Retrofit 30lb tanks to 20lb Experience

[The Colonel]

Has anyone changed from the dual 30lb tanks to 20? If so, what is needed to go down to that size, just the center rod? The reason I'm thinking about this is my age and back. It's tough lugging them around for refills. I'm not interested in other options. If you have done this, please let me know what is needed. Thanks.

[eubank]

That's one route, and it will indeed help. If you currently have steel tanks, another route is to change them out for aluminum ones of the same size. They're a LOT lighter.
Lynn

[Wazbro]

You could get a pipe to go between the hold down piece and the cover and nut.

[bweybright]

A good point, it is not just the tank hold down, but how the cover is dependent on the 30 lb tanks. Unless you want to lose the cover and go plastic or naked???? The current cover on your model has the cover on top of the tank hold down.....so going shorter means the cover will bounce around, if I envision it right from my trailer.
Best of luck figuring it out....
From past life I have found propane distributors who can fill on your unit....i.e. motorhomes? Maybe keep you tanks and find a place to fill while on your trailer?
Feeling my age I am with you....

[Foiled Again]

I feel your pain - literally. I have a birthday coming up and am going to give myself two 30 gallon aluminum tanks, polish them, and jettison the cover! I'll keep the steel tanks in the shed and have them filled to 20 lbs because I always run dry at 3:00 am or on a holiday.
As far as refills there are options:
when traveling use truck stops, (and wear a sling or have crutches... and TIP the gas passer with cash)
You could ask your gas passer to only put 20 lbs in your 30 lb tanks, and buy 1 spare.
Ask the campground.if they have a.pickup and deliver service - it is usually a big premium, but cheaper than prescription muscle relaxers [emoji854].
I am at a seasonal.campground. Some folks here have 250 lb tanks and get commercial delivery. I should.call and see if they would top off my small tanks during a regular delivery if I open an account.


K

[greghoro]

I switched from 30 to 20 lb tanks.

Replaced the center rod with a fully threaded rod of the same length to accommodate cover hold down. Factory rod not threaded enough to drop the regulator down to match the height of the shorter tanks. Or use a die to extend threading to the existing rod. Will also need another wing nut for lower tank hold down (I use a nut). Note, there will be additional slack in the hose going from the regulator to the trailer you will have to deal with.

Going to a 30 lb aluminum tank will only shave a bit less than 7 lb, according to Worthington (16.5 tare vs 23.3)


Greg

[greghoro]

[greghoro]

Another advantage of 20 lb tanks is the proliferation of tank exchange locations, especially when not near a refiller or they are closed.

Be aware, tank exchanges short fill their tanks for “safety” purposes and make sure you are not getting one close to expiration.

Tare weight for a 20 lb steel tank is the same as a 30 lb aluminum and the steel tank is much cheaper.

Greg

[Glenritas]

When I rebuilt my 1969 25’ Airstream I removed the entire propane system lines and all . I never got around to replacing it .

My water heater has an electric heating element along with the propane burner, the electric heating element works great and keeps us in hot water .

I was going to install a new furnace but instead just use a ceramic cube electric heater it keeps us warm even when the outside temperature drops into the high 30’s .
Of course we only go to full hook up sites … after all we’re Glampers !

We do have a 10# propane bottle for the BBQ & fire pit .

We of course have a microwave and crockpot and electric skillet and toaster oven .

My point being if your water heater has an electric element use it instead of propane same for the refer and think electric heating when at full hook up’s your propane will last for a year or more that way and you might even get down to 1 20# tank .

[Steamy1]

One suggestion if you want to save weight and it does not necessitate changing the tanks, is just ask them not to fill the 30 lb. tank. Only fill 1/2 to 2/3 full. This will save a little over 4 lbs. per gallon per tank that you don't fill.