How long does propane last?

SomersIsles · 08-11-2015, 09:38 PM

I know the answer to this question varies a ton... So maybe share how it applies to your usage?

Since I'm new to RV ownership, I have no clue how long a tank lasts (2007 23b has 2 tanks).

For the rest of the summer season I really only anticipate using propane for the fridge on the drive up, maybe to boost hot water heater for showers, and for cooking. We don't own a grill get so we'll be using the stove top and oven.

I have some dishes I'd like to make in the oven/on the stove but it could result in an hour of oven/stove time each dinner.

Thoughts??

North of 49° · 08-11-2015, 09:53 PM

Our old hybrid had two 30-pound tanks, and using the stove, grill, furnace and water heater, we went through one tank per summer, about 15-16 camping nights. It only had the propane water heater, and we mostly relied on electric heaters for cooler nights.

SmokerBill · 08-11-2015, 11:10 PM

How long does propane last?

Until it runs out.

Sorry. I couldn't resist. LOL

**norty1** · 08-12-2015, 06:10 AM

Depends on your own usage. If you have 2 tanks, it's not a problem. I would not deprive your family of your cooking because of that. LOL

Iraqvet05 · 08-12-2015, 06:58 AM

We have 2-30 lb tanks and I didn't have to fill one the tanks the first season at all (maybe 16 nights of camping) and that is with me using one bottle for several hours for my propane smoker.
I doubt you would go thru a tank given your anticipated needs but just check the weight of them now and they and you will be fine.

BrentB · 08-12-2015, 07:14 AM

A 30 lb tank will last a long time in the summer. The big users are the furnace and the oven. Since you won't be using the furnace, you will easily last the rest of summer on one tank.

Tex1961 · 08-12-2015, 07:19 AM

I think the more important question is why don't you own a grill.. That's almost sacrilegious...... Camping without grilling... I.... I..... I..... I'm speechless....

Seriously though.. as you surmised it really does depend on your usage... For us.. 2 30lb tanks will take us through a full year of camping.. 6 - 12 weekend outings... We live in North Texas so we don't get a lot of super cold camping weekends...

Camper_bob · 08-12-2015, 07:53 AM

Our primary 30 lb tank that was full when we purchased the trailer got refilled after almost a year and a half; just the one tank of two that were included. Probably 16-20 nights of camping? That's just keeping the fridge on propane for traveling, boosting the recovery with propane on the HWH, some cooking (one set of biscuits in the oven), and very light furnace use supplemented by electric space heaters. One weekend was pretty cold and the furnace ran quite a bit. As was mentioned, the furnace will use it up, so in the summer time, or when we don't need the furnace, we really don't use a lot of propane.

So under those conditions, I would expect the propane to last a LONG time. It did for us.

DocBrown · 08-12-2015, 08:04 AM

We have 2 20# tanks. In an average season of 20 nights of camping we use about 1 1/2 tanks. Most of the propane use is for heat. In WI, even in July we've had nights cold enough to run the heat. Not to mention we start camping in May and the last trip is the second weekend of Oct. May and October get really cold at night. And with a hybrid your heat will far more often than a hard side trailer. You are far enough north where you will see similar temps.

Some seasons we use less propane, some more. This year it's looking like we'll barely use a full tank. It hasn't been all that cold. We'll see what Oct. brings us.

We also are using less now than our old trailer because our X20E has an electric/gas water heater and we always run it on electric.

Hattie · 08-12-2015, 09:10 AM

You can buy propane measures and gauges and stick-on guides or manually test the level ... here are some Google hints! Also, go for the biggest tank size you can and have two; you can purchase both tank locks and covers too.

mike837go · 08-12-2015, 10:55 AM

I'm with everyone else.

Keep using until the primary tank has no liquid left and the secondary kicks in. Move the changeover valve. Get the empty refilled as soon as practical.

My old trailer with one 20# tank several standing pilots was good for 3-4 days of boondocking. The new trailer with no standing pilots is still running on the first 30# tank after 3 months and 5 days of boondocking.

The best answer is YMMV!

hboy · 08-12-2015, 11:58 AM

We camp all summer (weekends with a couple extended weekends) and use about 1 bottle of gas thru the summer. We rarely use the heater. Just the oven, and outdoor quick connect for a campchef.

Flyrotor · 08-12-2015, 04:41 PM

And... Propane doesn't go bad like gasoline does, you don't have to worry about it holding over till next year

Tex1961 · 08-12-2015, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyrotor

And... Propane doesn't go bad like gasoline does, you don't have to worry about it holding over till next year

Speaking of that. Raise you hands if you ever had to run to your TT and grab one of the tanks when your backyard gas grill went out in the middle of a couple of steaks.

Edd505 · 08-12-2015, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex1961

Speaking of that. Raise you hands if you ever had to run to your TT and grab one of the tanks when your backyard gas grill went out in the middle of a couple of steaks.

Wrascal · 08-12-2015, 06:44 PM

Over the years I've accumulated 8-9 20# tanks (all but one currently full - or in use), part of my hurricane preparedness.

In the 5vr I almost always carry both a baby Weber grill and a portable fireplace - with a separate 20# tank for each. If my main tanks do quit I'll still be set.

mike837go · 08-12-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex1961

Speaking of that. Raise you hands if you ever had to run to your TT and grab one of the tanks when your backyard gas grill went out in the middle of a couple of steaks.

Nope. I keep 2 spare full tanks on hand.

Both are 10 steps from the bbq.

Camper_bob · 08-13-2015, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tex1961

Speaking of that. Raise you hands if you ever had to run to your TT and grab one of the tanks when your backyard gas grill went out in the middle of a couple of steaks.

I've been tempted!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike837go

Nope. I keep 2 spare full tanks on hand.

Both are 10 steps from the bbq.

But this is my preferred solution.

That reminds me, I need to fill my "backup". I also use said "backup" for my portable fireplace when the weather permits its usage. To me, there's nothing worse than a hot campfire on a hot night after a long HOT day in July or August! A cool night in November? Nothing better!

bedrck46 · 08-13-2015, 07:43 AM

How many can remember back before there were exchange bottles and filling stations weren't open on Sat. nights and Sundays. There were times that I almost felt that propane bottles were designed to go empty on the weekends. I now have 7-20# and 1-11# bottles and all are kept full or in use at all times.

Camper_bob · 08-13-2015, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedrck46

How many can remember back before there were exchange bottles and filling stations weren't open on Sat. nights and Sundays. There were times that I almost felt that propane bottles were designed to go empty on the weekends. I now have 7-20# and 1-11# bottles and all are kept full or in use at all times.

The exchange programs aren't really a great value from what I understand, but you sure can't beat the convenience!! You just have to find someone to drive down to wherever the exchange is who hasn't already had a few before the grilling started and you discovered you were out of fuel!! LOL!

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