All propane tanks must be filled only to 80% of total capacity. Westfalia
tanks have a valve that is opened prior to filling. When gas vapor appears ,
this signals the attendant to shut offf the pump, then close the 80%valve.

The air space is needed as a buffer to prevent liquid propane from entering
an appliance and creating a hazardous  or explosive situation.

The air space is needed for the propane liquid to change to propane gas
vapor , which is the form it is used in stoves, refrigerators , lanterns and
heaters.

Liquid propane can freeze skin instantly, so the need for 80% valves.
Filling the tank full of liquid propane increases the risk of liquid propane
entering your camper thru your stove etc with possibly dangerous results.

Robert

----Original Message Follows----
From: "Roberto Munoz" <alpine@insightbb.com>
To: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>,<vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re:      Re: How Much does a Westfalia propane tank hold?
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 19:07:28 -0400

So, when I fill my tank for the first time. I still have some propane in it,
What should I do  to  be safe on the "Fill only 85% of whole tank " ??
Why is it wrong to fill tank to full capacity ?
Thank you,
Roberto.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Robert Keezer" <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2003 6:14 PM
Subject: Re: How Much does a Westfalia propane tank hold?

 > Mark,
 >
 > Just your answer alone, not to forget the expected flood of like-answers
 > confirms my suspicions:
 >
 > There is a scam operation going on in Oregon and it's time to drop the
dime
 > on it.
 >
 > The key word here is "tweak", as in: "Yes, we sometimes have to tweak the
 > propane meter".
 >
 > These are the exact words of the cashier when I told her the meter was
not
 > accurate .
 >
 > My propane tank vented when it reached the 80% mark and the valve was
then
 > shut off. Yet the meter read a gallon more. This is the standard Vanagon
 > Westfalia propane tank by Manchester.
 >
 > The same Circle "K" gas station in Eugene supposedly overfilled me to 3.8
 > gallons .
 >
 > Eight months ago the same station(the cashier said she remembered me) was
 > 4.2 gallons.
 >
 > This time I watched the meter read 3.8 gallons when the attendant  shut
off
 > the valve.
 >
 > Just like last year, when I alerted the cashier ,she apologized and said
I
 > only had to pay for 2.8 gallons @1.69 a gallon.
 >
 > Of course, this time like the first time I stopped there for propane, I
 > thought that I must have the wrong information about Westy propane tank
 > capacity. For 8 years.
 >
 > Last year she told me that you can put more propane in when it's cold
out.
 > It was 45 degrees F.
 >
 > I stopped there this time to see if it was fixed.
 > Now I am almost sure its "rigged".
 >
 > The main concern at first was of a dangerous overfilling. Now it appears
 > that the overfilling is in the cash register at this store.
 >
 > After I report this I'll tell you the location of this filling station
and
 > the outcome of the investigation , if there is one.
 >
 > Stay tuned..
 >
 > Robert
 >
 > 1982 Westfalia
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 >
 > ----Original Message Follows----
 > From: mark drillock <drillock@earthlink.net>
 > To: Robert Keezer <warmerwagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
 > CC: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
 > Subject: Re: How Much does a Westfalia propane tank hold?
 > Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2003 14:41:30 -0700
 >
 > I usually get 2.5 gallons into an empty tank.
 >
 > Mark
 >
 > Robert Keezer wrote:
 >  >
 >  > Westy-owners, How much propane does the stock Vanagon Westfalia
propane
 > tank
 >  > hold ? What is the 80% fill capacity?
 >  >
 >  > Robert
 >  > 1982 Westfalia
 >  >
 >  > _________________________________________________________________
 >  > Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
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 >
 >
 > Robert
 > 1982 Westfalia
 >
 > _________________________________________________________________
 > Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*.
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Robert
1982 Westfalia 1987 Wolfsburg

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