An easier way to fill propane tanks on Lance 1172

[woodworker414]

Good afternoon everyone.
I knew when we bought the 1172 I would be looking for a way to fill the propane tanks.
Since the bottom of the tanks are about at shoulder height.
Getting older and having arthritic shoulders, I see a issue putting a 30# tank back into the compartment. The filled tan weights about 55#.
I have read where some folks have done things that will allow the tanks to stay in place and be refilled. I done a search and can not find any info. If I have to I may replace the tanks with a motorhome horizontal tank. Any and all thoughts and ideas appreciated.

[woodworker414]

Old-Biscuit
Thanks for the info

[Old-Biscuit]

Gallon of propane has 91,500btu

Add up your propane appliance btu/hourly rating
Water heater
*Atwood 6 gal ---8000btu
*Atwood 10 gal ---10,000btu
*Suburban ----12,000btu

Furnace......20K, 25K etc

Fridge....1200-2200btu

Stove top/Oven
1 burner...9000btu
other 2 burners....5000btu each
Oven 1200-2000btu


Remember BTU Rating is Per Hour of run time
*roughly 20 minutes per hour -----so 3 hrs for 1 hr run time



WE FTd with Two 30# cylinders
Used all appliances on propane......
*Summer time.....usually 4- 5 weeks on ONE 30# cylinder
*Winter time.....couple be week and was every other day when temps were below 0*F

[woodworker414]

jimh425
Thank You for the reply
I could install a motorhome style tank as a last resort.
Or use the 5# cylinders and just have to refill more often. No big deal.

[woodworker414]

Kayteg1
Thank You for the reply
I will have to get these tanks filled then run with them and see how long they last. Then I will know more of which solution will work best for me.

[woodworker414]

Old-Biscuit
Thank Your for the reply
I agree with you the process for refilling the tanks.

[woodworker414]

fpoole
Thank You for the reply
I would think most people who refill tanks would be glad to help someone put a tank back into a compartment.

[woodworker414]

Geo*Boy
Thank You for the reply
I will check out that ladder

[woodworker414]

NRALIFR
Thank You for the reply.
I have a 5 step ladder I will try along with a 2 step also.

[woodworker414]

SoonDockin
Thank You for the reply
I have a 2 step ladder I will try, if I have to I will take the tc off the truck and refill the tanks.
With 60# of propane I would think that will last a long time.
Can't remember from when I owned a RealLite 1200 which had 60# of propane how long it last.

[woodworker414]

SoonDockin
Thank You for the reply
I have a 2 step ladder I will try, if I have to I will take the tc off the truck and refill the tanks.
With 60# of propane I would think that will last a long time.
Can't remember from when I owned a RealLite 1200 which had 60# of propane how long it last.

[jimh406]

A step stool does make a huge difference to take a tank down.. On thing I do is use the outside tank first, and try to fill it before I run it out and turn the other tank off even though I have an automatic switchover. That probably means I fill up more often than I need to..

I’ve also found taking the tank off when it’s not loaded on the TC makes it easier. Some propane guys have no issues with filling them in place, so that’s something to consider. Maybe it’s against the rules, but some don’t seem to care. Probably worth seeing if they will either take it down for you or simply fill in place before you exert the effort. YMMV.

One time, I had a dislocated collarbone so DW asked the guy to take it off. He seemed to have no issues with it, and of course, DW thanked him. He was young and strong like most people who will fill them. 😉

[Kayteg1]

I believe it is the same setup I have in Lance 1161.
The tank is 7.5 gallons so for summer trip it gave me about 6 weeks of use.
I removed the 2nd tank, what gave me nice storage for BBQ and snorkeling gear.
Just refill it every 4 weeks and be on your way.

[Old-Biscuit]

Portable cylinders....haven't found a place yet that will refill with them still in place

1st off they should be filled Vertically
2nd they should be weighed when filling
3rd bleed valve should be cracked open when filling


Seems a step ladder is feasible....IF you are stable on one

[fpoole]

I use a little step ladder and can take them out and usually whoever is filling will help you put it in..
Not sure what the Regs are on filling in place..
Seems they usually have long enough hoses so might be something else.
Just a thought.