Seeking Advice: Travel Trailer vs. Motorhome

[craigav]

Regarding the propane, with my last 5th wheel, I discovered that most ("all" I went to) propane exchange places did not have the larger sized propane tanks therefore I would still have to drive to a refill location (vs an exchange place). The advantage of the installed propane tank common on a motorhome is that you never have to disconnect the tank lines and remove the cover and the hold down bracket and then reinstall it all. Instead, just pull up to the refill stations' filling area and then the attendant will refill the tank, pay the man, and then you are on your way which is imo much easier. I see how this could be an issue though if the RV was setup more permanently and the RV wasn't able to be easily driven to a refill location.

On a related thought, the local place I get my propane from charges a flat rate for portable propane cylinders even if it is not completely empty (not all places do this) and for a motorhome propane tank, they measure exactly how much propane is dispensed, in other words there is no $$$ loss issue with having it refilled when it is only half full where there would be for the smaller potable tanks. ~CA

 

[Camper_bob]

On propane again, one thing I do miss about the portable tanks on my trailer is the auto-changeover regulator on the dual tank system. That IMO can be a pretty significant advantage, again, so long as you're paying attention. I got in the habit of monitoring that regulator, and if it changed tanks, then I had a decent idea of how much time I had to get the empty tank filled, and could do so at my convenience. Usually I had at least a few months to get it done. Which also on one occasion almost caused a problem as I had completely forgotten my 2nd tank was empty...

The entire thing is about compromise and closely examining how you'll use the rig. Then you have to find ways to deal with the "downsides" of those compromises...

 

[440scout]

I look at this as a wash since tank exchanges are a rip off anyway. MUCH more cost efficient to have your portable tanks filled at a propane fill station. Really, since I don't participate in tank exchanges (unless I need a new tank), it's not more difficult to fill the RV's tank in my situation. I also carry a portable tank sometimes, and I intend to put a connection on my on-board tank ("Stay-n-Play") that will allow me to connect a portable tank, and/or run my regulated grill or propane fire pit from the on-board tank. It may be a little less convenient, but it's really no big deal if you're paying attention.

Funny story about having my tank filled that speaks to this potential disadvantage though: I had forgotten to fill my tank, and we were getting a little low. No one to blame here but that man in the mirror, I simply wasn't paying attention. We were out with some friends sitting around the campfire chatting, and a propane truck drove by through the campground. I immediately jumped up and started running after him. Now, I'm no spring chicken, and I wear XXL clothes. Everyone got a kick out of seeing my fat arse sprinting through the CG in my flip-flops. Confused the heck out of my friends since I just jumped out of my chair and started running without a word. I eventually caught him, and when I did he admitted he'd seen me for a bit before I caught up to him... He figured to slow down just a little, and figured I could use the exercise! LOL!! We all got a good laugh, and I got my tank filled on-site that day. I handed the guy a decent tip for his "unscheduled" stop!!

Needless to say, I pay a little closer attention now. On our last winter trip North, it was no big deal for me to stop at a Tractor Supply and top up my tank before we got into the really cold area/weather. Also, I'm fortunate that the storage lot where I store my rig deals propane too.

Nice story, but if you haven't caught up to that propane refill truck you probably would have to break camp and drive the motorhome to a place to get the propane tank refilled. That was the point I was trying to make.

 

[Camper_bob]

Nice story, but if you haven't caught up to that propane refill truck you probably would have to break camp and drive the motorhome to a place to get the propane tank refilled. That was the point I was trying to make.

Nope, I typically have no real absolute need for propane. My WH can work on electric, my fridge can work on electric, I carry a stand-alone propane grill and separate propane as well as a table-top burner if I need to cook something (and I have NO problem using charcoal or wood if I need to), and I can use my Keurig to make coffee, and I use a ceramic cube heater for heat. And I have a generator if I need power. Sure, propane makes things more convenient/efficient, but it's not absolutely required IMO.

On that particular day, it was more convenient to run him down and have my tank filled than to stop and refill it later. Same could be said for portable tanks. We probably had enough to make it through the weekend anyway. Having the tank full was largely for peace of mind.

Plus, if I had run out of propane, and it had caused any kind of inconvenience, I assure you the VERY next mod would have been a Stay-n-Play propane attachment. This would allow me to hook virtually any tank up to my camper, and like I said, I usually carry a 20-lb tank with me anyway... Truthfully, the above "workarounds" are really the only thing holding me back from installing one anyway; it's not really needed, but would be nice to have...

And after all of that, if I decided to "break camp" and go have the tank filled, that's not that big a deal either. I can have the rig road-ready in about 5 minutes. It's not like I would pack everything up, wrap up my hoses and cables, pull in my chairs... just to leave camp to get the tank filled. Just unplug and leave everything right there on the ground, bring in the slides and jacks, and I'm rolling. Hell, the family probably wouldn't even notice on that trip, they'd have been at the picnic table with our friends when I got back, right where I left them. Which incidentally is another HUGE advantage to a motorhome over a towable.