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Bohemia's avatar
Bohemia
Explorer
Jul 15, 2020

How long does a 18lb propane tank last you?

Venturing out further now and wondering how long a typical 18 lb tank of gas lasts. I just don't have a feel for it yet even though I somehow can predict when the tank on the BBQ will run out.

I understand this is a question with a high degree of variability. Consider summer wx, 80's all day, shore power at night.

If the fridge is basically the only device on for 8 hours, how many days do you typically see on one tank?

Pardon me if this topic has been covered before, my search found a great deal on whether propane should be on/off while underway but didn't find run time or consumption. :h
  • bukhrn wrote:
    "18 lb tank"
    I don't believe I've ever heard of an 18 lb tank, just 1,5,20,30,40,& 100, as you've already learned, variable.

    Concur !

    It really "grinds my gears" that tank exchange places get away with tell you that they only put 15 lbs in the tank because they "have to leave room for expansion". Grrrrr !!!!!
  • If you want to stick with a single tank setup, get one with a built in float gauge. Gets into the red, get it filled. Less than $40 when I got mine. Local U Haul had a good price.
  • Beverley&Ken wrote:
    To quote my neighbour "Well you answered your own question complete with variables that no one can calculate to any degree of accuracy. Do yourself a favour and take along a spare 20lb'er and keep track of your usage"
    I have a handheld baggage scale, weight the tank full, write it on the side of the tank. When completely empty, weigh and record that weight. Any weights in between will give you a reasonably accurate guess of how much used or left.

    Ken
    Tanks have the empty weight stamped into the collar.... IIRC, it is TW or tare weight.
    So one coud just weigh it daily, or trip etc. and do some rough calculations.

    But as others have said. the fridge uses very little. Same for the HWH.....The furnace is a hog.
  • I agree our frig uses little and the furnace a lot. So we usually camp with shore power and use a space heater.
  • bukhrn's avatar
    bukhrn
    Explorer III
    "18 lb tank"
    I don't believe I've ever heard of an 18 lb tank, just 1,5,20,30,40,& 100, as you've already learned, variable.
  • To quote my neighbour "Well you answered your own question complete with variables that no one can calculate to any degree of accuracy. Do yourself a favour and take along a spare 20lb'er and keep track of your usage"
    I have a handheld baggage scale, weight the tank full, write it on the side of the tank. When completely empty, weigh and record that weight. Any weights in between will give you a reasonably accurate guess of how much used or left.

    Ken
  • Bohemia wrote:

    I understand this is a question with a high degree of variability. Consider summer wx, 80's all day, shore power at night.

    If the fridge is basically the only device on for 8 hours, how many days do you typically see on one tank?


    I easily get a season out of a tank. One thing you mentioned is that it's on shore power at night. If you are only on propane when driving and not running the heater, I would say easily a season probably two.
  • A fridge will run a long time on a tank of propane...weeks.
  • Well you answered your own question complete with variables that no one can calculate to any degree of accuracy. Do yourself a favour and take along a spare 20lb'er and keep track of your usage.