The Westyman

For many year Propex was represented in the USA by Westy Ventures. His technical understanding of the products ensured first class support at a local level.  This mantle has now been passed on to Van Cafe in Fort Collins CO.   970.310.3441

Introducing Mr Propex USA

Karl was the go-to guy for Propex vehicle heaters in the USA. Known as The Westyman, Karl has over 30 years of experience in the VW Vanagon (T3). Along with providing heating systems for Volkswagens, Karl helps people heat their Sprinter, Ducato (‘Dodge Ram’), Transit, and Nissan vans.

The Volkswagen T3 Vanagon

The Vanagon is the third generation, and one of the most popular models of the Volkswagen bus phenomenon. For many the T3 is the VW bus. Known as “the wedge” because of its more angular styling. It is roomier than the previous “split screen” and “bay window” models too. Yet it still retained the rear-wheel drive and legendary versatility of the originals. The ‘Kombi’ had finally come of age, more reliable and it even had a better heater! The T3 was practical and adaptable with good ground clearance and coupled to a four wheel drive transmission, the Syncro model could even be used off road. The official VW camper option was the Westfalia, which were converted by the Westfalia company. Featuring a pop-up roof and galley the “Westy” as it became known was a great little camper van.

Westy’s World

His love of the T3 is not just contained to his workshop, Karl and his dogs have travelled hundreds of thousands of miles in Vanagons in pursuit of leisure. Visiting 48 states plus most of the lower provinces of Canada. He has driven over 500,000 km in one particular Vanagon; “Otto” his beloved Syncro Westfalia which he bought from Canada but sadly had to retire recently.

On another sad note. Karl knows all to well how potentially lethal a propane heater can be if is not designed, used or installed correctly. He recounts this tragic tale from his graduating year in high school:

A dear classmate was hunting with friends, sleeping in the back of his truck (with camper shell). He had a little propane bottle heater which extinguished itself in the night. This was in the days before real safety features like flame sensors. He never woke up.

Vanagon Heating Systems

Today Karl is an expert in supplying and installing safe and reliable propane heaters. Karl realized that Propex Heatsource furnaces and hot water storage heaters made ideal VW Vanagon heaters. Compact, powerful and offering incredible economy and energy-efficiency, these superb VW bus auxiliary heaters were a great accessory for any Westy, Vanagon or Eurovan.

As the pictures above show, Karl knows just how well these heating systems work in cold conditions. His love for travelling in a hot Vanagon with his canine companions is still very strong.

Learn more about Westy Ventures

Karl and Westy Ventures are currently in the process of reorganisation. You can learn more about his adventures and Vanagon services from the Westy Ventures website. If you want to find a local approved supplier or installer of Propex Heatsource products please visit our dealer locator page.