carbon monoxide senors and smoke alarms in my tent. I generally get about 4 hours, sometimes a little more out of a one pound propane tank with my heater set on medium.

Because I am a deaf Overlander and your follower, do you mind to turn the captions on this video? I love gathering your informations about your overlanding experiences. Thanks.

I've actually used a buddy heater to heat the entire space in a 300 Sq ft room. It came in handy this past February here in Texas when we lost power during that arctic blast.

Use a stove fan with the buddy heater and you'll see a major improvement you can easily set them up to be safe, always have a CO detector and keep it away from your bedding... What went wrong with your buddies is that the tent was waaay too small. That thing can put out up to 9,000 BTU which can get up to 700+ degrees Fahrenheit no wonder it caught on fire.

Good report on tent heaters. My son made a pellet stove that is about the size of a sheepherder's stove and requires a stove jack. It operates about like a wood stove, it does not need electricity and it heats for about 12 hours before having to reload more wood pellets. We used it during the hunting season and it worked perfectly...

Wow, this was by far the most helpful heater video I’ve watched. Big THANK YOU!!! 🙏

Great information. FYI, I saw another video with a guy that attached a wood stove fan to his Buddy heater. These fans use no electricity and are great for blowing the rising heat from a wood stove (or in this case a Buddy heater) to the rest of the room. All the vertically rising heat that goes to waste with a Buddy heater is now blown around the room and is much more effective at keeping the room warm. I was so impressed with the video that I ordered one of these fans from Amazon as soon as the video was over.

Thanks for this informative video. Always helps to show examples too, so great job. I am making the transition from backpacking to overlanding and I appreciate your experiences

It made me so happy to see the KOAR patch on your wall. 🧡

Wow, Winter camping has come a long way since I use to make snow graves in the snow with branches over the opening For the smoke to escape from the fire. A ground sheet on top of ceder branches. I guess that's now called Survival Camping That Propex, would be my fav. Some 40 Years ago, One of the best Videos . Thanks

Thanks for sharing as I’ve been looking to do some winter camping. Great info and well delivered.

Finally 🥳 Really left us hanging with the heater cliffhanger last vid😂 Another great video covering the basics. You are setting a high bar with your vids. I really find them instructive and entertaining. Stay safe 👍🇸🇪

Thank you so much for all this knowledge!! I'm building out a 28' enclosed trailer this summer and was convinced I would be using the Webasto, after this video I'm 100% going with the Pro- Pex!! Keep bringing the great content!!

Thanks for including those links and for providing such an informative review. I bought a Zodi Hot Vent Tent heater on ebay last October. I can't wait to test it out this winter. I agree that propane is the way to go!

I’m thinking a low voltage queen electric blanket with Jackery 1000 is gonna be my go-to.

You just answered so MANY questions. Thank you!

Great video! I’m just finishing up a Propex HS2000 heater install in my JKU and I love it! I chose it for all the reasons you outlined and especially because I live and travel at high altitudes where the liquid fuel heaters have constant problems with sooting up etc.

Great video. Gives me a lot of confidence to use the Propex for my truck camper build. I think I’ll use the other model that mounts inside and vents out. Thank you.

I’ve got the all in one diesel but it’s the short version (with the fuel tank beside the heat exchanger instead of on top of it) . Easy to find a toolbox for it to fit in. Also I ran sheet metal across the bottom creating a compartment to store the exhaust tube (where I heat wrapped a 90 and short nipple going out to the side then I added a couple of hinged doors)

Josh here, great video! SHAWИEE Hills Workshop sent me over here after he watched my "2 Minute Tuesday" version of this video. Glad he recommended ya! This is a much more in depth overview than what I touched on, and gives me some ideas for a future update video on the topic. Always learning! Subbing ya now! :)

Great video. I have the jackery, solar, all in one diesel, and a martin single burner with radiant stainless steel heater, and heated electric blanket for my van in which I live full time. Options are the biggest advantage in my opinion. If I can mount propane tanks on the outside of my van, I might get a propex too.

This is extremely helpful, thank you.

Super helpful video for us down south preparing for a chilly winter!! ❄️

thanks for a good honest review with useful information just gained a subscriber. Looking forward to more videos and checking out the rest of the ones you have already posted.

Real men wear shorts and sleep in a hammock! 🤣🤣🤣 I about spit out my herbal tea when I heard that. Currently we haven't been brave enough to try camping in the winter, but possibly as winter transitions to spring will give it a try. Leaning towards blankets at first, some have timers so they don't run all night, multiple heat settings, and use a 5521 barrel plug so I can plug 2 of them into my Bluetti AC50S which is 500W. Great video 👍

GREAT video with lots of GREAT information. I have used the Mr. Buddy heater for many years. Been lucky. And I cant afford the propane heater so am looking at the diesel heater for the next couple winters. Thank you for taking the time to create these videos

I use a Buddy heater but with 10lb propane tank. These are more reliable in the real cold than the 1lb tanks, which I had problems freezing up before. I keep the tank in my tent but on a long hose away from the heater. Once the tent heats up a little, the propane tanks stays warm. Wouldn’t worry about it unless you have an airtight tent. Have it on a fireproof mat as long as you have an air intake on your tent open, VERY small chance of anything happening unless you’re careless.I see that propane heater you have is over $1K!! I'll stick to my Buddy.

the best part of camping in the late fall and winter is - no mosquitos :-D Everything else is just bonus enjoyment.

What a great job you are doing! We love all your videos and you are very informative. Thank you for sharing.

Man I'm all for safety and being warm but at over $1000-$1700 for those couple heaters is killer. I got a USB powered blanket and a bunch of hand warmers on clearance after winter to use with the buddy heater and we are all good to go. Love the video and ALL the options

Good stuff here. I’ve been in conflict with myself since summer about buying a buddy heater and weighing the pros and cons. But this has absolutely convinced me away from the buddy heater.... $800 isn’t in the budget right now but it’s 100% in the future

Again great video! The only thing that I can add is that in cold weather propane/butane actually can freeze, if the vessel is not properly rated for the consumption (too small) so the gas flow falls or can even shut...

Best video on tent heaters I’ve watched to date; thank you for the great information. Like you, I enjoy camping year round. Though a good tent and sleeping bag can make it more enticing, a warm and dry tent, and lighter sleeping bag, really make year round camping even more appealing.

Good video, I agree your sleeping bag and pad are your first line of defense against the cold. I love hot tents with an over sized stove it burns less wood and burns slower to give you great heat

THANK YOU. I feel so much more confident choosing my diesel heater for my first campervan.

Your every single video is very informative and helpful . I am planning to go overlanding with my family and I recommend every body your channel

Great video! I appreciate your clarity and thoroughness. Enjoy your warm tent!

This guy sure covered this topic quite perfectly. Although I don't totally agree with everything he said, he explained his reasoning behind his opinions. Great review, now I should watch some more of your reviews.

Dude, stumbled on your channel yesterday, watched a ton of your vids and ordered my own heater today. Your editing skills and video layout in very easy watching! Keep it up!

Thank you. This really changed my mind about radiant heaters. On the other hand there's a significant cost leap to other methods whether it is very the device itself or the portable battery unit which needed.

Diesel is the way to go. I have a lithium battery pack in my home built all in one diesel heater. It sits outside my tent and it’s the best tent heater I’ve ever used

great informative and sensible video. love that propane heater.

Used a Mr.Buddy in a shiftpod whilst visiting Yosemite, created a rainforest inside tent. No bueno.

Very good information. Thanks for the detailed look at some popular options. I particularly like the last 2. I was not aware of them.

Honestly the best way to stay warm is with a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag. I wrap mine in tinfoil then put the soft cover over the top. It gives out heat for about 6 or 7 hours that way and is usually still warm by morning. Just boil some water before bed.

Very cool channel! I started winter camping combining it with “adventure ham radio” making contacts with ham radio operators around the world with a wire hung from a tree and radio in the warm, elements protecting tent. LiFePo4 batteries won’t work below freezing so when operating in the bush need a heat source and non-humid air. Some are using titanium (super light) wood burning stoves Which pipes out of the tent with great success. Anyway I’ll keep watching!

Good evening, Thanks a lot for this detailed video. I did some overlanding this summer in my Subaru this summer. I was looking at option to heat the vehicule to extend my camping season or go camping in the winter. It gets really cold here in Winnipeg Canada and this would allow me to extend my adventure season. Again thank you for the very detailed and honest video. Keep on the good work I watch all your adventures when posted. Cheers Eric

Great info. And thanks for not putting any music over it - much better!

Great stuff man! I had no idea there were propane heaters like this. Game changer.

I have a military sleep system - 2 bags and a gortex bivey that all snap together. Always keeps me warm, even in negative temps

If you mount the Propex Propane Heater or the Suburban Propane Heater (Like Motorhomes use) remember that the intake and exhause vents are open to the outside and MudDobbers build thier nests inside those heaters! The come in through the Intake or Exaust tubes. The RV industry has made a screen that you can attach to the openings to help prevent the MudDobber problem. Just make sure you have those checked out before you use them!

We purchased the Mr Buddy golf cart heater last season used a cheap base for the green cans. We were able to effectively get 5 and 1/2 hours of high it was 21° out with a 5-year-old in the tent and she was comfortable.

Thank you! So informative and to the point. Love your videos!

For the buddy heater, if your going to use in tent, i recommend putting a steel finer mesh grill screen cover, making it harder for anything combustible to fit into the flame, you can fit it some washers and bolts right onto over the grill that is already on it

Wicked video, you explained things very well and I now know what heater I will be purchasing for my rtt.

Revere Overland finally getting the attention they deserve

Amazingly helpful and thorough video. I subscribed and liked to show my appreciation

Finally a review that talks about condensation! Coming from ground tents and long hikes this was my main concern with tent heaters. Thank you for this great video! I liked you reminding the importance of sleeping bags.. obvious for some but not for many. Cheers from France!

Great comparison! I owned a Mr Buddy for one day and returned it after finding your Heater in a Box video. I ended up getting a Diesel All in One. Used it the first time last week camping at 8000 feet in a Roof Top Tent and 22 degrees F. Kept the tent a toasty 75 all night running at low power. That's how you sleep in shorts! I will say, the diesel heaters are not for the plug and play crowd. I had to extend the controller wires, replaced the power wires with larger gauge wiring, and learning the controller almost needs an advanced degree. I have laminated instructions I keep with the heater, since I will never remember the right order to press buttons.👍 Love the channel and keep up the good work!

this video was amazing. So helpful. Thank you!

Thanks for all the work you've done testing and comparing! Like you, we've never trusted a propane heater IN the tent, and we've had reservations pulling the trigger on a diesel heater. We're headed more towards the propane heater now, thanks to your video. Cheers!

👍Wow, you did an awesome review of these items. I greatly appreciate your efforts and the work involved with filming, editing & posting this video. Thank you.💝

Thank you for this review! It was what I was looking for!

Thanks for a very informative video!

Highly recommend this setup. Thanks so much.

Interesting just to learn about the technology. Very informative thanks

I went with the Chinese heater. I did the tool box deal like you did. Funny enough I had the same toolbox too. The fella I loaned it to finally brought it back the day I got the heater. I checked out your video that night and what do ya know. I used a 3inch (75)mm exhaust couple and bolted it on. I used a battery isolator for just the heater and stand by battery backup. Works for me.

Great review! I've been looking at heating options for smaller spaces, such as a truck bed camper shell. This looks to be like one of the best options (the propane). Appreciate the work.

I have not tried it yet, but with radiant heaters like the portable Buddy, use a small battery fan to assist with mixing the hot air coming off the heater into the surrounding area. The big buddy used to have a built in fan...

Great review. Really informative.

Very useful video. Thanks!

Excellent video! Thank you.

I have army artic bag love it i have liner and I keep a liner with battery pack and heating pack just in case

Thank you for a very informing post

Always make sure that the Diesel heater intake is not downwind of the exhaust due to Carbon monoxide. So there is a risk but with a detector and checking of fittings. It is safer. Thanks for the video and links.

Thanks for the tips. Enjoyed the video.

Thank you for the video.

Listening to the tap in my semi right now, love that sound!

This is a really informative video, If I were to purchase one I like the last option as well. $800 isn't too bad it's cheaper than the $1,000 Jackery.

Super helpful great video thanks.

Great video! Thanks for sharing!

Very informative, thanks a lot

Great video thanks. Propax heater it is for my Jeep.

Hey, I use the Propex Heater and am more than HAPPY! 24 degrees now outside and I'm sitting in a 69-degree cargo trailer which is 6' by 14' in size. Everything about this heater is great, with no smells, low fuel usage, warmth with no moisture. I would use it for tent/overland exploring with friends. Great review!

This video was just what I needed. I want that last one very badly.

Had a Mr Buddy heater, then the Chinese diesel heater, ordered the Propex the other day 👍.

I LOVE those chinese heaters i have one in my mini van with a remote control i can lite it up from inside my house so its warm when i get in !!! they r easy to use to

Very informative and useful.

Great video, thanks!

Thank you for all your recommendations all of them are very good 👍🏼

For ground tent winter cycle camping I invested in a Seek Outside Titanium Cub Stove (the original hard side and back panel model, not the titanium foil Cub U-Turn version). I ordered mine with the top panel of their Cub U-Turn Stove because I wanted its 2.5 inch stovepipe aperture, which I prefer to the larger diameter pipe which as standard is 19mm larger. I bought a sheet of 1mm thick expanded titanium sheet to make into a grate (because I'll be burning smokeless charcoal briquettes) and another of the same material but 0.5mm thick to make into a side, warming tray (like the Kifaru box stove warming tray). I also ordered an additional base panel to use as a snow platform and stabilised base and 8 extra round feet to fit it. I also have some titanium foil to make into a baffle, to use with a damper and my 9 foot titanium stovepipe. I may also experiment with a titanium stack robber (based on the design of the much missed Woods Walker) and between found wood, smokeless charcoal briquettes, compressed wood logs and wood pellets to establish the longest burn time with this sized stove! I quite specifically wanted the Cub Stove and not a larger tent stove! With a good sleeping bag, silk inner liner and e-Vent bivvy bag on a Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm Max Long and Multimat Summit XL 12mm thick high performance foam mat and Helinox Cot One Convertible with extra high leg set, I have every expectation of being absolutely toasty, irrespective of how cold it is outside! I've been cold, now I choose to invest in not being that way again through equipment, good eating and better knowledge.

I live in the Allegheny National Forest. If your ever through Pennsylvania please visit preferably in summer it is most enjoyable.

Thank you , excellent info.