Date:         Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:30:40 +0000
Reply-To:     Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit

An oversized replacement tank would be kind of cool?
With the supplimental gas tank on the other side of the bus
to balance the load?
JC...

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>

> How high is this milk crate mounted? Is it above the collision-height in
> the event of a rear-end crash? Probably not.
> Are milk crates or roof rack hold-downs DOT-approved for safe
> transporation of a pressurized vessel upon a highway? NO.
> How is the milk crate secured to the bike rack/ vehicle? How is the tank
> secured to the milk crate or luggage rack, so it doesn't become a bomb when
> you come to a sudden stop, like when you collide with something else? NO.
> There are distinct Federal regulations regarding this subject, for the
> safety of all of us travelling down the road. A cop could pull you over for
> such blatant disregard for these important laws.
> I'm aware of what you CANNOT legally do, regarding pressurized cylinders,
> but I don't see any legally-feasible method of attaching them to a Vanagon
> Westy. BTW, the stock propane bottle on a Westy is classified as a mounted
> storage tank, and not the same classification as an unmounted, refillable
> cylinder. Different laws apply to each type.
> So, I ask the list, does anyone know of any safe and legal way to carry a
> cylinder, either in or on a Westy?
>
> Mike B.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Jake de Villiers"
> To:
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:24 PM
> Subject: Re: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit
>
>
> >" I don't know what to do with the tanks"
> >
> > I carry my half size tanks in the luggage rack or in a milk crate on the
> > bike rack. Works dandy.
> >
> > On Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 6:27 AM, Mike wrote:
> >
> >> It sounds like you installed it after the 't'-fitting. It would have to
> >> be installed between the regulator and the 't'-fitting to be able to use
> >> both appliances at the same time. If this necessitates enlarging the
> >> opening in stoneguard, then that's what needs to happen.
> >> Removal of the whole tank is easy, just those 2 lines that you've
> >> already
> >> removed, and 4 nuts under the chassis that hold the brackets to the body.
> >> The bolts (studs?) seem to be captive and remained with the vehicle on my
> >> '87 Westy, when I recently removed my rusted-through tank.
> >> I permanently installed a hose and fitting that allows me to temporarily
> >> connect a 1 lb bottle or a 2 or 5 lb tank when needed at the campsite.
> >> Now,
> >> how do I legally transport a tank while enroute?
> >> I always carry a few 1 lb bottles inside my cabinets, but I don't know
> >> what to do with the tanks, so no tanks for now, I guess......
> >>
> >> Mike B.
> >>
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: "J Stewart"
> >> To:
> >> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:02 AM
> >> Subject: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit
> >>
> >>
> >> Bought one of these a couple of weeks ago when Bus Depot had them on
> >> > sale. Installed it yesterday, feeling kinda like I've been chumped
> >> > here.
> >> > Unless I'm missing something, doesn't look like this thing works all
> >> > that
> >> > well with the Westy propane tank set up. First, significant bending of
> >> > the
> >> > lines from the regulator are required to get this "T" in place. Once it
> >> > is
> >> > place, the two connections could never be used at the same time ,unless
> >> > you remove the guard from the bottom of the tank. My main interest in
> >> > this
> >> > thing was the ability to hook up a 1 lb bottle, which I did and it
> >> > works-sort of. My tank is empty, but with a full 1lb bottle hooked up I
> >> > was able to light the stove, so I know I'm getting propane. But when I
> >> > disconnect the bottle, I got a huge discharge of propane from the
> >> > direction of the tank (not the bottle). Read in the archive of folks
> >> > being
> >> > happy with this thing, but right now I'm feeling like I threw about 60
> >> > bucks away. Jeff
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
> > --
> > Jake
> > 1984 Vanagon GL
> > 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> > Crescent Beach, BC
> > www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> > http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
> >