Propane

[Scott in PA]

I am going to get either a 5lb or 11lb propane tank to take along in my Roll-A-home on my camping adventures. I have been having a very hard time finding a mount for the tongue that will hold a cylinder this size. Does anyone know a source for a small cylinder tongue mount?
I am not 100% sure I should mount it outside yet or not because the weight may be too much with the cooler up there. Just kind of exploring ideas and looking for feedback at this time. I don't really have anything really heavy like an air conditioner to haul in the back to offset the weight. Wouldn't be an issue when I don't have a full cooler but probably will most of the time.

Any input on tank size or best location to carry?

[Scott in PA]

Just wondering ...
Why the need for so much propane? In all our travels, we've never used more than three one pound tanks, even on an extended two week camp out, using them for both a two burner stove & lighting.

Well, that is a good question... I really have no idea how much I am going to need and it appears you think 5lb would be more than enough. I should probably let everyone know that my only camping experience has been with liquid fuel (pour it in & pump it up). I really don't like carrying the liquid fuel and I am thinking propane would be a better choice. That said, I know how much white gas I need but no idea the propane equivalent.
I plan on upgrading to a propane tank with distribution tree going to a 2 burner stove and a light on top. The tank would serve as a base for the light pole and no need to find a hanging spot.
The reusable tank is inexpensive to refill and it just seems like a lot of waste with the disposable tanks. I know I can refill but it seems like a lot of effort to get it partially filled and then safety is a question. I can get a refillable tank filled professionally across the street from my house.

3 disposable tanks last for 2 weeks of camping? I may rethink my plans. I know I can buy a lot of disposable tanks for the price of a 5lb tank but the environmentalist in me says no.
:think1:

Feel free to shoot holes in all my theories. I really have no idea how much I need because I haven't used it other than on the grill at home with a 20lb tank. I promise no offense will be taken. I already admit I don't know what I am talking about.
:cool:

[Mr. Guy]

The little steel tanks can be recycled if that helps the enviromentalist in you.

Guy

[SidecarMike]

I guess I have to side with Gwizz. I have two of the 5 pound cylinders. I camp 15 to 20 days each summer. During the off season I hook a hose and propane torch to one of them for the shop. I only say that because my tanks still have the old non-opd valves. I'm still burning propane out of a tank that I filled before they outlawed these in 1998.
These days they want $50 for a new empty one. I can get new valves for mine for about $20 each, but I've decided it ain't worth it. When mine are empty I'll probably recycle them. I can't legally ship used ones, but if someone wants to stop by, I'll give the empty one to you.

[Maryland Roger]

Some tunnels prohibit access to vehicles with propane tanks on board. Not sure if those would be a problem.

[SidecarMike]

By all means, carry an extra can. Nothing more irritating than 1/2 done eggs and cold coffee. :sick Makes me think of my first marraige.:eek:

[Doug Huse]

I carry the 5# tank inside my cargo trailer. I have the tree and I attach my 2burner stove, my BBQ, and I put my lantern on top. And for insurance against those not planned for really cold nights, I have a catalytic heater which fits on the tank. This set up, in my mind, far surpasses the little canisters. The initial cost of the tank is not cheap, but I wouldn't do it any other way. You're on the right track. I also have the next sized tank, but even on a two week trip have not used all that the smaller tank has to offer.

Doug

[Scott in PA]

... since all refillable tanks now have, by law, the tip valves inside to shut off the flow of propane if the tank gets tipped over ...

I used to think the same thing...

Actually, the OPD valve only does 2 things.
1. Prevent over filling of the tank (overfilling prevention device)
2. Keep gas from coming out of the tank if you open the valve without anything connected to it.

The OPD valve is not a safety valve in the sense that it prevents liquid coming out if it is tipped over. It is important for your safety to understand that if you tip a propane tank, liquid may come out and bad things may happen. Don't be careless with the stability of your tank because you think you have a valve protecting you. If you connect a fitting to the valve, then there is no function at all that will prevent anything from coming out in any way. It only works to shut off flow going into the tank . This way you can be reasonably sure that if your tank is upright you will get gas flowing to your grill, not liquid, no matter how careless the kid was who filled your tank. In the old days an overfilled tank could spew liquid even if upright.

So, if you just bought one of those refill adapters, don't panic. They will work to get your disposable tanks almost full again with a little effort.

[DILLIGAF61]

Some tunnels prohibit access to vehicles with propane tanks on board. Not sure if those would be a problem. although there are a couple of tunnels in the US that specify no larger than 1 20lb tank most tunnels allow 2 40lb tanks the states really don't want to po the mighty tourist in their 50ft motorhome which until last Tuesday the largest thing they ever drove was a 500 series Mercedes