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Old 08-18-2013, 09:45 PM   #1
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Can 20lb propane tanks be upgraded to 30lb?

We have a 2013 Solaire that came with 20lb tanks. We are thinking of upgrading to 30lb. tanks for greater convenience and capacity. Can we utilize the existing regulator that came with the trailer or do we have to upgrade it because of the capacity increase??

Thanks;

Lou
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Old 08-18-2013, 09:51 PM   #2
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Lou, you can use the same regulator. Just make sure you have the space for them.
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Old 08-18-2013, 09:53 PM   #3
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I don't know of any reason you can't go up to 30lb tanks as long as they fit on the trailer and don't interfere with other items on the trailer, but remember they'll be heavier and will add weight to the hitch.
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Old 08-18-2013, 10:49 PM   #4
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You might want to rethink the 30# tank being more convenient. When your 20# tank is empty, you can swap it for a full one at Walmart, the grocery store, lots of gas stations, etc. When you 30# tank is empty it can sometimes be difficult to find someplace to have it filled.

For extra capacity, I carry a third 20# tank in the truck bed as a spare.

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Old 08-18-2013, 11:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Great Horned Owl View Post
You might want to rethink the 30# tank being more convenient. When your 20# tank is empty, you can swap it for a full one at Walmart, the grocery store, lots of gas stations, etc. When you 30# tank is empty it can sometimes be difficult to find someplace to have it filled.

For extra capacity, I carry a third 20# tank in the truck bed as a spare.

Joel
Yep. Been there. Ran out with 30 lb tank. Could not find a refill on a Sunday. Walmart only had 20s. However, recently I saw some 30# tanks in a trade-in cage at a store but can not remember where it was. Good point to ponder.
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Old 08-19-2013, 10:55 AM   #6
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Guys, those "refill" tanks are ripping you off big-time. Last time I looked you were getting about 16 pounds in a 20# tank. (Yes, I know a tank is only filled to 80% full...that still supposed to be 20#s.) If you want to pay for convenience, that's certainly your choice, as long as you know you are REALLY paying.
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Old 08-19-2013, 11:36 AM   #7
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Guys, those "refill" tanks are ripping you off big-time. Last time I looked you were getting about 16 pounds in a 20# tank. (Yes, I know a tank is only filled to 80% full...that still supposed to be 20#s.) If you want to pay for convenience, that's certainly your choice, as long as you know you are REALLY paying.
Yes, but it is nice to have the option. I can remember more than one occasion, when I was using my class B with a refillable tank, being completely unable to find anyplace to have it filled. Once, when I was camped in Big Cypress National Preserve, I had to drive 45 miles to what they told me was tho only place in the county. A month later, I was camped in the Everglades National Park and needed propane again. The nearest place there was only 30 miles, but it was Sunday and they weren't open

With the 20# tanks I have now, I take them in to be filled when I can get to a place that fills them. When I have to, I swap them. I find that the flexibility is a big benefit. It is cheaper than a lot of spoiled food when the fridge quits running.

Joel
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Old 08-19-2013, 12:07 PM   #8
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Where I live, the local refill places charge more to refill an existing 20 lb tank than Lowe's charges to replace it for $17.99. Refill places are all over $21.00........

Go figure.
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Old 08-19-2013, 12:13 PM   #9
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I got my 20lb filled at 1 spot $14, filled another $17, and exchanged at another for $21. Not much on a 1 time basis, but over time it'll add up if you camp a lot. Refilling a tank is usually the cheapest.
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Old 08-19-2013, 12:28 PM   #10
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Where I live, the local refill places charge more to refill an existing 20 lb tank than Lowe's charges to replace it for $17.99. Refill places are all over $21.00........

Go figure.
Had you obtained the same amount of propane at Lowes, you would have paid $24. It was not cheaper. (And I'm not even considering the cost of you having to make that next trip to Lowes sooner because you ran out sooner.)
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Old 08-19-2013, 12:33 PM   #11
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Where I live, the local refill places charge more to refill an existing 20 lb tank than Lowe's charges to replace it for $17.99. Refill places are all over $21.00........

Go figure.
In some parts of the country, they are indeed all over, There are other areas where they almost don't exist. In some places, the local ordinances make it prohibitively expensive to open a propane filling station. I mentioned to the owner of one in Naples Florida how lucky he was not to have any competition. He responded that he wanted to move to a new location, half a mile away, but the permitting process would cost him $20,000.
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Old 08-19-2013, 02:02 PM   #12
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Remember if you change from 20 to 30 the slide out rack may not support the added weight of 30 lb bottles They may be to tall for excess door
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Old 08-19-2013, 09:00 PM   #13
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Thanks everyone for the good points of staying with the 20lb. tanks!

Lou
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