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Just went on the first family camping trip this weekend. We bought a gas heater from a place called Bargin MegaBargin in Hucknall. We pluggerd in the gas canister and used it in our tent withthe side doot open. (it says use in well ventilated area) everything worked fine for about 5 minmutes until we started to relax about having a gas heater in the tent, when the darn thing started shooting flames 1-2 feet in front of it ! Not like a flame thrower, but like small bursts of gas were exploding every few seconds ! I lifted the thing out of the tent and put it on the grass and it kept doing it until I turned it off. Now have I done something wrong or is this thing an accident waiting to happen ? We could easily have sent the tent on fire.

The heater is exactly like this one but by a firm called Home Living.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Gas-Heater-For-Camping/dp/B000MIIA6G

Can any one recommend a decent in Tent heater, the OH has banned from ever using this one again.

eek!

black cat heater is ok i think

Although I have never seen one working they are quite a common heater and almost foolproof in connecting the gas cylinder. They should have a failsafe device on them as well in case they get knocked over or the cylinder hasn't been fitted properly.

It sounds like you have a fault on yours. I would return it and perhaps buy one from a more well known source...a company called Bargin Megabargin wouldn't entirely fill me with confidence  

I had one of the stoves that use the same cartridge and loading-control system and got similar problems.  Turned out that the connector was shonky and leaked gas which collected in the cartridge housing, eventually it would ignite and flames would come out of that hole on top of the cartridge bay door.

Now binned and I won't be buying anymore 'budget' stove or heater type things.

My wife chose this because she doesn't like lighting the dual-fuel stove and thought this looked safer - oh the irony...

Quote: Originally posted by Bob™57 on 04/6/2007

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...a company called Bargin Megabargin wouldn't entirely fill me with confidence  

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Well yes I suppose I should have guessed by the name. Though I actually heard about it through this site. Bargin MegaBargin, not being on my weekly shop. Still, one more reason to never go to Hucknall(sorry to anyone who lives there... but lets be honest.)

Sorry but I would never use a gas heater in a tent,have seen and heard too many horror stories.I use EHU and a convector heater..no naked flame..makes sense in a tent IMHO.........regards

I've had one of those heaters for 3 or 4 years now, and mines never done that. You must have a faulty one.  Take it back and exchange it, they are good heaters.

Kev

If the cannister isn't correctly aligned then any build up of unburned escaping gas will sporadically ignite.

It is also a possibility that the heater may be faulty.

Quote: Originally posted by Maid Marian on 04/6/2007

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Hi I live in Hucknall (well just outside, in Linby) .. Where is it? -

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 Its near the main car park, to the left of  library. The sign says B&M Bargins, you have to go round the back to actually find the door. Its next to the re-opened bargin store that sells bargin linen.. very Hucknall. Linby on the other hand is lovely.

I can't be sure I fitted the canister properly but its a fairly simple drop it in pull the switch load mechanism, the box says easy to load. Nothing about easy to load but if you get it wrong it'll explode taking you, your tent and your family with it. I'm taking it back with ever intention of kicking up a stick. Darn things should be banned.

Think I might get the black cat heater as the OH won't let me get anything that even slightly resembles this model ever again.(can't say I blame her) and everyone here seems to recommend them.