Michael,
I bought a Power Cat and used it on my trip through the Southwest last
Oct.-Nov ( http://homepage.mac.com/waynehagan/haganph.htm )
I just made sure to crack a window or have the pop top up, (lots of exchange
through the thin canvas), and all was well. One morning I woke up to 25
degrees outside and the Cat heater had me warm in the van within 20 minutes.
I place it on the floor between the two front seats facing aft. One reason I
bought it was the statement in the instructions or the box that said it only
required 6 square inches of air supply to counteract any 02 issues. I used
mine in the morning and evening  each day for 3 weeks and only used 3
bottles and never replaced the batteries. Simple, elegant solution to the
heat issue, the fan seems to make the biggest difference, I tried other
portable propane heaters in the past without fans and with the same heat
rating, but they did not work as well as this one with the fan. If I used my
van the majority of the time in the cold I might consider a more permanent
set-up with a combustion air intake, but given the use my van gets I like
being able to remove it when I don't need it, or stow it while traveling. A
note on the propane bottles: after they are spent make sure to not store
them in the van, the lack of pressure causes them to leak residual gas.
Cheers!
Wayne
'91 Syncro Westy

> From: Michael Sheridan <msheridan@IGC.ORG>
> Reply-To: Michael Sheridan <msheridan@IGC.ORG>
> Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2001 23:35:33 -0400
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Power Cat versus Buddy Heater
>
> Dear Friends
>
> I've read the archives, done a lot of additional reading and am now trying
> to decide between getting the Coleman's Power Cat heater or Mr. Heater's
> Buddy Heater.
>
> The Power Cat is 3000btu with fan, the Buddy heater is up to 9000btu with
> no fan.
>
> I am interested in anyone's experience with these two heaters.  Do you
> think the fan does more than the xtra BTUs?
>
> The additional benefit of the Buddy Heater is that it can be connected to
> the Vanagon propane tank.  Does anyone have experience with actually doing
> this?
>
> I live in the Northeast, USA, and expect typical camping temps to be in the
> teens.
>
> Thanks for your input and Happy New Year,
> Michael