How do I install horizontal propane tanks in my Lance 1161?

Unfortunately the laws and regulations concerning propane containers are very confusing and often conflicting . There is an important distinction , most RV's have DOT CYLINDERS , some MH's have permanently mounted ASME TANKS . ASME tanks are much heavier . If the horizontal cylinders have a saddle at the back so it can stand vertically it usually means it has to be filled in the vertical and used in the horizontal . If you can find a size horizontal ASME tank to fit your opening it still might be a problem being on a slide . My old Avion has 2 original 20# horizontal ASME tanks that fit side by side . I have not tried to have them filled in place . I have had trouble having them filled some places because they look different and do not have OPD valves . They are exempt but fighting ignorance is a loosing battle . I spent 2 hours in my state Fire Marshals office trying to get definitive answers to no avail . I suggest a call to Manchester Tank ,they may be able to provide better information . Good luck

I have non opd horizontal tanks in my Lance , if I ever have an extra 300.00 I`m going to replace them with new opd`s
I was told the old horz non opd`s can be filled in the camper , don't remember the reason , but new horz opd`s cant
I think it might have had to do with a different filler fitting adapter on the stations hose , that wouldn't work on the newer tanks , new tanks have the valve offset from center , old ones are in the center
Anyway good luck finding a place to fill one in place , most places you have to tell them what the rules (laws) are , their just used to filling up-right opd`s
I wonder if you could get a bolt in place motorhome type tank that would fit from a recycler that might fit

Well I dont know a lot about horizontal tanks- Ive only had 1, on a camper van -hard mounted & it was filled in place. That said looking around Im not sure ALL horizontal tanks are meant to be filled horizontal- but I only looked around briefly. Also not sure on the price recertification justification (though pretty sure thats not the motivation to convert). However my last 2 recerts, a year apart was $10.00? A new replacement horizontal tank considerabley more I would think.

IF you can get a tank thats designed to be refillable horizontally I would think more likey done by techs if the tanks could slide out at least half way. The inside semi enclosed cabinet seems 'might' be issue.

In my eye the mechanical part, assuming stacked on tray will pass door height, the easy part. Modifying the tray to accept bolting bottom tank and accepting /designing saddle for second tank, so both tanks mounted to tray. Verifying affordable tanks can be purchased to hard mount and can be refilled in place take a bit of research.

Im going to town tomorrow. Ill ask at local RV shop if they would refill on board tanks or their thoughts on your desire. They also work on RVs so might have some valid input. If I make to other side of town-theres another shop-thats all they do is refill tanks-simply get their opinion on refilling.

More2Explore wrote:
The horizontals are supposed to be filled in a vertical position and should be vented in the vertical position prior to re-install to ensure you only get gas , not liquid which also helps avoid build-up on/in appliances.

Not advisable to fill while still in the vehicle as stated above.

Moretoexplore, I think that I am answering your concern.

Some of the horizontal tanks that are available have their valves on the sides... along with their gauges. They are only filled to 80% so there is room fot the propane to form a gas.... to prevent the liquid propane from getting to the applainces.

This is why I'd like to be able to use the exsisting slide out drawer... to access the valves, gauges, and hoses.

How many motor homes remove their horizontal propane tanks to refill them?

Why would TC's be any different?

This is a "facts" versis "opinions" question that I need answered I guess before I start purchasing, cutting and pasting in new tanks.

At one time many TC's had permanantly mounted horizontal propane tanks. It would be nice to hear from some of them.

The horizontals are supposed to be filled in a vertical position and should be vented in the vertical position prior to re-install to ensure you only get gas , not liquid which also helps avoid build-up on/in appliances.

Not advisable to fill while still in the vehicle as stated above.

Artum Snowbird wrote:
Gosh Chet, why not put in two 20 pound bottles. They weigh about ten pounds less and still go for a long long time.

I doubt very much if anyone will fill your bottles in the vehicle. I think they purposely have short fill hoses so that method cannot be used.

It's not the best idea, but it is my plan when the 30's on my fifth wheel go past their fill date.

Mike

Your solution is OK for people that don't stay off the grid for long periods of time.

I would never give up 1/3 of my total propane capacity by converting to 20# propane bottles.

Because:

1) It would limit my boondocking... to 2/3rds of the amount of time that we are now able to stay off grid between propane refills.

2) If the verticle 20# bottles save 10 pounds so what? I'd still be up on a ladder, at risk of falling. That is the reason I am looking for a solution.

I would much rather have 40# propane bottles... but they won't fit in the avialable space.

I have watched horizontal propane bottles being filled where they were mounted in place in RV's... that was where I got the idea. I don't know if all propane operators will do it though.

I searched for some answers and found an interesting article on propane syatems. Please click on this link.

Artum Snowbird wrote:
Gosh Chet, why not put in two 20 pound bottles. They weigh about ten pounds less and still go for a long long time.

I doubt very much if anyone will fill your bottles in the vehicle. I think they purposely have short fill hoses so that method cannot be used.

It's not the best idea, but it is my plan when the 30's on my fifth wheel go past their fill date.

Mike

X2
Two 20 pound bottles are lighter weight, last a long time, and can be exchanged almost anywhere.
Sorry for not have an answer to your direct question.

Yeah many spots will not fill them in place, and do purposely have hoses that won't reach. The place I use has a long hose but there are cement barriers that prevent a camper from getting close enough. I have two 20lb tanks side by side so getting them in and out is not so bad. Sorry.

Gosh Chet, why not put in two 20 pound bottles. They weigh about ten pounds less and still go for a long long time.

I doubt very much if anyone will fill your bottles in the vehicle. I think they purposely have short fill hoses so that method cannot be used.

It's not the best idea, but it is my plan when the 30's on my fifth wheel go past their fill date.

Mike