Date:         Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:38:33 -0800
Reply-To:     colorworks@GCI.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Troy <colorworks@GCI.NET>
Subject:      Clarify On Board Propane used outside
Comments: To: Jonce Fancher <streetbugs@verizon.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252

What's wrong with the extend a stay? They work great for just what you are talking about. I have connectors that allow me to use an external propane tank to power internal devices. A converter to allow 1 pound green bottles to be used to power internal devices, and finally a hose that allows outdoor external devices to use onboard propane (westy tank). I got mine really cheap when bus depot was running a special, but I think you can get the basic unit for about $65. The deluxe version is something like $130, but think you can find your own hoses and adapters cheaper. 

I'm not even going to attempt to explain the installation, but it's not all that difficult. I think pictures would be a lot more useful. If you're interested, I can photograph the various parts and try to provide some instruction. It took me a while and a bunch of research to get all the parts, but well worth it in the end. I have a propane furnace, and it's the pits when it runs out at 3 AM on a 25° night. I carry along a little 7 pounds propane tank which is a compromise between the tiny bottles in the 25lb ones. I'm quite certain it's not legal to carry a 25 pound indoors. I feel a little nervous about carrying the 7 pounds in the rear, but I pad it heavily, and it's brand-new so I'm not concerned about leaks. I also have one and only one spare green bottle for emergencies only. Based on my own experience I would not recommend trying to fill those green bottles. Anyway, sounds like you want to use the onboard propane, and the extend the stay allows you to do just that. You can run the indoor and outdoor stuff at the same time too.  

Troy