Has anyone replaced their propane tank with something smaller? Pros and cons. Thanks
Ron Barkley
76 Eleganza
Ron Barkley
76 Eleganza
Replacing propane tank
- Thread starter ron and carol barkley
- Start date
I have not replaced my tank, but the pros as I see them depending on what size tank you end up with. Say a 20lbs BBQ tank.
Easier to swap them out and have them filled by yourself.
No need to find a propane station and potentially someone who refuses to fill a 40 year old tank, or doesnt quite know what they are doing with the
bleeder valve.
Having a smaller vessel on board which is explosive under the right circumstances.
Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
the forward facing dinette.
Cons. You run out of gas faster. Think Fridge, Hot water tank if propane fueled, Oven/Stove and furnace. Furnace is the biggest draw.
Depends on where you live and your camping style. If your in Hot weather all the time, You may not run the furnace much or at all. If your in the
cold weather or fall camping, you will run out of fuel faster.
If you boon dock for a long time you may run out of gas faster.
If you go where you know you will have shore power, this becomes less of a concern at least for the fridge. and maybe some electric blankets if its
chilly.
I dont know for sure but I would imagine the overall propane draw is pretty low. I know I worked in my coach all last winter and used maybe 3/4 of a
full tank of propane, and kept the coach pretty much at 65.
I guess storage space and ease/convenience of refills would be biggest considerations for pulling the large tank out. If you do end up putting in a
smaller tank, pulling the gas oven for an electric unit and pulled the furnace to suit your needs thats fine. you may be limiting a few buyers down
the road who would use the coach in colder climates or off grid.
--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
Easier to swap them out and have them filled by yourself.
No need to find a propane station and potentially someone who refuses to fill a 40 year old tank, or doesnt quite know what they are doing with the
bleeder valve.
Having a smaller vessel on board which is explosive under the right circumstances.
Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
the forward facing dinette.
Cons. You run out of gas faster. Think Fridge, Hot water tank if propane fueled, Oven/Stove and furnace. Furnace is the biggest draw.
Depends on where you live and your camping style. If your in Hot weather all the time, You may not run the furnace much or at all. If your in the
cold weather or fall camping, you will run out of fuel faster.
If you boon dock for a long time you may run out of gas faster.
If you go where you know you will have shore power, this becomes less of a concern at least for the fridge. and maybe some electric blankets if its
chilly.
I dont know for sure but I would imagine the overall propane draw is pretty low. I know I worked in my coach all last winter and used maybe 3/4 of a
full tank of propane, and kept the coach pretty much at 65.
I guess storage space and ease/convenience of refills would be biggest considerations for pulling the large tank out. If you do end up putting in a
smaller tank, pulling the gas oven for an electric unit and pulled the furnace to suit your needs thats fine. you may be limiting a few buyers down
the road who would use the coach in colder climates or off grid.
--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
We’ve replaced our tank with a 20lb “BBQ” tank. It fits standing in the original location without modifications. It works great for us, living full time in the camper for the past 8months. With heavy cooking and running the fridge we typically get close to 1.5 months of use out of the tank. If you’re running your heat in colder climates obviously less time. We just found it easier to refill or replace the tanks on the road than trying to find a place that would only fill the big original tank.
Sent from my iPhone
>
> I have not replaced my tank, but the pros as I see them depending on what size tank you end up with. Say a 20lbs BBQ tank.
>
> Easier to swap them out and have them filled by yourself.
> No need to find a propane station and potentially someone who refuses to fill a 40 year old tank, or doesnt quite know what they are doing with the
> bleeder valve.
> Having a smaller vessel on board which is explosive under the right circumstances.
>
> Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
> the forward facing dinette.
>
>
> Cons. You run out of gas faster. Think Fridge, Hot water tank if propane fueled, Oven/Stove and furnace. Furnace is the biggest draw.
>
> Depends on where you live and your camping style. If your in Hot weather all the time, You may not run the furnace much or at all. If your in the
> cold weather or fall camping, you will run out of fuel faster.
>
> If you boon dock for a long time you may run out of gas faster.
>
> If you go where you know you will have shore power, this becomes less of a concern at least for the fridge. and maybe some electric blankets if its
> chilly.
>
> I dont know for sure but I would imagine the overall propane draw is pretty low. I know I worked in my coach all last winter and used maybe 3/4 of a
> full tank of propane, and kept the coach pretty much at 65.
>
>
> I guess storage space and ease/convenience of refills would be biggest considerations for pulling the large tank out. If you do end up putting in a
> smaller tank, pulling the gas oven for an electric unit and pulled the furnace to suit your needs thats fine. you may be limiting a few buyers down
> the road who would use the coach in colder climates or off grid.
> --
> 77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
> Mid Michigan
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Sent from my iPhone
>
> I have not replaced my tank, but the pros as I see them depending on what size tank you end up with. Say a 20lbs BBQ tank.
>
> Easier to swap them out and have them filled by yourself.
> No need to find a propane station and potentially someone who refuses to fill a 40 year old tank, or doesnt quite know what they are doing with the
> bleeder valve.
> Having a smaller vessel on board which is explosive under the right circumstances.
>
> Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
> the forward facing dinette.
>
>
> Cons. You run out of gas faster. Think Fridge, Hot water tank if propane fueled, Oven/Stove and furnace. Furnace is the biggest draw.
>
> Depends on where you live and your camping style. If your in Hot weather all the time, You may not run the furnace much or at all. If your in the
> cold weather or fall camping, you will run out of fuel faster.
>
> If you boon dock for a long time you may run out of gas faster.
>
> If you go where you know you will have shore power, this becomes less of a concern at least for the fridge. and maybe some electric blankets if its
> chilly.
>
> I dont know for sure but I would imagine the overall propane draw is pretty low. I know I worked in my coach all last winter and used maybe 3/4 of a
> full tank of propane, and kept the coach pretty much at 65.
>
>
> I guess storage space and ease/convenience of refills would be biggest considerations for pulling the large tank out. If you do end up putting in a
> smaller tank, pulling the gas oven for an electric unit and pulled the furnace to suit your needs thats fine. you may be limiting a few buyers down
> the road who would use the coach in colder climates or off grid.
> --
> 77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
> Mid Michigan
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Another advantage of the portable tank; If you have a towd, you don't have to move your coach to fill when boon-docking.
--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
77 Palm Beach
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
77 Palm Beach
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS
I have two 20-pound bottles in the place of the old tank, done by a PO long
ago. It works fine for us and uncomplicates refills. I have a gas furnace
and refrigerator, and may someday add a gas water heater.
Rick “who fills the empty after switching tanks” Denney
On Thu, May 10, 2018 at 10:50 AM Ron and Carol Barkley <
> Has anyone replaced their propane tank with something smaller? Pros and
> cons. Thanks
>
> Ron Barkley
> 76 Eleganza
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
ago. It works fine for us and uncomplicates refills. I have a gas furnace
and refrigerator, and may someday add a gas water heater.
Rick “who fills the empty after switching tanks” Denney
On Thu, May 10, 2018 at 10:50 AM Ron and Carol Barkley <
> Has anyone replaced their propane tank with something smaller? Pros and
> cons. Thanks
>
> Ron Barkley
> 76 Eleganza
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
I replaced the "big enough to last forever" OEM tank in the X-BIrchaven 15
years ago with a 6 gallon tank. Since I removed the furnace 5 years before
that, I only have to refill the tank with about 4 gallons every 6 months or
so. The refrigerator is our biggest user, with occasional water heater
use. If I'd had a place to put it, I'd have used a 20# portable bottle,
but had no such space.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
years ago with a 6 gallon tank. Since I removed the furnace 5 years before
that, I only have to refill the tank with about 4 gallons every 6 months or
so. The refrigerator is our biggest user, with occasional water heater
use. If I'd had a place to put it, I'd have used a 20# portable bottle,
but had no such space.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, Troy-Bilt APU, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
Some tunnels have propane restrictions. Your install must be inspected and passed by the tunnel authority before using their tunnel. The Chesapeake
Bay tunnel and bridge complex comes to mind. There are others. A do it yourself install may not pass.
Yes, you might get away bypassing the inspection point, but it is your liability. The permanent GM OEM installation does pass.
Tom
--
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
Bay tunnel and bridge complex comes to mind. There are others. A do it yourself install may not pass.
Yes, you might get away bypassing the inspection point, but it is your liability. The permanent GM OEM installation does pass.
Tom
--
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
My OEM tank gets filled 1x a year (it is a 40# tank?). We mostly dry camp at festivals, furnace was removed we have a CAT heater, water heater is
turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
one full OEM tank?
Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
-kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
one full OEM tank?
Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
-kelly
--
1978 Kingsley
Putney VT
I don't know if this applies in all states and jurisdictions, but I do not
think that all bbq tanks are D.O.T. certified like our GMC tanks are. Some
places, no problem. Others, like tunnels, Ferries, bridges etc, big problem
for non certified tanks. Worth checking out before changing.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
> My OEM tank gets filled 1x a year (it is a 40# tank?). We mostly dry camp
> at festivals, furnace was removed we have a CAT heater, water heater is
> turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
>
> I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the
> old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
> one full OEM tank?
>
> Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
>
> -kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
think that all bbq tanks are D.O.T. certified like our GMC tanks are. Some
places, no problem. Others, like tunnels, Ferries, bridges etc, big problem
for non certified tanks. Worth checking out before changing.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
> My OEM tank gets filled 1x a year (it is a 40# tank?). We mostly dry camp
> at festivals, furnace was removed we have a CAT heater, water heater is
> turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
>
> I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the
> old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
> one full OEM tank?
>
> Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
>
> -kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
I'm trying to remember what tunnel I was going through out east.
Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn it off
and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to remove and
reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me because I do not know how they fill them.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn it off
and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to remove and
reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me because I do not know how they fill them.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
James
BarBQue tanks are DOT tanks. Our GMC tanks are ASME certified tanks. DOT tanks have to be inspected and recertified every few years. ASME tanks do not need recertification.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> I'm trying to remember what tunnel I was going through out east.
>
> Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
> one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn it off
> and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
> reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to remove and
> reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me because I do not know how they fill them.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
BarBQue tanks are DOT tanks. Our GMC tanks are ASME certified tanks. DOT tanks have to be inspected and recertified every few years. ASME tanks do not need recertification.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> I'm trying to remember what tunnel I was going through out east.
>
> Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
> one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn it off
> and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
> reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to remove and
> reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me because I do not know how they fill them.
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Kelly
Your propane tank in a 1978 Kingsley holds 62 pounds of propane — so it is three times bigger than a 20# barbque tank.
Emery Stora
>
> My OEM tank gets filled 1x a year (it is a 40# tank?). We mostly dry camp at festivals, furnace was removed we have a CAT heater, water heater is
> turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
>
> I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
> one full OEM tank?
>
> Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
>
> -kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Your propane tank in a 1978 Kingsley holds 62 pounds of propane — so it is three times bigger than a 20# barbque tank.
Emery Stora
>
> My OEM tank gets filled 1x a year (it is a 40# tank?). We mostly dry camp at festivals, furnace was removed we have a CAT heater, water heater is
> turned on/off as needed and the fridge just sips propane.
>
> I've been considering this too, though I just changed the regulator on the old tank. What's the weight difference for two full 20 pound tanks vs the
> one full OEM tank?
>
> Would love less weight behind the wheels and basement space.
>
> -kelly
> --
> 1978 Kingsley
> Putney VT
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Sorry Emery, I knew that. Just misquoted that. Always like to be explicit
when mechanical Engineers are concerned. I just screwed up.
Jim Hupy
> James
> BarBQue tanks are DOT tanks. Our GMC tanks are ASME certified tanks. DOT
> tanks have to be inspected and recertified every few years. ASME tanks do
> not need recertification.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
> >
> > I'm trying to remember what tunnel I was going through out east.
> >
> > Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a
> guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
> > one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I
> asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn
> it off
> > and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck
> and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
> > reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people
> pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to
> remove and
> > reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me
> because I do not know how they fill them.
> > --
> > Ken Burton - N9KB
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > Hebron, Indiana
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
when mechanical Engineers are concerned. I just screwed up.
Jim Hupy
> James
> BarBQue tanks are DOT tanks. Our GMC tanks are ASME certified tanks. DOT
> tanks have to be inspected and recertified every few years. ASME tanks do
> not need recertification.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
> >
> > I'm trying to remember what tunnel I was going through out east.
> >
> > Any way, I pulled over and went to shut off the valve at the tank and a
> guy drove up in a pick up. He identified himself as an inspector. He took
> > one look at my OEM tank and said "you are OK if it is turned off". I
> asked "what if it was a barbecue type tank?" He said "I'll have you turn
> it off
> > and remove it from the vehicle. Then I put it in the back of my truck
> and drive it through. I give it back to you on the other side and you can
> > reinstall it". He stated that his biggest problem is with people
> pulling travel trailers. At at least 1/2 of them have no clue how to
> remove and
> > reinstall their barbecue type tanks. That does not make sense to me
> because I do not know how they fill them.
> > --
> > Ken Burton - N9KB
> > 76 Palm Beach
> > Hebron, Indiana
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
Not all Royales. Our 78 center kitchen has its ASME big tank in the same place as where the genny is, only on the passenger side. Most that I have
seen have them there also.
Shot
Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
the forward facing dinette.
seen have them there also.
Shot
Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
the forward facing dinette.
Joihn
He said he had a 78 Kingsley — not a Royale.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> Not all Royales. Our 78 center kitchen has its ASME big tank in the same place as where the genny is, only on the passenger side. Most that I have
> seen have them there also.
> Shot
>
>
>
> Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
> the forward facing dinette.
He said he had a 78 Kingsley — not a Royale.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
> Not all Royales. Our 78 center kitchen has its ASME big tank in the same place as where the genny is, only on the passenger side. Most that I have
> seen have them there also.
> Shot
>
>
>
> Biggest pro would be having a bit more storage space for things. Again this depends on the layout of the coach. as the Royales have the tank under
> the forward facing dinette.
If you pull the old tank, I would hold on to it in case you ever change your mind. The last I looked a few years ago, I was not able to find a new
tank that has the capacity of the OEM one, so we just ended up refinishing the outside of our OEM one and it's as good as new.
--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
tank that has the capacity of the OEM one, so we just ended up refinishing the outside of our OEM one and it's as good as new.
--
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
The PO replaced the one on my coach with this:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5675-gmc-propane-tank.html
It works well and here in the Southwest, where we don't use the furnace much, it works well and will run the stove and fridge for a long time between
refills. It is a Manchester tank that must be filled vertically. I just take it out and take it down to U-Haul, or wherever, and get it filled when
necessary.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5675-gmc-propane-tank.html
It works well and here in the Southwest, where we don't use the furnace much, it works well and will run the stove and fridge for a long time between
refills. It is a Manchester tank that must be filled vertically. I just take it out and take it down to U-Haul, or wherever, and get it filled when
necessary.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
