Getting propane tanks in and out

[Mondooker]

Hi guys, Like many of you I have a 30 lb. propane tank on each side of my coach. The older we get the harder it is to get them in and out especially when full. Has anyone seen anything or know of anything to make this job easier?

Some 5’ers have slide out trays which have to help. But if not, how can the job be made easier?

[B_O__Plenty]

Wife and I are in our late 70's and it's getting to be a struggle but we do it together. Often a kind neighbor will help. Thinking of going down to 3-20 pounders instead of 2-30 pound. We will just store the extra outside until we need it.

B.O.

[Pipeman]

My oldest son gave us a propane fire pit and one of those trade 20 pound propane tanks. Apparently it cost a little bit over $30 to trade for a full one. So I bought a new 20 pounder from Costco for the pit. Now I have 2 tanks for it.Both tanks have been emptied using them with the fire pit so I went to Costco had the trade in one checked to see when it was good to and that is 2027, so I had it filled and the cost was a tad over $18 a piece.

[fj12ryder]

Mondooker wrote:
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m learning a bunch from this thread. I didn’t know you paid more by swapping tanks. I guess it makes sense but I didn’t know it. Do the tank swapping companies keep the 10 under the 10 year certification limit?

You will usually pay more by swapping tanks, but it depends on the places available to fill tanks. Some charge by the weight, i.e. gallons, but others charge by the fill. So if you take in a partial tank, they would charge you for a fill, regardless of how much they actually put in.

Yes, the exchange places only have tanks with 15 lbs. rather than 20 lbs. Rhino started this a few years ago as a money grab, and now they all do it. There is a local filler here who will try to tell you that it isn't legal, or safe, to fill them past 15 lbs.! Just a simple money grab, as he charges by the fill, and not by the gallon. Total ripoff.

[Mondooker]

I'm sure I'll get all this figured out. I just remember when I went for my PDI the salesman had all kinds of trouble getting the 30# tank out and it was empty. Ever since then my coach has been at the manufacturer fixing a couple problems. I should have it back soon and I'm trying to be pro active and the tanks stuck in my mind. I'm sure I'll make it work.

[valhalla360]

Mondooker wrote:
I don’t know about anyone else but I’m learning a bunch from this thread. I didn’t know you paid more by swapping tanks. I guess it makes sense but I didn’t know it. Do the tank swapping companies keep the 10 under the 10 year certification limit?

Generally, I prefer to take them in and get them filled but if you get an old or rusty tank, take it in and swap it out. Check the date on the new tank to make sure it has a few years.

For the cost of 5lb of propane, you got an updated tank.

[Mondooker]

I don’t know about anyone else but I’m learning a bunch from this thread. I didn’t know you paid more by swapping tanks. I guess it makes sense but I didn’t know it. Do the tank swapping companies keep the 10 under the 10 year certification limit?

[mhardin]

Mondooker wrote:
The tanks you’d trade at Walmart are they 15’s or 20’s? Interestingly I don’t recall anyone saying they carry extra propane in the truck bed?

They are 20# tanks but the companies that fill them put a bit less than a full 20# in them out of "safety" concerns. You get more at a refill place but you pay for the convenience at the swap 'em places.

[Mondooker]

The tanks you’d trade at Walmart are they 15’s or 20’s? Interestingly I don’t recall anyone saying they carry extra propane in the truck bed?

[fj12ryder]

mhardin wrote:
Unless you spend your time in RV parks that provide refills on site you have to find a place that refills portable tanks. 20# tanks have the added benefit of being able to trade them in just about anywhere nowadays even though they don't fill them all the way.

Good point, then you're trading 30# tanks for 15# tanks. 🙂

[larry_barnhart]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
On my Dads new to him 5er you had to lift the tanks "UP" and out of the steel ring or try to release the latching system and bend the steel horizontal ring out of the way so you could tip it out instead of lifting. .

So I put my "creative genius" 😉 to work and cut off the latching system and added a strap that can be tightened. Works GREAT with releasing the strap and tipping the tank out and grabbing the bottom to easily carry it to the truck. I added a wood block to keep from damaging the aluminum door frame at the bottom. The block also keeps the tank base locked in place.

I didn't like the factory setup either so because of sitting for 6 months I removed the clamps but installed them for the trip home.

chevman

[mhardin]

Unless you spend your time in RV parks that provide refills on site you have to find a place that refills portable tanks. 20# tanks have the added benefit of being able to trade them in just about anywhere nowadays even though they don't fill them all the way.

[Cummins12V98]

What I liked about my Dads mod when tipping the top down and grabbing the bottom with the other hand I am carrying it at a comfortable height that's easy to place on the tailgate.

Would not want to place it on the ground and have to pick it up again.

[Cummins12V98]

MFL wrote:
Yes, 12V is a resourceful, handy guy, probably got it from his Dad! He often has pictures to explain, or prove a point. Pics are great help, wish more people posted them!

My 30# tanks weigh 66 lbs when fully filled. I have to duck a bit, as mine go in from the front, under the overhang. It helps to keep them close to your body, give it a bear hug, but keeping one hand underneath.

Jerry

Thanks Jerry, check is in the mail. :B

[valhalla360]

Mondooker wrote:
Hey Cummins12V98, That’s great information and the pictures really helped pull it all together. Thanks for that.

I’d like to be able to put a pull out tray on mine but not sure I have the vertical clearance for it? Someone said go from 30 Gal to 20 to gain space. But I really don’t want to lose 20 gals of propane.

I’m frankly surprised someone hasn’t devised an elevator system, maybe like a tire Jack.

Pounds not gallons. Honestly, unless you are going thru propane fast, switching to 20lb tanks would be a good option. It reduces the weight and gives you more room to work with. I grumbled a bit as our latest trailer came with 20lb tanks but we are only going thru 1 tank ever couple months full timing, so it hasn't been an issue (once a month in cold weather but usually heading to warmer destinations in that situation).

As far as elevator systems...fact is there probably isn't much of a market for it.
- Most RVers are physically capable. When you are no longer capable of lifting the propane tank, good chance you are facing other physical challenges to RVing.
- The rest can usually find family/friend to help them with the once every couple month task.
- That doesn't leave very many who would benefit from a specialty product.

One option you might be able to do: Swing by the hardware store and pick up some pulleys and rope (sufficient for a 4-1 arrangement, higher ratio if you think you need it). Mount an eye to the top of the compartment to support the pulley system.

A 30lb propane tanks weighs around 55lb, with a 4:1 arrangement, you set it on the ground next to the compartment and tie it off. It will then take around 15lb of pull on the pully to lift the tank.
- With one hand hold the tank out so it doesn't hit the side of the trailer.
- With the other, pull on the rope.
- Take your time so you don't trip but then step on the end of the rope you can move your hand to a new position. (with two people it would be a breeze but then you probably wouldn't need mechanical assistance)
- Once even with the compartment, let it swing into position and let out the rope to set in place.
- Reverse the process to take it out.

If you wanted to get fancy, you could rig up a small 12v winch on the top of the compartment. One hand to control the tank and the other to work the control.

[MFL]

Yes, 12V is a resourceful, handy guy, probably got it from his Dad! He often has pictures to explain, or prove a point. Pics are great help, wish more people posted them!

My 30# tanks weigh 66 lbs when fully filled. I have to duck a bit, as mine go in from the front, under the overhang. It helps to keep them close to your body, give it a bear hug, but keeping one hand underneath.

Jerry