Community Forums

Ricker991 · 01-10-2023, 03:12 PM

Just wondering if anyone with a travel trailer has replaced the 20 pound propane tanks with 30 pound ones? We are considering it but want to hear some pros or cons from anyone that has done it.

I know that there will some additional weight but that is not an issue for us. We use the trailer about 90 nights a year but rarely in the super cold weather.

Just thinking about ease of refilling etc

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Old-Biscuit · 01-10-2023, 03:31 PM

Few things to consider:

Taller mounting/hold down bracket
Relocate Regulator
Might need longer Pigtail Hoses to go from Cylinders to Reg location
Cover --- 30# taller so 20# cover will not fit

parcany2 · 01-10-2023, 07:21 PM

Did this change over on my trailer. Did not have to change pigtails, [old ones were long enough] did have to change the all thread rod and the tank cover. That was it. About 15 minutes and things were changed. That gave us about 6 more gallons of propane.

Berryfarmer · 01-10-2023, 07:30 PM

I remember when most travel trailers came standard with 30 pound propane tanks.

twinboat · 01-11-2023, 03:04 AM

20 lb tanks are easier to manage.

Lighter, cheaper to replace and exchangeable if outdated or the only choice around.

Nobody exchanges 30 lb tanks and you need to get them tested routinely. Replacements are costly.

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BirchyBoy · 01-11-2023, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

20 lb tanks are easier to manage.

Lighter, cheaper to replace and exchangeable if outdated or the only choice around.

Nobody exchanges 30 lb tanks and you need to get them tested routinely. Replacements are costly.

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I’ll agree with with everything except the testing. Ours aren’t tested any more than needed for the DOT certification which is 10 or 12 years.

Nwcid · 01-11-2023, 06:58 AM

What exactly are you trying to gain? I know you will gain 1/3 more capacity in propane, but is that a need?

I have had units with 2 x 20lb, 2 x 30lb and 1 x 5lb + 1 x 40lb. All had pro's and cons.

2 x 20lb was easy to manage, easy to fill or exchange (if needed) and was easy to use with other items like BBQ and weed burner. I had several tanks. The only downside is I always carried at least 1 spare since we did camp in cold weather with that RV and used a lot of propane. One time we used almost a full 20lb bottle overnight. We were trying to make it home and road conditions did not allow. It was 1°F when we stopped and I am not sure how cold it got.

My current unit uses 2 x 30lb and seems to be a good balance capacity and easy of handling. I will say that you know when a 30lb tank is full.

During times with no heater use a 30lb tank lasts us about 2.5 weeks. This is for fridge, water heater and stove use. When the auto switch trips that is plenty of time to plan/prepare to refill.

TravelSolo · 01-11-2023, 11:52 AM

I don't exchange, I get refilled, even my 20lb that I use for my grill and generator when not with my trailer, which uses 30lb tanks

I have yet to not be able to find a place to refill. Plus refilling gets you a little more full than an exchange from what I hear. So I don't think exchanging is a factor

twinboat · 01-11-2023, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravelSolo

I don't exchange, I get refilled, even my 20lb that I use for my grill and generator when not with my trailer, which uses 30lb tanks

I have yet to not be able to find a place to refill. Plus refilling gets you a little more full than an exchange from what I hear. So I don't think exchanging is a factor

Exchanging is a factor when your tank needs recertification. Exchange is easier.

Your correct, exchange tanks are only 3/4 full.

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TravelSolo · 01-11-2023, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twinboat

Exchanging is a factor when your tank needs recertification. Exchange is easier.

Your correct, exchange tanks are only 3/4 full.

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But once every 5-12 years does not seem like it offsets the benefits of refills over exchanging

Old-Biscuit · 01-11-2023, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravelSolo

But once every 5-12 years does not seem like it offsets the benefits of refills over exchanging

Exchange when cylinder needs certification
In between take it for refills

TravelSolo · 01-11-2023, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old-Biscuit

Exchange when cylinder needs certification
In between take it for refills

Exactly or just get it recertified depending on costs or time restraints at the time.

Glenn and Kathy · 01-11-2023, 01:53 PM

Why is recertifying such a big deal, I have had two tanks done recently in two different states and in both cases it took less than a minute and cost $5. Now I ain't sayin' they were done properly, but they were done, and I didn't lose the money I would have lost exchanging them.

Glenn

Old-Biscuit · 01-11-2023, 03:10 PM

Blue Rhino Exchange...........
20# cylinder only filled to 15#
Propane weighs 4.2# per gallon so Blue Rhino is 1.2 gallons shy

How much does a gallon of propane cost vs Recertification cost??

I have gotten FREE recert with refill on my 30# several years ago

I have seen quotes of $5 up to $35 to recertify ---5 yr visual inspection

Depending on propane pricing or recert pricing Exchange for 20# (15#) might be worth while
One thing for sure it is EASY

The only time I would consider Exchange is when recerts were needed........otherwise refill for full 20# (4.7 gallons)