Why 30 LP Tanks?

[Spartanguy]

Anyone have any idea why Airstream has gone to the 30’s on the Classics. Weren’t they previously 40lb? I wonder if they can be switched out to 40’s and still fit in the propane box.

[mikeinca]

I seem to recall posts complaining that the propane tank covers on the new Classics were not fitting properly. Maybe going to 30lb tanks is Airstream's solution to that problem.

[jeffb831]

It's probably because there is less demand for propane in the trailers. The refrigerator is now only 2-way (12V or 120V) and some people opt for the convection/microwave combo and delete the propane oven.

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by jeffb831

It's probably because there is less demand for propane in the trailers. The refrigerator is now only 2-way (12V or 120V) and some people opt for the convection/microwave combo and delete the propane oven.

Good thought.

I’m just thinking that Alde system has to eat propane and the 33 is for longer stays.

[jeffb831]

Originally Posted by Spartanguy

Good thought.

I’m just thinking that Alde system has to eat propane and the 33 is for longer stays.

I'm sure the Alde system uses a lot of energy but it is dual fuel and like you said, most of the users of these trailers are probably into longer stays. I'd venture that most of the longer stays for the are full service campgrounds where electricity is plentiful.

[azflycaster]

I have heard that there is a shortage of #40 tanks.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The aluminum 40 pound tanks with the gauges on them are a very unusual item. I doubt there are a lot of folks that make them. Finding them in short supply would not be a big surprise.

The gas oven seems to be on the "not there anymore" list along with the propane fridge. They may / may not have an induction setup for your fry pan. If not yet, probably next year. Propane fridge has been gone for a while.

Pretty quickly this does leave the furnace / hot water system as the only thing using propane on the trailer. As noted, if we are in somewhat cold weather ( = 20's or 30's at night ), we can go through more propane on the Alde in a week than all that other stuff burns in several months .....

Bob

[MaineStreamer]

30-pound propane tanks are standard on modern Airstreams, as opposed to 20-pound tanks on old Airstreams.

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

30-pound propane tanks are standard on modern Airstreams, as opposed to 20-pound tanks on old Airstreams.

My '77 Excella 500 31' had 40 lb. aluminum tanks and my '86 Sovereign 25' has 30 lb. aluminum tanks. Many of the older Airstreams that I have seen that had 20 lb. tanks were smaller models. I thought I would be disappointed in going from the 40 lb. to 30 lb. but I picked up a used 30 lb. aluminum tank and just swap them out when needed.

[10Smiles]

Our 2005 Classic has 40 pound aluminum tanks. I recently downloaded the new Classic brochure and noticed that they now come with 30 pound STEEL tanks. I understand that there is less use of propane with the mostly electric trailers, but steel tanks??

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by 10Smiles

Our 2005 Classic has 40 pound aluminum tanks. I recently downloaded the new Classic brochure and noticed that they now come with 30 pound STEEL tanks. I understand that there is less use of propane with the mostly electric trailers, but steel tanks??

Cost cutting, I would imagine.

[JCWDCW]

I’ve had 3 AS from ‘89 to 2012
All had original steel tanks
30 lb

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Anyone that wants my 40# tanks can have them for your 30# tanks plus a small fee. Who wants to be the highest bidder?

[10Smiles]

Originally Posted by JCWDCW

I’ve had 3 AS from ‘89 to 2012
All had original steel tanks
30 lb

Yes, but the Classics have always had aluminum tanks, to the best of my knowledge.

[crispyboy]

Out of curiosity if a person bought a new Airstream can you special order it with propane appliances? I really like the propane appliances and the flexibility they provide.

[Wazbro]

Originally Posted by crispyboy

Out of curiosity if a person bought a new Airstream can you special order it with propane appliances? I really like the propane appliances and the flexibility they provide.

Yes, some have option for propane oven or convection microwave. So far all the Airstream trailers do come with propane appliances, stove top, water heater and furnace at least. No option for propane fridge though.

[dmartinez]

Originally Posted by BigSxyWhtGuy

Anyone that wants my 40# tanks can have them for your 30# tanks plus a small fee. Who wants to be the highest bidder?

How tall are they?
Are they made of Aluminum?

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

Yes, some have option for propane oven or convection microwave. So far all the Airstream trailers do come with propane appliances, stove top, water heater and furnace at least. No option for propane fridge though.

Hi

That seems to be changing .... some models don't appear to come with propane based ovens anymore. If they don't, there is no option to put one in from the factory.

Of course, there are always custom things you can do on a DIY basis.

Bob

[Spartanguy]

Thanks, was curious how much the Alde uses. Looks like the 2023 will still have a gas oven, just a different style. The future is electric after all, I read that once in a Mid Century home magazine and it appears they were right ⚡️

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by MaineStreamer

30-pound propane tanks are standard on modern Airstreams, as opposed to 20-pound tanks on old Airstreams.

Discussing the 30 vs 40 switchback on the Classic for 2023.