Forum Discussion

plasticmaster's avatar
Feb 25, 2019

Propane tank question

I have two 20# propane tanks on the front of my camper. Is it okay to have only one tank hooked up and the other fitting just dangling free while camping? I'd like to remove one tank and use it for my portable outside propane burner. Thanks.
  • I don't know if it is a no-no, but I have done it without an issue. If your regulator has a tank selector, just make sure the selector points to the tank that is still connected :)

    Two seasons ago, our 20# tank that we use for our bbq grill and portable 2 burner stove went empty with a week left in the season. I didn't want to have it filled and let it sit all winter long, so I just removed one of the 30# tanks from the tongue and used it for the rest of the season.

    -Michael
  • I agree with what Michael said. I would cap or tape a plastic bag over the open line to keep dirt and bugs out.
    Bill
  • In my former trailer (and adding to the new trailer), a tee off the low pressure line with a quick connect shut off valve. Important note, to attach to the device, it has to bypass the regulator. I did this with a separate line with regulator and quick connectors
  • I carry a third tank in a plastic milk crate for the WeberQ. I’ve thought about going with two 20s on the TT for the convenience of swapping them out just about anywhere when I need a refill. I’ve never felt comfortable leaving one of the hoses open in our salty humid air.
  • For what it's worth, always try to securely cover any open lines or connections for propane tanks with plastic or something. Believe it or not, spiders LOVE the odor of propane (who knew?!) and will make their way into your lines, fouling them badly and causing failure in the igniting components.
  • Had a friend who's pigtail failed when out camping. So I unscrewed one of the pigtails off my changeover valve without any problems and let him run it all weekend. I guess as long as the cylinder that is currently being used does not run out of propane you should be good.