Forum Discussion

packnrat's avatar
packnrat
Explorer
Feb 23, 2019

propane tanks.

been looking at new fifth wheels. from the small to the overly large.
one thing they all have in common is the two tanks.
is there a law saying only two per rv? or possible to have three or four of them. sure two can last a while. but like a friend his gen ran on propane, so he ran out fast.
if holding up in the cold, one could maybe rent a large ground tank?
class A and C get larger built in tanks.
but this is just asking why only two tanks per rv.

29 Replies

  • ok so not a "law" or "rule" just a balance between weight and convenience.

    i own three rv sized tanks, two in use third as a extra. and so far not needed the third. but a friend needed it.(he burned up both of his smaller tanks). and forgot it was there to use, he froze trying to stay warm in his pu truck. or even using my rv, i was gone for a couple days and a quick snow storm hit.
    just with all the space on the larger fifth-wheels, one could easily install four tanks. or even a built in tank. back to weight here.
  • Two bottles gives me 80 lbs, that is enough for us, and we enjoy camping in colder (not COLD) weather.
  • Just tow your RV with a propane truck already.

    Two cylinders is a convenient balance for the average use. If you want to build an expedition style RV there are no rules that keep you from adding systems to have more propane. If stationary, plenty have the local propane company drop off and connect a 100# cylinder and refill as needed.
  • Super_Dave wrote:
    MarkTwain wrote:
    packnrat wrote:
    been looking at new fifth wheels. from the small to the overly large.
    one thing they all have in common is the two tanks.
    is there a law saying only two per rv? or possible to have three or four of them. sure two can last a while. but like a friend his gen ran on propane, so he ran out fast.
    if holding up in the cold, one could maybe rent a large ground tank?
    class A and C get larger built in tanks.
    but this is just asking why only two tanks per rv.


    Where would suggest that extra propane tanks be located? You could carry extra tanks in the back of your truck bed, I am just sure how safe that would be!

    I’ve seen trucks that were converted to LP have large tanks in the bed so it must not be too dangerous.

    How would you connect it the trailer?
  • MarkTwain wrote:
    packnrat wrote:
    been looking at new fifth wheels. from the small to the overly large.
    one thing they all have in common is the two tanks.
    is there a law saying only two per rv? or possible to have three or four of them. sure two can last a while. but like a friend his gen ran on propane, so he ran out fast.
    if holding up in the cold, one could maybe rent a large ground tank?
    class A and C get larger built in tanks.
    but this is just asking why only two tanks per rv.


    Where would suggest that extra propane tanks be located? You could carry extra tanks in the back of your truck bed, I am just sure how safe that would be!

    I’ve seen trucks that were converted to LP have large tanks in the bed so it must not be too dangerous.
  • Motorhomes have the room and can handle the weight of the larger tanks.
  • Yes, there is a kit call add-a-tank that can be installed on a class A or C to allow connection to an external propane supply. They are seen often in extended stay situations where it is not feasable to move the rv to a fill station every few days in a winter cold location. And most propane or gas dealers will bring a larger tank to your location and install it for a monthly rental fee and the price of the gas. Usually there is a minimum time period involved also. Many full-timers have them installed, and if needed, they can just go to the local walmart and get a portable tank to hook to it.
  • Some have traded out their 30# tanks for 40#. Some carry extra tanks. But I don’t know how you could add tanks with the auto transfer valve unless you also installed a valving method of isolating each tank.
  • packnrat wrote:
    been looking at new fifth wheels. from the small to the overly large.
    one thing they all have in common is the two tanks.
    is there a law saying only two per rv? or possible to have three or four of them. sure two can last a while. but like a friend his gen ran on propane, so he ran out fast.
    if holding up in the cold, one could maybe rent a large ground tank?
    class A and C get larger built in tanks.
    but this is just asking why only two tanks per rv.


    Where would suggest that extra propane tanks be located? You could carry extra tanks in the back of your truck bed, I am just sure how safe that would be!