Last week I was wandering around the local Northwood / Outdoors RV dealer. A model caught my eye because it had graphics I hadn't see on other ORV models. I went over and took a look at it.It's the Backcountry model 20BD, which a new model for the mid 2020 model year. It used to be called the 20SK.The new mid year changes across the Backcountry series include HUGE 40 lb propane tanks, solid surface counter tops, flush mount range, a generate delete option, which still makes them "generator ready".8" I-beam frame, cap on the front instead of Filon and Diamond plate.16" Goodyear Endurance tires, plus a few other things I probably don't remember.Here's a short video tour I did.Overall, I'm impressed with the changes.

ORV has some innovative features across the board, been impressed with they're stuff.Not sure of the necessity for 40 gallon tanks though as Propane consumption is so minimal for the most.

deltabravo wrote:Last week I was wandering around the local Northwood / Outdoors RV dealer. A model caught my eye because it had graphics I hadn't see on other ORV models. I went over and took a look at it.It's the Backcountry model 20BD, which a new model for the mid 2020 model year. It used to be called the 20SK.The new mid year changes across the Backcountry series include HUGE 40 gallon propane tanks, solid surface counter tops, flush mount range, a generate delete option, which still makes them "generator ready".8" I-beam frame, cap on the front instead of Filon and Diamond plate.16" Goodyear Endurance tires, plus a few other things I probably don't remember.Here's a short video tour I did.Overall, I'm impressed with the changes.Those are 40 lb tanks that hold 9.4 gallons not 40 gallon tanks. They are nice though so you don't have to refill as often, I have them on my Montana and they are heavy when full (about 72 lbs each).

kellem wrote:Not sure of the necessity for 40 gallon tanks though as Propane consumption is so minimal for the most.Onboard Generator is why they put the 40lb tanks, although this particular unit didn't have the generator.I have an onboard gen in my Nash 17, which I used a lot last summer: 90+ hours. It went through at least 4 30lb tanks of propane.

Arcamper wrote:Those are 40 lb tanks that hold 9.4 gallons not 40 gallon tanks.Typo. I fixed my original post. I meant to type lbs, not gallons when I was typing.Thanks for posting what the gallon capacity is, which is something I was curious about.

kellem wrote:ORV has some innovative features across the board, been impressed with they're stuff.Not sure of the necessity for 40 gallon tanks though as Propane consumption is so minimal for the most.If you have a propane generator, or run the heat alot, it seems like a great feature. If no to the above, then it's overkill for capacity.

HUGE Propane tanks on new Backcountry models from ORV

12 Replies

rhagfo
Explorer III
Feb 19, 2020
deltabravo wrote:
Arcamper wrote:
Those are 40 lb tanks that hold 9.4 gallons not 40 gallon tanks.

Typo. I fixed my original post. I meant to type lbs, not gallons when I was typing.
Thanks for posting what the gallon capacity is, which is something I was curious about.

Tough call on the need for that size, with normal cooking, and hot water also on electric, we go through about 7 gallon tank once a month, we heat with electric.
I had the occasion to lift a full 40# tank, and not the easiest thing I have done, but easily doable.
crosscheck
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2020
time2roll wrote:
HUGE? I thought I was going to read about a couple permanent tanks like on a MH. 40 is just top of the normal range. Although as said 40 is getting a bit heavy to manhandle as the years pass. I would rather have 3+ 30# cylinders for extended use.

On our present TT,I have 3x30# tanks, 2 on the tongue and 1 in the PU bed as a spare for the TT and also to use for our BBQ and also for a small gas campfire when we are in places where open wood fires are forbidden.We camp frequently when temperatures drop down below freezing overnight. Nice to have that extra bottle.

Dave
JRscooby
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2020
Blazing Zippers wrote:
Oh, I can't ley this slip past me;
"A 40 pound tank weighs 32 pounds empty" - This sounds like a government measurement! Funny.

Is this political talk?
BTW, I remember when you could by a pound can of coffee.
Blazing_Zippers
Explorer II
Feb 19, 2020
Oh, I can't ley this slip past me;
"A 40 pound tank weighs 32 pounds empty" - This sounds like a government measurement! Funny.
mobeewan
Explorer
Feb 18, 2020
profdant139 wrote:
I'm surprised that those tanks weigh over 70 pounds -- I thought propane weighs about four pounds per gallon, which would be about 40 pounds plus the weight of the tank itself?

My guess is that I am wrong about this.

In any event, lifting 70 pounds onto the front of a trailer is not easy, especially for those of us with aging backs. I could do it, but I would first have to get a pre-authorization for a visit to a chiropractor. ;)

A 40 lb cylinder weighs about 32 lbs empty.
time2roll
Nomad
Feb 17, 2020
HUGE? I thought I was going to read about a couple permanent tanks like on a MH. 40 is just top of the normal range. Although as said 40 is getting a bit heavy to manhandle as the years pass. I would rather have 3+ 30# cylinders for extended use.
profdant139
Explorer II
Feb 17, 2020
I'm surprised that those tanks weigh over 70 pounds -- I thought propane weighs about four pounds per gallon, which would be about 40 pounds plus the weight of the tank itself?

My guess is that I am wrong about this.

In any event, lifting 70 pounds onto the front of a trailer is not easy, especially for those of us with aging backs. I could do it, but I would first have to get a pre-authorization for a visit to a chiropractor. ;)
Grit_dog
Navigator II
Feb 17, 2020
kellem wrote:
ORV has some innovative features across the board, been impressed with they're stuff.

Not sure of the necessity for 40 gallon tanks though as Propane consumption is so minimal for the most.

If you have a propane generator, or run the heat alot, it seems like a great feature. If no to the above, then it's overkill for capacity.
deltabravo
Nomad
Feb 17, 2020
Arcamper wrote:
Those are 40 lb tanks that hold 9.4 gallons not 40 gallon tanks.

Typo. I fixed my original post. I meant to type lbs, not gallons when I was typing.
Thanks for posting what the gallon capacity is, which is something I was curious about.
deltabravo
Nomad
Feb 17, 2020
kellem wrote:
Not sure of the necessity for 40 gallon tanks though as Propane consumption is so minimal for the most.

Onboard Generator is why they put the 40lb tanks, although this particular unit didn't have the generator.

I have an onboard gen in my Nash 17, which I used a lot last summer: 90+ hours. It went through at least 4 30lb tanks of propane.