Mr Heater, Buddy or Big Buddy

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fishrdan

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Joined
Jan 25, 2008
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6,989
Re: Mr Heater, Buddy or Big Buddy

I though of it, but I just don't want to haul the big tank around. Our SUV was cram packed last trip (like the Beverly Hillbillies) and figuring out where to place a 20# tank would be hard. 4- 1# bottles wouldn't be a problem, and I can re-fill those at home off the 20#er.

The first time I run out of propane on the 1#ers and the tent is freezing, I'll be kicking myself.....

(Wished I still had my old truck instead of a grocery-getter SUV :rolleyes:)
 
halfmoa

halfmoa

Ensign
Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
955
Re: Mr Heater, Buddy or Big Buddy

fishrdan said:
I though of it, but I just don't want to haul the big tank around. Our SUV was cram packed last trip (like the Beverly Hillbillies) and figuring out where to place a 20# tank would be hard. 4- 1# bottles wouldn't be a problem, and I can re-fill those at home off the 20#er.

The first time I run out of propane on the 1#ers and the tent is freezing, I'll be kicking myself.....

(Wished I still had my old truck instead of a grocery-getter SUV :rolleyes:)
Click to expand...

Transporting 1# refilled tanks is a violation of USDOT regulations. :rolleyes:

Anyway, the rate at which your heater draws propane is the biggest deciding factor on the size of your tank. Fire up a propane torch with a 1# bottle when it's 10 degrees outside and it'll start drawing liquid in no time and go out. Basically you're using propane faster than the ambient heat can turn the liquid inside the tank into vapor. It's difficult for some to get their heads around, but the propane liquid is under pressure where it boils at a higher temperature. When the pressue lowers the propane liquid boils and releases vapor which is burnt. If it's not warm enough for the liquid to boil and produce vapor at the rate you're drawing vapor then the fire will go out. If it's cold enough to need a heater I can't imagine a 1# bottle is going to provide enough vapor to keep a decent size heater lit.

FWIW I refill my 1# cylinders too. And they don't get even a 1/4 full in the winter because the supply tank is too cold.
 
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