Friends,

Fall is approaching and my thoughts have turned to fall camping.  This
year I'd like to introduce heating into my '85 Westfalia.  To this end I
am almost sold on the Olympian "A" model catalytic heaters.  I talked to
their rep and he recommended the model 6100A for the vanagon.  He said
that although they make a smaller model rated for 110 sq ft, the Westfalia
has so much heat loss, that I'd need the larger model (rated for 230 sq.
ft.)  The "A" series functions in altitudes over 5,000 ft and will run
for 80 hours on 5 gallons of LP..

I was concerned about oxygen depletion, but he said that has never been a
problem on catalytic heaters.  He recommended 24 sq.in of vented space
which he said could be acheived by cracking one window ~1/2 inch and
cracking open the ceiling vent.  The cost for this unit is $275 w/legs.

Here are my questions:

-  Anyone out there tried this or similar heaters in their vanagon?

-  How'd it work, did you like it?

-  Who has the best pricing on these (this price is from Campers Choice)?

-  I've heard that VW always has some airflow, even when all vents are
closed.  Can I include this into the recommended 24 sq.in" of ventilation,
thus reducing the amount of opened windows?

-  Are there any safety concerns that I should know about?

- Since this solution is LP based, is it better to leave the tank outdoors
on indoors.  I'm thinking outdoors, since LP tanks tend to get cold with
use.

- Is there a different technology that is better.  A true RV furnace looks
like too much hassle.

Thanks in advance!
Ivan, '85 Westfalia