ANYONE USE A FULL-SIZE (20lb) PROPANE TANK IN THEIR M100/M416 or 1/4-TON TRAILERS?

[General Automag]

We're considering installing a propane tank in our recently modified M416 trailer that we've modified for camping. There's not much room inside the 1/4-ton trailers, as you know, so we're looking for the best way to install a propane tank. We've seen smaller propane tanks installed on trailer "corners" and some on the tongue. There are some very neat propane tanks out there too such as the see-through tanks from Lite Cylinder http://litecylinder.com/, but they are expensive and cost as much to refill as does a 20lb. tank. Plus, it's sometimes difficult to find a business that refills propane tanks.

We all know that the 20lb. tanks are available almost everywhere. If you do have one of the smaller tanks, you have to find a business that will refill them, and then they usually charge the same price to fill them as you would pay for a 20lb. filled tank. (Now we all know that some stores are filling the 20lb. tanks to 15 and 14lbs. because of the rising price of all fossil fuels and our declining dollar (thanks Obama) in order to keep the retail price for a refill the same price for the consumer, but for the sake of this conversation, let's assume that we are buying a full 20lb. refill).

Is anyone using the 20lb. tanks? Where are you installing them? Here are some pictures of our setup. What would you recommend? If not, please post pictures of your "other than 20lb. tank" setup if you've had good experience with yours. Thanks

 

[Mark Harley]

I have a smaller tank hung on the tub, But was shocked when I was charged $18.00 to fill it.
I would go with the 20 pounder and set it into a milk crate for storage.

 

[Robert Bills]

I use a horizontal 12 lb. propane tank mounted on the trailer tongue. [A vintage ASME rated tank manufactured by Manchester Tank, found in a boat salvage yard in Southern California.] Prior to finding this tank, a 20 gal. BBQ tank rested in a low sided wooden box inside the trailer.

As for refilling - many gas stations have minimum charges for refilling cylinders. Tool rental yards that sell propane typically do not, nor do propane distributors. The last time I filled my 12 lb. horizontal tank I went to a U-Haul rental yard (corporate owned, not a contract outlet part of another business). There was no minimum charge, so I only paid for for the LP I actually received.

 

[hollaback55]

20 lb of propane is an awful lot of propane for the typical 3-7 day trip. Not sure if your planning on going out for more than that but I would think that a nice 10lb tank would be sufficient.

 

[I Leak Oil]

...depends on what he's running on propane no?

 

[/dev/ram]

You seem to have room for what I've used for years - a small frame on the tonque and a metal milk crate. Horrible pic below.

I had to take a small notch out of the lunette/landing leg casting. Welded some angle, drilled some holes to match the milk crate. Has been great for many many years.

I'm moving to a tongue box at some point (don't hold your breath) and am struggling with other locations myself.

Good luck, and nice trailer!

 

[ddog45]

I use a 5lb tank on my adventure trailer and it last a long time. I keep a scale in the garage and weigh it so I have a little bit of an idea how much lp is left. Usually the local propane guy laughs when I ask him how much to fill it up. Half the time its free.

 

[Titanpat57]

...depends on what he's running on propane no?

great point!...I actually ordered two more 10lb er's to use as "satellite" tanks....i.e...shower tent heater, stove, and leave the 20's for the gas tree that goes to the grill and lantern or the Buddy Heater in the tent.

 

[wingysataday]

The problem with the tongue box is that most of them will not fit a 20# tank. I have been dealing with the same crap. I want to put a battery and LP tank up front on my lifetime trailer but there is not much room there.

 

[Ca. Bowhunter]

I have used a full size bottle for years.


Randy