Question re: LP tanks in FW

[jalichty]

We bought a new FW a year and a half ago and it has two 30 pound, I think, tanks with a changeover regulator. I wonder if a person, in your experiences, should periodically allow the tanks to run dry or does it make any difference. We are going on a little trip for a week or so and one of my two tanks has had some use since I last filled it. The weather where we will be going will be getting a little cool in the evenings and we will probably be using the gas up in the one tank. In your opinions, should I go fill up the partially empty tank before leaving or should I let it run out so I can get fresh LP in it for later this year? I know this is a silly question, but just thought I would ask.

[Tachdriver]

Amen to the ceramic heaters, unless you are boondocking chances are you are at a site with electrical hook ups. Saves me quite a bit of money using the ceramic heater.

[wrvond]

Running your tank completely empty allows for the possible entry of moisture, and from there, rust in your tank. A positive pressure, however slight, will prevent this.

[Old-Biscuit]

Space heaters are GREAT....provided they are used to supplement the rig furnace.

In temps below 32*F the rv furnace is necessary to keep plumbing system from freezing....especially if underbelly/tanks etc. are heated from furnace system.

[longislandcampe]

Have you considered a space heater if you have an electric site? We will NEVER use the furnace again for heat unless we have to. We use the same heater in a 26' rear living and a 28' bunkhouse with great results!


Our heater

[Tango__AE7UI]

I might suggest to the original poster to remember to open the tank valves SLOWLY, otherwise it may shut itself off thinking there is a leak in the system.
I have to remind myself on occasion.

[Old-Biscuit]

Auto change over regulators are nice.......swaps from in service tank when empty to other tank without doing anything.

BUT one must check the indicator to know when tanks have swapped.
Green indicator will change to Red when in service tank goes empty.....then swap lever to other tank and Red indicator will go Green.

Problem is 'when' did it swap.......yesterday, last week etc.

IF one does not check indicator routinely then one may find themselves with 2 empty tanks.

Even with an auto change-over we keep one tank valved out so that when the in service tank goes empty we know it.......valve in other tank, change indicator lever and get empty tank refilled.

Propane usage varies a lot!
We have had to refill 30# every other day in really cold weather and have gone 6 weeks straight on one tank. Just depends on heater usage.

Hate finding out both tanks are empty :B

[jalichty]

Thanks for the quick replies. We'll see if the automatic changeover works, probably, since we use propane for the frig as well as heating. Who knows, we may not run out until later.

[the_bear_II]

Propane is readily available while you're on the road should you happen to run out. Service stations and many private campgrounds have propane filling stations.

We can get by for over a week on one tank unless it's really cold and the heater is running many hours per day.

[donn0128]

No reason to. Propane unlike gasoline does not go stale from sitting. When you get home turn the valves off on the top of the tanks. When you get ready to leave turn them on and purge your gas lines by lighting one of the stove top burners. That what i have done for the last 30+ years.