If the galley kitchenette is part of what makes a Westfalia a cozy Camper, then the onboard liquid propane system is the power source of that kitchen.
It provides an exceptionally efficient, affordable, easy, and clean means to run both the refrigerator and the stove.
Let’s have a look at the Westfalia propane system to familiarize ourselves with the various components, and how to use ’em!
Introduction
The Vanagon Westfalia external LP (Liquid Propane) tank is mounted on the underside of the van, on the left-hand side, and is plainly visible below the Camper hookups. The valves and regulator are protected by a steel shield, and new Campmobiles were delivered with a heavy-duty mudflap behind the left-front wheel to prevent stone damage.
The heavy steel tank is rated for 3 gallons of LP (liquid propane), but is filled to only 80% capacity, to allow room for safe expansion:
- 2.4 gallons
- 9.6 lbs.
- 9.6 liters
Overview
Starting at the rear end of the tank and moving forward, you’ll see the main components:
Overflow Bleeder Valve
The propane technician will open this bleeder while filling your tank to release excess propane vapors, and as an indication as to when the tank has reached its capacity of 80%.
Fill Valve
Under a protective plastic cap is the heavy brass fill port fitting. This is where the technician will connect his filler hose valve to pump pressurized propane into your tank.
Main Control Valve
This primary valve is what turns On or Off the supply of propane from your tank. As with most such valves, turn it clockwise to turn the propane supply Off; turn it completely counter-clockwise to turn the propane On.
Two-Stage Regulator
Opening the Main Control Valve allows high-pressure propane to enter the first stage of the regulator, which reduces the pressure to about 15 PSI. A secondary stage further reduces the line pressure to about 0.5 PSI for use by the kitchen appliances. The regulator is often covered by a protective plastic housing to keep it clean of mud, etc..
Tee Fitting
Immediately to the left of the regulator the line divides into two supply lines, which pass upward through the floor of the van to provide propane to the kitchen; the upper copper line supplies the refrigerator, while the lower line provides gas to the stove.
Filling
The Westfalia LP tank accepts a standard fill nozzle found at most commercial propane dealers, such as RV service centers, U-Haul outlets, many hardware stores, and some campgrounds. Unfortunately, many younger or inexperienced LP technicians may be unfamiliar with the Westy’s older design. So, if you find a place that you like, continue going there for your propane refills.
Compared to most other RVs, the Westfalia’s LP fill port is mounted quite low to the ground, and is relatively difficult to access. You can make things easier for your propane guy by parking near the LP station, laying out a padded foam kneeling pad or carpet scrap, and removing the plastic cap from your fill valve. Make sure the main control valve is OFF before filling. I also like to ensure that the overflow bleeder valve is working freely by briefly loosening & tightening it beforehand, so the tech doesn’t need to twist on it with a pair of old pliers. Wear a heavy glove when doing this, to avoid severe cold-burns from escaping liquid propane.
At only 3 gallons, the Westy’s tank is barely half the capacity of a typical BBQ propane tank, and is likely one of the smallest tanks many techs will encounter. So, it tends to reach capacity sooner than expected unless completely empty, and results in only an eight-dollar sale.
Let the tech do his thing, and consider tipping him for his troubles. Replace the filler valve cap, and make sure the overflow bleeder valve is fully closed (an LP tech once left mine somewhat loose, resulting in a slow but dangerous LP leak).
Driving
Though legal to drive while using the propane to power the fridge, save the LP and switch the fridge to 12 VDC while underway.
Liquid Propane Consumption
Though the tank is small, both the stove and the fridge are quite efficient, so a refill lasts a good long while. In normal usage, even running the fridge 24/7 and cooking 1-2 hot meals each day, a single tankful will last an entire month.
The Westfalia propane tank has no gauge to tell you how much LP is left, so after a refill, start a simple log book to keep track of your typical camping days, so you have some idea of how much fuel you can expect from a tankful.
Maintenance
The LP system requires virtually no periodic maintenance, other than routine washing of the tank exterior, valves, and regulator. Periodically inspect these parts, the tank body, and the supply lines for dents, scrapes, or other damage. If you ever smell the distinctive odor of liquid propane, immediately make sure the main control valve is closed. You can also spray soapy water on any of these components; if the soap mixture forms bubbles, there is a leak.
If ever in doubt, see a qualified RV propane service center for repair or replacement of your tank or other components.
Finally …
As the main fuel source for the stove and refrigerator, the liquid propane system is a key player in the Westfalia Campmobile, and provides easy, economical, and reliable convenience.
Hi Folks,
Really enjoyed the liquid propane run down in your recent Crosswinds article, I especially appreciated your suggestion to lay out a mat for the LP tech and to tip him/her afterwards, I always do feel a bit guilty paying my paltry bill after all the work that went into filling my tank.
My wife and I have been enjoying our 1985 Westy for three years now and have gotten great service out of the refrigerator and stove. We have not, however, come anywhere near to 30 days of 24/7 refrigerator use on one tank of LP gas. Makes me wonder if I have the thermostat control knob (C) set too high. Where do you set yours? Also, we use the 12 volt setting when on the road, but I wonder about any negative impact on the system from the inherent on/off cycling that happens when stopping for gas, food, etc. Any thoughts on that?
And, I want to thank you for providing this great resource, keep up the good work!
Brian
Thanks for writing, and for your comments, Brian!
The temp setting will depend on ambient air temps, so you’ll probably use more LP in hot weather than cold. We use this in-fridge thermometer to keep our food at safe temps:
http://amzn.to/2Fo7eHg
There are a couple of things which might make the LP burner in your fridge run more than needed, and thereby use more LP. There’s a small electric fan mounted to the back of the fridge, near the cooling fins of the evaporative coils. If this fan has failed (fairly common, considering its age), the coolant cannot adequately cool your fridge, and the burner responds by running more constantly, using more LP. The same effect can be caused by dust and other crud which has accumulated on the cooling fins, just like your home fridge.
I’d suggest checking both of these. You should be able to simply hear the fan cycling on/off when the fridge is operating on LP in warmer weather. Cleaning the fins with the fridge in place may be possible by removing the small vent cover seen here and inserting a shop-vac wand with brush attachment to clean the back of the fridge. If the fan is burned out, you’ll need to actually remove the fridge from the van for a full DIY service on the workbench, including a fan upgrade: http://www.frankcondelli.com/fridge.htm
I suppose it’s also possible that you use your stove a lot more than we do, which of course would use more LP. Also, make sure to close the main shutoff valve between uses, and check the overflow bleeder valve; I once had my tank filled and the next day smelled LP when walking past the van; the tech had neglected to snug the bleeder valve closed and it had been slowly leaking LP! I hate to think what might have happened if some clown had dropped a cigarette butt next to my Westy.
Hope this helps, and keep on vannin’!
Has anyone hooked a vent free propane heater like Mr Buddy into your LP tank? We don’t use the refrigerator anymore and I wonder if I could hook a hose for the heater in there instead?
Moved recently and need to find a good place that will fill the Westy propane tank.
Any recommendations in the Ventura, Ojai CA area?
Benjamin, most any local RV propane place or U-Haul rental location should be able to help you. I’ve used KOA campgrounds, and even local hardware stores.
Aside from being a bit outdated, there is very little different about the Westfalia LP tank setup. But, when you find a place that understands it, and that you like, I suggest returning there when possible.
Hey Jeffrey, thanks for the tip. I found a U-Haul that attempted to fill my tank but the Tech didn’t seem very experienced. After about 5 minutes of fiddling with the connection he stated it seemed as though my fill valve was leaking. Hard to tell but I think I’ll try another place for a second opinion. Can you recommend a vendor for the valve if I need a replacement?
Thanks again,
Ben
I would certainly try 1-2 other propane filling stations first; some inexperienced technicians, esp. younger ones, may be unfamiliar with the Westfalia LP system.
If you still cannot get it filled, it may indicate an actual problem. Consider having a local RV propane service shop have a look at it, and possibly replace the fill valve if faulty.
Here is one vendor who carries a replacement fill valve:
http://vanagonwestfaliaaccessories.com/
Hope this helps!
Jeff
Hi, I’m new to the website. Just purchased my first Westy. Yesterday I found a couple of items for sale on this site: 1) an extension for filling the propane
2) an auxiliary step for getting into the top bunk using the front table mount.
I cannot find them today and wish to make a purchase. it sounded like the bunk step was custom made to order.
Please tell me where to locate these items.
Thank you, Mark Jenkins
Mark,
Actually, you probably saw those items here:
http://vanagonwestfaliaaccessories.com./
Before purchasing, you may want to read some customer feedback on this vendor:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=359589
The step is also available in stock here:
https://www.vancafe.com/RMW-BTS-p/rmw-bts.htm
Good luck!
Jeff, thanks for the quick response, will use your recommended vendor. Again, new to the site and love it. just finished reading Pacific Northwest 2. Spectacular!
Mark
Congrats on your first Westy, Mark!
Van Cafe/RMW always does a great job with their unique Vanagon products, and has been a valuable parts vendor in our niche for many years.
And thanks for your kind words, glad you’re enjoying the site!
Watch for our report of our recent Route 66 (sort of) trip …
Jeff
So my propane tank never seems to take much. The only thing it runs is a propex heater, I can run the heater hard for 5 days and it fills maybe 1/2 gallon. The fill is slow too, I don’t know if I’m overfilling my tank or what. Two issues: One, I have side running rock bars that allow the propane hose to just fit on straight and it takes some doing at that. Two, when I open the bleeder valve nothing but air comes out, not liquid and not cold for quite some time, it doesn’t seem to stop actually. What do you think? I was wondering if I should let the bleeder valve go until it stops and then try again, or if I should run the heater until propnae runs out and then try again. The bleeder valve seems to want to go forever but I figure it needs to stop and present cold liquid gas at some point.
Last week ti took 1.5 -1.9 gallons though, this week it only takes 1/2 and it took about a minute to get it in there.
I can’t speak to your heater, as each model will vary, but in general most other appliances (stove, fridge) are remarkably fuel efficient, so a full tank will last quite awhile.
You might consider running your heater until the LP tank is completely empty, then visiting a dedicated LP-service place for a refill. The technician there should be better able to tell you whether your tank and system is behaving correctly than the untrained kid at the hardware store or campground. And, if there’s a problem, able to suggest a smart repair.
Thanks for the reply …. What do you think of first trying to open the bleed valve until wither the hissing stops or cold liquid propane comes out? Could the tank just be full of air?
The only time *liquid* propane should ever vent from the bleeder is during filling, to indicate that the 80% capacity has been reached and to prevent overfilling. Otherwise, only *vaporized* (gaseous) propane should vent from the bleeder.
It’s unlikely that there is air in the LP tank, as it is a closed system, unless someone unqualified was working on the tank and neglected to purge the tank of air afterwards.
To completely empty the tank, I suggest taking it to a certified pro for safe draining and purging, especially if you don’t know the history of the tank/system.
Hope this helps!
So I ran the tank dry, the hissing stopped and it is now fills and works with no problem. I do think it could have been full of compressed air … maybe the byproduct of traveling to CA from CO in a snowstorm or a bad service tech?? Either way, problem seems solved. Thank you.
Glad you got it working!
I have an 85 Westfalia and I like to cook with a portable camp stove. Is there any product out there that is an adaptor for a portable camp stove that would allow you to hook up to the propane tank for fuel?
Thanks,
Chad
Yes, Bus Depot includes such an adaptor in their complete Propane Extension Kit:
https://www.busdepot.com/53700
The other hoses in the kit allow the opposite: to run your Westy appliances from an external tank. If you don’t need these, you could ask Bus Depot if they offer the bonus extension separately.
Here’s more discussion:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=658313
Good luck!
Aloha!
I lived in my 87 Westy for 2.5 years in Hawai`i, the fridge ran full bore the whole time 24/7.
I used to boil 3/4 quart of water in the morning for my tea and cook at night only. a;ways simple meals, nothing long to cook and never 2 burners at once.
A full tank of propane lasted between 11 and 14 days max.
I hope this helps 🙂
Alika
I would believe the warmer climate of Hawai’i might use more LP to keep the fridge cold. Always good to get more data points, to help in establishing an average.
See you over on the Samba, Alika!
Just a heads-up for filling your Westy’s propane tank. Most of the tanks do not have an automatic “float-style” shut-off filler valve, hence the need for the bleeder system to be used at fill-ups.
Some places (Manitoba, Canada is an example) requiring the tanks to be ‘certified’ every five years. During this check they get a visual inspection for its condition/damage* and the presence of a float valve.
The tanks are actually ‘permanent’ installations, unlike your BBQ LP bottle. They are tough little things, and may last the reasonable lifespan of a Westy, but we’re making these vehicle outlast most of the projections of the engineers, I’m guessing. Even though they don’t “expire”, they take a beating hanging down there under the vehicle, so it is reasonable to be concerned. After all, it is a compressed flammable gas, with considerable risks of explosion. If you’ve taken your Westy on a car ferry, you recall how they pay attention to your tank valve being properly turned off.
A float valve has a little float that bobs up inside the tank when it reaches its safe capacity (80%?) and then closes the valve for them. Unfortunately, the low position of the filler valve on the old tanks does not accommodate the length of a float. I think the newer replacement tanks have their filler higher up the tank.
Non-certified tanks are not supposed to be filled, but some places or jurisdictions are fussier than others, and you may be able to get yours tank filled, and eek out another summer or two. For this reason alone, it is great to build a relationship with your local LP filling shop, and tip them for their trouble.
* The condition of the tank being approved includes being able to read the text on the stamped steel label. This is not an adhesive thing, but rather a hefty steel badge that is attached to the tank. It has all sorts of stuff written on it, and honestly, it is not easy to read, especially 30+ years after its manufacture. Add to this the fact that moisture can get in behind the label, even if it appears to be welded all the way around. Eventually the label may split and be a site of rust, and your tank may even bulge in this area. When this happens, you are probably in for getting a new tank.
When you check out new tanks, be ready to blow your usual camping budget. For a bit more money than the already high prices, GoWesty sells a larger tank adapted from the Eurovan, that has a level indicator and can even provide a tap for an external gas appliance like a portable BBQ. That’s what I’m going to get, someday, but I’ll have to prepare to drop about $1K after shipping and installation costs.
Happy (and safe!) camping.
I removed my fridge and want to install a propane heater, with such a small tank how long do you think before it’s empty and could I add a T to add a portable tank.
Thanks
John, this will depend on how much LP your intended heater consumes per hour of operation. The stock Westfalia LP tank contains 9.6 lbs of propane, or nearly 10x the capacity of a standard disposable 1-lb. propane cylinder.
Some rough estimates:
A small propane heater like the 3800 BTU Mr. Heater “Little Buddy” will run for about 5.5 hours on a 1-lb. propane cylinder. So the Westfalia tank should be capable of running the same heater for about 53 hours.
A larger propane heater producing 7600 BTUs will run for about half that time, or 26 hours.
I’m not familiar with adding a tee for another supply source, so I suggest consulting with and RV supplier, who may also be able to provide the correct fittings.
Hope this helps!