Propane installer near Seattle?

[mjeffrey]

I'd like to pay someone to install a propane tank and related plumbing, rather than do it myself. I'm not sure who to contact to get it done, though. Does anyone here have suggestions on:

- specific shops with knowledge of propane installation on vans
- category of shops I can start calling

I always get nervous having someone else do work for me - they never do a very good job! I'd love for GTRV to do the work (2.5 hours away near Vancouver) but I don't think they do small jobs like this. So recommendations of good shops would make it a bit easier

Thanks for any help.
Mike.

[dhally]

Van Specialties in Portland/Lake Oswego can do it for sure.

[Roonie]

I called a local place in Seattle who work on Westfalias for a propane conversion and install of a propex heater. They quoted me about $1500 for tank and plumbing and heater install. I tried finding their info again and I seem to have misplaced it. I think if I was to do something I would go with the above reference. I talked to van specialities already on adding two removable headrests to my rear bench seat which they can do. Seem like they will do whatever you want for your van. I cannot speak to quality or anything else since I have not used them yet.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by mjeffrey

I'd love for GTRV to do the work (2.5 hours away near Vancouver) but I don't think they do small jobs like this. Mike.

I would call them and ask. Never decide what somebody will do, let them tell you - you may be pleasantly surprised. A phone call is cheap.

Mike

[mjeffrey]

Thanks everyone!

I did contact Van Specialties last summer - they quoted about $1200 for the tank and installation, bringing the plumbing into the inside of the van. They're a bit farther than I like, considering I don't know anything about their work, though. I don't want to pay someone to install the access door a little crooked, or to drill sloppy holes, or something...

GTRV have been helpful. I emailed them last summer as well - at the time, they were completely booked with full conversions, but they said to contact them again in the fall to see if they had time. I emailed them this week and will see what they say. I expect it's Christmas break for them right now, though. They'd be my first choice, if the cost wasn't too much - I've seen a bunch of their work recently and the workmanship looks very nice. I think they take great pride in their work.

Thanks for the Westy idea, Roonie - I hadn't thought of that. The price sounds in line with Van Specialities' quote. I have a Propex in the garage waiting to be installed. Was it NorthWesty? (www.kirkmeeks.com)

Although the more I talk about it (and the more times I type out four-figure prices for the installation!) the more I think I could do it myself. For the cost of installation (~$1000 when you take out the cost of the tank) I could probably have my garage door header raised and get the van inside for some winter work

Any more suggestions welcomed.

Thanks again!
Mike.

[Roonie]

Yes it was Northwesty (http://www.north-westy.com/) that I called. Looking back at my notes the propex heater runs about $800 and the propane tank ran about $450. Total install was about $1650 or so they said including labor.

For comparison I called SMB West and talked to Peter and he said they could install the propane system and suburban heater for $3000.

Let me know what you find. I am very interested in doing the same also from Seattle.

[RickL]

Van Specialties has a good reputation, they are also known as Outside Van.

HTH

Rick