Forum Discussion

Bucky1320's avatar
Bucky1320
Explorer
Aug 27, 2014

Propane tank full?

99' Harney Pusher with LP generator.
We use the generator all weekend....or as long as it will last.
Not sure of the size of the tank, but it is typical diameter for grill tank, and goes from one side of the rig to the other.

When I get it filled, it never gets above 3/4 on tank or remote gauge. Is this normal? I am curious how large this tank is. We went from less than 1/4 to 3/4 in about 17 gallons.

I am also trying to come up with a way to extend the generator use by up to two days. We pull an enclosed trailer. I thought about DOT containers on the tounge and running an extend a stay hose to them when parked. Or a bunch of 22 lb grill cylinders. Worst case is we get a larger gasoline generator for the trailer and run off it during the day. Wish it had a deisel generator, but it doesn't. Any experience or suggestions/thoughts?
Class A
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    WC # is in pounds of water if the tank were totally filled with water. It is an indicative number used to identify the safe fill level for propane. Read the WC # on your tank, reduce it by 20%, multiply it by 4.24 ( the weight of a gallon of propane) to get the exact maximum propane gallon capacity your tanks are safely designed dor.
    Propane is an expansive liquid at temperature changes, unlike water whose volume is constant between freezing and boiling points. Thus the safety level of filling propane tanks to a maximum of 80% to allow for that liquid expansion should warmer weather come along.
  • Bucky1320's avatar
    Bucky1320
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    Researching a bit, I read that WC is in gallons. So the capacity of the tank is simply .85 times 39 = 33.15 gallons. A gallon of water should be the same as a gallon of propane. Am I reading this goofy? That number makes more sense to me.
  • Bucky1320's avatar
    Bucky1320
    Explorer
    Aug 28, 2014
    WC=39#'s
    Is that only 9.2 gallons? I am suprised since it is as wide as the coach is. I wonder if I misread the 3
  • SDcampowneroper's avatar
    SDcampowneroper
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    The WC # is the tank full capacity in pounds of water( Water Capacity) so, WC 71.5 is equal to a 30# propane tank when filled to its 80% full level. Propane weighs 4.24# / gallon, much lighter than water.
  • Bucky1320's avatar
    Bucky1320
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    I hadn't looked for WC on the label. I struggled looking for something that said gallons and didn't find it. Will look tonight.
    Thanks for all the good input so far!
    I thought about forklift cylinders. Two of them I would think would last some time. Maybe 5 gallons per?
  • eubank's avatar
    eubank
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    What is the number after "WC" on the collar of the cylinder?
    Lynn
  • turbojimmy's avatar
    turbojimmy
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    Just another data point: Mine reads around 3/4 after I have it "filled", too.
  • Retired_JSO's avatar
    Retired_JSO
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    The tank should have a stamped plate welded to the tank body. It should have the serial number, tank manufacture and in your case, WC for water capacity in gallons.
  • Tinstar's avatar
    Tinstar
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2014
    I would bet you can easily get two days from that tank. Expect maybe 1/2 gallon an hour and the gauges are very seldom correct.

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