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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 1:17 pm Post subject: Westy Camping Tips |
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Hi all.
I recently discovered that a tiny critter had gnawed at a Clif bar in my cupboard. (likely a squirrel. Shakes fist: "darned squirrels!" :2gunfire: ) I decided to start keeping gnawable stuff in containers.
Two 1.8 gal/6.8L RubberMaid "Handi Box's" (14 x 30.5 x 4") *just* fit between upper/lower shelf in my '81 Westy sink cabinet. They make pretty good use of the space.
I ran out of LP shortly after making dinner (lucky me) My first thought was: "What? No coffee tomorrow?" The grill on the fire ring was high up. Didn't want to make a big fire in the AM so....
In the fire ring, I set 2 rocks wide enough apart for the Westy stove grill to rest on. Made a small fire between rocks, and put down grill. Grill was low in ring, but steady, close to fire and worked fine. I'm sure there's another way (rocks?) but the grill allows one to move coffee away from heat.
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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Microbusdeluxe Samba Member
Joined: July 26, 2003 Posts: 980 Location: Bellingham, WA
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:38 pm Post subject: Emergency heat |
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I keep a can of Sterno handy for the "crap we're out of propane" coffee or to warm up the motor oil on a freezing morning. As a Canadian I would of thought that some emergency heat supply was required, eh? |
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buildyourown Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2009 Posts: 1668 Location: Seattle
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:09 pm Post subject: Re: Emergency heat |
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Microbusdeluxe wrote: |
I keep a can of Sterno handy for the "crap we're out of propane" coffee or to warm up the motor oil on a freezing morning. As a Canadian I would of thought that some emergency heat supply was required, eh? |
Heh.
Well here in Vancouver, it doesn't get *that* cold.
Yah thoughts of sterno came to mind. As did the Coleman portable folding stove
http://www.campingsurvival.com/foldingstove.html
buildyourown
Thanks for the link.
Still lots of useful things to buy. Seems a spare stove of some kind is one of them!
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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msinabottle Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2005 Posts: 3492 Location: Denver Area, Colorado
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:30 pm Post subject: Another Thought... |
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An emergency stove isn't a bad idea, I like my MSR 'Whisperlite International' because it burns just about anything that's fossil fuel and liquid.
But, I think I made the right call HERE:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=353952
Because that way I can use the emergency spare propane cylinder for my Coleman 'Black Cat' heater--or the entire propane system if I get 'flame out.'
I suggest a sleeping bag liner, which makes a real sleeping bag warmer, or lets you sack out on the bed with some bedding, and fits very easily into the central compartment.
Best! _________________ 'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence." |
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Captain Pike Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2003 Posts: 3340 Location: Talos IV, Piedmont Arizona
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:37 pm Post subject: |
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Coleman dual fuel burner. Coleman fuel or unleaded gas. Gas? I got lotsa' gas. _________________ LEARN TO SELF RESCUE
59 Panel bus, 1966 Single cab. 73' 181. 73 Westy. 91' H6 Vanagon 3.3L.
.....................All Current....................... |
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buildyourown Samba Member
Joined: March 01, 2009 Posts: 1668 Location: Seattle
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:47 pm Post subject: Re: Another Thought... |
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msinabottle wrote: |
An emergency stove isn't a bad idea, I like my MSR 'Whisperlite International' because it burns just about anything that's fossil fuel and liquid.
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I have an MSR Dragon Fly for the same reason. Also, no disposable/consumable canisters. It's nice to be able to cook outside when the weather is nice too.
However, if I was looking for an emergency only stove, the pocket rocket is very small and cheap. |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 7:57 pm Post subject: Re: Another Thought... |
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Thanks man. Yah, I'd heard of those fancy extend-a-stay thangs.
Even though PO receipts from 2003 show a new Rego regulator etc., and works fine right now, that link is quite timely. Since the tank is empty, I think it's time to haul it out and see if it can be "preserved". The "4 corner" tag is mostly shite, but, well we'll see.
I just love making work for myself!
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:02 pm Post subject: |
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Bill W wrote: |
Coleman dual fuel burner. Coleman fuel or unleaded gas. Gas? I got lotsa' gas. |
Never knew that type of stove existed. Thanks.
Gas? Well in that case, no need for an Extend A Stay to stay warm!
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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msinabottle Samba Member
Joined: September 20, 2005 Posts: 3492 Location: Denver Area, Colorado
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:04 pm Post subject: In My Evil Moments... |
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Quote: |
The "4 corner" tag is mostly shite, but, well we'll see. |
I have evil thoughts about making a metal 'forgery' of my PERFECTLY GOOD tag--that is rusting through--out of something that wouldn't rust and sealing that onto the tank. The tank is fine, it's just the WRETCHED LABEL that's rotting off, because of the LOUSY way they attached it!
Best! _________________ 'Winston,' '84 1.9 WBX Westy
Vanagon Poet Laureate: "I have suffered in
many ways, but never, never, never in silence." |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:39 pm Post subject: |
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http://zenstoves.net/LinksGeneral-DIY.htm
The alcohol Pepsi can stove is a personal fav we use in scouting a lot.
Of course, for the Westy, a tap system for 1 pound propane cans works well, too. _________________ "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) |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject: Re: In My Evil Moments... |
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msinabottle wrote: |
Quote: |
The "4 corner" tag is mostly shite, but, well we'll see. |
I have evil thoughts about making a metal 'forgery' of my PERFECTLY GOOD tag--that is rusting through--out of something that wouldn't rust and sealing that onto the tank. The tank is fine, it's just the WRETCHED LABEL that's rotting off, because of the LOUSY way they attached it!
Best! |
Yes. Agreed. Truly Wretched. What were they thinking? (they weren't )
Sadly, it seems there is a hole rusting through the middle of my tag too. I assume any alphanumeric codes, secret or otherwise, (cuz they are now) are all but gone. But as they say: when there's a will, there's a way.
Maybe I could get some fridge magnet letters to spell "Manchester"? _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject: |
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r39o wrote: |
http://zenstoves.net/LinksGeneral-DIY.htm
The alcohol Pepsi can stove is a personal fav we use in scouting a lot.
Of course, for the Westy, a tap system for 1 pound propane cans works well, too. |
But of course. I got a gd MIG. I'm sure I could make something! _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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climberjohn Samba Member
Joined: January 11, 2005 Posts: 1840 Location: Portland Orygun
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Westy Camping Tips |
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Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Hi all.
I recently discovered that a tiny critter had gnawed at a Clif bar in my cupboard. (likely a squirrel. Shakes fist: "darned squirrels!" :2gunfire: ) I decided to start keeping gnawable stuff in containers.
Two 1.8 gal/6.8L RubberMaid "Handi Box's" (14 x 30.5 x 4") *just* fit between upper/lower shelf in my '81 Westy sink cabinet. They make pretty good use of the space.
Neil. |
Heyo Neil,
Those boxes sound perfect. Where did you buy them? _________________ '86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often. |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:31 am Post subject: Re: Westy Camping Tips |
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climberjohn wrote: |
Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Hi all.
I recently discovered that a tiny critter had gnawed at a Clif bar in my cupboard. (likely a squirrel. Shakes fist: "darned squirrels!" :2gunfire: ) I decided to start keeping gnawable stuff in containers.
Two 1.8 gal/6.8L RubberMaid "Handi Box's" (14 x 30.5 x 4") *just* fit between upper/lower shelf in my '81 Westy sink cabinet. They make pretty good use of the space.
Neil. |
Heyo Neil,
Those boxes sound perfect. Where did you buy them? |
Oh man. You're asking a lot here. The grey matter assigned to that memory is long gone...
Likely Canadian Tire. Possibly London Drugs. But it looks like you're in PDX (why do Portlanders call it that?)
RubberMaid has it online:
http://www.rubbermaid.com/rubbermaid/product/product.jhtml?prodId=HPProd260059#
To be sure, here's what they look like. Of note, one drawback is they "cover" the area at front of cabinet. No tall stuff allowed.
_________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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markz2004 Samba Member
Joined: November 13, 2007 Posts: 944 Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:48 am Post subject: Re: Westy Camping Tips |
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[quote="Vanagon Nut"][quote="climberjohn"]
Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Hi all.
But it looks like you're in PDX (why do Portlanders call it that?)
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PDX is the Airport Code for Portland. For comparison, SFO is the airport code for San Francisco.
I don't know why, Portland is quirky that way.
Mark _________________ 87 Westy, 250k GW 2.4 - 2.0 , 16" wheels |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:02 am Post subject: |
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PDX. Airport. Of course!
Thanks!
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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Vanagon Nut Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2008 Posts: 10367 Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:25 am Post subject: Re: Westy Camping Tips |
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Vanagon Nut wrote: |
climberjohn wrote: |
Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Hi all.
I recently discovered that a tiny critter had gnawed at a Clif bar in my cupboard. (likely a squirrel. Shakes fist: "darned squirrels!" :2gunfire: ) I decided to start keeping gnawable stuff in containers.
Two 1.8 gal/6.8L RubberMaid "Handi Box's" (14 x 30.5 x 4") *just* fit between upper/lower shelf in my '81 Westy sink cabinet. They make pretty good use of the space.
Neil. |
Heyo Neil,
Those boxes sound perfect. Where did you buy them? |
Oh man. You're asking a lot here. The grey matter assigned to that memory is long gone...
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Ok. An appropriate synapse(s) fired.
Home Depot possibly?
Neil. _________________ 1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
1988 West DIY 50º ABA
VE7TBN |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject: Re: Westy Camping Tips |
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Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Vanagon Nut wrote: |
climberjohn wrote: |
Vanagon Nut wrote: |
Hi all.
I recently discovered that a tiny critter had gnawed at a Clif bar in my cupboard. (likely a squirrel. Shakes fist: "darned squirrels!" :2gunfire: ) I decided to start keeping gnawable stuff in containers.
Two 1.8 gal/6.8L RubberMaid "Handi Box's" (14 x 30.5 x 4") *just* fit between upper/lower shelf in my '81 Westy sink cabinet. They make pretty good use of the space.
Neil. |
Heyo Neil,
Those boxes sound perfect. Where did you buy them? |
Oh man. You're asking a lot here. The grey matter assigned to that memory is long gone...
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Ok. An appropriate synapse(s) fired.
Home Depot possibly?
Neil. |
Looks like a Wally mart or Target item.......
Look at the Rubbermaid website and you may get lucky. _________________ "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) |
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Rubber Tramp Samba Member
Joined: October 07, 2008 Posts: 385 Location: DFW, Texas
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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On the topic of backup stoves, I've found this to be very handy.
Actually this is my primary stove for cooking, I have a coleman gas stove used as backup on rainy days or when I need a more stealthy way of cooking.
It's called the rocket stove, all you need is a handful of twigs to cook up a meal or boil some water.
Link
Link
_________________ 1985 SVX powered Westy - soon to be converted to syncro
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=382910
^^^Rocky Mountain Westy SVX rebuild and conversion^^^ |
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