Trouble changing 30-pound tanks?

[david_reaves]

Am I the only one that has trouble removing and replacing the 30-pound propane tanks? My Windjammer has the enclosed tanks and it is almost impossible to manage the tanks. Getting the tank in full was a real pain since there's almost no clearance. The doors are much smaller than the tanks, so rotating and twisting without straining one's back is a key skill. I've been fighting the tanks for a couple of years.

Finally, yesterday I gave up. I replaced both tanks with shorter and lighter 20-lb tanks. I had to shorten the end of the threaded rod that holds the clamp and valve. I know I'm sacrificing a third of my previous capacity. I'm gaining the ability to get the tanks in and out easily as well as almost universal availability of a spare-- even when there's nowhere to refill a tank there will probably still be a tank exchange.

I'll get some pictures later today. I didn't think about it when I was actually changing tanks.

[JayArras]

I had the 30 pounders on my '00 Mallard. Without seeing pictures of what you are talking about with your particular trailer, I can't be of much help, but I didn't find it all that problematic. You make some good points about the universality of the 20 lb tanks, but with the 30 pounders, you may only have to swap them every couple of camping seasons, depending on how often you camp. In my case, maybe three years.

[wmtire]

You may have to find a lot of other uses to justify the $333 price, but this could be a possible answer. I liked it being used on the ice chest.

Propane Tank Lift | Herc-U-Lifts | LP Tank Lift Macon MO

[jeff64]

Not that big of deal. Once you get it loose, rotate the cutout in the top of the tank directly away from you and tilt it out

[5picker]

I suppose as we get older, the bear wrestling needed to get the 30 pounders in and out will get harder. It can be a chore for sure. For now, I just hitch the belt a notch tighter and grunt a lot!

[david_reaves]

Here are a couple of pictures. The first is of the tanks after install. The second shows the height of the old tanks and the (lack of) clearance. The only thing I didn't measure is the size of the door opening... it is much closer to the size of the 20-pound tank than the 30. This way I won't have to lift, turn, then twist the 50+ pounds of tank & propane.

I can see that some would still prefer the larger tanks. It does give more run time for the furnace or LP mode on the fridge. That would be especially important for boon-docking. We rarely stop where there isn't at least 30-amp service, so I think I'll be happy. We often use an electric space heater to knock a little of the chill off anyway.

I'm using the AP Products/Mopeka Tank Check/ sensors & monitor/app so I will be able to easily tell if I need to refill a tank before I run out. That should help preclude the problem of running out too soon because of the smaller tanks.

.

[raytwntrvlr]

I've got the exact same issue. Up to now we have only used one set of tanks per year. So I just have learned to wrestle with them.
One thing... I never worry about some thief making a quick grab and run... ain't happening with this setup.

[dwayneb236]

I wish I had a photo of my passenger side LP compartment. It's well protected. Got a fairly significant spider web built in there. I saw the spider once right before I ran away like a little girl. He or she was big. I'll have to take care of it before our trip in a week and half. But for now that side is secure.

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by dwayneb236

Got a fairly significant spider web built in there. I saw the spider once right before I ran away like a little girl. He or she was big. I'll have to take care of it before our trip in a week and half. But for now that side is secure.

In more ways than one!

[rsdata]

david_reaves...

if you are close to Cincinnati I would like to take those 30# tanks off your hands for a fair price...

[aceinspp]

I have no issues removing mine from my V-lite so do not know if the compartments between the two tt are different but don't believe so. Both tt come off the same assembly line. Later RJD

[SuicideSaints]

I always wondered how bad it was to remove tanks that are enclosed, then I was at the fill up station earlier this year and saw the smartest thing....

This guy pulled his RV right up to the fill up station and the attendant filled his tanks for him while they were still in the compartment.

Is there any issues with this, the guy said they do it all the time.

Im going to do this with my new xlr so I dont have to take them out.

[Handydc]

I have a 3001w windjammer. Tight but no problem getting the 30 lb thanks in or out. ???

[gectisme]

Originally Posted by wmtire

You may have to find a lot of other uses to justify the $333 price, but this could be a possible answer. I liked it being used on the ice chest.

Propane Tank Lift | Herc-U-Lifts | LP Tank Lift Macon MO

That device might be nice for lifting a heavy generator in and out of the truck bed too but still a little pricey.

The only issue I run into is remembering to lift the regulator and hold down bar before I install the tank, (if I refill both of them at the same time). I think I would rather have the extra capacity for now. I wonder if your doors are smaller?

[bshort]

I just drive up next to the filling station and have them filled where they are. No moving them big things for me. I'd find a place that can fill them where they sit.

[david_reaves]

RSData-- Central Texas. I'll probably sell them on Craigslist. If not, I'll just keep around to use with bottle-top heaters or as larger tank for my gas grill.

Dwayne-- I had black widow spiders in my storage building one year. You can bet that they encountered substantial pesticide!

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by bshort

I just drive up next to the filling station and have them filled where they are. No moving them big things for me. I'd find a place that can fill them where they sit.

Don't know what's worse....trying to jockey your trailer to accessible position for fill or removing the tanks. Some of those propane places don't make it easy.

[Keystoner]

Originally Posted by david_reaves

Am I the only one that has trouble removing and replacing the 30-pound propane tanks? My Windjammer has the enclosed tanks and it is almost impossible to manage the tanks. Getting the tank in full was a real pain since there's almost no clearance. The doors are much smaller than the tanks, so rotating and twisting without straining one's back is a key skill. I've been fighting the tanks for a couple of years.

Finally, yesterday I gave up. I replaced both tanks with shorter and lighter 20-lb tanks. I had to shorten the end of the threaded rod that holds the clamp and valve. I know I'm sacrificing a third of my previous capacity. I'm gaining the ability to get the tanks in and out easily as well as almost universal availability of a spare-- even when there's nowhere to refill a tank there will probably still be a tank exchange.

I'll get some pictures later today. I didn't think about it when I was actually changing tanks.

Another possibility might be Viking cylinders composite tanks. They weigh around half as much as a steel tank. https://vikingcylinders.com/shop/lifestyle/22-lb-vapor/
No I'm not affiliated with them but have used and like them.

[Harris85]

We are fortunate to have a place where you can just drive your trailer thru and have the tanks filled without having to remove them.

[CaptnJohn]

I'm 69 and broke my back in '68 so the 30#ers are a problem. The only help I've found is CW. One I can pull up to and have tanks filled without removal. The other location requires removal but will have someone remove and reinstall (I provide a nice tip here). The propane price is competitive with others in the area and they give a 20% discount on Tuesday and Wednesday. I'm generally in one of those once a year and always have at least 3/4 of 1 tank left.