Paul Chubbuck typed:
> A few years ago I installed an Olympian brand catalytic heater in my
> Vanagon.
[snip]
> The only problem is, the little 3 gallon propane tank wasn't really designed
> for this additional load, so on camping trips longer than about 3 nights, if
> I'm using the heater, I run out of gas.

Is it the Olympian 3100 heater? I have one of those and it does add a
nice spot of warmth in the morning and on a cold night before bed. As
far as propane consumption goes (I'm not a chemist, nor do I play one on
TV so more smarter guys correct me, please)one gallon of propane
contains about 84,000 to 91,500 Btu of energy depending on what resource
I look at. The 3100 is a 5800 Btu/hr unit when set to high, so one
gallon of propane should last last between 14 to 16 hours.* The Westy's
2-1/2 gallon tank would provide at least 36 hours heat if this calc is
anywhere close to accurate. On low (3000 Btu) you should have have more
than 70 hours of heat in the tank.

So if you are leaving your heater on all night, then I reckon your
experience of running out of propane after three nights makes sense. Get
a warmer comforter or sleeping bag.

* Assuming 100% energy conversion. If all the LPG going into the heater
is not being converted to heat, then where are it going?

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR