True, plus some propane dealers have a minimum charge. I can remember dealers who charged the same price to fill a half empty 20 pounder as they charged for empty one. And this was for a refill, not an exchange. If you hit these minimum sale dealers for a refill, the economics of filling the smaller 5 or 10 pounders is moot. If you aren't pushed for storage space, the 20 pounder can save you a few bucks at times.
Propane 20lb or 5lb, or.. what?
- Thread starter alosix
- Start date
True, plus some propane dealers have a minimum charge. I can remember dealers who charged the same price to fill a half empty 20 pounder as they charged for empty one. And this was for a refill, not an exchange. If you hit these minimum sale dealers for a refill, the economics of filling the smaller 5 or 10 pounders is moot. If you aren't pushed for storage space, the 20 pounder can save you a few bucks at times.
alosix
Expedition Leader
I've run into this as well. I used to use a 30 pounder to heat my garage.
Most places only seemed to be able to charge in 20lb increments.
I'm thinking I'll build for a 20, use one of the composite ones most of the time, but not be afraid to do a swap if I'm hard up for some propane.
I doubt they'll swap for a composite tank tho...
I wouldn't dare swap a nice light composite tank for a heavy steel one.
rusty_tlc
Explorer
The minimum charge thing tends to be at U-Haul and filling stations around here. I get around it by filling all my tanks at the same time, we keep at least two 20# full all the time for our grill and my garage heater.
The real propane company (the company that fills the bulk tanks at U-Haul et al and makes residential deliveries) has never charged a minimum. In fact they have a frequent filler card, fill five tanks and get one free.
We have a 10# tank for camping, it replaced the 5# tank when it hit it's expiration date. The 5# had been plenty for us but perversely tanks cost more the smaller they are. 10# wasn't that much bigger in dimension and it cost a lot less than the 5# tank.
The real propane company (the company that fills the bulk tanks at U-Haul et al and makes residential deliveries) has never charged a minimum. In fact they have a frequent filler card, fill five tanks and get one free.
We have a 10# tank for camping, it replaced the 5# tank when it hit it's expiration date. The 5# had been plenty for us but perversely tanks cost more the smaller they are. 10# wasn't that much bigger in dimension and it cost a lot less than the 5# tank.
Superu
Explorer
Notes on the 33lb. units
Suitable for use only with engines designed to use LPG (Liquid Propane Gas). Such as a forklift or vehicle’s that are designed to operate using LP gas. (Not suitable for use with barbecues or any simple burner application)
That said, I do like the 10 lb.
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
alosix
Expedition Leader
Ah, not what I was thinking.
Stow the composite empty (light) and grab a swap tank from depot.
Would only be if I was desperate.
Jason
07 Elephant
Adventurer
Notes on the 33lb. units
Suitable for use only with engines designed to use LPG (Liquid Propane Gas). Such as a forklift or vehicle's that are designed to operate using LP gas. (Not suitable for use with barbecues or any simple burner application)
That said, I do like the 10 lb.
I didn't catch the qulification for the 33lb. Good to know. Probably too much lp anyway. I'm used to the 20lb size so before my next trip I hope to have one of these and save some weight. There is a refil place close by the house and they just charges by the pound. The exchanges are getting more and more expensive too.
The 10lb is very nice as well.
gasman
Adventurer
hey guys ive been watching this thread as i am trying to decide what size tank to mount on my trailer as well .. soooo.. i stopped out at my cousins propane co. to see what knid of deal they would give me.. what i was lookin for was the 10 pounder.. no problem .. but.... when i asked bout mounting hardware.. it turns out that mounting a propane tank on the '' outside '' of the trailer is not '' legal '' .. the tank must be mounted inside the frame rails . so on the sides or on the fenders is a no no.. my question is . i see a lot of trailers here with tanks mounted everywhere .. have any of you been stopped or ticketed.. or is it legal in the states .. to be legal i need to put my tank on the tounge.. and if this has been covered elsewhere .. just tell me to shut up now.....
Hilldweller
SE Expedition Society
I would think it must be legal if Martyn/Mario/Outlander do it...
My trailer got its registration with tanks on it; I had to provide a photo at the dmv for them to classify it too...
James86004
Expedition Leader
I just got my two five pound cylinders refilled for the first time. They could barely get any propane into the one hooked to the stove. This was after 5 days of cooking breakfasts and suppers. The one we had hooked to our Mr Heater Portable Buddy heater was almost empty, but it ran for 12 hours on high and several more on low. We usually don't choose campsites that are that cold!
So, for normal use, I anticipate these two cylinders will be more than enough for a two week trip. YUMV (Your Usage May Vary).
So, for normal use, I anticipate these two cylinders will be more than enough for a two week trip. YUMV (Your Usage May Vary).
007
Explorer
Agreed, I camp for two weeks each year during the hunting season in Montana. Lows tend to average about 10F (-12C) I don't use more than 10 lbs to cook and run a heater for my tent.
I like the idea of the see through tank for piece of mind, I am scarce for room so I must pack accordingly.
xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Ok, I got a stove and need some LP cylinders. What size would I need for 1 week of camping cooking 2 meals a day, showers, and lighting. I checked my local gas company and they have (impressive showroom) 10lb and 5lb tanks for $49ea. AL will cost me $100 and composite well you can guess. I can get composite online for $99-$150 depending on model. I think AT makes a mount for the 10lb metal tanks + for mounting to a trailer. Thoughts?
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xcmountain80
Expedition Leader
Hello?
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