Can you use 1# LP bottle to feed gas system?

[TundraTower]

Our travel trailer only has 900 lbs payload capacity and we typically pull with the chassis right at the GVW limit. I'm using the winter off-season to weigh everything in there and figure out what we can do without.

One of the biggest opportunities is to travel in the summer with only one 20# LP tank instead of the normal two (they weigh 35# each). We use very little gas in the summer, mainly to run the refrigerator during transit. However, as a closet survivalist I have a hard time giving up spares and back-ups (admittedly part of the reason for our overweight condition).

I found a fitting that will allow you to connect a 1 lb disposable propane bottle to the regulator - apparently made for BBQ grills. This might be handy for a low weight limited back-up in the summer.

Is there a technical reason you would not connect a disposable propane bottle to the RV gas system? Yeah, I understand it would not last a long time, but other than that is there a fundamental mis-match that I am missing?

Thanks.

[opnspaces]

I like and have one of the short fat 11lb tanks. I like it better than the taller skinnier 11 pounders because it seems more stable.
Amazon link

[Jebby14]

put some gear in totes and load them into the truck. When we were tent campers we had all our gear in totes ready to load. I would be more concerned about adding the weight of you and your family and water and waste water and gear from the truck when set up.

[Community Alumni]

A new truck wouldn't solve anything. The OP is hitting the GVWR of the trailer and trying to reduce weight.

[Bird_Freak]

I know its not what you asked but if I were pushing weight limits that much I would opt for a bigger truck.

[Wild_Card]

Why not just put the propane tank in the back of the truck?

[greende]

TundraTower wrote:
The 5 and 11 lb containers that "Hedge" brought up is an excellent idea that I was not even aware of. I can combine these for a decent amount of LP gas at reduced weight with some back-up. What an elegant and probably more useful solution !!

I've found these tanks at Ace Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, although have to order them.

My local propane place says they will fill them, but have you ever run into resistance at having them refilled on the road???

I have an #11 Propane tank for my Weber Q grill and have never had problems getting it filled. I just remind them that it is 11 pounds.

[Durb]

"My local propane place says they will fill them, but have you ever run into resistance at having them refilled on the road??? "

I have been using 1 gallon refillable propane tanks for 35 years for lanterns, stoves and barbecues. Never had any problem filling them even way out in the sticks. They do age out like other tanks.

[TundraTower]

The 5 and 11 lb containers that "Hedge" brought up is an excellent idea that I was not even aware of. I can combine these for a decent amount of LP gas at reduced weight with some back-up. What an elegant and probably more useful solution !!

I've found these tanks at Ace Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, although have to order them.

My local propane place says they will fill them, but have you ever run into resistance at having them refilled on the road???

[Shadow_Catcher]

An easier solution and helping with the weight problem would be to switch to a composite i.e. Viking propane tank, lighter weight and you can see the level of propane.

[ktmrfs]

be careful what you try to run from a 1lb bottle. the fridge yes, anything else will draw to fast and cause the bottle temp to drop way to low as the propane boils off at about -40F.

BTU draw on HWH, oven, stove will be to much for the 1lb bottle.

[bgum]

DO NOT unload the tongue too much.

[mbopp]

Been there - done that. I bungi-corded the 1# cylinder to the trailer frame and ran the fridge on it.

I found an outdated, old-style valved 10# propane tank in somebody's trash. I had it re-valved and re-certified and use it on my big 3-burner Coleman stove.

[hedge]

it'll work just fine, you can also find 5, 7 and 11# tanks that may fit your requirements better as they can be refilled. I have one for my bbq... just be prepared for sticker shock, the tanks are expensive.

[SoundGuy]

TundraTower wrote:
I found a fitting that will allow you to connect a 1 lb disposable propane bottle to the regulator - apparently made for BBQ grills. This might be handy for a low weight limited back-up in the summer.

Is there a technical reason you would not connect a disposable propane bottle to the RV gas system?

None at all, I carry one of these adapters as well, known as a "Steak Saver" ... simply converts the 1"-20 thread on 16.4 oz canisters to a standard Acme Type 1 coarse thread, allowing you to screw on one of your propane tank Acme Type 1 pigtails.