The Howl R4 MKII is the four-season model in Howl's propane campfire lineup. Its defining feature is not simply a larger flame: it combines a visible A-Flame burner with twin BarCoal radiant tubes designed to direct heat toward people sitting around the fire.
Howl R4 MKII specs at a glance
| Specification | Current manufacturer figure |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Liquid propane |
| Dimensions | 21.00 × 14.34 × 7.53 in. |
| Weight | 27 lb |
| Flame height | 24 in. in calm air |
| BarCoal operating temperature | 1,300°F+ |
| Full-output runtime | 6.5 hours on a 20-lb tank |
| Published runtime range | 6.5–10 hours depending on operation |
| Materials | 304 stainless steel, aircraft aluminum, and brass |
| Included | 8-foot regulator hose |
| Not included | Propane tank and carry strap |
| Certification | UL and UL-C |
| Manufacturing | Designed, fabricated, assembled, tested, and packaged in Colorado |
Twin BarCoal tubes focus on radiant heat
Howl's R4 MKII uses two BarCoal radiant tubes in addition to its visible flame burner. Howl publishes an operating temperature above 1,300°F for the BarCoal system and pairs the tubes with EchoHeat reflector shields intended to direct radiant energy outward.
That is the main reason to consider the R4 over the smaller R1. The R1 is primarily a compact flame-focused campfire; the R4 is the model Howl positions for four-season use where warmth is the priority.
Flame and radiant heat do not have to run together
The R4 separates visible flame from radiant heat. That lets you use the A-Flame for light, the BarCoal system for radiant heat, or both together. Howl refers to heat-only operation as Stargazing Mode.
For real use, that matters because a warm evening may call for flame without maximum heat, while a colder night may call for radiant output without needing the brightest flame.
How long does the Howl R4 MKII run?
Howl publishes 6.5 hours at full output on a 20-lb propane tank. Its current specification section gives a broader 6.5–10-hour range depending on operation.
Use the 6.5-hour number when planning conservatively for an evening at maximum output. Actual runtime will vary with how the independent controls are used and with operating conditions.
Portable, but not the smallest Howl
At 27 lb and roughly milk-crate size, the R4 MKII is designed to travel, but it is the largest and most heat-focused model in the Howl range. Folding legs reduce the packed footprint, and the frame is built from 12-gauge stainless steel.
If you are packing a small vehicle, carrying the fire pit farther from the vehicle, or prioritizing minimum storage volume, compare the Howl R1 and Howl R3 before defaulting to the R4.
Who should choose the R4 MKII?
- Cold-weather campers: buyers specifically choosing Howl for radiant warmth rather than flame alone.
- Overlanders and vehicle-based camps: users who can accommodate a 27-lb fire pit and propane cylinder.
- Patio owners who want a portable propane option: no permanent natural-gas installation is required.
- Buyers who want separate light and heat control: the A-Flame and BarCoal systems can be operated independently.
If your use is mostly warm-weather atmosphere and compact packing, the R4 may be more fire pit than you need.
Can you use the Howl R4 MKII during a burn ban?
Howl promotes the R4 MKII for use during burn restrictions where gas appliances are allowed, and it carries UL and UL-C certification. That is not a universal exemption.
Rules vary by jurisdiction, land manager, weather conditions, and restriction stage. Check the current local rule before lighting the fire pit. A propane appliance can be treated differently from a wood fire, but the local authority controls.
Can you cook on the Howl R4 MKII?
No—not as a manufacturer-approved cooking appliance. Howl explicitly states that its campfires are not certified, advertised, or recommended for cooking. Do not add a grate or use the R4 as a camp stove unless Howl changes that guidance for the exact model.
What happens if something breaks?
Howl's current warranty language is practical rather than a blanket lifetime guarantee. Normal wear, dents, or accidental damage may be repairable at a reasonable cost. If Howl determines damage was caused by a manufacturing defect, it says it may repair or replace the affected item at no cost at its discretion.
Which Howl Campfire should you buy?
- R1: warm-season, portability-first model.
- R3: three-season middle ground with radiant heat in a smaller package.
- R4 MKII: four-season flagship with twin radiant BarCoal tubes and the largest heat-focused setup.
For the full side-by-side decision, read our Howl R1 vs R3 vs R4 MKII comparison.
Howl R4 MKII FAQs
How heavy is the Howl R4 MKII?
Howl currently publishes a weight of 27 lb.
What are the Howl R4 MKII dimensions?
Current published dimensions are 21.00 × 14.34 × 7.53 inches.
How long does a 20-lb propane tank last?
Howl publishes 6.5 hours at full output and a broader 6.5–10-hour operating range depending on use.
Is the R4 MKII the same as the R4 Mark II or R4 MK2?
Those searches generally refer to the same current Howl R4 MKII model. Howl styles the product name as “R4 MKii.”
Is the R4 MKII made in the USA?
Howl says its design, machining, cutting, welding, press-braking, assembly, testing, and packaging are performed on Colorado's Front Range.
Is a propane tank included?
No. The current R4 MKII includes an 8-foot regulator hose; the propane tank and carry strap are not included.
Shop the Howl R4 MKII at Smokeforges
Smokeforges is an authorized Howl Campfires dealer. Compare the current R4 MKII product details or view all three Howl models before choosing.
Shop Howl R4 MKIICompare Howl CampfiresFree Standard Shipping is available under the terms of our Shipping Policy. Questions? Call 833-777-2962 or email info@smokeforges.com.
