Planning a trip for 5 days in our pop-up to a spot we like to go that is pretty remote and off grid. I will likely be running the furnace quite a bit at night and there isn't anywhere nearby that I can get my LP tank refilled, but there is a Casey's General Store that will do an exchange about 20 minutes away. Is there any reason I shouldn't exchange the tank that came with my camper for one from Casey's? Are the exchange tanks you get at places like this just as good as the original 20lb. that came with my camper? Will I be able to get the exchange tank refilled at a later date or can you only exchange these? I usually fill my tank at TSC because they only charge for what I use so I can just top it off if it isn't empty. Thanks!

I've heard of places that will not refill tanks labeled by an 'exchange' company, no direct experience as I've never used a tank exchange. 20# tanks are pretty cheap around here, Home Depot has them for $30.. is it possible to carry a spare?

I wouldn't have room for a 20lb. spare, now that we have a 9 month old with us and our 2 dogs, we just don't have much extra room. I've thought about buying a 30lb. tank, but I would have to set it on the ground to slide out the bed. I could probably make room for a 5lb. tank, at least that would give me some reserve.

20# propane cylinder is roughly 4.7 gallons when full (80% capacity is full)That is roughly 427,000 btu's (91000 per gallon)Furnace 20,000 btu so you have 21 total hours of furnace 20# exchange cylinder is the same DOT approved as your 20# cylinderOnly difference...that exchange cylinder MAY not be full (4.7 gallons) it may only have 4 or less) and it's price will be higher then a normal refill chargeCONVENIENCEAnd yes you can use it, refill it keep it refill it etc.Just check mfg. DATE on collar. DOT cylinders have to be 're-certified' 12 yrs after mfg. date---so don;t get one that is close or out of date Remote and off grid spot.......What are you going to use to maintain battery voltage :HThat 12V DC Furnace is a HOG

Don't worry about the date on an Exchange tank - just take it back and exchange it...........Never had a problem getting one of them refilled elsewhere.Nothing wrong with the exchange tanks other than you pay slightly more for the propane.Bill

I guess I should just ask TSC what they will and won't fill since that is where i usually get my tank filled.

LP Tank Question | Good Sam Community

26 Replies

JoshuaH
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
I have a large solar panel that I charge my deep cycle battery with, never had a problem off grid camping so far. I also run a fridge and cookstove from the LP tank.
JoshuaH
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
I guess I should just ask TSC what they will and won't fill since that is where i usually get my tank filled.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2016
Don't worry about the date on an Exchange tank - just take it back and exchange it...........

Never had a problem getting one of them refilled elsewhere.

Nothing wrong with the exchange tanks other than you pay slightly more for the propane.

Bill
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Oct 21, 2016
20# propane cylinder is roughly 4.7 gallons when full (80% capacity is full)

That is roughly 427,000 btu's (91000 per gallon)

Furnace 20,000 btu so you have 21 total hours of furnace

20# exchange cylinder is the same DOT approved as your 20# cylinder
Only difference...that exchange cylinder MAY not be full (4.7 gallons) it may only have 4 or less) and it's price will be higher then a normal refill charge
CONVENIENCE

And yes you can use it, refill it keep it refill it etc.
Just check mfg. DATE on collar.
DOT cylinders have to be 're-certified' 12 yrs after mfg. date---so don;t get one that is close or out of date

Remote and off grid spot.......
What are you going to use to maintain battery voltage :H
That 12V DC Furnace is a HOG
JoshuaH
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
I wouldn't have room for a 20lb. spare, now that we have a 9 month old with us and our 2 dogs, we just don't have much extra room. I've thought about buying a 30lb. tank, but I would have to set it on the ground to slide out the bed. I could probably make room for a 5lb. tank, at least that would give me some reserve.
braindead0
Explorer
Oct 21, 2016
I've heard of places that will not refill tanks labeled by an 'exchange' company, no direct experience as I've never used a tank exchange.

20# tanks are pretty cheap around here, Home Depot has them for $30.. is it possible to carry a spare?

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LP Tank Question

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