Howl R4 MKII Portable Propane Fire Pit

Howl R4 MKII Portable Propane Fire Pit

Built for four-season camping, the Howl R4 MKII Portable Propane Fire Pit combines twin BarCoal radiant tubes, exposed A-Flame fire, independent heat and flame controls, and a rugged packable frame to deliver serious warmth in demanding camp conditions. This is Howl's flagship campfire for overlanders, winter campers, hunters, van travelers, and anyone who doesn't wait for perfect weather.

The R4 MKII's twin BarCoal tubes operate at more than 1,300°F, generating infrared radiant heat designed to provide the warmth associated with a bed of wood coals rather than relying exclusively on hot air from propane flames. EchoHeat Reflector Shields direct that radiant energy outward while helping isolate the ground beneath the fire pit from the intense operating temperatures above.

Independent heat and flame controls let you adjust the BarCoal radiant system separately from the visible A-Flame, while the compact 21" x 14.34" x 7.53" footprint and integrated StrapLock system make the R4 MKII practical for carrying in a properly secured overland or adventure rig.

Fire Restriction Use: The R4 MKII carries UL and UL-C certifications and is designed for use during applicable fire restrictions where gas appliances are permitted. Fire restrictions vary by jurisdiction, agency, and current conditions. Always check current local regulations before use.

1,300°F+ Twin BarCoal Heat • Up to 24" Flames • Independent Heat & Flame Controls • 6.5-10 Hour Burn Time • UL & UL-C Certified

Key Features

• Twin BarCoal Radiant Tubes: Two high-temperature steel radiant tubes operate at more than 1,300°F to produce powerful infrared radiant heat.
• A-Flame Burner: Adds exposed campfire-style flames reaching up to 24 inches in calm-air conditions.
• Independent Heat & Flame Controls: Adjust the BarCoal radiant heat and visible flame separately to tailor your campfire experience.
• Stargazing Mode: Independent controls allow you to prioritize radiant warmth while reducing the visible flame when you want less firelight.
• EchoHeat Reflector Shields: Direct radiant heat outward toward camp while helping shield the ground beneath the fire pit.
• Four-Season Design: Engineered for demanding camping conditions including wind, rain, snow, cold temperatures, and changing elevations.
• Wind-Resistant Burner System: Concealed BarCoal air intakes and an A-Flame windscreen help maintain combustion in windy conditions.
• Self-Draining Burners: BarCoal and A-Flame components are designed to drain precipitation rather than collect water.
• Compact Footprint: Measures just 21" x 14.34" x 7.53" for easier integration into overland and camping cargo systems.
• StrapLock Tie-Down System: Integrated frame slots provide dedicated locations for properly securing the R4 MKII inside or onto an adventure vehicle.
• Propane Tank Stabilization: The R4 MKII can be strapped with the propane tank to create a more stable package for vehicle transport when properly secured.
• Rugged Metal Construction: Built from 304 stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, brass, and a highly impact-resistant PressBrake frame.
• No Wood-Fire Embers or Ash: Propane operation eliminates the flying embers, sparks, and ash associated with a traditional wood campfire.
• Made in Colorado: Howl states that design and manufacturing operations are performed on Colorado's Front Range.

Serious Radiant Heat with Twin BarCoal Tubes

The defining feature of the R4 MKII is its twin BarCoal radiant heating system. Rather than relying exclusively on propane flames to heat the surrounding air, BarCoal heats steel tubes to more than 1,300°F.

At these temperatures, the tubes emit infrared radiant energy that can be absorbed directly by people and objects around the fire. The principle is similar to the radiant warmth produced by the glowing coal bed of a traditional wood fire.

This gives the R4 MKII a dedicated source of radiant warmth in addition to its visible propane flame, making it particularly well suited for cold-weather and four-season camping.

EchoHeat Reflector Shields

Howl's EchoHeat Reflector Shields work with the twin BarCoal tubes to direct radiant energy outward toward the people around the fire rather than allowing that energy to radiate equally in every direction.

The reflector system also helps isolate the ground beneath the R4 MKII from the high operating temperatures of the radiant tubes above.

Independent Heat & Flame Controls

Unlike a single-control campfire, the R4 MKII allows the radiant BarCoal heat and visible A-Flame to be controlled independently. This gives you greater control over the atmosphere and warmth around camp.

• Increase BarCoal output when radiant warmth is the priority.
• Adjust the A-Flame independently when you want more or less visible firelight.
• Reduce visible flame for a lower-light stargazing setup while maintaining radiant heat.

This independent control system is one of the key differences between the R4 MKII and Howl's more compact campfire models.

Built for Four-Season Conditions

The R4 MKII is engineered for campers who continue traveling when weather conditions become challenging. Its BarCoal air intake is concealed within the system, while the A-Flame burner uses a windscreen to protect the base of the flame from gusts.

If the visible A-Flame is extinguished by wind, Howl designs the system so heat from the BarCoal exhaust can relight the flame. Both the BarCoal and A-Flame burners are also self-draining to help the system recover after exposure to rain or snow.

Extreme-Condition Note: Howl reports testing and operation in very high winds, heavy precipitation, snow, and extreme elevations. Actual flame behavior and usable warmth will vary with wind speed, weather, temperature, elevation, propane supply, placement, and other environmental factors. Always operate the R4 MKII according to Howl's instructions and applicable safety requirements.

Designed for Changing Elevations

The BarCoal system relies on primary air for combustion and is engineered to maintain its air-to-fuel mixture as atmospheric density changes with elevation. This makes the R4 MKII particularly relevant for overlanders and campers who travel between low-elevation environments and high mountain campsites.

As with any fuel-burning outdoor appliance, actual performance can vary with environmental conditions and fuel supply.

Built for Vehicle Transport

The R4 MKII is designed around the realities of carrying equipment in an off-road vehicle. Its compact frame measures 21" x 14.34" x 7.53", while integrated StrapLock slots provide dedicated locations for securing the fire pit to appropriate vehicle tie-down points.

The R4 MKII can also be secured together with its propane tank to help stabilize the complete system during transport.

Transport Safety: Always secure the fire pit and propane cylinder appropriately for vehicle transport and follow applicable propane cylinder transportation, storage, and ventilation requirements.

Propane Performance & Burn Time

• Fuel Consumption: Up to 61,800 BTU/hr.
• Burn Time: Approximately 6.5-10 Hours with a 20 lb. Propane Tank
• Full-Output Burn Time: Approximately 6.5 Hours with a 20 lb. Propane Tank
• Maximum Flame Height: Up to 24" in Calm Air
• BarCoal Operating Temperature: 1,300°F+

The 61,800 BTU/hr. specification represents fuel consumption rather than a direct measurement of how much warmth reaches a person. The R4 MKII's BarCoal system is specifically designed to convert part of that fuel energy into high-temperature infrared radiant heat.

Built for Fire-Restriction Conditions Where Permitted

The Howl R4 MKII provides a propane alternative to a traditional wood campfire. Because it does not burn wood, it does not produce the flying embers, sparks, or ash associated with conventional wood fires.

Howl identifies the R4 MKII as UL and UL-C certified for use in the United States and Canada and designed for use during applicable fire restrictions where propane or gas appliances are specifically permitted.

Important: “Burn ban approved” does not mean the R4 MKII is legal during every burn ban or fire restriction. Regulations vary by location, managing agency, fire danger, and current conditions. Always verify current local fire restrictions and propane-appliance requirements before use.

Durable Metal Construction

The R4 MKII is built from durable materials selected for a high-temperature portable outdoor fire appliance:

• 304 Stainless Steel
• Aircraft Aluminum
• Brass
• Impact-Resistant PressBrake Frame

Howl states that its design, machining, laser cutting, welding, press-braking, riveting, assembly, testing, and packaging are performed on Colorado's Front Range.

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Howl
• Product: R4 MKII Portable Propane Fire Pit
• Fuel: Propane
• Heating System: Twin BarCoal Radiant Tubes + A-Flame Burner
• Heat & Flame Control: Independent Controls
• Operating Temperature: 1,300°F+
• Maximum Flame Height: Up to 24" in Calm Air
• Fuel Consumption: Up to 61,800 BTU/hr.
• Burn Time: Approximately 6.5-10 Hours with a 20 lb. Propane Tank
• Full-Output Burn Time: Approximately 6.5 Hours with a 20 lb. Propane Tank
• Dimensions: 21" x 14.34" x 7.53"
• Weight: 27 lbs.
• Construction: 304 Stainless Steel, Aircraft Aluminum & Brass
• Tie-Down System: Integrated StrapLock Slots
• Certifications: UL & UL-C
• Made In: Colorado, USA

Ideal For

• Four-Season Camping
• Winter Camping
• Overlanding
• Vehicle-Based Camping
• Cold-Weather Base Camps
• Truck Camping
• Van Life
• Hunting Camps
• Mountain Camping
• Extended Off-Grid Travel
• Campers Prioritizing Maximum Radiant Heat
• Areas Where Propane Fire Appliances Are Permitted During Fire Restrictions

Why Choose the Howl R4 MKII Portable Propane Fire Pit?

• Twin BarCoal tubes operate at more than 1,300°F to generate powerful infrared radiant heat.
• A-Flame burner provides visible campfire flames reaching up to 24 inches in calm conditions.
• Independent controls let you adjust radiant heat and visible flame separately.
• EchoHeat Reflector Shields direct radiant energy toward camp while helping isolate the ground below.
• Four-season design is built for cold, wind, rain, snow, and changing elevations.
• Self-draining burner system helps manage exposure to precipitation.
• Compact 21" x 14.34" x 7.53" footprint integrates into vehicle-based adventure setups.
• Integrated StrapLock slots provide dedicated points for securing the fire pit during transport.
• Provides approximately 6.5-10 hours of operation from a 20 lb. propane tank depending on output.
• Constructed from 304 stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, and brass.
• UL and UL-C certified for use in the United States and Canada.
• Designed and built on Colorado's Front Range.

Why Buy from Expedition Superstore?

• Howl Campfire Products: Build a serious four-season camp setup around portable propane fire systems designed specifically for vehicle-based adventure.
• Overland & Camp Gear Expertise: Our team can help you choose camp equipment that fits your vehicle, storage system, climate, and style of travel.
• Expert Product Support: Get help comparing Howl models and determining which combination of portability, radiant heat, and flame control best fits your camping setup.
• Free Shipping: Enjoy free shipping on qualifying orders over $349 so you can spend less on freight and more on your next adventure.
• Need help planning your camping or overland setup? — Schedule your build chat today!