How many propane tanks?

NevadaCamper · 05-29-2014, 08:00 PM

My old coach had two 7 gallon propane tanks. My new one will come with one 5 gallon tank. Should I double up and have two fives? I sometimes use the propane for the fridge but don't know how fast this new one will use the propane. I do a little cooking inside but more outside. I am thinking one would do for 3 days of camping. Any thoughts??

nylyon · 05-29-2014, 08:07 PM

Personally I would bring along a second just in case. I use very little LPG, and can go the entire season on 1 7 GAL tank, but it's good to know that I have a second just in case.

clutch · 05-29-2014, 11:04 PM

As mentioned a 5 gal tank should last most of the season. We often use one of the two tanks on our trailer to fuel the BBQ. We just set the BBQ up at the front of the trailer.

Bassdogs · 05-30-2014, 07:41 AM

The answer to this ?? is how do you use your RV. 2nd ?? is what do you save by not bringing a backup.

We are connected to shore power 95% of the time so propane is typically not an issue. On a recent trip to the Gulf coast we were caught in a once in 100 year winter storm that shut down I-10 for the better part of 2 days all across the Fla panhandle to Mississippi. As luck would have it both of my 12 year old electric space heaters decided to die. Used one 20lb propane on the 2 overnights heading down and found ourselves with 1 tank when the storm hit. There wasn't an electric heater to be found withing 75 miles of the coast after the first 8 hours. Was lucky to find a tank exchange at a near by Walmart that had 3 tanks left. Point is that when you need it and don't have it, you will regret deciding to leave it at home. Would I drag along an extra tank for a weekend or even a week trip to a local cG that almost always has an exchange facility?? Probably not. So draw your own conclusion based on experience and the season. Better to have than to need and don't have.

clubhouse · 05-30-2014, 09:20 AM

Furnace is the big user of propane.

In the early spring/late fall when we run the furnace a lot and are don't have elec hookups, 7gal propane will last a 4-5 night trip. In the summer, when the furnace never runs, a 7gal bottle will last 20+ nights.

I would have dual tanks for peace of mind.

joe in calif · 05-30-2014, 04:59 PM

I would have 2 tanks if it was me.
I looked at some new trailers and found that some manufactures are going to 5 gal. to save weight

Jmooney · 05-30-2014, 05:41 PM

2 makes sense to me.

I usually leave one off, and if I have to switch, at least I know where I stand.

RoyBraddy · 05-31-2014, 10:36 AM

I was getting mixed up by calling the PROPANE TANKS by their GALLON RATING verses the LBS rating...

The 5-GALLON size mentioned here is the 20LB size PROPANE TANK...

I carry two of these on my OFF-ROAD TRAILER. Seems like two should be a minimum to carry. This way when one runs out you can switch to a full one and then replace the used one when you get back home...

I would not want to carry one that did not have a standard mounting setup place to support it. Just using stretch rope in the back of the truck bed doesn't sound to safe to me to be carrying an extra bottle.

Just my thoughts...
Roy Ken

ninjahbob · 06-02-2014, 12:42 PM

Jmooney is right Take two and keep one turned off.

Diesel wrench · 12-04-2014, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jmooney

2 makes sense to me.

I usually leave one off, and if I have to switch, at least I know where I stand.

That's what I do too.

Seann45 · 12-04-2014, 09:37 AM

2 mounted tanks.. NOTHING is a bigger pia than having to go out at 2 am on a rainy chilly night to switch tanks.. much faster and easier to just twist the valve over.

Parcany · 12-04-2014, 01:04 PM

We have 2---7 gallon tanks and before we go anyplace we make sure both are filled. When we get ready to go I turn on both and that way the fridge will work. When we are out the one things that I don't like is going out at 3 am to switch out tanks. Just got to remember to check the reg every once and awhile. Not a big deal.

rbrumfield · 12-04-2014, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parcany

We have 2---7 gallon tanks and before we go anyplace we make sure both are filled. When we get ready to go I turn on both and that way the fridge will work. When we are out the one things that I don't like is going out at 3 am to switch out tanks. Just got to remember to check the reg every once and awhile. Not a big deal.

When I go south for the winter I bring along an extra 30# (7Gal) tank in addition to the two 30# tanks on the tongue. Like you I leave both tanks on and just check the red flag every now and then. I see no point in having an auto change over regulator if you are not going to leave both tanks open. To each his own I guess. As far as carrying the third tank I just put it in a milk case and strap it down in the back of the truck. The third tank has been handy when I have been unable to get an empty filled when needed. It has only happened twice in 5 years but It is nice not to have to be concerned about scrambling around to get propane. When I am back home in WV at the seasonal site I just put the third tank in the building until the next trip south.

Jagiven · 12-04-2014, 05:47 PM

It sounds like you do use a lot of propane. As said above, the furnace is the big propane user. We typically use one 20 pound tank a year. The frig runs on gas as we travel, we use the stove a small amount each trip. We use a little bit of furnace time each year. At the end of these season we had about 1/2 gallon left, in the primary tank and never even opened the spare tank.

Run a test. Full your tank full. Then go camping one or two typical weekends. The have the tank refilled, and see how much fuel you used. Probably don't need to say it but do not start with a tank exchange filled tank to start with, as they typically do not fill their tanks full.

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