First off, I love the Westy stove. Early on I replaced the propane tank with a new one from one of the online vendors, but I am less fond of it. The tank works great, but I have had mixed experience with taking it to propane refill places. MOST have done it without problem, but a few have huffed and puffed and said they couldn't fill it for whatever reason. Another thing I don't like is that although the tank was new about 5 years ago, tt has gotten chipped from exposure to the road and those spots are now potential rust points. It's also hard to tell when it's empty, so I can't really tell you how long it lasts. I've never run out on a trip, but YMMV. Combine all that with the fact that it's just dead weight when driving the van on non-camping trips, and I'm thinking of pulling mine off.

For replacement, I like the idea of using my gas grill tank (which holds more) or even a smaller 5lb tank (Cabela's sells those). These could be attached with a kit which BusDepot sells: http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=53700 These could be stored in various locations inside the van safely.

Congratulations on your van purchase, and happy camping!

-Jarrett
89 Westy
On Dec 21, 2011, at 3:21 PM, Art wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> When I bought my Westy sight unseen through eBay, I had my concerns.  Phew!  As it turns out, the guy I bought it from is an ace of a guy, the mechanic that many of you recommended to me in Connecticut is fantastic, and I just didn�t realize the added benefit that this community brings to it all. Thanks! I shipped it up to Frank for a complete go through, and other than a few relatively minor issues, the most major being needed replacement of the muffler, it seems that (at least today) I�ve inherited a cream puff.  I can now focus on some of the fun stuff, getting ready for my two month excursion.  
> 
> I do have a question. I have the original propane tank, or at least the original style.  The guys working on my vehicle suggest that it could get wonky out there when I try to fill her up, not due to condition, but due to age and new regulations. Some will fill it.  Some will not. They said I may want to replace the tank with a new one, and while I have not really looked into it yet in detail, it seems that it may cost close to $400. For those who have used the inside stove regularly, have you faced this issue?  With daily but not excessive use, do you have a sense how long a tank of gas lasts?  I can certainly carry a Coleman or portable stove as well but would like the convenience of �rolling out of bed� and making breakfast on a rainy day. Any opinions or input you all have would be appreciated.
> 
> Art