Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:44:11 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: More propane capacity needed
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Your calculations are good. Personally, there is no way that I would be
sleeping with that heater running in that small space. Even with CO and
propane alarms I would be concerned that a blanket or soemthing could get
kicked close enough to start a fire or something. It just is not a good
idea.
As for propane capacity, Marshall brass makes a number of products to
connect tanks in various manners. The Extend-A-Stay tee connects between the
tank and regulator and the complete kit has provisions for both using the
onboard tank for grills or whatever and connecting another tank or even a
disposable cylinder for emergency use.
Sot of jumping on a soap box here. As a camper,(dwelling), all propane and
electrical installations are covered by various codes such as the NFPA,
(fire and electrical), and RVIA. There are reasons why the vehicle was
limited in propane capacity and even why a heater was not original
equipment. Most likely interior volume was a major consideration. Another
compliance issue is the US DOT. Many bridges and tunnels exclude carrying
propane. 10lbs or less may be OK. I remember the Maryland Tunnels used to
allow that. Any connections, especially quick disconnects have to be
expilicitly rated and listed for indoor use. Additional Westy tanks should
be connected together on the high pressure side with check valves. A
changeover regulator is best for this use. No high pressure should be inside
the van. If teeing tanks after the regulators, again use check valves so if
one fails, you don't just vent the other tank through it.
Dennis
>From: Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: More propane capacity needed
>Date: Mon, 18 Jun 2007 07:10:29 -0700
>
>Paul Chubbuck typed:
>>A few years ago I installed an Olympian brand catalytic heater in my
>>Vanagon.
>[snip]
>>The only problem is, the little 3 gallon propane tank wasn't really
>>designed
>>for this additional load, so on camping trips longer than about 3 nights,
>>if
>>I'm using the heater, I run out of gas.
>
>Is it the Olympian 3100 heater? I have one of those and it does add a
>nice spot of warmth in the morning and on a cold night before bed. As
>far as propane consumption goes (I'm not a chemist, nor do I play one on
>TV so more smarter guys correct me, please)one gallon of propane
>contains about 84,000 to 91,500 Btu of energy depending on what resource
>I look at. The 3100 is a 5800 Btu/hr unit when set to high, so one
>gallon of propane should last last between 14 to 16 hours.* The Westy's
>2-1/2 gallon tank would provide at least 36 hours heat if this calc is
>anywhere close to accurate. On low (3000 Btu) you should have have more
>than 70 hours of heat in the tank.
>
>So if you are leaving your heater on all night, then I reckon your
>experience of running out of propane after three nights makes sense. Get
>a warmer comforter or sleeping bag.
>
>* Assuming 100% energy conversion. If all the LPG going into the heater
>is not being converted to heat, then where are it going?
>
>--
>Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
>71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
>84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
>74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
>KG6RCR
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