Westy in the cold

Hmm, See I had thought that these things had a propane furnace with an exhaust port outside the vehicle and venting built into the walls. Which would negate all the issues except for the bomb (obviously would replace). Guess not?

Also, FWIW, the new "lil buddy" heaters now have low CO sensors that shut the unit off. I'd prefer a "plumbed" solution though.

Another issue: water/grey water plumbing freezing. Is this an issue overnight? If leaving the van at a trailhead is it an issue?

All my VW vans had a fair amount of rust. I never trusted anything holding pressurized gas that was that old and rusty. (Maybe your looking at newer,cleaner models). I have the new Lil' buddy with co2 sensor but still opened windows a crack. For me any built in stuff takes up to much space in a already tiny area. I liked to have the flexibility to remove and move stuff when its not needed. Plus built in stuff is $$. No indoor plumbing for me, water jug+bucket works like a charm, no problems. More space and less weight = happy van. Some people like the vans with the factory camper stuff, but I am a fan the camper body with a custom minimalist interior. (I do like the factory seats and fold down bed.) Happy shopping!

FYI: I'm no longer sportin a VW. I recently upsized my travel rig.

Here's my camper/snow vehicle.

Keeps me, the wife, and two daughters plenty warm and comfortable. Holds two standard BBQ type propane tanks, which fuel the furnace, stove, and generator. Running all of it (and the furnace is always running to keep things from freezing up inside) we go though 1 propane tank for 3 nights and 4 days.

Come spring, I'll be looking forward to using as my volcano touring base camp.