Starting to get really cold again in Montana and I was thinking about
winter heating. Seems the archives are full of intricate conversions of
externally vented propane solutions with 5,000+BTU, but for me that
would be overkill and too expensive at this point I think.

Was wondering if anyone has bought one of those little Coleman
Catalytic Heaters that are designed for in tent use (which I assume
means they are fairly safe with even minimal ventilation) and hooked it
up to the existing LP tank? I already have a t-joint inline on the
stove pipe feed from a previous propane heater that was in the van when
I bought it. I removed that heater though as it was oooold and deadly
according to the PO... so kinda useless really. I sleep in the van with
a warm 0 degree sleeping bag so am thinking a little 1,000-3,000BTU
unit would be fine to just keep the ambient temperature above freezing
so my water lines won't freeze up so much. I'd be fine with internal
temps of 35-40 degrees. With the top down, skylight closed and one side
window cracked I think that would be enough maybe? My main curiosity is
would copper piping be required for the line or is the LP tank pressure
low enough to just use a reinforced flexible tubing?

If no one has done this I'd love to know why and if yes I'd love your
thoughts. If I do it I'll post a "how-to" link with photos etc.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/ColemanCom/subcategory.asp?
CategoryID=3000&SourcePage=category_main.asp

Thanks,
Parker
'89 Westy