Date: Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:22:06 -0600
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: '86 Vanagon West Camper
In-Reply-To: <EAE211CB69DB4BFFB607905F131A6EE8@Artwin>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
---- Art <awa0330@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> When I bought my Westy sight unseen through eBay, I had my concerns. Phew! As it turns out, the guy I bought it from is an ace of a guy, the mechanic that many of you recommended to me in Connecticut is fantastic, and I just didn’t realize the added benefit that this community brings to it all. Thanks! I shipped it up to Frank for a complete go through, and other than a few relatively minor issues, the most major being needed replacement of the muffler, it seems that (at least today) I’ve inherited a cream puff. I can now focus on some of the fun stuff, getting ready for my two month excursion.
>
> I do have a question. I have the original propane tank, or at least the original style. The guys working on my vehicle suggest that it could get wonky out there when I try to fill her up, not due to condition, but due to age and new regulations. Some will fill it. Some will not. They said I may want to replace the tank with a new one, and while I have not really looked into it yet in detail, it seems that it may cost close to $400. For those who have used the inside stove regularly, have you faced this issue? With daily but not excessive use, do you have a sense how long a tank of gas lasts? I can certainly carry a Coleman or portable stove as well but would like the convenience of “rolling out of bed” and making breakfast on a rainy day. Any opinions or input you all have would be appreciated.
Congratulations on getting a good camper.
I have the original propane tank on my '91 camper. I have never had anyone refuse to fill it, although at a couple of vendors, the person on duty had to get someone else who knew how to deal with the fittings, which are no longer standard.
So far as how long does a tank of gas last: I have used my camper on a daily basis, cooking three meals a day, during some trips. I've gone two weeks between fill ups. I've never needed more than two gallons, and I drink a lot of coffee. The bummer has been that I've encountered a couple of RV stops that have a minimum charge of $12.
Yes, having the coffee ready on the burner, just fire it up in the morning, especially a cold morning, is a great pleasure. My wife drinks tea. Same thing applies. I sit up, light the burner, and lie back in the covers. When the coffee is ready, I imbibe, almost without moving. Feels good.
mcneely
>
> Art
--
David McNeely
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