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
>