Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
Propane tank quantity question
Forum Index -> Vanagon Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
NorthernStar
Samba Member


Joined: September 29, 2005
Posts: 62

NorthernStar is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 11:21 am    Post subject: Propane tank quantity question Reply with quote

Hi all. Does anybody know the number of gallons/liters the stock propane tank holds and whether it would be worth it to tap off it to fuel an external BBQ? Has anybody done this and if so, is there an adapter kit available or did you just buy various fittings at Home Depot? Thanks.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
r39o
Samba Polizei


Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
r39o is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 11:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is like 2.7 or 3 gallons. Buy a spare and mount it on the other side. Then you get as much as a normal sized BBQ tank.
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Victoiagon
Samba Member


Joined: November 10, 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Victoria B.C.
Victoiagon is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Apr 09, 2006 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have an adapter on mine and a hose to hook it up to a 20 Lbs BBq tank I also got a brass adapter that connects to that hose so I can hook up a 1 pound dissposable, the fridge will run for a few days on it. I got all the parts from my local RV shop

It is nice to not have to worry about running out of gas on a week long camping trip
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
NorthernStar
Samba Member


Joined: September 29, 2005
Posts: 62

NorthernStar is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 3:44 am    Post subject: Thanks for the info Reply with quote

Thanks guys.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
r39o
Samba Polizei


Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
r39o is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 1:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Victoiagon wrote:
I have an adapter on mine and a hose to hook it up to a 20 Lbs BBq tank I also got a brass adapter that connects to that hose so I can hook up a 1 pound dissposable, the fridge will run for a few days on it. I got all the parts from my local RV shop

It is nice to not have to worry about running out of gas on a week long camping trip

I'm confused. Where is the adaptor placed? How is this all plumbed? Got pictures?

TIA, Walt...
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Victoiagon
Samba Member


Joined: November 10, 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Victoria B.C.
Victoiagon is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wow! I was going to post some pics that I took this afternoon but what a PITA to post them...oh well.

Anyway I have a valve that screws into the shutoff valve, there is a input and an output on that valve as well as a pass through for the fridge and stove. I have a 3 foot hose hooked up to the input and that will hookup to a 20lb bbq tank ....then I have another small brass adaptor that lets me screw a 1lb disposable bottle or onto one of those Colman trees. It is a very versitile setup. If you want pics I could email them to you.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
weinerwagen
Samba Member


Joined: May 10, 2004
Posts: 1548
Location: Monterey, CA -Laguna Seca--Coats, Kansas
weinerwagen is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 7:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wished Everret would change the way pics are posted....I wanna see that tank too.
_________________
Retired attorney--Tort King.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
r39o
Samba Polizei


Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
r39o is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 9:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Instead of spending a minute to email them to me, take 3 so everybody gets the idea.

Or email to me and I will post them. No big deal.....Takes butt a few minutes.

Email via the address here to me so I can send you the address to email the pix to.

You choose...
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Victoiagon
Samba Member


Joined: November 10, 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Victoria B.C.
Victoiagon is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

OK I think I am getting it

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=268446


Last edited by Victoiagon on Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:13 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Victoiagon
Samba Member


Joined: November 10, 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Victoria B.C.
Victoiagon is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

you can see the adaptor is more yellow than the hose fitting

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=268453
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
r39o
Samba Polizei


Joined: May 18, 2005
Posts: 9800
Location: San Diego
r39o is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 4:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

That's interesting. Now I got questions, of course!

Where is your pressure regulator now?
Does your van tank valve still have an overpressure burster?
I do not notice the overfill device, too.
What vintage is your setup, again?

I guess, something radical happened to your rigid plumbing from the tank valve / regulator to the appliances, too, then, huh?

Don't mind me, I am always so interested when explosive gases are involved.......
_________________
"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Victoiagon
Samba Member


Joined: November 10, 2005
Posts: 53
Location: Victoria B.C.
Victoiagon is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I made all the changes when I installed a propex heater. There is a new regulator and it is mounted to the van just aft of the tank with a flex hose coming off it reconnecting all the old plumbing. The burst valve is gone (I hated that thing) and the overflow is still there, just hiding! It is on a 1990 Westy.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
backcountrymedic
Samba Member


Joined: February 17, 2006
Posts: 583
Location: Monterey, CA
backcountrymedic is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's the pics that were linked above...

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Rhinoculips
Samba Member


Joined: August 08, 2005
Posts: 918
Location: Keystone, Colorado
Rhinoculips is offline 

PostPosted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Check out this thread.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=245630&highlight=
_________________
“May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.” - Edward Abbey

Click to view image
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Facebook Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mtac
Samba Member


Joined: July 03, 2005
Posts: 124
Location: Montana
mtac is offline 

PostPosted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

at the risk of yet another bar-b-q, external tank, disposable bottle thread
i thought i would reserect this one
i did something similar to victoiagon, but ran my lines a bit differently ...

- the valve i purchased from the local propane dealer will allow me to tap into a second standard propane tank or use 1 lb bottles. very similar to victoiagons valve in the pics. small fitting up top in 1st pic.

- it will also allow me to run any appliance that uses 1 lb bottles, grills, heaters. lights, etc. larger fitting in 1st pic.

- it fits on the standard westy tank under the vehicle, between the shut off valve and the regulator. 2nd pic.

- i replumbed the line from the regulator into the interior, replacing the 2 copper lines with a single 3/8" brass line. i just covered the line with garden hose until i can extend the skid plate to cover the brass line. 3rd pic.

- i split the line inside the cabinet, using flexible hoses, 1 going to the fridge, the other to the stove 4th pic.

the local propane guys were great, cost was about $100, the biggest expense was the valve at $40, the propane guys built the hoses i needed
the hose shown is set up for 1lb disposable bottles. the black knob can be swapped out and will adapt the hose to standard propane tank. 5th pic.

[img] https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/382817.jpg
[img] https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/382819.jpg
[img] https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/382820.jpg
[img] https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/382821.jpg
[img] https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/382822.jpg
_________________
1987 Syncro Westy
"Bad roads bring GOOD people... Good roads bring all kinds of people!"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
backcountrymedic
Samba Member


Joined: February 17, 2006
Posts: 583
Location: Monterey, CA
backcountrymedic is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here's those pics posted properly

Quote:
the valve i purchased from the local propane dealer will allow me to tap into a second standard propane tank or use 1 lb bottles. very similar to victoiagons valve in the pics. small fitting up top in 1st pic.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



Quote:
it fits on the standard westy tank under the vehicle, between the shut off valve and the regulator. 2nd pic

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Quote:
i replumbed the line from the regulator into the interior, replacing the 2 copper lines with a single 3/8" brass line. i just covered the line with garden hose until i can extend the skid plate to cover the brass line. 3rd pic

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Quote:
i split the line inside the cabinet, using flexible hoses, 1 going to the fridge, the other to the stove 4th pic

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Quote:
the local propane guys were great, cost was about $100, the biggest expense was the valve at $40, the propane guys built the hoses i needed
the hose shown is set up for 1lb disposable bottles. the black knob can be swapped out and will adapt the hose to standard propane tank. 5th pic.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Cheers!
-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
backcountrymedic
Samba Member


Joined: February 17, 2006
Posts: 583
Location: Monterey, CA
backcountrymedic is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

mtac, no offense intended toward your post, just wanted to clear it up for folks.

That setup looks awesome! Looks like I've got another project to add to the list for next summer's adventures...

Cheers!
-Jared
_________________
No need to bear the weight of your worries, you let them all fall away...

Sector 9 longboard
Kona Kikapu Deluxe MTB
Novarra Big Buzz
Electra Cruiser
'01 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mtac
Samba Member


Joined: July 03, 2005
Posts: 124
Location: Montana
mtac is offline 

PostPosted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 5:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jared,
i appreciate you doing that
this computer stuff is way beyond me
i had good discussions with the local propane guys on how to do this.
based on where the stove burners are and where the connections for the stove and fridge are they felt that the flex hose was fine, they were concerned about heat and flame contact. its pressure hose made for propane and the bands that cinched the fittings are first class - s/s
i get my tank filled by them and they always shake their heads at the 2 copper lines into the regulator. i really like the single brass line out of the regulator and into the interior and feel that is much safer as well.
one thing i might have done different was run the brass line in the interior cabinet higher up the cabinet wall, resulting in shorter flex hoses, you could probably save a little money that way, also you could use iron pipe instead of the brass, but all-in-all i like it, the simplicity and its clean
_________________
1987 Syncro Westy
"Bad roads bring GOOD people... Good roads bring all kinds of people!"
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Vanagon All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.