Expected Running Time For Big Buddy on 5# or 11# tanks

[iffwalleyes]

Just curious. I have been lugging the 20# tank around all season and just looking for a place to save some weight. What kind of running time can one expect with this setup. I am thinking of getting a 5# to really save weigh. I don't mind having to get it filled up before every weekend but I want it to be enough to get me through the weekend so that I don't need to drag along extra tanks. If I go to the 11# cost wise it is only a dollar more for the tank but then again it is a bigger tank.

[Walleyeguy31]

iff, where did you find the tanks and how much?

I am looking at getting something different as well.

[Gus]

I get at least 1 weekend out of my 11lb tank. 15-20hrs. I usually vary the heat settings so I couldn't break it down too specific for you. I always have some 1 pounders on hand in case.

[lowrox]

iffwalleyes,

The Mr. Heater HSOforum states that a 20# tank should run the Big Buddy heater for 25-110 hours. That range is obviously dependent upon which setting you're running your heater on. As for a 5# tank, I suppose if we stick with that ratio you're looking at 6.25-27.5 hours. 12.5-55 hours for the 11#.

[PierBridge]

Of course the amount of fuel you burn will depend on what setting you run it at there will be big variances from high to low settings, a 5 pounder is not going to last all weekend, I wish I could tell you how long the BB would last on an 11 pounder but dew to warm weather I am still on my first 11 pound tank and have been using my little buddy.

Don't expect anything close to the high end numbers from Mr. heater they are not realistic at all.

I bought the 11 pound high tank it's tall and thin, I wish I would have gotten the low boy tank I fish portables mainly and the tall is kinda tippy and the hose attaches higher on the tank which is kinda of a pain for running the hose into the house, the tall tank takes up less ground space so thought I would try it.

[iffwalleyes]

I haven't done alot of searching but I found 5# for 37.99 and 11# pancake sytle 38.99 at Mills Fleet Farm. So it kind of sounds like that is the going price for them. I kind of thought that the 11# would probably be the best route to go. Maybe I will just get both and decide for my self. I also like the idea of the tall 11# to save some room in the sled. are they the same height as the standard 20# then?

[PierBridge]

Quote:

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I also like the idea of the tall 11# to save some room in the sled. are they the same height as the standard 20# then?

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Not sure but they are close.

I was thinking the same thing but ended up laying the tank down in the tub anyway.

To bad you are so far away I would give you my 11# tall for a good price and then go buy the pancake.

Good Luck.

[bigswede]

I have teh 11lb and love it. Much lighter than the 20lb and I get about 25 hours or so varying it between the med and low setting this year. This is on the new version of teh Big Buddy and I might say I am quite impressed with it this year.

[iffwalleyes]

I also have been very impressed with the big buddy this year. Mr. Heater got the kinks worked out with them this year. I really like them. The fan is awesome I just have to remember to turn the switch off at the end of the day . I think I will be making a run and picking up a 11# tanks.

[lowrox]

We should've contacted Hank Hill, isn't he the expert on propane and propane accessories.

[iffwalleyes]

right I learned from Hank that propane is better than charcoal

[Jeremy airjer W]

Except peggy and bobby found out the truth, Charcoal is better!!

Iff, Go with the pancake style 11 pounder. I had both and prefered the stability of the pancake over the small footprint of the tall thin one. I would guess that I would get 20 - 25 hours just like everyone else. More than enough for a weekend or two.

As a backup I always have a couple one pounders or I'll throw the 20# in the truck. Its no fun to run out!!!

[JohnMickish]

Two weeks ago I picked up a 11# pancake at Gander Mtn for 19.99. What a steal.

[TUMBLEWEED]

I have a new Big Buddy that I have only used the 1#'s on so far. Can I use my bulk hose from my other Buddy??

If not, where can you get a hose and how much?

[tashit]

mnfishinguy...that's a great deal! I don't suppose I could still get that price on one? Fleet Farm has 5 pounders on sale for $35 and 11 pounders for $37. I'm not sure if it's the tall or pancake style 11 pounder.

[Borch]

Same hose works for both Tumbleweed.

Wish I had found that price on a 11# pancake tank. It would have gone home with me right away!

[TUMBLEWEED]

Borch, since the new unit has two 1# connections,does it matter which one of these I hook up to??

[Jeremy airjer W]

No it doesn't matter. I checked the manual to confirm, it doesn't mention one or the other either. I chose the one on the right because the RV quick connect fitting is on this side. It just made sense that since the quick connect was on the right why not use the hose on the right also.

Note: If you use the RV quick connect the hose needs to be regulated at 11" W.C.

[JohnMickish]

I was surprized as well. They were marked at 29.99, I didn't know they where on sale or maybe the wrong price popped up. Either way I wasn't going to complain. Now all I need is for it to get cold enough to run a heater.

[iffwalleyes]

Picked up a pancake 11# tank last night at Mills Fleet Farm. They had them on sale for $36.99. So they were a couple bucks cheaper than I orginally was told.