Date:         Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:13:45 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
Subject:      Re: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit
Comments: To: Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
              reply-type=original

I found a deal on an over-sized replacement tank recently.  It's larger in
diameter, which decreases road clearance.  Also the bracket bolt-pattern is
wrong for the Westy, so some adapting would also be necessary.  I didn't buy
it. An additional stock tank on the other side would be ok, I
guess..........

Mike B.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 5:30 AM
Subject: Re: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit


> An oversized replacement tank would be kind of cool?
> With the supplimental gas tank on the other side of the bus
> to balance the load?
> JC...
>
> -------------- Original message --------------
> From: Mike <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
>
>> How high is this milk crate mounted? Is it above the collision-height in
>> the event of a rear-end crash? Probably not.
>> Are milk crates or roof rack hold-downs DOT-approved for safe
>> transporation of a pressurized vessel upon a highway? NO.
>> How is the milk crate secured to the bike rack/ vehicle? How is the tank
>> secured to the milk crate or luggage rack, so it doesn't become a bomb
>> when
>> you come to a sudden stop, like when you collide with something else? NO.
>> There are distinct Federal regulations regarding this subject, for the
>> safety of all of us travelling down the road. A cop could pull you over
>> for
>> such blatant disregard for these important laws.
>> I'm aware of what you CANNOT legally do, regarding pressurized cylinders,
>> but I don't see any legally-feasible method of attaching them to a
>> Vanagon
>> Westy. BTW, the stock propane bottle on a Westy is classified as a
>> mounted
>> storage tank, and not the same classification as an unmounted, refillable
>> cylinder. Different laws apply to each type.
>> So, I ask the list, does anyone know of any safe and legal way to carry a
>> cylinder, either in or on a Westy?
>>
>> Mike B.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Jake de Villiers"
>> To:
>> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:24 PM
>> Subject: Re: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit
>>
>>
>> >" I don't know what to do with the tanks"
>> >
>> > I carry my half size tanks in the luggage rack or in a milk crate on
>> > the
>> > bike rack. Works dandy.
>> >
>> > On Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 6:27 AM, Mike wrote:
>> >
>> >> It sounds like you installed it after the 't'-fitting. It would have
>> >> to
>> >> be installed between the regulator and the 't'-fitting to be able to
>> >> use
>> >> both appliances at the same time. If this necessitates enlarging the
>> >> opening in stoneguard, then that's what needs to happen.
>> >> Removal of the whole tank is easy, just those 2 lines that you've
>> >> already
>> >> removed, and 4 nuts under the chassis that hold the brackets to the
>> >> body.
>> >> The bolts (studs?) seem to be captive and remained with the vehicle on
>> >> my
>> >> '87 Westy, when I recently removed my rusted-through tank.
>> >> I permanently installed a hose and fitting that allows me to
>> >> temporarily
>> >> connect a 1 lb bottle or a 2 or 5 lb tank when needed at the campsite.
>> >> Now,
>> >> how do I legally transport a tank while enroute?
>> >> I always carry a few 1 lb bottles inside my cabinets, but I don't know
>> >> what to do with the tanks, so no tanks for now, I guess......
>> >>
>> >> Mike B.
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> ----- Original Message -----
>> >> From: "J Stewart"
>> >> To:
>> >> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 8:02 AM
>> >> Subject: Extend-A-Stay Propane Kit
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> Bought one of these a couple of weeks ago when Bus Depot had them on
>> >> > sale. Installed it yesterday, feeling kinda like I've been chumped
>> >> > here.
>> >> > Unless I'm missing something, doesn't look like this thing works all
>> >> > that
>> >> > well with the Westy propane tank set up. First, significant bending
>> >> > of
>> >> > the
>> >> > lines from the regulator are required to get this "T" in place. Once
>> >> > it
>> >> > is
>> >> > place, the two connections could never be used at the same time
>> >> > ,unless
>> >> > you remove the guard from the bottom of the tank. My main interest
>> >> > in
>> >> > this
>> >> > thing was the ability to hook up a 1 lb bottle, which I did and it
>> >> > works-sort of. My tank is empty, but with a full 1lb bottle hooked
>> >> > up I
>> >> > was able to light the stove, so I know I'm getting propane. But when
>> >> > I
>> >> > disconnect the bottle, I got a huge discharge of propane from the
>> >> > direction of the tank (not the bottle). Read in the archive of folks
>> >> > being
>> >> > happy with this thing, but right now I'm feeling like I threw about
>> >> > 60
>> >> > bucks away. Jeff
>> >> >
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>> > --
>> > Jake
>> > 1984 Vanagon GL
>> > 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
>> > Crescent Beach, BC
>> > www.crescentbeachguitar.com
>> > http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27
>> >