Date:         Mon, 12 Nov 2001 11:02:58 -0500
Reply-To:     Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Lawrence Johnson <larry_avery.johnson@SYMPATICO.CA>
Subject:      Re: More Propane Capacity
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Mike, a much cheaper solution to the propane tank capacity problem is to carry a
spare BBQ tank. When extra capacity is needed, the BBQ tank with regulator can
be connected on the low pressure side by a "T" with valve to the low pressure
side of the van's propane line. Both the BBQ tank and the van's tank have their
own pressure regulator and open/close valves so you can easily switch to
whichever tank you want to use. This system supplies the entire camping setup:
stove/fridge/heater and is also handy in those situations where you can't get a
fill but can exchange BBQ bottles. In Europe, it is permitted to carry the
propane tank inside the van but with open venting to the outdoors through the
bottom of the enclosed tank cupboard. I don't think this setup is legal in the
US or Canada. I have only used our spare BBQ tank with it located outdoors and
disconnected while travelling.
Larry
'86 Syncro Westfalia

<I am still puttering with installing a Plat Cat vented heater heater in my
'87 Westy.  It would be nice to have more propane on-board than the 2 1/2
gallon tank, and I'm too much of a tightwad to spend $210 plus shipping from
the BD.>