Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2001 17:38:52 +0000
Reply-To: Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Installing Propane Heater / Adding extra propane capacity
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
I finally managed to acquire a PlatCat vented catalytic heater for my
Westfalia from Arnie.
http://www.omnicast.net/arnie/
One of my concerns is that it is rather large, and I would like to find a
way to mount it so it is easily removable. The best location, IMO, is right
behind the passenger seat, like Harold and Nancy have done.
http://www.geocities.com/harald_nancy/
The electrical should be no problem, and I can think of a couple of methods
of building a quick disconnect for the vent, but the propane has me puzzled.
It comes with a standard 3/8" flare fitting that can be run out the bottom
or rear.
What I'm wondering is how reliable the quick connect couplings are for
propane. They work like the ones on compressed air lines, just pull back
the outer sleeve, and the two lines pop apart.
One brand I looked at said it was for outdoor use only, the other didn't.
If they leak a bit, I don't want to be sleeping next to one! If any of you
have worked with propane systems, I would love to hear what you think.
Having to turn a wrench a couple of times a year is probably no big deal.
On another front, I'm wondering about options for adding to the amount of
propane I can carry. The unit burns 1/4 lb per hour, so a fall camping trip
could use up the on-board supply in a few days.
One option would be to purchase an additional propane tank and hang it below
the passenger side. If anyone has one to sell, let me know! The Bus Depot
has them for $220 new, regulator not included.
Another would be to add an Extend-a-Stay connector to the propane system
that allows you to attach a standard propane tank. It would be quite a bit
cheaper, but I would have to carry a propane tank inside when I need the
extra capacity.
Any advice gratefully accepted!
- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, ID
mike_l_f@hotmail.com
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