Propane worth it?

Slade S · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:08 pm Post subject: Propane worth it?

I am considering getting a propane tank that goes under the bus for my 76 westy. I've found a few on in the classifieds that seem worth the money. From what I read most of these tanks are just 2.5 gallons? Is it worth the trouble for that small a tank? I will just be running a coleman stove off of the tank for cooking and perhaps heat. Any idea how long the 2.5 gallons will last, assuming I ration it (running around 1.5-2 hours a day). Is it worth it or am I better of just carrying a separate 5 gallon tank? I am planning on staying in the bus 2-3 weeks at a time.
_________________
"the love you take is equal to the love you make"

Homebuilt Dunebuggy-1835cc

1972 914 Porsche

1976 Westy FI

Silent Running · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:15 pm Post subject:

I've never stayed in mine 2-3 weeks at a time, but I think a 2.5 gallon tank is great for shorter excursions. After multiple nights camping out last year, I only had to fill my tank once (and it only took about 1.5 gallons). If it were me, I'd do it.
_________________
Paul
Blumenpflücken während der Fahrt verboten!

'74 Safare' Red Bay Bus

'05 Passat TDI Wagon
'66 Standard Bus Red Bus

Silent Running · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:16 pm Post subject:

Forgot to mention too, I use mine to run a 2 burner stove and a furnace... FWIW
_________________
Paul
Blumenpflücken während der Fahrt verboten!

'74 Safare' Red Bay Bus

'05 Passat TDI Wagon
'66 Standard Bus Red Bus

calebmelvin · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:17 pm Post subject:

Make sure the one you get is still useable. What kind of heater are you using? I had a new GoWesty tank which was essentially the same as the westy stock tanks that would last me weeks of heating the bus but I used a Propex and they are gas sippers. I would steer away from 5 gal tanks as they are made to be used outside on a grill or something and will emit some propane when in an enclosed area such as your bus...
_________________
Caleb
'68 Tagged Manx | My Wanted Ads
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

itlives · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:09 am Post subject:

I got the GoWesty tank, I think it's 3.1 pounds (gallons?). I used it 5 days camping ,but no heater,. When I went to get it filled it took so little propane the guy didn't even charge me.
So, yes, it's worth it-IMHO.

Slade S · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 8:44 am Post subject:

For now I will probably be using a coleman stove for cooking and heat. Most my camping will be in the summer so heat shouldn't use too much but I'm planning on being up north (Montana) so probably will need a little. Thanks for all the input. I think I'm going to get one. There are several in the classifieds for under $100. Hopefully I can find one that works.
_________________
"the love you take is equal to the love you make"

Homebuilt Dunebuggy-1835cc

1972 914 Porsche

1976 Westy FI

mad.macs · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:35 am Post subject:

I converted my bus to use the Green Disposable Cylinders. Since all I use the propane for is the cookstove. My Tank was shot, and at the prices they are getting for the cylinders, plus finding a place that will refill a cylinder is getting harder to find.
I can get a Greenie anywhere.

Disconnected the tank and got a cylinder converter from Cabellas for like $12. I'm going to make a rack to hold 3 of them where the original tank went.

choadtx · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 10:00 pm Post subject:

jamesdagg · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 3:11 am Post subject:

To be cautious I'd check local laws regarding propane installations.

jim
_________________
'72 FI Westy
'71 Super rear inside defrost vents no longer available

mad.macs · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 6:48 am Post subject:

I'm pretty sure Canadian Laws are different regarding the fitment of propane cylinders to motor vehicles. I read some a while back on it when looking at heaters. In the states it is illegal to transport refilled disposable propane cylinders. $500,000K in fact, so don't do that.

mad.macs · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:32 am Post subject:

I found these while researching Propane conversion a while back.
Toroidal tanks are available for vertical and horizontal mounting.
Might be an option for someone who wanted to carry extra propane, or does not like the function or look of the underslung torpedo tank.

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

Of course there's also this method.....

theizzardking · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:20 am Post subject:

MalibuLX3 · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:36 am Post subject:

MalibuLX3 · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:39 am Post subject:

theizzardking · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:57 am Post subject:

yea i hope so i use a 20 lbs tank for a bbq in my bus i just bought a longer hose and run it through one of the vent windows to a little stand outside. i'd hate to get a 500k ticket for that!!!! can you even refill the little green guys?
_________________
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." - Benjamin Franklin
'71 westie "the wanderer"

fusername · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 8:46 pm Post subject:

yeah you refill the little ones by gettting one of those big to little adapters, screwing a full tank to the wee tank, inverting it and openeing the valve. problem is you have no way of metering the vapor/liquid ratio, so you have a potential bomb. good for an emergency, but don't do it!
_________________
[email protected]
Need something custom bent up? shoot me an email, maybe we can make it work!

FORSALE: Thrust cut T4 and 1.9 main bearings

greenbus pilot · Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:30 pm Post subject:


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

	Forum Index -> Bay Window Bus	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1