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Old 11-16-2015, 11:20 AM   #1
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Lightbulb Boondocking Airstream: Upgrade to 40lb Tanks

This post isn't necessarily a thought experiment. Wife and I have been discussing this idea. So let me propose the idea here and feel free to leave your opinions. Open discussion.

We've only had hookups 3 times since going full time. The rest of the time, it's dry camping in a national park/national forest/blm or straight boondocking. As winter approaches, we're emptying our 30lb tanks at a slightly fast rate. I need to take an actual measurement, but it seems more than summer.

I'm thinking about replacing the two 30lb propane tanks on the tongue of my Airstream with 40lb aluminum tanks like come on the Classic.

Now, as to tongue weight. A few variables in play here. I don't have a spare tire or the carrier on the Airstream. Also, I will be removing my batteries next week off the tongue as well and installing lithiums inside that Airstream. So that is a bunch of weight off the front of the trailer.

I'm trying to think what modifications I might need to fit the 40lb tanks. Obviously I'd need a new cover.

This is something we might do after Christmas. Any thoughts?
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Old 11-16-2015, 11:43 AM   #2
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IIRC 40 lb tanks use a taller threaded rod which is 1/2" diam, not 3/8". 'Full service' hardware stores should have the "all-thread" rod.

The propane tank cover is quite expensive, like $700 plus. You could put a propane bottle rack in your pick up so you could securely carry a couple extra 30lb bottles. Run your outside grill or firepit off them in the summer time, so possible benefit beyond increasing your total lpg supply.
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Old 11-16-2015, 11:43 AM   #3
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Looking at vintage trailer supply the weight of an empty aluminum tank is about 21 lbs. Cost is about $220 plus $70 for a remote read gauge. Not sure if you have steel tanks now but a 40lb steel tank is 29lbs. Full weight for steel 40lbs is 70lbs vs about 55lbs for 30lb tank. Steel tanks are much cheaper and I don't think the weight savings are worth the cost. Only 30 to 35lbs extra weight is probably worth it.

However, a 40lb tank cover is about $700 at Airstreamsupply.com so that is a set back.

If you go that route and get a 40lb Airstream cover I would be interested in your 30lb propane tank cover. I damaged mine. Its still useable but it has some dings in it and the aluminum cross support is bent.

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Old 11-16-2015, 11:57 AM   #4
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Holy ___tards! I had looked at the propane tank costs, that seemed reasonable to me. But then unloading close to $700 for the cover. I guess this idea just priced itself into extinction. Probably not worth the extra 2-3 gallons per tank at the end of the day.

LP BOTTLE COVER 40 lb

We have steel tanks currently. Wish I had gauges for sure.

So I guess, Nevermind, forget I asked. LOL
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Old 11-16-2015, 11:57 AM   #5
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I would consider leaving the existing tanks in place and obtaining another one or two 30 pound steel tanks so you could swap them out as necessary and carry the spare tank(s) upright in the truck bed. This will reduce the initial cash outlay and not change the trailer dynamics.
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Old 11-16-2015, 12:07 PM   #6
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Not sure what you've done to approach the overuse problem from other angles, but have you optimized insulation in your trailer? You could fit Reflectix insulation over all the windows and skylight. Maybe put some insulation in the outside compartments under the subfloor? I stuffed some foam between the wall and my bed which helped cut down on drafts from the outside compartment.

That and looking into an extra tank you can carry in the truck is what I'd start with.
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Old 11-16-2015, 12:24 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ View Post
Not sure what you've done to approach the overuse problem from other angles, but have you optimized insulation in your trailer? You could fit Reflectix insulation over all the windows and skylight. Maybe put some insulation in the outside compartments under the subfloor? I stuffed some foam between the wall and my bed which helped cut down on drafts from the outside compartment.

That and looking into an extra tank you can carry in the truck is what I'd start with.
Done all that. We've been in the Mojave Desert for the last 3 weeks. The deal I am trying to avoid, is when propane is 2 hours away. Becuase that's how long it takes currently to fill a tank. This was just an idea for extended life in extreme boondocking. Hell gas is 56 minutes away.
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Old 11-16-2015, 01:02 PM   #8
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Little "backup" tank?

http://www.amazon.com/Viking-Cylinde...e+propane+tank
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Old 11-16-2015, 01:04 PM   #9
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Done all that. We've been in the Mojave Desert for the last 3 weeks. The deal I am trying to avoid, is when propane is 2 hours away. Becuase that's how long it takes currently to fill a tank. This was just an idea for extended life in extreme boondocking. Hell gas is 56 minutes away.
Figured, but thought I'd ask.

Maybe there are good boondocking spots closer to civilization? At least for the winter?
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Old 11-16-2015, 01:07 PM   #10
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Maybe there are good boondocking spots closer to civilization? At least for the winter?
LOL, there are. Also warmer climates. I want to try some cold weather boondocking to see how we do, get a real rundown of limitations, etc.

This idea, though, is out the window. The cost far exceeds the benefit.
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Old 11-16-2015, 01:35 PM   #11
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Just get a threaded rod to fit and a bit longer. The cover will fit over the tanks leaving a bit exposed at the bottom. Doesn't bother me a bit. It's what I have on mine. Previous owner obtained a pair of 40#ers and that 's what I run with. If it bothers you all that much then spring for the longer cover but I'm guessing you will live with it.
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Old 11-16-2015, 02:24 PM   #12
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Tow your airstream with a propane tank truck?

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Old 11-16-2015, 03:32 PM   #13
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You're only picking up 20 additional pounds of gas by the change out & at a tremendous expense. A spare 30lb tank in the bed of your truck makes a hellofalot more sense to me. You asked for opinions!
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Old 11-16-2015, 05:39 PM   #14
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X2 on an extra 30# cylinder that is what we do since we travel in cold conditions. We find having the third cylinder very convenient when needing to get one filled also.
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Old 11-17-2015, 05:27 AM   #15
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Id go with the forties and keep one of the thirties for a spare or reserve.
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Old 11-17-2015, 05:32 AM   #16
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Another far fetched idea may be mounting a horizontal mh lp tank in the back of the tv and use an extension hose. Safety?
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Old 11-17-2015, 06:54 AM   #17
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A rear ender could be a big bang experience with a propane tank at the back of the tow vehicle
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Old 11-17-2015, 07:10 AM   #18
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Just a thought....
Keep the tanks and cover you already have and get #40 extras for the back of your truck.
Use the cover and hardware to make a new tank cover. Saving most of the $700, after all it's a few radius bends, rivets, and fancy stickers. A good fab guy should be able to bend one for you quickly. Additionally you could always polish your new #40 tanks, omit the tank cover, and have something nice to look at!
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Old 11-17-2015, 09:27 AM   #19
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Boondocking Airstream: Upgrade to 40lb Tanks

The weight gain is a whopping 15# or less after the difference in tank weight and additional propane?
If our ancient 30# tanks ever fail inspection, I'd make the change to 40#s and add gauges and a cover while at it.
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Old 11-17-2015, 10:50 AM   #20
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I know Bold you're done with this upgrade option but I was just curious about your furnace use. We were going through our tanks pretty fast too and so we invested in the $250 wool blanket and wool socks to get us through the night; on the really cold nights we'd go intermittent on the furnace. We would wake up to 40 degrees in the trailer and seeing our breath in the air but a quick blast from the furnace warmed us up in 15 minutes or so. Maybe you're already doing this, so duh.

Of course, with two little ones to keep warm, I imagine it's a bit tougher.

Still, boondocking for three weeks in the desert deep into fall and in the face of winter is pretty awesome to me.
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