Extend a stay systems

[vman60]

I'm not sure exactly how many gallons the main tank is on my coach and I have been thinking about adding another possibly 25 to 30 gallon tank on the coach. I have a huge storage space with a outside door in front of the main door or below the passanger side that would accomadate such a set up and is close to the other tank. Does anyone else have an extra tank mouted for a spare? And would the 25 to 30 gallon take be the right size. Also how do you post pics with your post? Thanks Tony

[KIX]

Tony, Some things you will need to consider before adding additional propane storage.

1. Permanently mounted tanks are regulated differently than portable tanks. You will need a DOT certified ASME tank for permanent mounting. A new one will not be cheap.
2. The tank itself in 25 -30 gallon capacity will weigh about 100 lbs. empty.
3. Tanks are rated (capacity wise) in w.c. (water capacity) and hold 80% of w.c. in propane capacity. I.e. 30 gal w.c. = 24 gal. propane capacity.
4. Propane weighs 4.24 lbs./gal. so, a 30 gal w.c. tank full of propane will weigh about 200 lbs.
5. Should you permanently mount a propane tank behind a door then the door must always be unlocked
6. Usually propane tanks are installed on the driver's side of the RV. You mention mounting another tank on the passenger side. Bear in mind that these two tanks will need to be refilled independently.

I've never mounted a tank on an RV but have mounted tanks on other vehicles for engine fuel. The mounting requirements and considerations are the same regardless of the use.

Someone else will have to tell you how to post a pic. If I tried to tell you I'd get you all screwed up.

[vman60]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX Tony, Some things you will need to consider before adding additional propane storage. 1. Permanently mounted tanks are regulated differently than portable tanks. You will need a DOT certified ASME tank for permanent mounting. A new one will not be cheap. 2. The tank itself in 25 -30 gallon capacity will weigh about 100 lbs. empty. 3. Tanks are rated (capacity wise) in w.c. (water capacity) and hold 80% of w.c. in propane capacity. I.e. 30 gal w.c. = 24 gal. propane capacity. 4. Propane weighs 4.24 lbs./gal. so, a 30 gal w.c. tank full of propane will weigh about 200 lbs. 5. Should you permanently mount a propane tank behind a door then the door must always be unlocked 6. Usually propane tanks are installed on the driver's side of the RV. You mention mounting another tank on the passenger side. Bear in mind that these two tanks will need to be refilled independently. I've never mounted a tank on an RV but have mounted tanks on other vehicles for engine fuel. The mounting requirements and considerations are the same regardless of the use. Someone else will have to tell you how to post a pic. If I tried to tell you I'd get you all screwed up.

My original mounted tank is on the passenger side right behind the 1st door and next to steps. There is a small door right there and thats where it is at. I figured with the storage compartment right behind the front passsenger wheel is huge and would be really close to mount another tank with the hose's. I can have a couple of brackets made up that would secure the tank, but I didn't exactly know how much it would all weigh. This coach has more storage than I could ever fill. Heck I could live in this thing. But was considering if I use the propane for a long trip to cool the fridge and then there's the stove and hot water heater, you could go through a tank in no time is my thinking. It might be a 30 gallon original tank on it already i am not sure.

[KIX]

The tanks being on the same side does make it easier. There will be a data plate welded onto your existing tank that will have the capacity info on it.
Propane appliances are rated in BTU's per hour of operation (don't forget that water heaters cycle). A gallon of propane has about 95,000 BTU's. Knowing this you can calculate how long your existing tank capacity would last and then determine the benefits of adding another tank considering the expense of adding it.

[vman60]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX The tanks being on the same side does make it easier. There will be a data plate welded onto your existing tank that will have the capacity info on it. Propane appliances are rated in BTU's per hour of operation (don't forget that water heaters cycle). A gallon of propane has about 95,000 BTU's. Knowing this you can calculate how long your existing tank capacity would last and then determine the benefits of adding another tank considering the expense of adding it.

wOW! That is most impressive information. Thank you. I was told the fridge doesn't really use that much propane. But I guess considering when I get to where ever I can always plug in and switch to electric. Thanks for the info.

[KIX]

You're welcome.
I'm thinking the cost-benefit of adding another propane tank will just not work out for you. But, good luck whatever you decide.

[wa8yxm]

Gee, to the one poster.. On my rig both the single gasoline cap and the propane tank are on the curb (passenger) side. (Different locations for different RV's I guess)

Since I've not really inspected all that many, I do not know how "normal" one side or another is.

I do have an extend-a-stay and a 20 pounder for when I need it. That 20 pounder sits on the ground though, not a mounted tank.

[vman60]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm Gee, to the one poster.. On my rig both the single gasoline cap and the propane tank are on the curb (passenger) side. (Different locations for different RV's I guess) Since I've not really inspected all that many, I do not know how "normal" one side or another is. I do have an extend-a-stay and a 20 pounder for when I need it. That 20 pounder sits on the ground though, not a mounted tank.

I have thought of that also, but knowing me and my friends I would probably end up killing myself stumbling over something laying on the ground lol. I was concerned if I take off for a couple of weeks, like going to sturgis in aug I would run out. Thats why I was thinking of a different system.

[Guy an a dog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vman60 Also how do you post pics with your post? Thanks Tony

I use these guys to host my pics Use - Free image hosting and photo sharing from Use.com and they give me the HTML(I belive) to post. It's all free and simple to use.

[Senior Chief]

Summertime, cooking and running the fridge on propane doesn't use a lot of LP. If you want to conserve a little, learn to turn your hot water heater on only 15or 20 minutes before you want to take a shower or wash dishes, and then turn it off.

Your big tank should last many weeks this way; of course, if you need to run the furnace or you leave the W/H on 24/7, you'll burn through quite a bit more.

I would think it more economical to invest $75 in an Extend-a-Stay set up if you think you need more capacity. And it's pretty easy to get a refill on the main tank, too, no matter where you camp .

[whem2fish]

when i was fulltiming by myself i didnt use the heater i could go 3 months without refilling if you have to i vote on extendastay

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vman60 I was concerned if I take off for a couple of weeks, like going to sturgis in aug I would run out. Thats why I was thinking of a different system.

If you can go through 25 gallons of propane in 2 weeks (My main tank holds 27) you either like your living quarters at 90 degrees, or have a serious leak.

I will fill my tanks day after tomorrow (I put 2 gallons in 3 weeks ago, Just 2 gallons) and I will fill them again long about September (NOT that they need it but the lowest propane price in the eastern US is a few miles from where I'm parked just now and that's where I'll fill) Then I'll drive down to Georgia, and back to South Carolina for the winter.. We do use electric heat as much as possible but still I"ll fill up once over the winter in SC.. Then I'll fill again in the spring when I get back to Parker's low price propane.

[Billieg]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX Tony, Some things you will need to consider before adding additional propane storage. 1. Permanently mounted tanks are regulated differently than portable tanks. You will need a DOT certified ASME tank for permanent mounting. A new one will not be cheap. 2. The tank itself in 25 -30 gallon capacity will weigh about 100 lbs. empty. 3. Tanks are rated (capacity wise) in w.c. (water capacity) and hold 80% of w.c. in propane capacity. I.e. 30 gal w.c. = 24 gal. propane capacity. 4. Propane weighs 4.24 lbs./gal. so, a 30 gal w.c. tank full of propane will weigh about 200 lbs. 5. Should you permanently mount a propane tank behind a door then the door must always be unlocked 6. Usually propane tanks are installed on the driver's side of the RV. You mention mounting another tank on the passenger side. Bear in mind that these two tanks will need to be refilled independently.

1: Forgive me here if I'm wrong but my gas grill uses a 25 Lb gas tank and it doesn't weigh near 200 Lbs filled. I can pick it up with one hand. Maybe 50 Lbs.

2: TT's use portable tanks all the time and they are mounted on the tounge so what "special" DOT certified ASME tank are you talking about?

3: The tank in a class a is usually mounted on the side of the stove so not all tanks are mounted on the passenger side.

[ga traveler]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX Tony, Some things you will need to consider before adding additional propane storage. 1. Permanently mounted tanks are regulated differently than portable tanks. You will need a DOT certified ASME tank for permanent mounting. A new one will not be cheap. 2. The tank itself in 25 -30 gallon capacity will weigh about 100 lbs. empty. 3. Tanks are rated (capacity wise) in w.c. (water capacity) and hold 80% of w.c. in propane capacity. I.e. 30 gal w.c. = 24 gal. propane capacity. 4. Propane weighs 4.24 lbs./gal. so, a 30 gal w.c. tank full of propane will weigh about 200 lbs. 5. Should you permanently mount a propane tank behind a door then the door must always be unlocked 6. Usually propane tanks are installed on the driver's side of the RV. You mention mounting another tank on the passenger side. Bear in mind that these two tanks will need to be refilled independently. I've never mounted a tank on an RV but have mounted tanks on other vehicles for engine fuel. The mounting requirements and considerations are the same regardless of the use. Someone else will have to tell you how to post a pic. If I tried to tell you I'd get you all screwed up.

Good information except #6 Tanks do not have a certain side to be mounted on. They are placed by the manuf. on the lightest side. I have seen just as many left as right and vice versa.