What Is The Little Buddy Heater?
I’ve been using Mr. Heater Buddy heaters in my RVs for years, and they’ve never let me down. So when I finally grabbed the Little Buddy a couple years ago, I had high expectations.
I bought the small portable propane heater just as January rolled in and even though I was camping pretty far south, the morning temperatures still hovered around freezing. Nothing quite like waking up in a 32-foot travel trailer that feels like an icebox, with dead batteries that won’t run the furnace.
After two winters of regular use (this is my update), I’m ready to share everything about this tiny powerhouse, the good, the bad, and some tricks I’ve learned along the way.
Mr. Heater Little Buddy Quick Look
Mr. Heater Little Buddy
What Exactly Is the Little Buddy Heater?
The Little Buddy is Mr. Heater’s smallest portable propane heater that’s safe for indoor use. It’s a radiant heater that screws right onto a 1 lb propane tank. There’s no electricity needed, just press a button and you’ve got heat.
Think of it as the baby brother to the popular Mr. Heater Buddy (click to view on Amazon). While the regular Buddy starts at 4,000 BTUs, the Little Buddy runs at a fixed 3,800 BTUs.
That might not sound like much difference, but I’ve actually found the regular Buddy’s lowest setting can be too warm once my RV heats up. The Little Buddy hits that sweet spot.
Update
At the time of writing this article, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy was the obvious choice for RVers on a budget. Nowadays the Little Buddy and Mr. Heater Buddy are very similar in value. For that reason I recommend the Mr. Heater Buddy if storage isn’t an issue.
Setting It Up
Open the box and you’ll find two things: the heater head and a plastic base for your propane tank. That’s it. You’ll need to buy the 1 lb propane tanks separately.
Quick note: when you pick up the heater, you might hear something rattling around inside. Don’t panic. That’s just the tip-over safety valve doing its thing.
Setup is simple:
- Drop your propane tank into the plastic base.
- Screw the heater onto the tank (snug but don’t overdo it).
- Check for leaks with soapy water (or use a gas leak detector like I do).
The whole unit stands about 18 inches tall when assembled, roughly knee height on me. The heater itself weighs 4 pounds, and with a full tank and base, you’re looking at about 6 pounds total.
How to Start
- Place a 1 lb propane tank into the plastic base.
- Screw the heater head onto the tank until it feels snug. Do not over-tighten.
- Check the connection with soapy water (or a propane leak detector) to make sure there are no leaks.
- Point the heater toward the area you want to warm.
- Press and hold the red ignition button to release propane and spark the pilot.
- Keep holding the button for 20–60 seconds until the ceramic tile starts to glow.
- Release the button once the flame is steady and the heater is lit.
Tip: At higher elevations or in very cold weather, it can take a little longer for the tile to glow red.
Real-World Performance
I mainly use the Little Buddy in my travel trailer, pointing it toward my desk area where I spend most mornings. Within 15 minutes, my workspace goes from “can see my breath” to “actually comfortable.” Give it a couple hours and the entire main room is warm enough that I usually turn it off.
Outside on chilly evenings? Surprisingly effective. As long as you’re within a few feet, that radiant heat keeps you plenty comfortable. It’s not going to heat your entire campsite, but for sitting around after dark, it’s perfect.
The Numbers That Matter
- Heat output: 3,800 BTUs (non-adjustable)
- Coverage: Up to 95 square feet (realistic for tents, vans, small RV spaces)
- Run time: 5-5.7 hours per 1 lb tank (I’ve timed it)
- Altitude limit: Rated to 7,000 feet (though mine worked in New Mexico above that)
Safety Features Of The Little Buddy
Portable propane heaters like the Little Buddy have safety features that make them safe for indoor use. But there are still a few things you need to do, like ensuring proper ventilation and clearance to make a propane heater 100% ok for RV use.
Tip-over shutoff: Test this right away. Tilt it past 45 degrees and it should shut down immediately. Even just picking it up while walking usually triggers the shutoff. I like to test my propane heaters to make sure the safety features, like the tip-over shut off work.
Low oxygen sensor: Cuts the flame if oxygen levels drop. Never fully trust this though, always crack a window or vent.
Clearance requirements: You need 30 inches above, 24 inches in front, 6 inches on the sides. The back can go against a wall, which is handy in tight spaces.
Ventilation is non-negotiable: Mr. Heater says 4 inches of ventilation at floor level and ceiling. I always keep a roof vent cracked and a window slightly open. Carbon monoxide is no joke.
Mr. Heater Little Buddy Review
What I Love After Two Winters
After two winters of regular use, there are a few things that really stand out about the Little Buddy. The biggest game-changer is that it doesn’t need any electricity which is huge for boondocking when solar is weak and batteries are low. I can heat my RV without touching my power reserves, which is crucial on those cloudy winter days.
The portability is another major plus. This thing fits in a drawstring bag and lives in my cabinet above the bed, and at just 6 pounds fully loaded, I can toss it in a backpack for adventures.
I also love how the heat points right at you instead of at the floor like the bigger Buddy heaters do, it warms you up fast when you need it. And the simplicity is refreshing: one button to start, one to stop, no fiddling with settings or complicated controls.
The Annoying Parts
Of course, it’s not all perfect. The start button is its biggest flaw, holding it for 30+ seconds in cold weather really tests your patience, and my hand cramps up sometimes.
The plastic base works but feels tippy, and I’ve been meaning to bolt it to a wider board for stability but just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
Having only one heat setting is fine for small spaces, but sometimes I want just a touch more or less heat depending on the weather.
The altitude sensitivity can also be frustrating. Above 7,000 feet things get iffy, and the low oxygen sensor can get triggered even with good ventilation, which is annoying when you’re camping in the mountains and following all the safety rules.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Small Enough For Tents, Vans, Truck Campers, RVs, Vehicles, Hunting Blinds, & Much More
- Indoor & Outdoor Use
- Heater Directs Heat Towards You
- Small Size For Easy Storage
- Runs For At Least 5 Hours On 1 Tank
- Fast Turn Off Button
- Tip Over Safety Switch
- Automatic Low Oxygen Shut Off Sensor
- Budget Friendly Heat Source When Used With Refillable 1 lb Propane Tank
Cons
- Start Button Isn’t Easy To Hold Down For A Long Time
- Not Good For High Elevations Over 7,000 Feet
- May Sit Too Tall For Small Tents Or Cars With Low Roof
- Only One Heat Setting
- 1 lb Propane Tanks Will Need Refilling or Replacing Often In Cold Climates
- Plastic Base Isn’t Very Sturdy
Final Thoughts
The Little Buddy isn’t perfect, but it’s become essential gear in my RV. On those freezing mornings when my batteries are dead and I’m trying to work at my laptop, this little heater saves the day. It’s safe (with proper ventilation), reliable, and small enough to store anywhere.
Mr. Heater Little Buddy Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 1 lb propane tank last?
You’ll get about five hours per tank, which I’ve confirmed with my own timing. Just know that when it’s really cold out, the propane doesn’t flow as well, so you might only squeeze out four hours or so. I’ve noticed this especially on those below-20°F mornings.
Can I actually use this thing indoors?
Yes, but be smart about it. You need ventilation, at least four inches of airflow at both the floor and ceiling levels. I always crack a window and a roof vent. And obviously keep it away from curtains, sleeping bags, or anything else that could catch fire.
What about using it in my tent?
I’ve done it, and it works great, but you must leave vents open or partially unzip a door. Carbon monoxide will kill you faster than the cold will.
Can I leave it running while I sleep?
Always turn off any portable propane heater before you go to bed. These heaters are meant for when you’re awake and can keep an eye on them.
Why won’t this stupid thing light?
Usually it’s just air in the line, hold the button down longer (like 45 seconds) to purge it. If that doesn’t work, check for spider webs or dirt in the pilot tube.
It also could be that it’s too cold for the propane tank. If the tank is 1/2 empty on a cold morning it might not have enough “umph” to turn the liquid propane into gas.
When cold weather camping I make sure to always have a full 1 lb propane tank on hand for starting. Then when it heats up inside the RV, I switch to the almost empty tanks to use them up in more moderate temperatures.
Does it work in the mountains?
It’s supposed to work up to 7,000 feet, but honestly, it gets finicky above 5,000. I’ve had mixed results in Colorado and New Mexico. Sometimes it works fine, other times the low oxygen sensor throws a fit even with perfect ventilation. Your mileage may vary.
Can I hook up a big 20 lb tank?
Yeah, but it’s a bit of a project. You need the Mr. Heater adapter hose. You’ll also need to MacGyver some kind of stand since the heater needs the base to stay upright. I’ve seen people use PVC pipe setups that work pretty well.
Anything over a 1 lb tank is technically not allowed indoors. So if you’re using a larger tank, I recommend keeping it outside and using a long hose to connect to the heater inside.
How long would a 20 lb tank last?
If my math’s right, you’re looking at around 96 hours of heat from a full 20 lb tank. That’s basically running it 5-6 hours a day for over two weeks. Not bad for emergency backup heat.
Will it stink up my RV with propane smell?
You might catch a whiff when you first light it or shut it off, that’s normal. But if you’re smelling propane while it’s running, something’s wrong.
Turn it off immediately and check all your connections. I use a portable gas detector to double-check the connection.
How big of a space can this actually heat?
Mr. Heater says 95 square feet, which sounds about right. It’ll handle a tent, van, or single room in an RV no problem. My 32-foot trailer’s main room gets toasty after a couple hours.
Can I use it while driving to my next campsite?
No, the Mr. Heater Little Buddy is portable, but that’s when it’s not on. It needs to be stationary put while it’s lit.
How do I store it?
Let it cool down completely first. I keep the heater inside in a dry spot (usually a cabinet) and the propane tanks go outside in my RV’s external storage. Never store propane tanks inside your living space.
The longest Mr. Heater hose I could find was 12′. If I connected a different brand onto the 12′ Mr. Heater adapter hose assembly, would I need to buy a filter, or will the one in the Mr. Heater hose work for both. Also, there is a Dynaglow Infrared heater that attaches directly onto a 20# tank. Since Mr. Heater has a 5′ hose, couldn’t I just buy an adapter, skip the hose, and put the Little Buddy directly onto the 20#, just like the Dynaglow? I know it’s illegal, but Dynaglow gets away with it. I was just wondering if it was even possible.
Hi Joanne,
I would get a filter just to be safe if you are going to be connecting a different brand of hose to any Mr. Heater products.
As for connecting the Little Buddy Directly to a #20 tank with just an adapter, I can’t really give a solid yes or a no to that. It’s not something I would do. It’s much safer to build a stand for the Little Buddy and have a hose connected so you can keep the #20 tank outside.
You can also get refillable 1 lb propane tanks that can legally be filled up using a larger tank. I think that’s probably the safest way to go.
Really helpful and concise information. Thank you so much. I just bought the little buddy for my 24′ motor home and this was right on point!
Thanks, I’m glad it was helpful.
I like the heater but wish it had a temperature setting or the pilot would just stay lit sometimes that is enough heat by itself. Also it needs a sturdier base the propane sits in it, but it is top heavy for the base so be careful or weight the base down to prevent tipping.
I totally agree, more than one heat setting would help a lot.
I also am not a fan of the base. We ended up sanding down the inner plastic tabs on it so the propane tank would fit better.
I’m considering drilling holes in it and bolting it to a piece of plywood to make it more stable this winter.
Take the plastic base off of the canister before inserting in to the stand!
That’s another great idea! I actually tried doing that myself, but I had a hard time getting the plastic base off of the canister.
What am I doing WRONG!!!! I have lived in my Van now for 3 months….5th time I have taken this thing back to the place I bought it from(exchanged 3 times) and I’m STILL having the same PROBLEM!!!! It will give me heat for maybe 3 days in a row, then go and try and light it again when I wake up in early morning, the pilot light WILL NOT LIGHT AGAIN!!!!!!! Since this has been a regular problem, I’ve been wrapping the device in a heavy blanket, then wrapping the bottle with another blanket… seemed to be doing the trick….for the past 3 days…
buuuut, I go to light it this early am, WILL NOT LIGHT!!!! Now I’m completely FREEZING AGAIN in my van!!!!
Hi Jodell,
Sorry to hear about your propane heater. How full is the propane tank when the heater won’t light? Propane contracts when it’s cold. Sometimes if it’s cold and the tank is low on propane it won’t have enough pressure to get to the heater and light.
Does the heater work when it’s cold and you use a full propane tank? You may need to save the full bottles for when it’s cold and use the almost empty bottles when it’s a little warmer in your van.
I’m now 26 MNS into van life…..SAME problem! this is like my 15th little Mr buddy heater…. they’ve been lasting like 3 weeks at a time…. I AM using FULL 1 lb propane bottles! now if the pilot light DOES stay on, I’m holding down the one button for even up to 3 minutes and as soon as I let go of the button, pilot goes out!!!!!!!!!! piece of JUNK but can’t afford anything else!!!!!!
Hi Jodell,
It definitely sounds like there’s something wrong with these heaters. Maybe they’ve changed some things about the heater these past few years, or quality control has gone down the drain?
Either way, you should contact Mr. Heater and let them know their heaters aren’t lighting or working like they should be. I wish I could be more helpful but I’m sure you’ve been doing everything you can to get them to work.
I also wish I could recommend a different brand to you, but Mr. Heater has always been the number one when it comes to safety and dependability. We need more options for portable, non-electric heating in the camping world!
This heater is garbage. I had the same problems as Jodell from the first use. It lit ONCE to test and ran 3 minutes. But it never lit again. I’m at 5000 foot elevation and it was 35 degrees. Won’t light at all. So infuriating. I’m returning this trash.
DEFINITELY A PIECE OF TRASH! JUNK? Read my latest comment just now