I'm considering buying an Olympian Wave 6 to replace my Mr Heater Buddy to use in my 05' Pleasure Way Excel. The Buddy heater puts out a lot of moisture and the windows are dripping wet in the morning. I've read some reviews about the Wave 6 and many say there should be no real issue with moisture, which would be great. I know that all non-vented propane heaters put out some moisture, but it seems the Buddy excels at it. So, would like some input from those of you that use any of the Olympian models as to how well they keep you warm and "dry". Would I be better off saving my money and use since there may not be any real improvement over the Buddy, or would I be moving up with the Wave 6?

There probably is not any 'change' between the Olympic and Mr Buddy heaters as far as amount of moisture that comes out of the gas while it is warming the RV. However the built in tank probably has less moisture in it than the portable tanks you have been buying. . .Also I really would never recommend a Mr Buddy heater. Something about a high pressure propane tank right next to a open flame bothers me. If the tank where ever to get to warm, then it's pressure relief valve can open, venting propane near the flame of the pad. It seems like you need to leave the window open a bit further, and open the roof vent a bit more as well. I installed a gas tee in my RV under the stove/oven, near a wall, so that I will not kick it while cooking. It has a shut off too, and quick disconnect. So my Olympic 6000 BTU heater spends most of it's time in a closet, covered to protect the pad from getting dirty. A dirty pad needs to be replaced, so I have heard. Mine is a 1994 model, and still has not needed a replacement pad.Also many do not heat the pad long enough on high heat output, and many have reported that the pad is not glowing red, indicating that the pad is not fully lit, and hot enough to boil off any moisture in the gas tank.Fred.

I have used both and can't say that there is a signified difference in the amount of moisture put out by the two heaters. This is just part of using a non-vented gas heater. I have good success controlling moisture by having cross ventilation (open vent at one end and cracked open window at other end) and by turning on exhaust fans when cooking and showering. (The Plat Cat is a vented heater that, should, eliminate most moisture if you are so interested.) IMO, there are other reasons to choose the Wave heater over the Buddy heaters.- Like Fred, I too don't like the idea of high pressure LP inside my RV. For my Wave heater, I T'ed off the low pressure main line underneath the trailer and brought that inside exactly like was done with all the other LP appliances.- The Wave heater is cool enough to (quickly) touch...and doesn't cause the dog to 'melt' when she brushes up against it.- I notice a odor when using the Buddy heater. Where I don't smell anything with the Wave heater.- I am not comfortable using the Buddy heater all night, but have become "comfortable" doing so with the Wave heater (with multiple CO detectors and open window and vent)- The Wave heater is just plain more comfortable than the Buddy heater is. The heat is radiant so it really helps to have it pointed toward you, but it eventually warms up the entire trailer.Like Fred, mine is also on a quick disconnect with a valve upstream. It spends most of the time in it's box with a cover over it and only comes out when I need it.I am glad that I got the Wave heater and consider it a significant upgrade from the Buddy heater.Hope this helps.

The moisture doesn't come from the propane tank. It comes from the combustion of the propane which produces carbon dioxide and water. A gallon of propane produces the same amount of water regardless of what heater burns it.The only way to avoid moisture buildup is to properly ventilate the trailer. Crack a window and leave a roof vent open.

Coolmom has it dead to rights. But then, I'd never use an unvented combustion heater.

I been using the Olycats since 1973.I never had a Buddy heater, but would doubt there would be any difference in the moisture issue. In Arizona I don't have any moisture. Here in Oregon I do.But It never bothers me until I go to drive in the morning, and have to demoisturize the front windows to see safely. I never use the forced air furnace.

Mr Heater Buddy vs Olympian Wave 6 | Good Sam Community

ICamel
Explorer
Oct 03, 2015
Started out with the Mr Buddy for comfort heat in the 5th wheel and replaced it with a Wave6 four years ago. Wish I had bought the Wave6 in the first place.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Oct 02, 2015
Hi rjxj,

The wave still puts combustion products into the air the end user breathes.
azrving
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
Anyone considering any ventless heater just needs to consider that it may not work for them. Some are susceptible to the air quality, some aren't. My next choice would have been to try a Wave but in our case I was concerned about spending the money and having it bother our sinus and headache issues. It does appear that the Wave is the way to go as far as ventless. If I hadn't sold my Buddy on Ebay I would have thrown it in the lake. After conforming to all environmental concerns first, obviously.

Buddy
Tom_M1
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
I boondock virtually 100% so a major factor for me is electricity consumption. My furnace fan uses about 7 amps and my Buddy uses zero and it's silent.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Oct 02, 2015
Quote:
The amount of propane difference between the furnace and having to open windows isn't enough to worry about.
---------------------------------------------
Dream on !
mockturtle
Explorer II
Oct 01, 2015
I always have two windows partially open for ventilation with my Wave 6. This is recommended by the manufacturer. If I depend on my Fantastic roof vent, it might close automatically if it rains. Actually, I find that I need the windows to control the heat, anyway, as it often gets too hot. Very happy with my Wave 6.
azrving
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
RoyB wrote:
Good catch guys on the CAT verses the WAVE... I missed that... My big point was to have something that was vented and not hve to worry about that. i also hate it that I have to crack open a outside vent when I use my MR BUDDY... Who knows how much heat escapes out my roof haha... I just open the vent but don't turn on the fan...

I assume both those heaters are catalytic type heaters...

Roy Ken

I tried a buddy but it messed up our sinus. Too much junk in the air for us and we did open windows etc. I checked on a Cat Platinum but at the time the guy was too busy and wouldn't reply or wasn't building them at the time. I gave up on all that and went back to what came in the rv and is safe. The furnace. The issue always was how much 12 volt power it used and I solved that with the right number of deep cycle batteries and enough solar. The amount of propane difference between the furnace and having to open windows isn't enough to worry about.

The other issue with those catalytic heaters is they aren't thermostatically controlled, well I believe the CAT is. The temp isn't right or there is too much moisture in the air and water on the windows and walls. I love my digitally controlled house furnace and I dont worry about having modified any propane lines if there is a fire and insurance claim. Just my .02
Tom_M1
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
I have a Mr. Heater Buddy which is designed to work with disposable 1-lb. bottles. To use this on low pressure I removed the built-in regulator and attached a hose which I plumbed into the line feeding my cook-top.

If you have the room, there is also the Big Buddy which already has a connector for low pressure.
RoyB
Explorer II
Oct 01, 2015
Good catch guys on the CAT verses the WAVE... I missed that... My big point was to have something that was vented and not hve to worry about that. i also hate it that I have to crack open a outside vent when I use my MR BUDDY... Who knows how much heat escapes out my roof haha... I just open the vent but don't turn on the fan...

I assume both those heaters are catalytic type heaters...

Roy Ken
Makin__Do
Explorer
Oct 01, 2015
Thanks for all the quick answers, good to hear from those that own and use a product.
Did figure there would not be much, if any, difference in moisture, just hoping.
I already put a tee in the main gas line under the coach. I'm with Golden, no inside bottle. And as with so many of you, never have used the Buddy thru the nite. Using it late into the evening still creates the moisture issue.
Wife wants me to look into the PlatCat since it is vented and has a t-stat, but at $800 with shipping for the 6k btu unit, it might be a better to investment in some good blankets.
Thanks again for the input.

Forum Discussion

Mr Heater Buddy vs Olympian Wave 6

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Mr buddy heater

Mr Buddy Heater?

Little Buddy Heater

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor/Outdoor Propane Heater

Break Buddy