THIS is How We Use a Mr. Buddy Heater in Our Tent (Safely)
Or is it?
At first glance, it might seem unsafe or at least a little weird.
Burning down your tent while you sleep or that whole carbon monoxide poisoning thing—probably not ideal.
But if you are considering using a Mr. Buddy Heater in your tent, you are definitely onto something.
With the right safety precautions, a Mr. Buddy Heater can be a great way to heat a tent—we know because we’ve done it.
Yes, propane heaters come with risks.
When used correctly, they can provide safe, reliable warmth for cold-weather camping.
That’s why we’re breaking down exactly how we use a Mr. Buddy Heater in our tent safely.
Can you use a Mr. Buddy Heater in a Tent?
Yes, you can use a Mr. Buddy Heater in a tent if you follow the recommended safety precautions.
In fact, that’s exactly what it is made for.
It has built-in safety features, including an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) and accidental tip-over switch.
This means if the oxygen content gets too low or if the unit accidentally gets knocked over, it will automatically turn itself off.
That being said, there will always be risks when burning propane inside a tent.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real danger, and camping gear is often highly flammable.
To safely use a portable propane heater, you need to take the right precautions regardless of built-in safety features.
The most important rule? Never assume your equipment won’t fail.
One malfunction can be the difference between a cozy night and a dangerous situation.
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The REAL Killer: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From a Buddy Heater
When people think about the dangers of using a propane heater, fire is usually the first concern.
But the bigger risk is carbon monoxide poisoning.
Deaths from tent heaters are rare, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the danger.
Even if your heater has an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS), you can’t assume it will work perfectly.
On top of following the steps below, we use an additional carbon monoxide monitor as an extra layer of protection.
Our Buddy Heater Safety Tips for Proper Use
Even though Mr. Buddy Heaters have built-in safety mechanisms, these are the things that we do to minimize risks and sleep better (and obviously warmer) using a Buddy Heater in our tent.
1. Don’t Sleep With it Running
It seems so simple, but it needs to be said: we NEVER go to sleep with our heater running.
While these heaters are intended for indoor use, you should always be awake in case something goes wrong.
Go to sleep alive, maybe wake up a little chilly? Or possibly not wake up at all because of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Easy decision.
2. Constant Supervision Required
Cuddling up in a warm sleeping bag with a good book is even more cozy with your heater running.
BUT we never leave our heater running without supervision.
Why would you want to anyway? That’s like getting a great warm fire going, and then going on a hike.
You are just wasting precious warms. That IS why you want to do this, right?
3. Air Flow and Ventilation
Don’t just put your Buddy Heater in your tent, zip everything up, and walk away.
Ventilation is key.
We recommend opening both a lower and upper vent or at least two sides of your tent to allow fresh air to circulate and reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
The trick is finding the right balance—enough ventilation for safety but not so much that all the warm air escapes.
Some people like to run their heater on low all night (we don’t). But if you do, keeping fresh air moving in and out is key to your safety.
4. Use the Right Size Heater
Choosing the right-sized heater for your tent is important for both efficiency and safety.
Here’s why:
- Uses the right amount of propane – A properly sized heater won’t waste fuel, saving you money.
- Maximizes space – A smaller heater in a small tent means more room for you and your gear.
- Reduces carbon monoxide risks – A heater that’s too large for your space produces more exhaust fumes, increasing the chance of carbon monoxide buildup.
This handy table that we made has recommended shelter size and use to make selecting the right one super easy!
| Model | Output | Shelter Size | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Buddy Heater | 3800 BTU | 95 sq. ft. | 3-6 person tents |
| Portable Buddy Heater | 4000 or 9000 BTU | 225 sq. ft. | 6-10 person tents |
| Big Buddy Heater | 4000, 9000, or 18000 BTU | 450 sq. ft. | Cabin tents, 10+ person tents, or camper use |
Related Post: How to Insulate a Tent – 7 Steps for a Warm Night
5. Location, Location, Location
Where you place your Mr. Buddy Heater inside your tent matters.
A poorly placed heater can tip over, or even start a fire.
To keep you are your gear safe, follow these guidelines:
- Use a stable, non-flammable surface – Set the heater on a metal cookie sheet, fireproof mat, or wooden plank to prevent tipping or fire.
- Keep it level – A flat, even surface reduces the risk of the heater falling over.
- Maintain a safe distance – Keep at least 3 feet of clearance from flammable items like tent walls, sleeping bags, and clothing.
- Position it low to the ground – Heat rises, so placing the heater lower helps warm the tent evenly while reducing fire risk.
- Know your tent material – Most synthetic tents burn easily, so be extra cautious with heater placement.
Taking the time to position your heater correctly keeps you warm without putting your safety at risk.
6. Condensation and Moisture Build-Up
Propane heaters create A LOT of moisture.
And without proper ventilation, condensation builds up everywhere, and your tent will feel colder. (Ask us how we know…)
This brings us back to the whole ventilation thing again..
If you crack a vent or window to let humid air escape you’ll stay warm and dry all night.
Also, moisture-absorbing packs like silica gel or DampRid help too.
Granted, we don’t run our heater all night and have never had too much issue with it.
Short, Simple, Easy Conclusion
If you vent your tent and turn off your Buddy Heater before bed, you’ll stay warm and have a cozy, stress-free camping trip.
Leaving it on all night increases the risk of tipping over, starting a fire, trapping moisture, and building up carbon monoxide.
It’s a simple choice—use it safely, and enjoy a warm, worry-free night.
FAQ
Is it safe to sleep with a Buddy heater on?
While Mr. Buddy Heaters are labeled “indoor safe” and the safety mechanisms are supposed to allow you to sleep with it running, they are not guaranteed to work and it’s not worth the risk in our opinion. Instead, run the heater before bed, in the morning, and only while awake during the night.
Do Mr. Buddy heaters produce carbon monoxide?
Buddy heaters produce carbon dioxide instead of carbon monoxide. CO2 isn’t poisonous, but if there’s insufficient oxygen in the tent a Mr. Heater Buddy can product carbon monoxide. That’s why you should take the proper precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning when using them indoors just in case. This includes providing ventilation, using a working oxygen depletion sensor, not placing them near anything flammable, and monitoring them during use.
Is it safe to have a propane heater in a tent?
As long as it’s labeled “indoor safe”, portable propane heaters can be used indoors. However, they should not run while sleeping and should always have an oxygen depletion sensor and ventilation.
How much ventilation does a Mr. Buddy heater need?
A general recommendation is 1 square inch for every 1,000 BTUs. Make sure you place your heater the recommended distance from the sides of your tent and any gear around it. You should also provide ventilation by opening windows and mesh screens enough for a cross breeze to take place.
Is a Mr. Buddy Heater safe to use in a tent?
Yes, it’s safe to use a Mr. Heater Buddy in a tent as long as you follow the proper precautions. This includes monitoring it at all times, providing some ventilation for fresh air flow, and keeping it away from all flammable items like your tent walls and tent floor.
