Big Buddy + 20# no filter and lights ok w/o 1# ???

[sigosaur]

Just checking ...

Thanks to the guys who got me clued in on this ... it seems to me, the Big Buddy should come with a 20# tank.

I got the hose with the picture of the 20# tank and the Big Buddy on it ... the threads were a bit difficult to start ... but one I got it all connected, it worked REALLY, REALLY well!

IIRC, someone said to use a fuel-filter ... but they were sold out ... thought someone else said it was ok without it ... and, for the 30min I tried it in the garage, it was great!

I thought someone else said to use a 1# to get it going ... but without that, it lit and started fine, too.

Could it be that I got the right hose ... and others got hoses not quite so appropriate?

Or is the worst, yet to come?

I'll probably keep a couple 1#'s with me ... just in case.

Anyone know how many hours a Big Buddy runs on high with a full 20#?

[elkrivermn]

The key thing to use with a big buddy and a 20# tank is a 12" hose with the regulator ( you will not neen a filter ) using a regulator is very important. I have not used up a complete2# tank yet, depending on what setting you have it on it should last a few trips. I plan on keeping a full spare tank with me.

Just checking ...

Thanks to the guys who got me clued in on this ... it seems to me, the Big Buddy should come with a 20# tank.

I got the hose with the picture of the 20# tank and the Big Buddy on it ... the threads were a bit difficult to start ... but one I got it all connected, it worked REALLY, REALLY well!

IIRC, someone said to use a fuel-filter ... but they were sold out ... thought someone else said it was ok without it ... and, for the 30min I tried it in the garage, it was great!

I thought someone else said to use a 1# to get it going ... but without that, it lit and started fine, too.

Could it be that I got the right hose ... and others got hoses not quite so appropriate?

Or is the worst, yet to come?

I'll probably keep a couple 1#'s with me ... just in case.

Anyone know how many hours a Big Buddy runs on high with a full 20#?

[merkman]

Anyone know how many hours a Big Buddy runs on high with a full 20#?

[maxx rpm]

Runs a long time on a 20. As far as time though, i have used an "exchange" tank, and was waaaaaaaayy less than a refilled tank. Maybe a coincidence, but have noticed that more than once. So that would affect hours too.

[jigginjim]

When I was refilling 20# tanks the first filled many retailers don't flip tank upside down to remove anything inside the tanks from production. There can be dirt on other debri inside tank or even the hose. Thats were the filter comes. I have run a filter on all large tanks for 4 years no problems.

Peace of mind, anyway.

[PierBridge]

Supposedly the hose breaks down and can clog the heater.

I'm personally on a life long test plan without using a filter. So far so good with a 10 year old hose and no failures so far.

[foulpole18]

Can you use a 1 lber to get it started while the hose bless the air out. If so, do you just start it on the 1# and open gas from bigger tank. Then when gas from bigger tank get there in screw 1# tank. That would be nice if it works that way instead of waiting for air to bleed out. Never thought about trying it this way.

[Fergus Mor McErc]

I think the filter is recommended in the instructions for the Big Buddy. My regular Buddy heater clogged up and so did my neighbors. Needless to say, I'm not taking a chance with the new Big Buddy. I bought the filter. Why take the chance? They're only about eight bucks.

[sigosaur]

Thanks for all the advice!

I think I know what a regulator is, and I'm purdy sure that's already somewhere in the innards of the Big Buddy. Maybe ya need 'nother one with a different hose? Anyhow, like I said it's runnin' very well with just the hose.

I understand it COULD continue to run well without a filter ... but, I think I'll continue to look for one. If that's what guarantees that I'll have heat, out on the ice, without havin' to quit early or buy a new Big Buddy, then I reckon that's for me!

REALLY a sweet set-up ... Thanks again!

[ak7475]

Anyone use the fan on the big buddy? It dosen't seem to help much.

[McGurk]

Pick one and only one of these options:

Option 1- use (1) or (2) 1 lb tanks

Option 2- use a 5 or 12 ft long hose and a filter using the threaded connection (there is not need for an external regulator as it is built in to the heater; how else would the 1 lbers work? You would be doubling them up)

Option 3- use a 5 or 12 ft hose with a regulator and a RV quick-connect end, and no filter (You MUST use the quick-connect RV style connection, NOT the threaded connection, as the quick-connect bypasses the internal regulator assuming you have one at the tank)

Using an external tank without a filter will work, but there are reports that the heaters plug up and work poorly due to the high pressure LP leeching an oily residue from the hose and bringing it into the heater. The filter traps it before it can gum up the heater.

Whether you choose to use one or not is up to you, but don't complain when it doesn't work when it CLEARLY states that you should use a filter.

[sigosaur]

Anyone use the fan on the big buddy? It dosen't seem to help much.

I did ... thought it was good ... didn't try it without, though

[Double A]

If you have the 20# and an empty 1# hooked up will it fill the 1#?