re: "would support the weight of the vehicle I bet without a issue."

Don't doubt that at all.  But supporting vehicle weight is not the same as
bouncing against a sharp rock.   There's no getting around the fact that an
exposed tank & valve is a limitation.  One simply have to recognize that &
pick roads (or cross-country routes) & drive accordingly.

But I tend to take my vehicles into some pretty awful places (e.g., old
mining areas).  Places where you routinely carry a pry bar among other road
repair tools.  So I would be very reluctant to have a propane tank hanging
down very far.  I've looked at Westy's and think they're still useful, with
care, for many areas.  Much less so for the Eurovan, I think.  Just my
opinion.

//Jack

On 8 Oct 2003, at 12:13, Sean Garrett wrote:

> I have owned a 95 Eurovan Camper for over 4 yrs. Been camping many places.
> True it does have its ground clearance issues. However, if you are looking at
> possible dangers related to fuel tank (propane or gasoline) punctures I would
> say that the Vanagon gas tank (except Syncros) is more vulnerable to
> puncture/leaking/explosion than the Eurovan propane tank. It is located
> toward the center of the vehicle where ground clearance IS an issue during
> backcountry travel. The Eurovan Camper (and Vanagon Westy) propane tank is
> VERY strong, and (like mentioned in another post below) would support the
> weight of the vehicle I bet without a issue.
>
> So that being said (Flame Suit ON) I would like to see arguments against
> these factors, or others I have neglected to mention
>
> Sean Garrett
> 81 Westy (his)
> 87 Syncro (Subie project)
> 95 EVC (hers)
> Central Arizona
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: David Brodbeck [mailto:gull@GULL.US]
> > Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 11:45 AM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Car Talk Vanagon caller/Elements
> >
> >
> > On Wed, 8 Oct 2003, Jack wrote:
> >
> > > re: "The propane tank on the Eurovan is very vulnerable ..."
> > >
> > > That's the first I've seen that mentioned.  When I first
> > looked at the new
> > > Eurovan, I took one look at that propane tank location &
> > said, "no way", and
> > > walked out of the showroom.  I've always been curious that
> > no one else
> > > seemed as concerned.  I guess I have too much experience on
> > the rocky roads
> > > in the California deserts & mountains.  (And have the dents
> > to prove it.)
> >
> > Does the Eurovan's tank have a rock guard like the Vanagon's?  My rock
> > guard has a big bend in it where it appears to have ended up supporting a
> > fair portion of the van's weight.  I don't know the whole story, since I
> > bought it that way.
> >
> >
> > David Brodbeck, N8SRE
> > '82 Diesel Westfalia
> > '94 Honda Civic Si
> >