LP Tank conversion

I hook my 5er to my 500 gal propane tank every summer. To do that I needed a high pressure regulator on the tank, and a low pressure regulator outside the camper. Just like a house.
I disconnect the hose that comes off of the on-board tanks and attach the copper tubing to the camper's system at that point. (A hose from the regulator to the camper would be better because copper tubing can only flex about 10 times before it breaks. I just take a lot of care not to flex it when I'm hooking it up.)

This is just a comment that you can hook up a camper to a permanent type propane supply if that's what your circumstances are.

We also use the Extend-A-Stay, it was already installed so can't help with that...

BUT if you must buy another (= external) tank, consider something larger than a 20-lb tank. We quickly learned that the gas grill size bottle don't last very long at all, especially using propane heat.

We actually use BOTH a 30-lb AND a 40-lb tank with the extend-a-stay. Don't use both at the same time, but switch-over when one goes empty. And we still have the full chassis tank for back-up or emergencies.

A problem with any of these set-ups is that most propane companies won't come to your site (with a truck) to fill-up a less-than 100-lb tank - you must haul them back and forth yourself. The 30-lb is not too bad, but the 40-lb can get heavy on just muscle power. Good luck.

A friend of mine has done what they others have said....his Mom lives in the MH in their driveway (DW & DM didn't quite see eye to eye:B)....and like you, he doesn't want to take the rig out to refill tank, so he gets the 20# bottles and uses the "extended stay".

Thanks everyone. It looks like it is a DIY project.

I assume you are in a motorhome. If so, go to an RV supply joint or you could try a propane place and buy an "Extended Stay". Made by Marshall Brass. Comes with the fittings, and hose. Hose goes from the 20 pounder to the tank side of the regulator on mounted tank with a "tee". They work great and sure save tearing down or paying the propane truck for delivery. Quite a few RV sales and parts places usually stock these so your chances are better there.

Camping World's "Stay A While" or the similar "Sturgi-Stay" adapter and hose, will give you the best of both worlds. Your existing tank stays in place, and an external cylinder is attached to the flexible hose. Fill the main tank when you have the chance, and then keep the valve off and run on just the portable cylinder. When the cylinder runs out, you'll still have the main tank supply as a back up while you get the cylinder refilled.