Swapping 20# for 30# propane tanks

[mzodarg]

So my 5er came with 2 20 # propane tanks, would like to swap them for 30#ers. I have 1 30 pound tank and put it in, It fits but the holding band won't snap and I had to remove the top retainer.

Just curious what others have done?

Mike

[cavie]

Originally Posted by mzodarg

So my 5er came with 2 20 # propane tanks, would like to swap them for 30#ers. I have 1 30 pound tank and put it in, It fits but the holding band won't snap and I had to remove the top retainer.

Just curious what others have done?

Mike

It's my understanding that all 5er's come with 30# tanks. Either way the diameter is the same. 30's are just taller.

[Kimber45]

how much propane do you burn? the cost of the tanks would never out weigh the added propane for me, I go a whole season on two tanks easy. 20's are nice because in a pinch you can exchange instead of fill.

[mjones12]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

how much propane do you burn? the cost of the tanks would never out weigh the added propane for me, I go a whole season on two tanks easy. 20's are nice because in a pinch you can exchange instead of fill.

And the 20s are so much lighter for us oldsters. I could hardly lift my full 30s up on the tongue.

[mzodarg]

Originally Posted by cavie

It's my understanding that all 5er's come with 30# tanks. Either way the diameter is the same. 30's are just taller.

Evidently your understanding is misguided. Several ppl I know have 20# tanks in their 5er, me included. Diameter must be different because the strap wont close. Hence my question...…………...

[mzodarg]

Originally Posted by Kimber45

how much propane do you burn? the cost of the tanks would never out weigh the added propane for me, I go a whole season on two tanks easy. 20's are nice because in a pinch you can exchange instead of fill.

You have a point on the exchange aspect, didn't think of that. I already have one tank and can get another one for about $45 from home depot. Currently we are living in the camper on the driveway while my house gets new tile. Its been cold. Yesterday the wind blew 50+ MPH all day and rained.

Thought it would be a good idea to up the size, but maybe not.

Mike

[Skip12]

My 36bhq has 20lb propane tanks. I was sure I'd change them immediately but it's been 14 months and I've still got 'em.

I carried 2 extra tanks when camping this early spring and refilled one or two every few days. Once it warms up, I'm sure I won't think about it again.

If I had free access to a 30#, I'd use it. Be sure the tank and the band are all perfectly straight before latching it down.

[Scrapper]

Originally Posted by mzodarg

You have a point on the exchange aspect, didn't think of that. I already have one tank and can get another one for about $45 from home depot. Currently we are living in the camper on the driveway while my house gets new tile. Its been cold. Yesterday the wind blew 50+ MPH all day and rained.

Thought it would be a good idea to up the size, but maybe not.

Mike

If I were to live in my RV while having a house built I would contact a local LP supplier and have one or two 100# tanks delivered and hooked up. Most suppliers will refund you for what you don't use when the house is finished.

[Iwritecode]

Mine came with 30# tanks. I haven't been able to get the straps back on either of them since I took them out to get refilled. It's like they shrink or something. I can get it hooked, but can't lock it down.

I'm on a permanent site so it's not a big deal for me but you are not alone with the straps not fitting back on.

Although on mine, there is also a bracket with a nut/bolt that goes through the handle at the top that keeps it from moving around as well.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by mzodarg

Evidently your understanding is misguided. Several ppl I know have 20# tanks in their 5er, me included. Diameter must be different because the strap wont close. Hence my question...…………...

Nope, a 20 Lb LP tank and a 30 Lb. LP tank are the SAME diameter @ 12.5".
A 20 Lb. tank is 18" high vs 24" for the 30 Lb. tank.

Maybe the strap placement on your 20 Lb. tank was so that it was on the upper or lower part of the flat sides and on the 30 Lb. tank it sits where the strap is on the center weld? I have no clue about you strap placement but it won't be shorter for a 30 Lb. tank.

As along as the strap doesn't hit the weld it should fit on a 30 just like it does on a 20.

If your two tanks sit next to each other, the retainer issue can be rectified with a longer threaded rod for the retainer/wingnut or an extension to the original with a short piece of threaded rod and a coupling nut.

[Boomerweps]

30# propane tanks are the same diameter as 20# tanks, just taller.
Do the retaining straps discussed go around the middle of the tank or the top flange?
My single 20# tank has a bolted together metal strap around its center and a nylon strap through the top flange. I plan on getting a 30# tank before doing long distance travel.

[JohnD10]

I'm wondering about the straps mentioned as well...

My 5'ver SOB (and the other RV's I've owned) have all been set up the same with 30-pound tanks.

This is my current tank setup:

[Iwritecode]

This isn't my picture but my setup looks like this. You can see the metal strap in the middle of the tank.

[cavie]

It's soo good to know I am not a miss guided sole. Well...……..Not totally anyway

[bgarbo]

Originally Posted by mzodarg

Evidently your understanding is misguided. Several ppl I know have 20# tanks in their 5er, me included. Diameter must be different because the strap wont close. Hence my question...…………...

I have a 23BDS and swapped my 20s for 30s, no problem. Picked up the bigger cover and all is well.

[FORKLIFMAN]

If the strap is on top, is the wing nut threaded to what looks like an all
thread bolt. Remove the bolt take it to hardware store, to match the threads. Buy a longer all thread bolt that will reach past the top of the tanks? Take a measurement be fore you remove it. Not sure if this is any help?

David

[wicked1]

I have 30#’s in my new 5th wheel I thought of going to 40’s but when I look at increasing The explosiveness of my 5th wheel it is not worth the danger and weight. Unless we camp in cold (hardly do once a year maybe) I can go a whole season on 2 of my 30# tanks for Over, Stove, HWH, Outside Grill

When my tanks expire maybe but I am ok with 30’s they are heavy enough

[TheWolfPaq82]

Bottom Line: How much do you use or need. Run out a lot ? Make a season or so before refills ? Choice is yours.

[SlowrideHD]

I never exchange propane tanks. The ones you get back in exchange are only filled to 75% capacity so you really get hosed on the cost.
I get my tanks refilled at the local U-Haul dealer. Cheapest place I've ever found and they only charge you for the amount they pump.

[dnicoll]

The Columbus 5er came with 3 x 20 lb tanks. Two tanks are mounted on a ‘drawer’ on the curb side, with a single tank on the driver’s side. When we looked at the trailer at an RV show, it was equipped with 4 x 20 lb tanks. There were drawers on both sides. Upon taking delivery, the trailer was equipped as noted above. We were informed that in some locals it was against the law to transport over 60 lbs of propane in portable tanks, thus the modification.
But, I have to admit, hoisting those smaller bottles in and out of the cabinets, that are three - four feet above the ground, is a lot easier than 30# would be!