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Old 04-03-2022, 08:32 AM   #1
Todd & Mary
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40 gal. Propane tanks?

Is there any reason I cannot/should not replace both 30 gallon tanks with 40 gallon. We are planning on boondocking quite a bit after I retire and would like more storage. Weight of a 40 gal. tank is not a issue for me.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
 
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Old 04-03-2022, 09:30 AM   #2
rohrmann
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I think you are actually talking about 30 pound and 40 pound tanks. You would need a small crane to lift 30 and 40 gallon tanks.
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Old 04-03-2022, 09:38 AM   #3
PNW Fireguy
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The added weight while lifting and handling was my only concern. As you stated it was not an issue for me either. Sold the Monty with the 40lb tanks. Our SOB came with 40 lb tanks.
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Old 04-03-2022, 10:33 AM   #4
Montana Man
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A 40 lb. aluminum tank will save about 10 lbs. over a steel tank.
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Old 04-03-2022, 11:11 AM   #5
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I'm running a 40 on my passenger side and when I get to it will change out the driver's side. From posts I've seen, I might have to raise or move over the propane regulator to get the 40 to fit, but they will fit.
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Old 04-03-2022, 12:00 PM   #6
Daryles
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Our last dry camping 10 days on Ocracoke Island we ran out of propane 2 days before we were to leave. We have two 30lb tanks. One was full at the start one had 60% (Mopeka tank sensors are great). With the RV fridge in propane mode and using propane cooking we averaged 10% per day.
Water and temperatures were very mild. No furnace needed for the first 7 days. The last three days we had non stop rain and COLD!!! Solar panels did not work (no sun). We have a DC-DC charger. Ran the truck twice a day to charge the batteries.
We had to run the furnace occasionally during the day and often at night. We completely drained the propane tanks.
There is nowhere on Ocracoke Island to refill the tanks. We had to buy a BBQ grill 20lb tank to get us past the last two days. It's now a spare.

A 40lb tank will fit. It will be heavy to lift. Some one mentioned a long time ago about making a lift (pulley system??) To get the 40lb tank in and out.

Propane tanks
30# specs:
7.1 Gal
12.125 inches diameter
23.687 inches tall
25.4 pounds tare weight

40# specs:
9.4 gal
12.125 diameter
29.250 tall
33.6 pounds tare weight
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Old 04-04-2022, 05:39 PM   #7
Todd & Mary
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thanks for all your reply's

I appreciate the info. And yes 40lb not gal. Slight mix-up with the metrics! I think i will replace at least the driver side with a 40lb and leave the other right now
Thanks again!
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Old 04-04-2022, 05:58 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Daryles View Post

Propane tanks
30# specs:
7.1 Gal
12.125 inches diameter
23.687 inches tall
25.4 pounds tare weight

40# specs:
9.4 gal
12.125 diameter
29.250 tall
33.6 pounds tare weight
Are these weights empty?? They sure feel heavier than that full.
What does propane weigh? This sounds like a great idea since we only boondock and many times hunting in the dead of winter. Having 20 lbs. more propane could be nice.
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Old 04-04-2022, 06:04 PM   #9
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Guess I had a duh moment.. thats where the 30-40 lbs. comes from.
30 lbs. propane and 25+ bottle=55lbs. would explain why they feel heavier.
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Old 04-04-2022, 06:40 PM   #10
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Yep, a full 40 Lb goes approx 75 Lbs. You might have to raise the strap that goes around the tanks. I had to raise the straps on our previous 2955RL when I switched to 40 Lb tanks.
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Old 04-05-2022, 07:07 AM   #11
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Before purchasing the 40 pound tanks, make sure the circumference of the tank is exactly the same as your original 30 pound tanks.

I purchased a 3rd 30 pound tank I carry with us all the time. I use it for our Coleman Camp Stove as the on-board quick gas line disconnect on my Montana does not work with my Coleman camp stove.

Meanwhile, that extra 30 pound tank comes in real handy when winter camping, using it as a back up.

However!!!! The circumference of the tank is just slightly larger than my originals. (And I purchased this tank from my local RV dealership too!) That means, those metal straps that wrap round the tank in the propane tank cargo bays is too short and won't snap tight.

That's no problem if sitting stationary, but when traveling, those tanks need to be strapped down. So, when using the tank as a back up, when it comes time to travel and one of the originals is empty, I'll swap the empty one back and stow away the 3rd one.

So, before purchasing a new tank, check the circumference and make sure it's identicfal.

But, if you don't mind the weight and making some minor adjustments in your propane bay areas, a 40 pounder will work just fine.

I've considered swapping out mine for 2 - 40 pounders, but since I already have the extra 30 pounder, I finally ruled that out because using 2 - 40's is 80 pounds and carrying 3 - 30's is 90 pounds. So, actually, I'm ahead 10 more pounds!

I carry the extra tank in the front compartment (under the trailer king pin) through, upright, snugged all around with totes.
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Old 04-05-2022, 10:36 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GILAELKHUNTER View Post
Are these weights empty?? They sure feel heavier than that full.
What does propane weigh? This sounds like a great idea since we only boondock and many times hunting in the dead of winter. Having 20 lbs. more propane could be nice.
I had to look that up to be sure...

Tare weight is the empty weight of the container.

Propane weighs 4.2 lbs per gallon.
30# bottle holds 7.1 gallons = 29.8 lbs

So a full 30# bottle would be

25.4 (tare) + 29.8 (propane) = 55.2 lbs. Gross

A 40# bottle holds 9.4 gal = 39.4 lbs

33.6 (tare) + 39.4 (propane) = 73.8 lbs gross
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Old 04-05-2022, 01:47 PM   #13
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No if the weight is not a issue then go for it
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Old 04-10-2022, 01:25 PM   #14
Dave and Beta
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I ordered mine in 2018 with 40lb tanks. They fit fine in the compartment.
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Old 04-10-2022, 02:01 PM   #15
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Certainly would be nice to have extra propane. We use to carry a spare 20# off bbq grill for backup & outside cooking. Once one tank is empty we look to refill asap. Larger tank is much heavier & we aren't getting younger!
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Old 04-10-2022, 02:11 PM   #16
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I did some checking, aluminum sounded good, 40lb full would only be 5 lbs heaver than a steel 30lb. As it turns out aluminum tanks are thicker (pressure I assume) and thus are 12.3" diameter instead of steel's 12.1", that .2 inches will keep the clamps from working.
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Old 04-10-2022, 03:46 PM   #17
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In my 2013 3265RE, the 40lb would only fit in one of the two propane tank areas, due to height. The propane switching valve got in the way, so I keep a 30 lb in that ODS locker and the 40lb goes in the DS locker. Tractor Supply has them (usually). I do like the idea of aluminum though, but I suspect the slightly-increased size might cause a problem. Then again, for a few years (until I got a Round TUIT) my ODS retaining strap was bent, and the tank was technically strapped in but not locked down, and that worked fine for quite awhile. So, aluminum with the strap "open and not locked down" should work...it *should*. If anyone tries it, please let me know! I know my 2013 Montana's original tanks are approaching their 12 year end of life, and an aluminum replacement sounds like an option...
Happy camping!
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Old 04-10-2022, 04:36 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VagabondLove View Post
<SNIP>..I know my 2013 Montana's original tanks are approaching their 12 year end of life, and an aluminum replacement sounds like an option...</SNIP.
The tanks can be re-certified at most Propane Suppliers. Much cheaper than new tanks.
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Old 04-10-2022, 06:50 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Todd & Mary View Post
Is there any reason I cannot/should not replace both 30 gallon tanks with 40 gallon. We are planning on boondocking quite a bit after I retire and would like more storage. Weight of a 40 gal. tank is not a issue for me.
Thanks in advance for your responses.
I had the same question as you and decided to go with 2 spare 30 lb tanks. I didn't want to switch the straps back and forth. Plus the 40's were about $40.00 more for each one. We now have 4-30 lb tanks and 1-20 for the bbq. We should be good to go!
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Old 04-10-2022, 07:30 PM   #20
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On the subject of propane tanks... I noticed deep gouges on one of our tanks. It was caused by the screw heads that attach the tank's strap to the frame. Miles of vibrating nearly wore a hole in the tank. That was a disaster in the making.
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