Date: Sun, 6 Dec 1998 10:27:11 -0800
Reply-To: Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Steve <sxs@CONCENTRIC.NET>
Subject: CatPlat Gas Soource & Positioning
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Robyn, for a gas supply on my portable set up, i first just
attached a standard regulator and coupling that let me use
those small 1lb. propane containers they sell everywhere for
portable stoves, lamps, etc. These last 8 hours of
continuous operation each in the smaller cat plat and worked
for me fine for several years. The regulator/hose/coupling
cost me $5.00 ...they sell them at home depot for a little
more.
Last month, i hooked up direct access to the westy gas
supply. A lot more complicated. I put a "T" in under the
sink and then added on a shut-off vaulve and then added a
special nipple for hooking up a flexible special rubber gas
hose which i ran out from the cabinet through the hole in
the cabinet by the driver's seatbelt, and there i attached
another one of those hose nipples so i could attach a flared
fitting that would attach to the heater. I also bought a
plug to insert in the fitting for when i am not using the
heater/hose. I have to screw the gas line together
everytime i set up the heater, and tighten the connection
with wrenches....and remember to turn the shut-off valve off
when un-hooking it They do make "snap" connectors that will
allow me to just snap the hose in, but i could not find them
at the time.
If you have never before run gas line, it might be worth
paying an rv shop to do this part for you. It should not
cost too much. The hard part here is getting all the
parts. You need to use forged flare nuts on gas
applications, not the regular water type. The hose is
special stuff, too. (But hose is only supposed to be used
in outdoor applications.)
The other alternative is to use the hose/regulator set up
that allows you to use those small 1lb tanks...or a separate
larger tank. This is much easier, quicker and cheaper. The
only difference is that you have to carry gas, but those
tanks are small and cheap and easy to find. No matter which
system you use, you are going to have to hook the heater up
to some gas source each time you set the heater up if you
use it as a portable like mine. You have to be careful to
not let the cannisters tip over while in use. I just put
mine in the step well by the driver's door....perfect place.
one last word....try setting the forward table up so it is
right over the driver's seat...and then put the heater way
back against the steering wheel. This position is very
effective....the heater radiates haet all the way back to
the back of the bus from here...you can feel it when lying
on the lower bunk. These heaters need to have unobstructed
paths to the main cabin/occupants as they provide radiant
heat. If it's too low or obstructed by objects the
performance will be diminished. Just a FYI. Experiment
with different positions!
steve
|