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Old 12-08-2013, 04:18 PM   #1
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Propane tank size????

Ok guys when I got my airstream it only had one original tank. I got another pair on Craig's but there smaller. What size is the big one and what size is the small pair? Thanks
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Old 12-08-2013, 04:23 PM   #2
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The small one is a referred to as a 20 lb.

The pair are 30 lb.

The large one is a 40 lb.

They should all be near the same diameter.





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Old 12-08-2013, 04:54 PM   #3
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I can't tell for sure from the photo, but the one 30 lb cylinder looks like it might have a non-OPD valve. You can tell the difference by looking at the shape of the valve.

OPD valves have a more triangle-shaped handle, like this one:



Non-OPD valves will have a different shape, often more like a star:



If your cylinders do not have OPD valves, then you should have them replaced; otherwise, you may have a tough time finding places to fill your cylinders. Take them to a full-service propane company to have it done. They'll order new valves to fit (based on the "DT" value on marked on the collar of the cylinder). Have the cylinders recertified at the same time if they need it.


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Old 12-08-2013, 05:13 PM   #4
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About used (or older) vertical LPG tanks: There is a manufacture date stamped into the collar on the tank. The tank can be refilled for 12 years from that date, then the tank must be recertified before it can be legally refilled. The cost and process varies between localities. In 2002, an additional requirement became law for an OPD valve to be installed on the tank before it could be refilled. The OPD valves have a unique 3 lobed non-removable handle that has OPD embossed on it and OPD is also embossed on the brass valve body. The old style valves can be replaced. Shop around as with many things, prices can vary.
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Old 12-08-2013, 07:06 PM   #5
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Thanks for the input guys. I would trade the pair a just bought for one of the taller ones so I have a pair of the bigger ones. If anybody knows of one somewhere.
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Old 12-10-2013, 09:41 PM   #6
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The 40# ones are unusual because they were only available as a (rarely ordered) option until fairly recently (late 1990s? not sure), when they became standard on some of the longer trailers.

You can get new ones from Vintage Trailer Supply and many other sources. They are expensive, especially the aluminum ones.
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Old 12-11-2013, 04:03 AM   #7
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Jammer

Thanks for the info. I don't like that word "expensive" but it and airstream seem to go hand in hand. Lol.
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Old 12-11-2013, 04:51 AM   #8
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I don't really consider the aluminum tanks expensive, it is one of those "you get what you pay for" situations. They will last a lifetime if you take decent care of them and still be looking good if you do.

FWIW my AS came with twin 30# and I have a set of 40# to use on it too.

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Old 12-11-2013, 05:24 AM   #9
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True. I love mine and I haven't even started the restore yet lol
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Old 12-11-2013, 05:38 AM   #10
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If you ever want to put a tank cover on them they are easier to find used for the 30lb. tanks than the 40 . I found a used 30lb. tank at a propane dealer here in Toledo . You may find what you are looking for if you check some dealers in your area .
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Old 12-11-2013, 06:07 AM   #11
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Keep in mind that many of the older aluminum tanks have a nice level gage on them but if you upgrade to an OPD valve you loose this level gage which in my mind is a much better safety feature than the idiot OPD valve. You can get new tanks from VTS that has two bungs in them. One for the level gage and another for the OPD valve. This is expensive but I like having the level gage. If you have the older tanks, you will have to loose the level gage to put the new OPD valves on. An aluminum tanks saves you about 7lbs in weight. The steel ones work fine if you have them behind a shroud.

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Old 12-11-2013, 09:06 AM   #12
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You know, if you do add equipment (e.g., a level measurement device) to a cylinder, it might not be a bad idea to inform your propane filler about it. Carefully weigh the new equipment before installing it, and then provide that additional weight to the filler.

Lynn

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Keep in mind that many of the older aluminum tanks have a nice level gage on them but if you upgrade to an OPD valve you loose this level gage which in my mind is a much better safety feature than the idiot OPD valve. You can get new tanks from VTS that has two bungs in them. One for the level gage and another for the OPD valve. This is expensive but I like having the level gage. If you have the older tanks, you will have to loose the level gage to put the new OPD valves on. An aluminum tanks saves you about 7lbs in weight. The steel ones work fine if you have them behind a shroud.

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Old 12-11-2013, 10:08 AM   #13
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I have a pair of 30s which is quite adequate for the amount of gas we use. 30 lbs equate to 25 lbs empty and 55 full. If you find it inconvenient to take your trailer in to refill and need to just take the tanks......55 lbs can be heavy to lift....I cannot imagine what the 40 weighs full.
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Old 12-11-2013, 12:34 PM   #14
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Since the 40 pound tanks have 10 more pounds of propane than the 30 pound tanks and the aluminum tanks are 7 pounds lighter than the steel tanks, it appears the loaded aluminum tanks are about 3 pounds heavier than the steel tanks.
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Old 12-11-2013, 12:45 PM   #15
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I have been told that on the newer tanks the way to tell the size of the tanks is the number of rings...
1 ring = 20 lbs
2 rings = 30 lbs
3 rings = 40 lbs
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Old 12-11-2013, 01:28 PM   #16
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In addition to the manufactured date stamped on the collar, there should be the empty (tare) weight of the tank as well as the full weight. The difference would be the capacity, e.g. 30#... If the supplier fills the tank by weight, they should be setting the scale to the full weight shown on the tank in order to shut off the pump when it reaches that weight. Some rarely see aluminum tanks and occasionally set the scale from memory for what the heavier steel tanks weigh, then the OPD kicks in so at least they can't in theory overfill the tank.

And yes, a full 30# aluminum tank weighs only a few pounds more than a full 20# steel tank. While they still have to be certified, they don't rust and should last a lifetime short of physical damage or theft.

I believe part of the dealer prep on new trailers is to install a large level centered below the front window. It's real handy when pulling up on ramps to know when the trailer is level side to side as it is visible through the rearview mirror over the 30# tanks. I've seen more than one trailer with the 40# tanks and since they come up to bottom of the window with the cover in place, the level is hidden behind them. If the trailer came from the factory with the 40s installed, it would have been better if they mounted the level on the front of the cover well above the jack.
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Old 12-14-2013, 08:44 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Uppie89 View Post
Thanks for the input guys. I would trade the pair a just bought for one of the taller ones so I have a pair of the bigger ones. If anybody knows of one somewhere.
Contact your local propane dealers. They often supply fresh tanks on an exchange basis, they should be happy to take yours in trade. This is probably the easiest solution, just swap your tanks for full ones.
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Old 01-02-2014, 08:34 PM   #18
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Thirty pound tanks hold ~ 7 gallons of propane. Whether they are aluminum or steel.
Your propane supplier should know the difference in the filled weights of the two types of tanks.
The weight is stamped on the handle ring.
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