HOWL & PROPANE FIRE PIT FAQ'S

Shipping in the continental United States and Canada is a flat rate of $99. 

YES. The HOWL R4 Campfire is UL-C approved, and ships directly to customers in Canada.

Official lead times are published on the HOWL R4 product page. If the product page says lead times are 8 weeks, then you can expect your HOWL to ship 8 weeks from the date that you received your order confirmation email.

If you received an order confirmation email with your order number and amount paid, then we have your order and there is nothing else you need to do! We’ll email you with a tracking number the moment your HOWL ships.

We accept payments from all Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club debit and credit cards. We also accept Apple Pay and Google Pay, and you can pay over time in monthly installments with Shop Pay.

With each order, we automatically send an order confirmation email with your order number and amount paid. If your credit card account is showing a debit but you did not receive a confirmation email from us, be sure to contact us at support@howlcampfires.com.

State and local taxes may apply to your order. Your tax rate is applied automatically by our payment system, and is based on the shipping address you provide to us. If you believe your tax rate is incorrect, be sure to contact us at support@howlcampfires.com.

The HOWL Campfire is built for a lifetime, not a landfill. Any damage caused by normal wear and tear, impacts, or accidents, we'll try to repair at a reasonable cost. If the damage is deemed to be caused by a defect in manufacturing, we will, at our discretion, repair or replace the item at no cost to you.

It can’t be. Use your HOWL like you mean it. Take it to the wildest places on earth. If you scratch or dent it, those are the marks of a good time. Wear 'em with pride. If you manage to bust something that changes the heat output or functionality, or you expose it to weird chemicals, just send your HOWL back to us. We'll repair or replace the affected parts at a reasonable cost to you.

Tell us what happened and send us pics. The more info you give us, the better we can help. We’re here and at the ready. Fire your claim to: support@howlcampfires.com

If you don’t love your HOWL for any reason, you can return it undamaged for a full refund (minus shipping) as long as:

1) You email your intent to return to support@howlcampfires.com within 14 days of receiving your HOWL. 

2) The ship date on your return is within 30 days of receiving your HOWL.

1) email your intent to return to support@howlcampfires.com within 14 days of receiving your HOWL.

2) Within 30 days of receiving your HOWL, you’ll need to pack it in the box and protective packaging that it came in, and ship it to:

RETURNS

HOWL Campfires

9751 W 44th Avenue, Suite 121

Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033

3) Once we receive your HOWL, we’ll inspect it. If it meets the criteria, we’ll issue your refund within 48 hours. If it does not meet the criteria, we’ll inform you via email with additional options and next steps.

If you canceled your order before it shipped out, you should already see a full reimbursement in your bank or credit card account. 

If you made a return, and we’ve received your HOWL, then we are inspecting it. If it meets the criteria, we’ll issue your refund within 48 hours. If it does not meet the criteria, we’ll inform you via email with additional options and next steps.

No. Life’s too short for you to hold onto things you don’t love.

Sometimes. If you're aligned with our brand and want to help keep the forest and the campfire alive for future generations, let's talk. Email us at support@howlcampfires.com

You better believe it. Our forests wouldn’t look the same – and camping wouldn’t be possible –without our wildland firefighters. It’s dangerous work. It’s seasonal and tough to budget for. While most first responders have reliable government funding, wildland firefighters are often left wondering if their paychecks are going to come through. Guys, we see you. You have been on this mission of keeping the forest and the campfire alive a lot longer than we have. And we want to give you all the help we can. The reality is that our margins are thin, HOWLs cost a lot to make, but we'll hook you up with the best deal we can. Just reach out at support@howlcampfires.com.

Not at this time. As we get more established as a company, that could change. So check back in!

We have a small number of loaner units for athletes, ambassadors, dirtbags, renegades, and content creators. If you want to play with a HOWL for a while for free, tell us BRIEFLY about your trip plan, how you’ll capture the experience, and where you’ll share it. If your dreams inspire us, we’ll do all we can to pour gas on them. Hit us up at support@howlcampfires.com.

Yes. We partner with trusted writers, editors, gear reviewers, and publishers who want to share HOWL with their audiences and help us keep the forest and the campfire alive.

HOWL Partners receive a unique tracking link to share with their audience. When your audience uses the link and makes a purchase, you get a commission. Our AvantLink program is free and easy to join. Apply here.

In most cases, yes. In burn bans up to Stage II, propane fire pits and stoves like the HOWL Campfire are permissible in national parks, state parks, forest service, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. It is still necessary to check the local regulations before you visit, since extreme fire danger can require tighter restrictions.

No. The minimum clearance from the sides and back of the HOWL Campfire to any material is 5 feet, and from the top is 10 feet. Do not use it under any overhead structure.

Yes. However do not tip it over. With the HOWL Campfire, you get hot while the ground stays cold. Even the legs remain cool to the touch. But just 7” above the ground are the BarCoal’s glowing hot tubes, blasting you with radiant heat and rapidly raising your body temperature. If you tip your HOWL over while running on a flammable surface, it will ignite that surface.

No. The HOWL is designed to be portable, so don’t fence it in, and keep a minimum 5 feet of clearance around it. If you keep it portable, it will pull double duty for you, keeping you warm out at camp and in your backyard.

When lit, keep your HOWL Campfire at least 5 feet away from the LP tank.

When lit, keep your HOWL Campfire at least 5 feet away from objects like your house, vehicle, or tent.

Video Tutorial Here

1. Place the HOWL Campfire in the spot where you will use it. The campfire must be placed on flat, level ground 10 feet away from any flammable object.
2. Place the LP tank on the control panel (powder coated) side of the HOWL Campfire, a minimum of 5 feet from the appliance where it will not be tipped over. 
3. Ensure the gas hose is not in a pathway where it will present a tripping hazard, or the hose may be subject to damage.
4. Ensure the gas hose is not touching any part of the HOWL Campfire housing.
5. The minimum clearance from the sides and back of the HOWL Campfire to any material is 5 feet and from the top is 10 feet. Do not use it under any overhead structure.

Video Tutorial Here

1. Ensure the A-Flame and BarCoal Control Knobs are turned to the OFF position. 
2. Find the Quick-Connect Stem on the underside of the Control Panel. Check to make sure attachment is clear of debris.
3. Find the Quick-Connect Spring Collar on the end of the regulator hose. Check to make sure attachment is clear of debris.
4. Pull back the Quick-Connect Spring Collar and push it onto the Quick-Connect Stem until there is a secure attachment.
5. Return the HOWL Campfire to its upright position, with all four legs on the ground.

Video Tutorial Here

1. Check to make sure the valve knob on the LP tank is turned fully clockwise to the CLOSED position.
2. If present, remove the protective cap from the LP tank valve and coupling nut.
3. Inspect the hose before each use of the HOWL Campfire. Make sure connections are clear of debris.
4. Check to make sure the A-Flame and BarCoal Control Knobs on the HOWL Campfire are both turned to the OFF position.
5. Hold the regulator hose in one hand and tighten the coupling nut onto the LP tank by turning it clockwise until it comes to a full stop. Firmly tighten by hand only. Do not overtighten. 

1. Make sure BarCoal and A-Flame knobs are in “OFF” position.
2. Remove the Skid Plate (bottom panel):
3. unscrew the six (6) fasteners that connect the Skid Plate to the Press Brake Frame
4. Prepare a 50/50 solution of dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
5. Apply leak check solution to all gas-carrying connections and fittings along hose from tank to device, and inside control panel.
6. Turn the tank valve to Open and turn the adjustable regulator (red knob) to On. The presence of bubbles at areas of wet solution indicate a gas leak. If leaks are detected or you smell or hear gas, shut off the tank valve immediately.
7. Check that your connections are not cross-threaded and that they are tight. Perform another leak test. If there is still a leak, remove the tank and contact HOWL Campfires for service or repairs.
8. Do not use the HOWL Campfire until all leaks are professionally repaired, or the defective part has been replaced by the Howl Campfires service team.
9. Once no leaks are detected, replace Skid Plate and fasteners.

Video Tutorial Here

1. With Campfire properly connected, turn LP tank valve knob to OPEN (COUNTER-CLOCKWISE, approx. 2.5 rotations) and turn red pressure knob on hose to OPEN (CLOCKWISE, 3 rotations)
2. Place tip of elongated (BBQ Style) lighter in the corner hole nearest to you on top of the unit. Ignite lighter.
3. Turn knob labeled “A-FLAME” to ON position.

Video Tutorial Here

1. With A-Flame burner lit and operating, place the tip of elongated (BBQ Style) lighter between BarCoal exhaust ports and ignite lighter.
2. Turn the knob labeled “BARCOAL” to ON

You can use a variety of tools to ignite your HOWL Campfire, including lighters, torches, matches, and flint and steel. However, it is vital that you keep yourself and your clothing from making contact with the flame when the HOWL ignites. For this reason, we recommend long neck lighters and long matches, which allow you to remain at a distance while lighting your HOWL.

Yes. The A-Flame is adjustable to provide as much or as little light as you need.

We do not recommend turning down the BarCoal, since the burn is less stable at lower fuel flows. When you need heat, turn it all the way on. When you don’t, turn it off. You can adjust how much heat your body absorbs simply by moving closer to or farther away from the HOWL Campfire.

To get warmer around the HOWL Campire, you can 1) absorb more IR light, 2) place yourself in the stream of hot exhaust, and 3) protect your body from cold wind.

To absorb more IR light, you can:

• Place your body in direct line of sight of the glowing BarCoal tubes.
• Sit in a camp chair so that the EchoHeat reflector sheilds are aiming the IR light at your body.
• Get closer to the HOWL Campfire to receive a greater concentration of IR rays.
• Wear dark colors to absorb more of the IR light. 
• Wear fewer insulating layers between you and the HOWL, so that your skin can absorb the IR rays. This could mean opening the front of your jacket, or keeping your camp blanket from getting between you and your HOWL. 

To place yourself in the stream of hot exhaust:

• Determine which direction the predominant wind is blowing
• Place your body downwind of the HOWL Campfire
• If the wind is light, the hot exhaust will rise almost vertically. Try standing to get more of your body into the exhaust column

To protect your body from cold wind:

• Wear windproof, breathable layers like Windstopper or Gore Tex (Since the HOWL emits no sparks, you can finally wear your technical garments around the fire)
• Non-insulated windproof layers will allow the HOWL’s IR heat to reach your body, while minimizing the effects of windchill.
• Insulate the side of you that’s facing away from the fire. You can wear a down insulating jacket with the front open to give protection to your backside. Consider sitting on a camp blanket so as not to lose heat through the back of your legs.

There are dozens of ways you can moderate the heat you get from the HOWL Campfire. Here are just a few:

• Back up! When you back away, you’ll get a lower concentration of IR rays.
• If you want to stay close and the folks you’re with still need the heat, just move to the control panel side of the HOWL. This puts you out of the line of sight of the BarCoal tubes.
• You can place a non-flammable object between you and the HOWL. This will put you in the shadow of the BarCoal’s rays, so less IR light will reach your body
• Wait, is everybody hot? If so, just turn off the BarCoal and let the A-Flame keep your camp illuminated. This is called Lantern Mode, and it’s perfect for warm-weather nights.

1. Turn the A-Flame Control Knob to the OFF position. The flame will diminish and then extinguish.
2. Turn the BarCoal Control Knob to the OFF position. The BarCoal device will fall silent, indicating it is no longer burning.
3. After both burners are extinguished, rotate the valve on LP tank clockwise to fully CLOSED position.
4. Wait until the HOWL Campfire frame is completely cool before handling, approximately 45 minutes.
5. Once all parts of the HOWL Campfire are completely cool, tip the product up on the Kickstand with the Control Panel facing up. 
6. Pull back the Spring Collar of the Quick-Connect Socket and slide off of the Quick-Connect Stem to detach the regulator hose from the HOWL Campfire.
7. Disconnect the Regulator Hose from the LP tank.

You should always wait until the HOWL Campfire frame is completely cool before handling. If it’s a hot day, the sun is strong, and there’s no wind, the HOWL will take approximately 45 minutes to cool for transport. If it’s cool and overcast, the humidity is high, and theres a strong wind, the HOWL will cool down more quickly.

No. But also, why would you waste money and fuel on heat that’s benefitting no one? Unlike a wood fire, though, the HOWL isn’t holding you hostage. It takes five seconds to turn it off before you step away. And when you come back, it takes another five seconds to relight. Freedom and safety… would you look at that?

Temperature really doesn’t affect the performance of the BarCoal or A-Flame burners, so you can use your HOWL in any weather imaginable. With the heat output of the HOWL, your best experiences will happen in temperatures where you wish you were warmer. That could be cool summer nights in a t-shirt, or blistering blizzards between backcountry ski laps.

It is imperative that you always haul a standard propane tank with the valve pointed up. Here is a video tutorial showing the instructions below.

Use a standard 1” x 6’ nylon strap with a cam buckle. Commodity versions can be purchased at any hardware store, or you can upgrade to something nicer from Roller Cam or Austere Manufacturing. 

Place the HOWL Campfire so that the carry handle points up and the legs point out. Center the propane tank between the legs so that it makes contact with all 4 non-slip rubber feet on the HOWL’s SkidPlate. Thread your strap through one StrapLock slot, around the outside of the tank, and through the other StrapLock Slot. Thread the strap through the cam lock buckle, and pull to tighten.

It is imperative that you always haul a standard propane tank with the valve pointed up. Here is a video tutorial showing the instructions below.

You will need a standard 1” or 1½” x 10’ nylon ratchet strap. If you do not already own one, you can buy a ratchet strap at any hardware store.

Place the HOWL Campfire with the propane tank strapped to it so that it is centered between two of your vehicle’s tie-down points, and so that it makes contact with one of your vehicle’s vertical surfaces (truck bed wall, vehicle interior wall, etc.) The carry handle and the valve side of the propane tank must both be pointing up. Make sure the propane tank is tightly secured to the HOWL.

When using your vehicle’s tie-down points, read and follow all instructions from your vehicle’s manufacturer. 

Once your HOWL is in place, pass the free end of the ratchet strap through both StrapLock slots on the handle side of your HOWL. Hook both ratchet strap hooks to your vehicle tie points. Adjust the position of the HOWL to make sure the ratchet strap, when tightened, will pull the HOWL either straight down, or in a direction where it is supported by a vertical surface of your vehicle, so that it cannot tip or loosen the strap.

Tighten the ratchet strap until snug and secure, but do not overtighten. Extreme overtightening may deform your HOWL Campfire.

1. Check to make sure the valve knob on the LP tank is turned fully clockwise to the CLOSED position.
2. If present, remove the protective cap from the LP tank valve and coupling nut.
3. Inspect the hose before each use of the HOWL Campfire. Make sure connections are clear of debris.
4. Check to make sure the A-Flame and BarCoal Control Knobs on the HOWL Campfire are both turned to the OFF position.
5. Hold the regulator hose in one hand and tighten the coupling nut onto the LP tank by turning it clockwise until it comes to a full stop. Firmly tighten by hand only. Do not overtighten. 

It is imperative that you always haul a standard propane tank with the valve pointed up. To pack the HOWL Campfire separate from the LP tank, you have many options. The easiest is often the “dead bug” position, with the burner side down and the legs straight up. This creates a void for packing a backpack, duffelbag, or other pieces of gear.

We do not make or sell ratchet straps or cam straps you can use the ones you have or purchase them elsewhere. We’ve had great success with Roller Cam cam straps. If you want to splurge, Austere Manufacturing straps are just plain cool, and they’re made here in the USA. For ratchet straps, it seems like they’re all about the same in terms of quality and functionality. Any 1” or 1 ½” x 10’ ratchet strap from your local hardware store will work great.

No. The HOWL Campfire has been tested and certified by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) to meet all the safety standards of ANSI Z21.97-2017 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliance. That means that it’s been proven by a third party testing laboratory to be safer for people and forests. 

This safety is why Canadian authorities require propane fire pits to be certified. Unfortunately, the standards for the fire pit category do not test for or allow us to advertise the HOWL for cooking. Therefore, the HOWL Campfire is not to be used for cooking or heating up any foods or liquids.

Any propane fire pit that 1) burns more than 25,000 BTUs and 2) has been certified to meet the ANSI Standards for safety cannot be advertised for use as a cooking device. However, if a company is willing to sell you an untested and uncertified product, then they can advertise it for cooking. Weird, right?

If you see a fire pit with more than 25,000 BTUs saying you can cook on it, that just means it was never tested or certified for safety.

We recommend using your HOWL just like it's a wood fire. There are easier tools for cooking and boiling water than a wood fire. Even when you’re allowed to have a wood fire, you probably still bring a camp cook top stove, and maybe also an MSR for fast water heating.

When recommend running the same program with the HOWL. Use your HOWL as a tool for heat and light. Use your stove top for making meals. And use your MSR for boiling water.

Yep! The A-Flame Windscreen is designed to bow up when it gets hot, then flatten as it cools. This is caused by the natural expansion and contraction of metal as temperatures change.

The HOWL is built from 304 Stainless Steel and aluminum – metals that are highly resistant to rust. So you will never get structural rust. They are also raw metal alloys that change color with extreme heat and surface oxidation. For example, unburnt BarCoal tubes have a brushed stainless steel finish. When we test burn them in our factory, they can develop hues of purple or blue. As you continue to use your HOWL, they will turn a darker and darker gray.

This is a good thing, since the darker exterior finish throws off IR light more efficiently, which is what transfers the heat to your body.

The Windscreen over the A-Flame burner will also take on color and darken with use. In addition, especially in high winds, carbon will build up on the windscreen and the A-Flame burner plate. Carbon deposits will wipe off with a wet rag or rinse off with water.

Soot is a carbon deposit, and it happens when the fuel is not completely combusted into water and carbon dioxide. The combustion of the A-Flame is nearly complete when there is little wind. But as wind speed increases, the burn becomes slightly interrupted, resulting in soot on your A-Flame top plate and Windscreen. This does not affect the performance of your HOWL, but it can be annoying for transportation, since the soot easily rubs off onto whatever it comes in contact with. The solution is to simply wipe the top of your HOWL with a moist rag or paper towel before carrying it or packing it into your vehicle.

Keep your HOWL in a dry place when not in use. Always disconnect your propane tank and store it outside, away from ignition sources.

Typically, anything that spills on the HOWL will be incinerated, and water and a rag will take care of any residue. If you’ve spilled something more stubborn, use soap and water, windex or a specialized stainless steel cleaner. If the affected area is under the Windscreen, simply remove the windscreen with a hex wrench to clean it. Replace the Windscreen before using.

No. If animals make contact with the flame, BarCoal exhaust, or BarCoal tubes, they can be seriously burned. Please supervise your pets around the HOWL Campfire the same way you would around any open fire.

Portable propane fire pits burn fossil fuels, so they do not fit the strictest definition of eco friendly. However, they have a net positive impact on the environment compared to open wood fires.

Here’s why:

1. Propane produces fewer greenhouse gasses per unit of heat than wood
2. Burning propane is safer for forests than wood. Open wood fires are a significant cause of wildfires. The environmental impact of wildfires is staggering. They produce enormous amounts of greenhouse gasses, kill the trees that are needed to sequester CO2, devastate riparian habitats, and destroy homes that have a large environmental cost to rebuild.
3. Propane is a byproduct from refining crude oil and natural gas, both of which the world’s economies currently need in order to function. Since propane is a byproduct of a much bigger industry, its use does not increase oil and gas exploration, drilling, or extraction.

So yes, it’s counterintuitive to burn fossil fuels to conserve the environment. But that is in fact what’s happening.

Yes, in the same way that a fuel efficient car is more eco-friendly than a gas guzzler. The HOWL’s BarCoal technology cranks out way more heat per BTU than any other fire pit on the market. That means you get much warmer while using less fuel.

Yes, you can keep your HOWL from walking away by running a locking cable or chain through the BarCoal windows of the frame.

For customers with respiratory issues that are inflamed by campfire smoke, the HOWL R4 Campfire could be a solution. The highly oxygenated propane burns without smoke, and the exhaust gasses are composed almost entirely of water vapor and CO2. The carbon monoxide level allowed under the ANSI standards is 800 parts per million. In testing, the HOWL produced just 40 parts per million of CO, indicating an extremely clean and efficient burn. Of course, those with medical concerns should seek medical advice before using.

Yes! The HOWL R4 Campfire is certified for consumer safety in all 50 States and Canada. It has been fully tested and approved by Underwriters Laboratories, INC and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada to meet the rigorous standards of ANSI Z21.97 / CSA 2.41-2017 Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances. The scientists at UL performed 170 pages of testing protocols on the HOWL. Here are just five of those tests:

1. It cannot heat the ground beneath by more than 90 degrees F
2. It cannot fall over when tipped to any side by 30 degrees out of plumb
3. It must continue to operate normally in high winds (A-Flame is unaffected up to 45 mph, BarCoal stayed lit at maximum speed of wind tunnel)
4. It must continue to operate normally in simulation of heavy rain
5. It must continue to operate normally after high-force side impacts, top impacts, and weight bearing

The HOWL R4 Campfire is UL Certified for emissions. The carbon monoxide level allowed under international standards is 800 parts per million. In testing, the HOWL produced just 40 parts per million of CO, indicating an extremely clean and efficient burn.

Yes, especially if it’s just for a few days. However, if you’re not going to use your HOWL for a while, it will last longer if you store it in a dry place.

5 feet. That’s why the tank and flammable objects need to stay 5 feet away. It’s also why, in milder weather, you’ll see people gathering around the HOWL at a little bit of a distance.

The HOWL replicates the heat you already know from an open wood campfire. The closer you get to your HOWL, the more radiant heat you’ll absorb. On a warm night, you’ll move farther away from the HOWL, while on a cold night you’ll be drawn in close.

8 feet.

Right here.

You get 6.5 hours of burn time with all burners – A-Flame and BarCoal – on full blast. If you only want the heat of the coals, turn off the A-Flame for Stargazing Mode. One tank will last 13 hours in Stargazing Mode. If you only want light, turn off the BarCoal for Lantern Mode. One tank will last for 13 hours in Lantern Mode.

We always recommend the standard 20-lb propane tank. Why? 1) It’s enough fuel for 2 nights of camping in normal conditions. 2) It has the biggest and most convenient distribution network, so you can get propane anywhere you fill up your rig. 3) The 20-lb tank nests into the HOWL for transport, so you can huck your truck with it.

You can, but you might have a suboptimal experience. You’ll get less burn time, the tank will freeze off faster, you’ll have to re-fill it more often, and the HOWL is not designed to stabilize smaller tanks for transport.

You’ve got A LOT of options. If you want to save money, keep your tank and refill it wherever propane is sold by the gallon. If you want to save time, just swap your tank at any gas station, grocery store, or convenience store.

It can be. In our experience, propane sold in Mexico sometimes has a lower tank pressure, even when the fuel weight is the same. This indicates that the fuel may be cut with another gas like butane. Butane will still burn in the HOWL, however, you may notice decreased performance. It is also possible that your tank will depressurize and “freeze” earlier than usual.

Nope. Don’t do it. Ever. The HOWL R4 Campfire is only tested and certified for safety when using propane gas. Trying to burn anything else with, on, or around it is unsafe and could cause serious injury or death.

Nope. Don’t do it. The HOWL R4 Campfire is only tested and certified for safety when using the 5 psi regulator it came with. Trying to use a different regulator is unsafe and could cause serious injury or death.

Video Tutorial Here

This indicates that something is blocking the fuel flow between the tank and HOWL, or that the fuel pressure is too low. The cause could be:

• Propane tank is running out of fuel. If your tank is low on fuel, disconnect it from the hose and re-fill or swap it.
• Your propane tank may be freezing up. This happens when you release pressure from the tank faster than the boiling/vaporizing liquid propane can replace it. Cold temperatures will slow the vaporization rate of LP. One solution is to warm the tank to make it boil faster. To do this, place the tank where it faces a glowing BarCoal tube, making sure the tank remains at least 5 feet away from the HOWL Campfire at all times. The IR rays will SLOWLY heat the tank. Do not move the tank too close to the HOWL or any other heat source, as you will risk overpressurizing the tank, which could result in serious injury or death. Another solution is to slow the release of pressure from the tank by turning down the A-Flame, or turning off the BarCoal.
• A safety shut-off could be tripped, either in the valve on the tank or in the regulator on the hose. Turn the fuel off at the tank, then turn the hose regulator knob to the closed/off position. SLOWLY reopen the tank valve, then SLOWLY open the regulator knob. This will reset the safety shut off and allow the proper flow of fuel.
• There could be debris clogging the connection between the hose and the HOWL. Disconnect the hose, ensure both the male and female end of the quick connect are clear, then reconnect.
• There could be an incomplete connection between the hose and the propane tank. Disconnect the hose from the tank. Make sure the hose O-Ring is present and not damaged. Make sure the tank connection is not dented or damaged. Reconnect the hose, making sure to fully tighten the hose cuff over the tank connection.

If you’ve these steps don’t resolve the issue, please contact us at support@howlcampfires.com and we’ll get the problem fixed.

Here’s why that’s happening: 

Burning the HOWL Campfire or any other propane device releases pressure from your propane tank. The liquid propane has to boil to rebuild the pressure. Boiling is an endothermic reaction, meaning that it has to pull heat energy out of its surroundings. The boiling propane takes that heat from the metal tank, and when the tank temperature drops below the dew point of the air around it, condensation will form. As the metal tank’s temperature drops below freezing, the condensation will freeze into ice crystals. 

Is Ice on my propane tank a problem?

Ice on your tank can have an insulating effect that keeps your tank cold. This makes it difficult for the liquid propane inside to draw enough heat to continue boiling. If the liquid propane doesn’t boil, it will not rebuild the pressure inside of the tank. Without pressure, the tank will not push enough fuel out into your HOWL Campfire. You will know your tank is too cold if your A-Flame dies down in height and your BarCoal tubes stop glowing as bright.

What to do if there’s ice on your propane tank

If the performance of your HOWL Campfire is being affected, you can scrape off the ice, exposing the tank to the air. You can also try moving the tank into the IR rays of the BarCoal. To do this, place the tank where it faces a glowing BarCoal tube, making sure the tank remains at least 5 feet away from the HOWL Campfire at all times. The IR rays will SLOWLY heat the tank. Do not move the tank too close to the HOWL or any other heat source, as you will risk overpressurizing the tank, which could result in serious injury or death. Note that you do not need the ice to melt in order to restore proper tank pressure.

This indicates that something is blocking the flow of fuel through the BarCoal system. We recommend using an air compressor with a blower attachment to clear the obstruction.

• First, try blowing compressed air down the BarCoal exhaust. It could be that mud or dust fell into the tubes, and then a liquid was added. This can result in particulate clogging the mesh of the internal burner head. Strong blasts of air can remove fine particles from the mesh. After treating with compressed air, light the BarCoal and see if function has improved.
• If there is no change in function, you will need to blast compressed air into the orifice jets. To access the jets, remove the bottom panel of the HOWL by unfastening the 6 hex bolts. Inside the control box, you will see the jet holders and the pinhole orifices of the fuel jets. Blast these pinhole orifices to clear any debris than might be stuck there occluding the flow of fuel. Replace the bottom pane and light the BarCoal to see if function has improved.

If the issue is not resolved with the air compressor, or you do not have an air compressor, please contact us at support@howlcampfires.com and we’ll get the problem fixed.

To fuel your propane fire pit, you’ll want a 20 lb tank. At maximum output, most fire pits will burn for 4-8 hours. If you turn your fire pit down, this tank can supply your fire pit for 10-12 hours.

Take the HOWL Campfire for example, which has a max fuel use rating of 61,800 BTUs per hour. A standard sized 20-pound propane cylinder holds approximately 430,000 BTUs of liquid propane. That means your propane fire pit on high will last just under 7 hours on a single tank. That gives you 2 nights of comfortable camping before you have to re-fill or exchange your propane tank.

Most fire pits will burn for 4-8 hours on a 20 lb tank. This depends on their fuel burn rating, which will be advertised as the number of BTUs. For example, the HOWL Campfire has a max fuel use rating of 61,800 BTUs per hour. A standard sized 20-pound propane cylinder holds approximately 430,000 BTUs of liquid propane. That means your propane fire pit on high will last just under 7 hours on a single tank.

If your propane fire pit has a higher BTU rating, you will burn through your tank faster. If your propane fire pit has a lower BTU rating, your tank will last longer.

It is possible to use a 15 lb propane tank for a gas fire pit, however there are some drawbacks you should consider. 

1. The smaller your fuel tank, the less time your fire will burn.As an example, the HOWL Campfire uses a maximum of 61,800 BTUs per hour.  

With a standard sized 20-pound propane cylinder that holds 430,000 BTUs of liquid propane, the HOWL on its highest settings will last just under 7 hours on a single tank.

A 15 lb propane tank only holds 323,000 BTUs, so a HOWL paired with this smaller tank will last about 5 hours.

2. The smaller your fuel tank, the more likely it is to “freeze off”

When a propane tank freezes off, the fire shrinks and eventually dies. Freeze off happens whenever you release gaseous propane from the tank faster than the liquid propane can boil/vaporize to replace it. This drops the tank’s internal pressure, meaning less fuel gets pushed out to your fire pit. 

A smaller tank, means there’s less liquid propane available to be vaporized, and that slows down the gas replacement rate. If you use a smaller tank, in order to prevent freeze off, you’ll need to release fuel more slowly (less BTUs per hour), and/or use your fire pit in warmer weather conditions. The hotter it is outside, the faster you can boil the liquid propane to replace the gas that your fire pit is drawing out.

The basic math says a 5 lb propane tank will last between 1.5-2.5 hours. That’s because most fire pits burn between 45,000 and 65,000 BTUs per hour, and a 5-pound propane tank contains about 107,000 BTUs of gas.

HOWEVER: in practice, your gas fire pit will not last even this long with a 5 lb tank. That’s because a small sized tank will freeze off when releasing gas at such a rapid rate.

When a propane tank freezes off, the fire shrinks and eventually dies. Freeze off happens when you release gaseous propane from the tank faster than the liquid propane can boil/vaporize to replace it This drops the tank’s internal pressure, meaning less fuel gets pushed out to your fire pit.

A smaller tank, means there’s less liquid propane available to be vaporized, and that slows down the gas replacement rate. If you use a smaller tank, in order to prevent freeze off, you’ll need to release fuel more slowly (less BTUs per hour), and/or use your fire pit in warmer weather conditions. The hotter it is outside, the faster you can boil the liquid propane to replace the gas that your fire pit is drawing out.

All in, a propane fire pit will cost you about $4.93 per hour of use. And that’s if you use the best and most expensive portable propane fire pit on the market. (you can check the math below)

When most people think about the quality of time they get around a campfire, $4.93 per hour is a pretty good deal.

However, some folks will also say that propane is more expensive than using a wood fire pit. And it absolutely is if you can get your wood for cheap or free. But if you have to buy your wood, and you use an equally nice wood fire pit, it will cost you about the same: $5.06 per hour of use.

And again, that seems like a pretty good deal considering the quality of your time spent around a fire.

But let’s say you CAN get your wood for free, so your wood fires are quite a bit cheaper. Is a propane fire pit worth it then? That just depends on where and how you want to use your fire. 

Here’s why a propane fire pit makes sense:

• You can use propane fire pits during most burn bans
• There’s a lot less risk of starting a wildfire
• Propane can be used where wood leaves a mess (trailheads, ski area parking lots, tailgating, etc.)
• Propane fires are easy to light. Building a fire is no longer a project, so you can focus on other things
• There’s no waiting around for a wood fire to build up and get warm
• There’s no waiting around for a wood fire to die out, or need to put it out with water
• There’s no smoke, no smell, and much less risk of respiratory issues

Here’s why you might not want a propane fire:

• There’s no nostalgic crackle sounds
• Most propane fires only have flames, so they’re not as warm wood fires (the HOWL Campfire has radiant coals, so it is warm like a wood fire)
• There’s no wood-fire flavor when cooking with propane

It is entirely possible to roast marshmallows over a propane fire pit. Propane fires put out enough heat to roast a marshmallow, and most burn very cleanly, with the exhaust gas being harmless water vapor and CO2. This is why it is also safe to grill food in a clean-burning propane barbecue grill.

However, unlike a propane barbecue grill, portable propane campfires are not tested or certified for cooking. Those that are tested and certified for safety usually fit into the international safety standards category for “Outdoor Decorative Gas Appliances.” 

This standard does not test for food safety, and in fact, expressly prohibits using a propane fire pit to cook, or warm or heat foods or liquids intended for human consumption. 

That means any propane fire pit that has cooking attachments or recommends cooking, roasting marshmallows, etc., has not been tested and is not certified for safety – cooking or otherwise. 

So can you roast marshmallows on a propane fire pit? You can. Should you? Use common sense and proceed at your own risk.

In nearly all cases, propane fire pits do not keep you warm in the same way that wood fires do. Wood fires have coals that radiate heat outward, which your body can absorb. Coals are the reason wood fires keep you warm. Propane fires do not have coals and do not produce radiant heat (with the exception of the HOWL Campfire). Instead, they only have flames, which can only make hot air. When you’re outside, hot air rises and blows away. So that’s why you always feel so cold next to most propane fire pits.