I'm not sure if it's unique to the earlier westies, but my '82 had matching
propane tank hanger bolts on the sliding door side of the van. I assume
these were installed so that the sliding door and camper equipment could be
installed on either side of the van. Nevertheless, I bought another tank off
a parted out van and mounted it up there for additional capacity. I have yet
to hook it up, but will once I get the bling bling to buy an Eber. heater.

Ryan
'82 Camper Van 'Beethoven'

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Paul Chubbuck
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 7:24 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: More propane capacity needed

A few years ago I installed an Olympian brand catalytic heater in my
Vanagon.  I love it.  It works great and makes cold mountain camping
downright cozy.

I plumbed it into the existing gas lines and mounted a quick-release gas
fitting on the lower right corner of the kitchen cabinet so that the heater
literally plugs in there.

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.

I'm now considering mounting an additional, reusable, propane tank, the type
that you can refil or exchange, inside the cabin, possibly on the platform
behind the driver's seat.

Does anyone have experience with adding propane capacity to a vanagon?

Thanks,
Paul