Yes that is definitely a risk, and even more of a reason to pull the air going
in from inside.  I don't think I would run it all night long.  It doesn't have
an automatic thermostatic control,   I have installed a piezzo ignitor on it,
and a remote propane on/off valve so I will light it and control the flow from
inside my Westy.  I will use it the evening to warm the van and during the night
on and off if it is really cold.  Basically the same time I use my old portable
heater now without the side effects. More important I can light it in the
morning without going outside.

Graham

Ssittservl@aol.com on 11/03/2000 07:52:44 PM

To:   Graham Mingst/CHASE@CHASE, vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
cc:
Subject:  Re: re hot air for cold nights

>  Date:    11/3/00 12:06:06 PM Central Standard Time
>  From:    GRAHAM.MINGST@CHASE.COM (Graham Mingst)
>
>  For those interested in staying warm I just got a ZODI self contained
>  forced air heater....

I was looking at this heater on their web site a few days ago, and I
thought it looked like it might be adaptable for a Westy.  I was curious
about the site's statement that the heater was "[n]ot designed for over
night use", so I wrote and asked them about it.  Here's the reply they
sent:

> Subj:  tent heater
> Date: 11/2/00 1:06:21 AM Central Standard Time
> From: customerservice@zodi.com (John)
>
> Hello Stephen,
>
> The Hot Vent is a great heater for small tents. Web do not advise over night
> use due to wind. The system has no auto shutoff if the wind were to increase
> in velocity and blow out the heater. Most users of the tent heater are
> looking for a heater to keep warm for the period of entering the tent and
> climbing into your sleeping bag (1 - 3 hours).
>
> Thanks,
>
> John

So, I guess the issue is that it could blow out and continue venting
propane.  I don't know how dangerous that would be with the heater
outdoors, but it's something to be aware of.  At the very least, I would
think you would want to avoid drawing your to-be-heated air from
the vicinity of the heater, so that if the flame blew out you wouldn't be
blowing propane into the van.

                                                       -Steven Sittser