Run with only one propane tank

I asked for the abuse by posing the question but I had no idea how many people would think it such a bad idea to consider. They must all race out and top off both propane tanks before every trip or face the dreaded "out of propane" shame. Otherwise, they only have one point something tanks to survive on. Never heard of float gauges?

TomG2 wrote:
As an exercise in weight control, I am asking if it is a good idea to leave one of my two propane tanks at home when traveling. One tank is more than sufficient for my needs. I am asking if it will harm the changeover regulator or leak propane with one tank absent. Seems like an easy way to shed a few pounds. NO, I am not that close to my ratings, just curious.

As an exercise no harm. If I don't run the furnace and have shore power I'll use 1 Lb propane average per day traveling for Frig cooling and hot water heating when camped.

I may be the only person on earth who lived after towing a trailer or driving a motorhome with only one propane tank. Golly! Call me a risk taker.

That was not my question anyway. I simply asked what damage could follow if I left one tank at home. A couple of people answered the question. Thanks.

TomG2 wrote:
....... I am asking if it is a good idea to leave one of my two propane tanks at home when traveling. .........

Short answer is NO, It’s not a good idea.

It doesn’t matter what your needs are today or yesterday. As soon as you leave one tank behind, you WILL need it. Guaranteed. You’ve thrown down the gauntlet to the propane gods, and they will smite you hard for it.

That’s how this stuff always turns out for me anyways. I’ve learned to not fight against it, but you know what they say: It’s your.........posterior.

::):)

When the Zombies strike, I want to have at least as many resources as I can haul... Ha, ha... Sure, I let a tank run down until it auto switches, then I switch the lever to the full one and get the empty one filled up. Then put it back in and wait for the other to empty.

I carry full load of fresh water every trip too..

I carry way too much stuff that I never use, but just feel better having it none the less...

I used to carry my Honda 3000 generator, even going to full hookup sites, just in case the 'power went out' on us... Well, I got over that need pretty early on and have never thought about that since..

Anyway, weight is always a concern of course.. Just depends on what you feel you need to do for your setup.

Good luck! Mitch

Matt_Colie wrote:
Tom,

Nobody has mentioned the two that I have had experience with....

If you are going to leave the tank fitting bare, you best get a cap for it. Little crawly things love to go t in there and make nests. When the remnants of those nests get into the regulator, there is A: Great Danger and B: Now way to salvage most regulators.

Second and interesting was an acquaintance left one tank home. This left the metal line that was supposed to be supported by the tank connection out dancing in the wind. Said line hardened and cracked. this was dangerous too, but at least the LP showed itself as soon as that tank was opened.

Matt

Thanks. I may or may not try the experiment. I tow thousands of miles a year and have more than adequate tow vehicles, but I also like to learn things. I tend to be a "Less is more" type person. 1,000 pounds of available payload is better than 900 pounds, and so forth.

Tom,

Nobody has mentioned the two that I have had experience with....

If you are going to leave the tank fitting bare, you best get a cap for it. Little crawly things love to go in there and make nests. When the remnants of those nests get into the regulator, there is A: Great Danger and B: Now way to salvage most regulators.

Second and interesting was an acquaintance left one tank home. This left the metal line that was supposed to be supported by the tank connection out dancing in the wind. Said line hardened and cracked. this was dangerous too, but at least the LP showed itself as soon as that tank was opened.

Matt

rhagfo wrote:
Not sure what difference you think 53# is going to make in towing ability or mileage. Not worth it to me!

I never said it would make a huge difference. I never said it was critical. I asked if it would cause any harm to the regulator or cause leakage to operate with one tank removed.

On the other hand, add another battery, add water, add bicycles, keep adding 50 pounds at a time and some people will be overloaded at some point.

Not sure what difference you think 53# is going to make in towing ability or mileage. Not worth it to me!