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Mx468 · 03-03-2019, 08:41 AM

Hi I have an opportunity to buy 2 never used 20# aluminum worthington lp tanks for $125 for both, is this a good deal? I plan on using them on my 1972, 23 ft Safari. I currently have 30# steel tanks on my airstream. How long do the 20 lb tanks usually last when boondocking? I know a loaded question and different answers for different scenarios. I'm thinking about 3 days of boondocking, using stove, oven, shower and fridge.

Adventure.AS · 03-03-2019, 09:07 AM

How long does your 30# tank last? A 20# tank will last about 2/3 as long.

daleyocum · 03-03-2019, 09:14 AM

Check the dates on the, as well. They need to be recertified every 12 years. This thread might help. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f287...on-115746.html

It’s a good deal to answer your first question if they are fairly current.

kenfconnor · 03-03-2019, 09:31 AM

I paid less than $10 recently to have mine recertified at the local propane dealer. $125 for 2 tanks is a good price.

kidjedi · 03-03-2019, 09:31 AM

Are your tanks bad? Just wondering why you'd switch from 30's to 20's. Perhaps because they're aluminum and not steel (which is a valid consideration). That's a good price for two aluminum tanks (if they're in good condition), but I personally prefer larger tanks.

kidjedi · 03-03-2019, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daleyocum

Check the dates on the, as well. They need to be recertified every 12 years. This thread might help. http://www.airforums.com/forums/f287...on-115746.html

It’s a good deal to answer your first question if they are fairly current.

Actually, every state has its own rules. here in Colorado it's 10 years after manufacture and every *five* years thereafter. But it's only around $10/tank to certify.

AlinCal · 03-03-2019, 09:45 AM

Carrying two 30# tanks for OUR typical 7-10 day summer camping trips is overkill, Now change that to winter time and you are glad they are there.
I used to wonder why AS trailers had so much propane capacity when you have such limited water, waste water and battery capacity, that was until we camped in cold weather and had to run the furnace.

Mx468 · 03-03-2019, 10:06 AM

The tanks are brand new never been used. Yes they’re aluminum and the 30’s I have now are steel. I plan on polishing the airstream this spring along with tanks. We only use the airstream during summer months. Thanks.

kidjedi · 03-03-2019, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlinCal

Carrying two 30# tanks for OUR typical 7-10 day summer camping trips is overkill, Now change that to winter time and you are glad they are there.
I used to wonder why AS trailers had so much propane capacity when you have such limited water, waste water and battery capacity, that was until we camped in cold weather and had to run the furnace.

It's not just about *one trip* though. I would hate to have to fill my tanks before *every* adventure.

AlinCal · 03-03-2019, 12:07 PM

It's not a one size fits all that's for sure, but carrying a month worth of gas seams more than enough for us.

AirMiles · 03-03-2019, 12:52 PM

I use 20# propane exchange tanks on my solar powered Airstream. I primarily dry camp and use propane for refrigeration, heat, hot water, cooking, and occasional AC and microwave use with my propane fueled generator. I believe a 20# tank lasts me for 10 to 14 days. I prefer to just stop at a Walmart for a $15 exchange tank rather than find a place to refill the tanks. Occasionally, I get the exchange tanks refilled if its convenient and fairly priced.

PKI · 03-03-2019, 01:37 PM

Sounds like a good deal and you can always transition back to the steel tanks if you are not happy with the 20's. Polished aluminum will look great. However, the aluminum tanks listed by on-line providers suggest that scratches and marks should be expected. Polishing may be a big job and some scratches may not buff out. Pat

Mx468 · 03-03-2019, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKI

Sounds like a good deal and you can always transition back to the steel tanks if you are not happy with the 20's. Polished aluminum will look great. However, the aluminum tanks listed by on-line providers suggest that scratches and marks should be expected. Polishing may be a big job and some scratches may not buff out. Pat

Yeah the ones I just got were still in the box never used no scratches. I Found them on Facebook marketplace. I think the manufactured dates on them are 2016.

suncoasteng · 03-04-2019, 06:36 PM

Yes, but how old are the aluminum tanks? Remember that all tanks now require a OPD, and some LP stations will no longer re-certify a tank that does not have one. In fact, with new DOT regs, many LP Gas vendors would rather sell you a new tank than run the risk of re-certifying your old tank.

Personally, I would just buy two new 30 lb cylinders and wax them with car polish wax once a year, you dont even need to buff the wax!

OPD Cylinder Valves. OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service. The OPD valve is simply a protective device that, as the name implies, prevents overfilling of a propane cylinder.

Here is latest info on DOT regs for LP tanks
http://www.propane101.com/consumerpropanecylinders.htm

AtomicNo13 · 03-04-2019, 08:22 PM

That's a good deal, I have #40 aluminum on my 34's... Couldn't live without the extra capacity.
Buy them, sell them and use the profit to buy #30 tanks. VTS has them, check out pricing there.

AtomicNo13 · 03-04-2019, 08:23 PM

FYI, those exchange tanks are not full... Only 15 pounds or so! Rip-off!

jamimes · 03-04-2019, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mx468

Yeah the ones I just got were still in the box never used no scratches. .

If you decide you don't want them, I'll take em for my lil trotter, being around the corner and all..

Jami

guskmg · 03-04-2019, 09:44 PM

On an exchange tank: do the math and you will see you are paying twice as much for propane than if you have them refilled yourself. Not only do they charge you more than a full refill would cost, but they only fill the tank partially. My ACE hardware will fill any 20# tank for $14.00. I've heard of less.
guskmg

Rhino33 · 03-05-2019, 01:46 PM

We have an old pair of aluminum 30# tanks which I was thinking of using for our 1966 Safari. Since these have the old style valves, I know we would need to have the valves updated to the new triangular ones and have them recertified. Has anyone had experience with the cost of switching out the valves?

kidjedi · 03-05-2019, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhino33

We have an old pair of aluminum 30# tanks which I was thinking of using for our 1966 Safari. Since these have the old style valves, I know we would need to have the valves updated to the new triangular ones and have them recertified. Has anyone had experience with the cost of switching out the valves?

Just did a post on this last week!

Don't know if these are the same "vintage valves" you have, but maybe the post will be helpful.
http://beahmstream.com/vintage-propane-tank-valves/