Propane Tank Replacement?

[Hobdendw]

Has anyone with Aqua-Hot and a residential refrigerator considered replacing the 40+ gallon propane tank with a smaller (possible 5 Gl) tank?

[Algoma]

If you search previous threads you will find this has been discussed before.

[Hobdendw]

I typed in "propane tank" for keywords on the Alpine Forum and didn't seem to get anything helpful... therefore the question. But, I'll look again.
BTW - one reason I was looking for advice on this is because a recent RVSEF weighing shows we are a couple hundred pounds heavier on the drivers side front when compared to the passenger side.

[Algoma]

Sorry I can't find it either. May have been incidental to another topic. Can't help as I need all that propane but having looked at my tank I am not sure how you can remove it. There isn't enough clearance to slide it out sideways and to drop it you have to remove those Huck bolted brackets from the chassis. It's pretty heavy too!

[Old Scout]

Which do you have the barrel-shaped tank under the drivers seat or the elongated tank that goes across-wise in front of the basement? Algoma is correct--cant find the ref now but have heard of at least one of the elongated tanks being removed for the same reasons you suggested, mainly for weight and more storage.

[Hobdendw]

Thanks for the replies so far. I have the large, fat, barrel-shaped 40+ gallon tank that is situated right behind the drivers side tire.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by Hobdendw

Has anyone with Aqua-Hot and a residential refrigerator considered replacing the 40+ gallon propane tank with a smaller (possible 5 Gl) tank?
I have the fat, barrel-shaped 40+ gallon tank that is situated right behind the drivers side tire.

Hobdendw
Why not simply empty your existing 40 gal tank and have your propane supplier put only 5 gallons of propane in?

That will make your existing tank nearly 150 lbs lighter than if it were full.........(No expensive modification necessary)!

Mel
'96 Safari

[casper124]

David, I have seen the modification on a Apex with the "torpedo" propane tank having been removed. I also have the same tank on my Apex and plan to remove when time permits. It is situated crossways on the coach and once removed will allow for a good space for storage. I have researched replacement tanks that can be mounted back in place where the current tank is located and am thinking either a 5 or 7 gallon tank. I think there are pictures of modification can be found on Coin-Op's posting a few years back. Good luck.

Steve

[Coin-Op]

In 2009 Bobby & Scott removed the propane tank on my coach & enclosed that area for storage. A new 7 gal tank was installed in front of the drivers side jack. If I had it to do over I would remove the stove and replace it with a induction stove and eliminate the need for propane.

[Algoma]

Here is the link to that earlier thread.

[EngineerMike]

Huck bolts come of easily using a cutoff blade in a 4.5"angle grinder. Aim the cut to just leave the hex part on the frame. The Huck nut's internal spiral threads have a gap there so a close cut will separate the nut from bolt. If you leave more than~1/8" between hex & cut you will leave bolt threads captured in the nut; the threads gall as the machine tightens the bolt so is like a weld and is why they are one use only and permanent.

This is a good mod for anyone with Hydro Hot, as the rest of the propane use is minimal.

[casper124]

EM would that be similar to a close shave ?

[kraig]

I had the torpedo 40 gallon propane tank that the dealer filled when I bought it. That would last more than life time. All that is for is a three burner stove. After 4 years it was still full. I removed it with floor jacks. Left the brackets on the frame and removed the hangers with the tank. It was a little work to enclose the compartment. Re plumbed the black iron pipe to the passenger side next to the HWH compartment. Installed a low profile 2 1/2 gallon that fits perfect.

[casper124]

Kraig, would love to see pictures of refit if possible

Steve