Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2005 14:21:06 -0700
Reply-To: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: jimt <camper@TACTICAL-BUS.INFO>
Subject: Re: Westy Fridge Endurance
In-Reply-To: <006001c4fffa$63f53e20$640fa8c0@ttower17def>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
I have tried several methods of propane on my van. The best for most uses
is the Westy tank. You can get it made in longer lengths but the price is
very steep.
Next I used a large bottle (30 pounder) attached to the rear (not stock
bumper) and tapped into a "dual" tank splice that I installed up front of
the westy tank. This setup I used for extreme cold camping with a heavy
propane heater.
My current setup (with heater out) and westy tank removed, uses the small
disposables and a 5 pound tank. I installed a rack for the bottles under
the cabinet and carry 4 14oz bottles with me. The 5 pounder gets attached
to my portable fridge and will last 4 to 6 days and with an adapter I can
add the smaller bottles if needed. I usually will use about 2 of the small
bottles for coffee and cooking over a 5 day camping.
For most people with a westy in the summer the single westy tank with 12
pounds will last for a couple weeks. With the second westy tank you can go
for at least a month of continuous use.
My system is in redesign again right now but will use the following.
A bumper rack for my 30 pounder for winter camps
A redesigned rack for carrying 4 14oz bottles and 3 one pound bottles.
A rack for transporting my 5 pounder. (it sits outside when in use)
My stove is being replaced with a different type in a movable cabinet that
can be picked up and moved outdoors when I want. The sink will still be
inside with the water system.
My fridge is already a portable that I move outdoors when camped.
Trying to fill the westy tank without a special hose cant be done. You have
to be above the tank to "pour" the liquid in.
If you have spliced your lines with some special fittings you can get
adapters that you can use to use the disposable bottles. Did that and had
to many leaks to look out for. If you do any splicing get a propane
detector and install it. (BTW these are the law on newer RVs)
jimt
On 1/21/05 1:47 PM, "Doug in Calif" <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET> wrote:
> Rather than installing two HEAVY propane tanks, why not figure out a way to
> connect a standard 16oz propane bottle to the system for back up and
> extended use. You can buy them as cheap as 99cents on sale. They are
> lightweight and will store easily in the van.
>
> Better yet, it seems possible to empty the contents of the smaller cylinders
> into the main tank if you vent the main and turn the small bottle upside
> down with proper connectors. This will especially work I think if the main
> tank is cold and the bottle is slightly warm?
>
> Anybody have any luck with recharging the main tank this way? One of the
> benefits is you have the reserve back up since there is no real gauge on the
> main tank.
>
> Doug
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Markus Mumper" <mumper@USA.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 10:21 PM
> Subject: Westy Fridge Endurance
>
>