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Big Buddy Questions

harleyharry

By harleyharry
in Ice Fishing

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harleyharry Enthusiast

harleyharry

Posted
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Due to weight considerations, I am going to be using my Big Buddy heater with the 1lb cylinders instead of the 20lb tank and hose. A couple of questions come to mind.

How long will 2 new 1lb tanks last on a medium setting? I will be using the heater in an Otter Cabin.

I have the adaptor to refill the small tanks from a 20lb cylinder. Do the refilled tanks last as long as the new tanks?

The other question is that if the heater needs to have a filter installed between the 20lb tank and the heater, will the refilled tanks get contamination from the tank, or is the contamination only from the hose that is used to connect the tank to the heater?

Thanks in advance for the info. Will be taking the new Otter Cabin for its maiden voyage on Wednesday. Will be targeting eyes and slab perch. Will be on the ice from 6:00AM until 7:00PM. How many tanks will I need to take with me?

Harry

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wishing for walleyes Experienced

wishing for walleyes

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I used my big buddy heater last friday with 2 new 1# tanks on low and it lasted just over 10 hours.I also have the refill adapter but have not used it.I am going to just use the 20# tank and 12 foot hose.I would quess you would get at least 5-6 hours on medium.There`s big buddy discusions in the equipment/info forum.

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UMDSportsman Community Regular

UMDSportsman

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I think i would agree, around 5-6 hours on medium. If you guys are refilling the small tanks, be careful, compressed gas can be very dangerous. I would not expect the refilled 1 lb tanks to last as long as a regular 1 lb tank. You are only pressuring it to the pressure that is in the 20 lb tank, which i'm pretty sure is less. There is one other thing about refilling tanks that i am surprised nobody mentioned yet. I thought that i read somewhere on here that it was illegal to transport refilled 1 lb tanks. I do not know the law, but that is what i can remember from what others have said.

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Pleasant Rising Star

Pleasant

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I seldom use the 1 pounder's also... as I can refill my twenty's for 12 bucks.. but anyway I would take 6 fresh factory one pounder's for the trip you are planning... nothing worse than running out just when the evening bite is good

Lynn

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Todd_J Collaborator

Todd_J

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I can only get 1/2 to 2/3 of the normal capacity when refilling 1# tanks. I let the 20# tank warm in the house and chill the 1# tanks outside overnight. This creates higher pressure in the supply (20#) and lower pressure in the receiving tank (1#).

I have since purchased a 5# tank that works out much better than 1# tanks. I recommend this route if you have the cash.

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NCLaker Veteran

NCLaker

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You can find them at Fleet Farm and Northern Tool. I think they are ~$45. I think FF had them on sale for $35 earlier this year.

My buddy bought a new 11lb last season - had some initial problems. Apparently when you fill a new tank they have to do something to it before filling it (can't remember details) - works great now.

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Todd_J Collaborator

Todd_J

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Sorry NCLaker, I don't own a BBuddy. My Mr. H/Cooker lasts about 20+ hours on low using the 5# tank. Only when it is uber-cold do I need to turn it up to medium to keep my FT Guide roasty-toasty.

I have no idea how the fuel efficiency vs. heat output of the BBuddy and the Mr.H/Cooker compares. Maybe others have a better idea...

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Todd_J Collaborator

Todd_J

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 Originally Posted By: tisosy11
I can never seem to find 5 or 11 pound tanks. What are we looking at for prices on these tanks?

It would be real nice for transporting with a smaller tank.

They might be getting scarce about now as the season is waning :-(

I have seen 5#ers at FF, GndrMTN, Scheels, SWarehouse, etc. Off sale they are about $40 for the tank and $20 for a five foot non-regulated hose. I have seen them on sale occasionally for ~$35. I think that 11#ers are about the same price. (much more expensive than their 20# big brother)

I don't know about the rest of you, but filling the 5# tank is a bit of a PITA. Most gas-station attendants look at you like you are from another planet when you bring the smaller tanks in to fill. I have found a positive correlation between gender and age with the ability/knowhow on how to fill these smaller tanks. Typically it is an older gentleman that emerges from the back of the store that knows how to do the figuring/adjustments/filling.

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Pleasant Rising Star

Pleasant

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I believe I have seen them at Fleet Farm stores but I do not recall how much they were. I know they were a bit higher than a 20. I have at 4 - 20's and just have never had the need for one although I can see the advantage when portable/less weight.

Lynn

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doughnut03 Contributor

doughnut03

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I actually just bought a new 11# tank at Gander Mt. in Mankato- it ran $40 (yeesh!) but when I went to get it purged and filled, the guy asked me where I got it as I guess he said they can't keep them in stock they fly out of there so quick. And the guy filling his tanks ahead of me asked what they do to purge, and I guess they fill the tank with vapor and release it 5x to "season" the tank and get rid of all moisture- keeps the valves from freezing and such. Now you can sound like a pro next time someone asks! (even though that's ALL I know haha)

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harleyharry Enthusiast

harleyharry

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I thank everyone that responded to this post and took the time to answer my questions.

I presently own 12 20lb tanks. I think I will now own some 11lb tanks also.

With some of the information that I have got from this thread, and some old threads, I think I will scrap the idea of filling my 1lb tanks. Most of the information that I have received is that it is just not worth the hassle to refill these small tanks.

Thanks everyone

Harry

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PierBridge Grand Master

PierBridge

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Posted

 Originally Posted By: tisosy11
I can never seem to find 5 or 11 pound tanks. What are we looking at for prices on these tanks?

The 11# tanks are spendy $44 retail but you will find them onsale for as low as $29....... I would suggest the 11# pankake versus the tall 11lber.

I don't refill the 1-lbers one its illegal and two its dangerous I have had them leak in the vehicle and fishouse.

Also the filter IMO is a total scam I've been using hoses on my heaters for years with no problems, they actually cause more problems then they solve.

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anyfishwilldo Proficient

anyfishwilldo

Posted
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 Originally Posted By: PierBridge

Also the filter IMO is a total scam I've been using hoses on my heaters for years with no problems, they actually cause more problems then they solve.

I totally agree. I have ran with a hose on my BB since day one without a filter and have not had a single problem. The only gripe I have about the product is the plastis is kind of cheesy. Mine is all broken up from bouncing in the tub of the house.

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