Mr Heater RV Propane Project

This is a great little project. Low cost, big savings and great convenience. After spending way to may dollars last winter feeding our Mr. Heater Big Buddy with those expensive 1lb green bottles, we came up with this idea to connect a 20lb tank outside with quick connect fittings to simplify set up when needed.

During our coldest months, we were using two 1lb bottles every day and half. Part of the reason for using the Big Buddy Heater was to reduce the noise created by the RV furnace plus these units are very inefficient dumping a 30lb tank in 5 days. Moving to the Mr. Heater was a great option with promises for comfortable heat at reasonable costs, but at $8 to $10 for a pair of these green bottles, we discovered this option became very expensive.

Overall, the hoses, connectors and pipe costs around $125. We had a the heater and did not consider part of the cost of the project. We will be in some very cold areas December through February and now using a 20lb tank with a cost of $12 that will last over a week, the payback for this project will be substantial.

The project isn’t difficult, but caution is needed. You are dealing with propane. Make sure you use plenty of Teflon tape on all connections and test the connections with a soapy water solution with the all hoses, connections, and the system under pressure. If bubbles are discovered, stop immediately, turn off propane, tighten all connections, and repeat steps until the bubbles stop.

One more tip
Using a propane heater can consume oxygen. Do not use this heater in the evening. Also propane can cause condensation. We’ve found slightly opening the fan vent in the living room and a slight opening of a window in the living space allows the air to circulate and reduces reduces condensation. There are those time though, when it’s very cold and we run the heater all day into the evening. On occasion, we will have a little condensation build up. We use the DampRid system. We’ve had great results using this product and found it’s less costly than a dehumidifier without all the noise. We place a small DampRid container in the bedroom and another in the living space and empty in the morning. The 4lb refill usually lasts us throughout the winter season and then some.

Helpful links of products used for this project:

Mr. Heater Portable Big Buddy Propane Heater
4,000 to 18,000-BTU radiant heater for spaces up to 300 square feet. Approved for indoor/outdoor use; clean-burning; Nearly 100-percent efficient
 

Mr. Heater 5-Feet Propane Hose/Regulator Assembly
High pressure hose with brass fitting and regulator assembly.
 
 
 

Mr. Heater 5 Foot Propane Hose Assembly
.38 inch Male Pipe Thread x .38 inch Female Flare.
 
 
 

Mr. Heater Propane Connector Kit 3/8 Male Pipe Thread x 3/8″ Female Pipe Thread
Solid Brass Construction, Precision milled, Center hex nut provides solid grip while installing.
 

DampRid FG90 Moisture Absorber Easy-Fill System
Moisture absorber, Use in large rooms, Lasts up to 60 days depending on temperature conditions.
 
 
 
DampRid FG50T Hi-Capacity Moisture Absorber
Eliminate musty odors caused by excess moisture. Attract and trap excess moisture in your space.

 
Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

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