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Mr. Heater Little Buddy

JohnC said:
Jerry, did you run into any issues freezing the plumbing or water tanks?
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No, I did not, as my 550 is not equipped with water tanks or any plumbing or sink. Full disclaimer and hoping I'm not sticking my foot in my mouth or "grinding anyone's gears" here. That out of the way, those are just not things I'm interested in having in my 550.

even those table-top things, I have them, and I've not only never used them, but I have them all packed up in my spare bed room, for the time in my future when I am no longer able to used my 550 and those will go to a new owner.

I've got my own portable stove(s), water supplies, etc that I use for camping that me+wife prefer, whether we go camping with the 550 or via some other resource.

I don't consider myself a minimalist, but as I read these forums (and learn *lots* from other owners), I've slowly generated the opinion of myself that both me, and my needs make me somewhat unique among most Camp Inn owners, and that goes beyond my primary tow vehicle.
 
Jerry Kemp said:
No, I did not, as my 550 is not equipped with water tanks or any plumbing or sink. Full disclaimer and hoping I'm not sticking my foot in my mouth or "grinding anyone's gears" here. That out of the way, those are just not things I'm interested in having in my 550.

even those table-top things, I have them, and I've not only never used them, but I have them all packed up in my spare bed room, for the time in my future when I am no longer able to used my 550 and those will go to a new owner.

I've got my own portable stove(s), water supplies, etc that I use for camping that me+wife prefer, whether we go camping with the 550 or via some other resource.

I don't consider myself a minimalist, but as I read these forums (and learn *lots* from other owners), I've slowly generated the opinion of myself that both me, and my needs make me somewhat unique among most Camp Inn owners, and that goes beyond my primary tow vehicle.
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There are whole spectrum of campers! Never apologize for where you are. I'm probably on the other end -- I love my toys! But every toy has its costs....sometimes, defeating the whole purpose of camping, which is "getting away" from the worlds problems for a few hours, days, or weeks....and in some cases years ;)

Little buddies dont' frighten me --- but they do instill respect. As does any open flame. Carbon Monoxide detectors break -- and when they do, people die. Fortunately a rare problem. But, just like a while animal its best not to turn your back on that fact.
 
Sweeney said:
There are whole spectrum of campers! Never apologize for where you are. I'm probably on the other end -- I love my toys! But every toy has its costs....sometimes, defeating the whole purpose of camping, which is "getting away" from the worlds problems for a few hours, days, or weeks....and in some cases years ;)

Little buddies dont' frighten me --- but they do instill respect. As does any open flame. Carbon Monoxide detectors break -- and when they do, people die. Fortunately a rare problem. But, just like a while animal its best not to turn your back on that fact.
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Thank you, I appreciate the reply.

I certainly don't feel bad or out of place, but just acknowledging that my wants/needs/preferences seem to be somewhat unique among many of the other members here in this forum.

When I went to go and look at my 550, I was potential buyer #2, but the 1st person turned up their nose and walked away because there was no sink. I would have still purchased the 550 if it did have a sink, but I probably would have never used it beyond the occasional cleaning/dusting.

As far as the "Little Buddy" propane heater goes, and to qualify my position, I was not snubbing the crowd there. I think that Cary (and others) provided some good advise. But OTOH, in an emergency situation, yea, absolutely, I definitely would have used the Little Buddy and what ever else in as safe manner as was possible to stay warm.
 
Jerry Kemp said:
No, I did not, as my 550 is not equipped with water tanks or any plumbing or sink. Full disclaimer and hoping I'm not sticking my foot in my mouth or "grinding anyone's gears" here. That out of the way, those are just not things I'm interested in having in my 550.

even those table-top things, I have them, and I've not only never used them, but I have them all packed up in my spare bed room, for the time in my future when I am no longer able to used my 550 and those will go to a new owner.

I've got my own portable stove(s), water supplies, etc that I use for camping that me+wife prefer, whether we go camping with the 550 or via some other resource.

I don't consider myself a minimalist, but as I read these forums (and learn *lots* from other owners), I've slowly generated the opinion of myself that both me, and my needs make me somewhat unique among most Camp Inn owners, and that goes beyond my primary tow vehicle.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerry. You're fine by me. Too many people get hung up on why everybody isn't like them. I'm not one of 'em. ;) Besides, as a guy who sometimes carries a microwave, I've probably turned more stomachs than you have! LoL!
 
Jerry Kemp said:
Thank you, I appreciate the reply.

I certainly don't feel bad or out of place, but just acknowledging that my wants/needs/preferences seem to be somewhat unique among many of the other members here in this forum.
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I think I've been misunderstood... The sentence I was responding to was "not equipped with water tanks or any plumbing or sink. Full disclaimer and hoping I'm not sticking my foot in my mouth or "grinding anyone's gears" here." I wouldn't worry about it if you were ...

I have people I know who think that if you aren't starting your campire by rubbing sticks together, and carry your entire setup in your coat pocket...it isn't camping, and look at poeople with huge rigs ... like ours ... as just pretenders.

Its a spectrum of enjoyment --- and what is right for you, may not be righr some. Different strokes for different folks.

For me, I want the sink and fresh water. Its just easier. But that doesn't make your method wrong.
 
Heaters again. I recently tried a combination of heaters. The first two pictures are electric heaters. Both are max 500 watts. The one inside has H/L and a timer, thermostat. It barely warms the wood but is adequate to warm the interior. The one in the galley uses radiant tubes and is a nice warm up when cooking in a breeze. The second two are a Mr. Heater Buddy in the side tent and a Big Buddy outside. I recently ordered the new Mr. Heater Flex because it is easier for two people to sit near.
 

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We used to carry a small 400 watt ceramic. It kept the inside comfortable down into the mid 20s. Colder we’d need to pull out a 1200 watt. We were always paranoid about kicking cords while asleep. It definitely doesn’t take a lot to keep that few square feet warm…

we were supposed to be trying cool weather camping this week….but, the God above heard our plans and said “No….” Covid sucks.
 
Mr Heater is the worst catalytic heater out there for tight spaces. I had another brand twenty years ago that would be perfect for a teardrop. It was permanently mounted in a small camper that had about the same cubic feet as my teardrop. The burn area was about four square inches which was very small. Water buildup wasn’t a problem mainly because I only used it for ten minutes in the morning.
Sorry I can’t remember the brand or model.

Would I use a Little Buddy? Never.
 
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