Big Maxx confusion !!@##!

[bobs409]

Time to ask, I can't figure it out.

I'm researching the Big Maxx propane garage heaters and I see there are the following models:

MHU45LP
MHU50LP
MHU75LP
MHU80LP

1) Why is there a 45k and a 50k model? And then there is a 75k and an 80k unit. Seems odd to have a different model for the sake of 5K btu's. ???

2) Some places only carry one or the other. I only found one place that has the 50K unit, everyone else has the 45k unit. In fact, these aren't really being sold in all that many places I've found from 2 days of searching Google. Even Northern tool doesn't have any for propane, only the natural gas type.

3) My garage comes in about 750 sq ft. It's about in the middle of the 45 or 75 unit recommendation. Should I go with the 45/50 or the 75/80? Without giving every detail, take into consideration that my garage is pretty full, it's a 2.5 car garage but in it are 3 cars, 4 post car lift and lots of other items items like tool boxes, counters & equipment taking up alot of the inside "air space". (if that should be a factor I don't know)

4) Cheapest place to buy one of these? (price plus shipping)


Thanks,


Bob

 

[Woodchopper46]

As I understand it, the 45000 & 75000 BTU heaters are older generation, now referred to as 50000 & 80000 BTU. The conversion kit for LPG to NG or NG to LPG is about $40.00. Some stores sell the NG model while other stores sell the LPG model. Having a 4 post lift means a higher ceiling, I would go for the 80,000 BTU unit. No mention of insulation but that's a huge factor. A search on this forum should answer all your questions. Good Luck.

 

[toyotadriver]

Northern usually sells out of certain heaters and doesn't re-stock until the late summer. I have bought 2 propane Mr. Heaters from Northern so they do stock them in the last summer through most of the winter.

The 50k and 80k are the newer versions. Not sure why they changed the BTU rating by 5k.

I heat my well insulated 30x40 with an 80k. So 50k would probably heat yours but there isn't enough information in your post. An 80k would most likely be more than enough but might also be too big. Need to post more info about what you are trying to heat.

 

[bobs409]

Thanks guys. I guess I should go for the larger one. My garage is insulated but only has 2X4 walls so I guess it's only R13? Ceiling is 2X8 so more insulation there.

The one bay is high for the lift but the other side has an enclosed & insulated loft so ceiling is only 8' on that one.

I see about the different models now. I didn't know about the ability to convert a NG to propane, I'll have to look into that.


Thanks for the help,

Bob

 

[bfarroo]

They should sell a kit that has different orifices and other odds and ends from what I remember. I ran my 75K unit on propane for a few years before getting around to running a NG line. Pretty simply to swap over from one to the other.

 

[toyotadriver]

Thanks guys. I guess I should go for the larger one. My garage is insulated but only has 2X4 walls so I guess it's only R13? Ceiling is 2X8 so more insulation there.

The one bay is high for the lift but the other side has an enclosed & insulated loft so ceiling is only 8' on that one.

I see about the different models now. I didn't know about the ability to convert a NG to propane, I'll have to look into that.


Thanks for the help,

Bob

What's the sq ft size of the shop?

 

[dave67fd]

Post #1 has 750 sq/ft listed.

 

[toyotadriver]

Missed that.

I'd probably go with the 50k btu if I was the OP.