Silly purchase - propane fire pit.

[TheIcemanCometh]

This fallI I did several trips that were cool but not that cold (for me). After dinner it would have been nice to have a small fire. However, in most areas I frequent fires are often prohibited. Also in general woods fires are a bane. As such, I started looking at small fire pits. There are some really nice ones out there but their cost is prohibited. Large ones are really nice but are too large.

While searching, I stumbled upon this mini fire pit made by FlameKing. It does not put out a huge amount of heat. But it is small and works fine for a couple of people. Which is perfect for us. Can even do marshmallows. It can be used directly with a large propane tank. I bought the little refillable cylinders which also serve as a backup in case I run out of propane (which has happened) or I forget the main cylinder (which I have done).

Anywho I thought I would share.

 

[peesalot]

i love my camp fire in a can, I bring a big tank and it will last 4 maybe 4 nights, plenty of heat & light for a evening around the fire during restrictions.

 

[terrapin]

I can't speak for the FlameKing that you mention, but I did have an ammo can style firepit that I ended up selling. It worked well and the small size was convenient, but even with ceramic rocks the heat did not radiate at all. You had to practically stand over it to get any heat. I have a larger 19" firepit that I carry in my trailer that works much better but is a beast to carry. Lately if I'm by myself I just use my Mr. Heater Buddy with a reflector if I want some outside heat. No ambiance of course.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

I can't speak for the FlameKing that you mention, but I did have an ammo can style firepit that I ended up selling. It worked well and the small size was convenient, but even with ceramic rocks the heat did not radiate at all. You had to practically stand over it to get any heat. I have a larger 19" firepit that I carry in my trailer that works much better but is a beast to carry. Lately if I'm by myself I just use my Mr. Heater Buddy with a reflector if I want some outside heat. No ambiance of course.

Your comments are exactly my expectations. It will not give off a lot of heat unless right next to it. But will add some ambiance. Larger ones are better but a beast.

 

[peesalot]

Mine has some ceramic logs and will back you up if turnt up. My daughter used to read books by the fire, I will say 3 nights or maybe 2 if you have it full tilt.

 

[nakman]

hey if anyone has a question about any of the Howl Campfires, let me know!

 

[CardinalFJ60]

Love the howl! Used mine last night. Highly recommend.

 

[bski90]

Love the howl! Used mine last night. Highly recommend.
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Is this the R1? Thoughts on getting the smallest unit vs going up a size? I'm interested in the R1 myself. What lbs propane bottle do you carry?

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

Is this the R1? Thoughts on getting the smallest unit vs going up a size? I'm interested in the R1 myself. What lbs propane bottle do you carry?

FWIW all of these blow through propane quickly. Even my little fire pit will go through a 1/2 pounder in an hour. I figure when it goes that it is time for bed. As such, if you are using a propane stove to cook as well best have a 10 lb, 12.5 lb or 20 lb cylinder.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

The R1 is great. it puts out decent heat and looks pretty, too. I really like the size of the R1 and will fit in a HF pelican style case. (3900?) if you look at the screen shot of Tim's youtube, you can see the orange case. I would say it's great for 2-3 folks when it's not suuuuper cold out. the R3 and 4 for the win on gobs of heat radiating out. but the sacrifice is size. for larger groups, I could see multiple R1's would fit the bill. get your pals to get one.

they like propane, as you might imagine. as an example, I had a 5lb tank at about 65% full and we ran the R1 med-full chooch for about 5 hours? and killed it. (tim, correct me if I got that timing wrong). it did freeze up a little as it got empty. I've since upgraded to a 10lb and think that'll be great for the R1.

me....I'm glad I got the R1. love it. zero buyer's remorse. that said, the R4 is the Bee's Knee's and if I had the room or if you have the room. it's so awesome. not only will it force you away from unit from the radiating heat, but the ability to only run the Barcoal for heat with no 'flames' is really cool. we were camping on the lunar eclipse night and was really nice to kick off the bright flames, check out the sky all while enjoying heat with very little localized light pollution.

 

[nakman]

I put a table up on the website that compares propane usage, output, etc. Howl Campfires — Gamiviti - https://www.gamiviti.com/howl-campfires

Yes it's true they can really go through propane, but I find with the R1 I rarely have it up all the way.. and cooking on them is more of a novelty, probably the least efficient way of cooking tbh... and I chuckle at the wind ratings because you know, at 110mph yeah let's totally hang out, but if it hits 120 I'm going to bed.

 

[peesalot]

I run a 20lb and the fire at medium or just barely below which provides enough light to read, cook, chat, whatever and figuring we camp in summer so sundown is 8:00 or later so fire is on for maybe 3 hrs a night and lasts 4 nights, 3 if turn it up.

 

[TwelveGravity]

How are you all transporting your propane? Pics appreciated. I don't like the idea of carrying a 10lb or 20lb tank inside the vehicle (SUV) and it's not suggested to lay a tank horizontally on a roof rack. I've seen mounts that can be strapped to a spare tire of your tire carrier will support additional weight. TIA.
I've read a lot of reviews on Howls products and I opted for the R1. Its seems most practical for what I want to do. Looks well built and very compact.

 

[TheIcemanCometh]

I typically take my little 5 pound cylinder. I got it long ago. It is short with a wide base so does not tip over. I just put it on the floor behind the driver's seat. Most of the 5 pounders made today are a bit taller with a narrower base so easier to tip over.

I also have a 10 pound cylinder that being taller will tip over. Many people will put them into a milk crate with other related items like hoses. The crate gives the stability and makes it easy to carry everything.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

My 10lb aluminum tank nestles nicely behind the passenger seat.

 

[nakman]

I built a mount for a 20 pound tank that goes on my jerry can swingout- it consumes the space of 2 jerry cans, so it's not on all the time, but it works well and I could always put gas on the roof rack. I'll find a pic..

I have also carried the 20 pounder behind the back seat, on top of my drawers.. I use a bungee to hold the top of the tank to the headrest, so it can't tip over. It's been ok, but not the safest, outside is better.

 

[nakman]

Picture of the 20 pound propane tank mount- a cheap bracket I already had, bolted to an awning bracket I already had, bolted to my Dissent jerry can holder

picture of the 80 loaded up, out in the wild...

and at camp.

 

[3ZERO8]

I have the R1, absolutely love it.

 

[Montana Cruiser]

I have the OG Howl R4, it's a beast to pack, but man does it put out the heat! Thinking about how to mod it to have folding legs like the R4 V2.

 

[subzali]

I’ve been enjoying the tripod torch. Built a mount to my moto rack