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**moosetags** · 08-26-2007, 04:40 PM

I have been considering replacing Lucy's OEM steel 30# LP tanks with a Pair of new aluminum tanks. I am looking at the Worthington 40# tanks. What I'd like to do is polish them and run without a cover for a little more vintage look on a late model Safari. I realize that going to 40 pounders will increase my tongue weight, but the added capacity would be worth it.

I realize that this conversion will cost me about $500, but I think the look will be worth the price. Am I missing something from the technical end?

thecatsandi · 08-26-2007, 04:58 PM

Having upgraded from 30s to 40s with my Classic I can tell you what to look for.
The cover is too short but that is not really a problem. It will just sit a little high.

The threaded rod that hold the tanks in place is too short. It will have to be replaced.

You flex should be long enough. try it. the new tanks are about three inches taller. They are the same dameter.

The regulator will have to be relocated. There should be two sets of holes in your bracket.

If anyone is interested in upgrading from 20s to 30s I have a piar of 30s for sale!

gparker · 08-26-2007, 05:41 PM

I'll buy your tanks!!!!
I will PM you.
Greg

**azflycaster** · 08-26-2007, 05:54 PM

Do you really need that much propane. I go out every month for a 3 day weekend and only use around 30 pounds a year. Maybe because I do not use the furnace very much.

**moosetags** · 08-26-2007, 06:01 PM

When we were at Yellowstone and Glacier in May, we were using the furnace quite a bit. When it's near or below freezing the heat pump is weak. On our six week trip, we filled three 30# tanks. We are also considering a Yamaha Generator with a propane conversion, and could probably use the increased LP capacity.

**azflycaster** · 08-26-2007, 06:11 PM

If you run your furnace, it would make sense. When I switched from 30# steel to 30# aluminum the new tanks were a few inches taller. The verticle bar had an extra hole that was perfect for the new height. I also had to modify the bar across the top because the lip of the top of the tanks is different also. If you go 30# to 40# you will have to replace the verticle bar and maybe modify the propane line from the regulator to the trailer.

Once you polish the tanks, you will not want to put the cover on again. They are just too nice to look at.

thecatsandi · 08-26-2007, 07:15 PM

When it gets cold I was filling a 30# tank every three days. 40s I was down to once a week. I understand his rationale.

peegreen · 08-26-2007, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

When it gets cold I was filling a 30# tank every three days. 40s I was down to once a week. I understand his rationale.

So.... another 10# will increase the usable capicity an additional 4 days?

3Ms75Argosy · 08-26-2007, 08:00 PM

Hey, if anyone in the NW wants two 40#'s that just need new OPD's - REAL cheap, I'll let you know where they are. I passed on them this weekend, just too big for our needs.
Marc

thecatsandi · 08-26-2007, 08:35 PM

additional 20lbs of propane between two tanks. 30# lasted for about 3-4 days. additional 30% per tank that gets me to 6-7 days. I can go 10 days before I get worried. That is the Furnace and water heater going on propane.

peegreen · 08-26-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

additional 20lbs of propane between two tanks. 30# lasted for about 3-4 days. additional 30% per tank that gets me to 6-7 days. I can go 10 days before I get worried. That is the Furnace and water heater going on propane.

I'm still missing the math; how does 30% more propane double your time between refills?

thecatsandi · 08-26-2007, 09:01 PM

It is girl math. If I can save 20% at a sale then I can save 40% by spending twice as much.

I doesn't really double it. I can get two or more days from a single tank depending on the weather. Additionally i am not in as much of a hurry to get it filled since I have more reserve.

**moosetags** · 08-26-2007, 09:40 PM

Makes sense to me.

Tim A. · 08-26-2007, 09:43 PM

We spend much of September in West Yellowstone and I can attest to the rapid use of propane when the temperatures drop to well below freezing. Our two 30# tanks give us about the same time span for our 19' as thecatsandi indicates for her trailer. No, I have not done the area vs. volume calculation, but a longer trailer could easily need 40# tanks to make it so you do not think you need to fill a tank every couple of days. We switched to aluminum tanks (from Vintage Trailer Supply, of course) several years ago and, although not polished, they are a pleasure. Lighter and the top lip/handle area is much more friendly on the hands. The increased height of the Worthingtons made it necessary to fabricate a new retention bar.

peegreen · 08-26-2007, 09:43 PM

I like the idea of polishing the tanks and ditching the cover. Do you have to polish the tanks when they're new and never seen any propane? I imagine when the tank is empty, there's still residual gas that could pose a hazard. I'm not familiar with polishing the tanks, but I'm sure it involves more than hand polishing.

**azflycaster** · 08-26-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peegreen

I like the idea of polishing the tanks and ditching the cover. Do you have to polish the tanks when they're new and never seen any propane? I imagine when the tank is empty, there's still residual gas that could pose a hazard. I'm not familiar with polishing the tanks, but I'm sure it involves more than hand polishing.

It took me a couple of hours per tank to polish. I first sanded with very fine wet paper (440 and 600) to remove the marks they have from forming and to remove the splatter from the weld ing. I then used the stuff they sell at Lowes to polish diamond plated work boxes. It was all done by hand. I built a holder out of scrap plywood and some carpet to hold them while I polished. Picture one is a tank in the stand, pictuire two is one done and one the way it arrived at my house. I bought the tanks at VTS.

**moosetags** · 08-27-2007, 06:46 AM

Those look great. That's exactly the look that I had in mind.

peegreen · 08-27-2007, 09:58 AM

They really do look great. I would have never believed that they could be brought to such a high polish by hand. It looks as though a many step mechanical process had to be used. Good info.

ecgds · 08-30-2007, 08:36 PM

Hi,
I have two #40lbs tanks aluminum vertical, (used to be horizontal but someone that did not know what they where doing replaced valves with vertical style opd , prior to us purchasing them) . I need to sell them to have some money to purchase horizontal tanks. If you are interested let me know, I am in Texas and would ship them to you. Thanks,
Dorian hausermann@sbcglobal.net