Increase propane capacity?

[chasfenwick]

We have a 2014 Jayco Melbourne 29D. One thing I would like to change would be to double the amount of propane that can be carried. It appears that an identical, second tank could be installed immediately behind the existing one. Or, perhaps there would be some way to change to a larger tank. Has anyone here done something of that nature to a Class C? Does anyone know of a shop that undertakes modifications such as this? Thanks.

[pianotuna]

Hi mlts22,

Replace the return air grill on the furnace with a fan. On my rv that circulates warm "living space" air under the cabinets and pushes some air along the furnace duct work. I chose to use a dual window fan unit which is controlled by a mechanical thermostat that lives beside the water pump next to the outside wall of the RV.

The fan unit draws just 23 watts and works better than a 1500 watt fan based heater which I tried using inside the cabinet.

[mlts22]

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

Also do not transport propane in an enclosed compartment. It is heavier than air and will "pool" if there is a leak.

It is possible, with inexpensive modifications, to heat a class C 29' 100% electrically. I successfully did so to -34 C this year.

Cheap Heat is also a good way to add the ability to heat the rig via electricity, but still preserve the furnace's ability to blow warm air on the tanks and basement plumbing... something an electric space heater can't do.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

Also do not transport propane in an enclosed compartment. It is heavier than air and will "pool" if there is a leak.

It is possible, with inexpensive modifications, to heat a class C 29' 100% electrically. I successfully did so to -34 C this year.

[mlts22]

I'd consider the Extend-A-Stay (or Camco's Stay-A-While) adapter as the first thing. It is cheaper than adding another DOT approved tank. Of course, there then is the issue of carrying the propane bottles, which can be done by bolting this to a good hitch mounted cargo rack (read the Amazon reviews... some racks are so poorly made that they will tear off from the core frame and end up a hazard.)

[Dakzuki]

I wouldn't bother with asking Jayco. I'd go directly to a a place familiar with doing this work They'll probably do a better job than the original installation.

[ABBACUS]

I have a 07 Melbourne 29D and have full-time for 6 years in it. If you mount a second unit it would be too close to the exhaust unit, you could replace the unit with a larger unit cost about $750. Part of the cost is it has to be done by a certified Tech.
We last one month on propane with a small electric heater 1200watt, summer two to three months we out side BBQ. The Melbourne comes with a quick disconnect for BBQ use it with a small 20lb bottle with a regulator. Do not transport Propane bottle in the Motor Home.
Thank have fun traveling
Bobby J

[EsoxLucius]

I'd also look at the Worthington 40 lbs. aluminum horizontal tank if you need to save weight. 65.2 lbs. full. $309 at Vintage Trailer.

[bukhrn]

My question is Why the need for more capacity, unless you're winter camping & running the furnace constantly, our 40 lb. tank lasts us quite a while.

[mlts22]

+1 with pianotuna. Downside is having to carry propane bottles, likely on a hitch mounted cargo rack. However, two 30# bottles would double your capacity.

[tatest]

A larger tank could probably increase capacity by 50 and fit into the space. Talk to a LPG equipment dealer about dual tanks, might require duplication or switching for some of the safety devices permanent tanks have, that dual bottle installations do not.

Equipment dealers tend to be more familiar with multitank installations than RV dealers, as multiple tanks show up where LPG is the primary motor fuel.

[pianotuna]

Hi,

I'd look at an "extend-a-stay" device and use a portable tank.

[Snowman9000]

http://www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/display.php?category_id=200

Here are tanks.

[TyroneandGladys]

We have a 70 gallon tank on our RV. It had been converted to propane at some point. IMHO I would check with a conversion company about a larger tank.

[Old-Biscuit]

59# propane tank is small (14 gallons) but that may be due to weight distribution, safe location etc.

Contact Jayco and inquire as to why the small tank and if mods can be done.