Big Buddy question.

[Schloogs]

I am looking at getting the big buddy but I have a questions. To run the big buddy on high, where both burners are running, does it require propane on both sides or can I run a 11 lb. tank to one side?

[MNMUSKIES]

Nope, you can have it hooked up on one side, this is how I run my 20lb tank.

[Schloogs]

Great, thanks mnmuskies, that's what I was hoping.

[Kellc1]

You will also appreciate the built in, battery powered blower. It works great, and the batteries last a surprising long time. Igniting the pilot takes a bit of getting used to. I always turn off the gas at the tank, and let the heater die out (your heater will last longer). Because of that, it takes even longer for me to get mine lit due to "bleading the air out" of the now completely empty line. You need to rotate the switch, then stop just short of making it spark. Hold it there for a bit (a few seconds), then click. If you simply rotate until click, over and over, you will do this many times before it lights.

[thefishRmine]

If you are using anything other than the 1 lb tanks such as your suggested 11 lb, make sure to pick up the filter. This will greatly increase the life of your heater as well. I believe propane in the larger tanks is more susceptible to contaminants and they will clog up your heater unless you have the filter attached. It costs around $12 but don't quote me. If the line clogs, it can be cleaned but I'd rather not worry about it and just get the filter.

[Where's Walter?]

You need to rotate the switch, then stop just short of making it spark. Hold it there for a bit (a few seconds), then click. If you simply rotate until click, over and over, you will do this many times before it lights.

Rule of thumb - Hold it just long enough to scoop ice from 2 holes with one hand and then it will light!

[TUMBLEWEED]

Where can you get the filters???

[fishing tech]

Anywhere they sell the heaters. They are less then $10. I just picked up a big buddy. $99

[Schloogs]

Thanks everyone for the information, I went and picked one up tonight for $99. I also saw the filter and it was $10.

[ameyers41]

I used the regular hose and fuel filter for a couple years. I recently picked up the 12 foot big buddy hose/coupler. Comes with a regulator on one end and a quick connect on the other end, which goes right to the big buddy without a filter. That's another alternative.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I used the regular hose and fuel filter for a couple years. I recently picked up the 12 foot big buddy hose/coupler. Comes with a regulator on one end and a quick connect on the other end, which goes right to the big buddy without a filter. That's another alternative.

You'll like that setup a lot better!

[staresatice]

ive found that if you take hose off of the heater and leave it attach to the tank, and turn off the heater before gas it seems to trap gas in the heater with the valve on the filter. then when i show back up im careful not to push the vavle on the filter and just screw it together and turn on lp. then i set up holes and house and when it comes time the heater lights on second or third try. maybe im crazy but it seems to work because i get hardly any gas escape when i do this.

[acman2u]

I would recommend using the filter even with the regulator, the regulator regulates the flow and does nothing for the contaminants. I run a 20# tank with reg and filter and wouldnt run it any other way. Same goes for the guys with heaters in their perms, make sure to install a dirt leg just before tubing enters your heater to trap any contaminants.

just the hvac guys two cents I'm sure life will go on either way you do it..

[Jeremy airjer W]

I would recommend using the filter even with the regulator, the regulator regulates the flow and does nothing for the contaminants. I run a 20# tank with reg and filter and wouldnt run it any other way. Same goes for the guys with heaters in their perms, make sure to install a dirt leg just before tubing enters your heater to trap any contaminants.

just the hvac guys two cents I'm sure life will go on either way you do it..

According to Mr. Heater the hose with the quick connect fitting is the ideal hose for the Big Buddy. This is considered a low pressure hose because the propane is regulated before the hose. This means that the hose is never under pressure which can cause the oils/contaminates to squeeze out of the hose and contaminate the heater. This is why the filter is not needed if you are using this hose.

This hose is available with and without the regulator. If you are using it with a portable propane tank you will need the hose with the regulator. The hose without the regulator is intended for use with an already regulated propane supply that you would find on an R.V. hence the R.V. quick connect.

The other hose option is the one with the one pound thread fitting. This hose threads to the same fitting as the one pound cylinder would. The propane is regulated by the internal regulator of the heater. Because this hose is run directly from the tank to the heater it is considered a high pressure hose. Because of the high pressure oil/contaminates can be squeezed out of the hose. This is why it is strongly recommended to use the filter.

I was wrong in posting that the quick connect setup is better in the cold weather. It makes no difference which hose you use in the cold. I apologize for any confusion I may have cause regarding this aspect of hose function!

The quick connect hose;

- is ideal according to Mr. Heater

- has to be externally regulated (there is no internal regulator for this fitting) A regulator needs to be between the portable tank and the hose

- Because the Quick connect hose is a low pressure hose it requires no filter.

The hose that screws into the one pound fitting

- is a high pressure hose

- is internally regulated by the heater and requires no external regulator.

- the filter is recommended with this hose because the high pressure can "squeeze" contaminates out of the hose

I hope this helps clarify the two options a little better.

[acman2u]

I will have to check my regulator with the quick connect. I do not believe that there is a filter inside of it but have never checked. The hose is not what produces the oils and contaminants, it is in the tank and pressure has nothing to do with the flow of contaminants in the line, nothing gets squeezed out. Contaminants flow with the gas regardless of the pressure(if they are present in the first place).

I'm sure that you can get by without a filter but it will extend the life of the heater.

[merkman]

Airjer, I admire your patience!!!

You must answer this question 2 times a week!!!

[Jeremy airjer W]

The hose is not what produces the oils and contaminants, it is in the tank and pressure has nothing to do with the flow of contaminants in the line, nothing gets squeezed out.

If that's the case than why do the sunflower style heaters that mount directly to the tank rarely have an issue with contaminants?

When you use one pounders no filter is required also.

There has to be some reason as to why Mr. Heater suggests using a filter with an unregulated hose and does not suggest a filter or make a filter for there regulated quick connect hose.

If you contact them they will tell you the same thing!

[nubote]

Airjer, your explanation makes the most sense I've seen on the topic,and it's a popular discussion.

Thanks

[Jeremy airjer W]

Airjer, I admire your patience!!!

You must answer this question 2 times a week!!!

3, 4, 5 doesn't matter. I have been lucky to have 2 that I have had no issues with. I think it has a lot to do with doing your homework, understanding what the product does, and not expecting any more. If I can help another guy get the best out of there's than its all good!!

[bikeoutback]

Airjer I'm that guy Bought a filter two nights ago in anticipation of getting a Big Buddy for xmas. Have the little buddy now so figure use the filter on that and the camp stove when I run them off the propane tank can't hurt either.

[mnguy152]

One question so the same house 5ft that I use on my heater cooker will work for my big buddy but have to add a filter. I don't have a hose # for that hose, but I know it is a mr heaterbrand heater hose.

[shnelson]

airjer - thanks for the quality info!

Helps me understand why I was having issues with my buddy last year (ended up being a bad hose). I've since upgraded to the big buddy and couldn't be happier. Both heaters have served me well once I learned how to work them properly.

[Jeremy airjer W]

One question so the same house 5ft that I use on my heater cooker will work for my big buddy but have to add a filter. I don't have a hose # for that hose, but I know it is a mr heaterbrand heater hose.

I think I ansered your other post but as long as the hose has the one pound style fitting than a filter will work on it.

[G.J.]

Schloogs,

My Big Buddy has a few years on it now. It won't run off of my 20lb tank unless I keep a 1lb (full or empty) in the opposite side. Not sure if I missed that in the instructions or if it applies to the newer units or not.

[bikeoutback]

Per Mr. Heater we only had to connect the hose to one side of the Big Buddy and left the other side with nothing on it. Worked last year just fine on my buddies Big Buddy. We connected it to the right side (facing toward front of heater) which reading now and looking at pictures on the box I believe is incorrect and we should be connecting up the hose to the left side (side also contains the quick connect hook up) instead, we'll get it right this year.