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04-12-2018, 05:14 PM
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#11
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,259
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For me, one of the core problems with refilling disposable 1-lb propane tanks is that they are built to be disposable. Especially the fill and air valves. One time I was using such a tank (never refilled), and when I removed the appliance, the fill valve did not close and so propane leaked out. I could not get it to stop, so I just put it in an open area and let all of the gas leak out. Lovely.
Fortunately, though, I was outside, and I noticed it. Imagine if it were in your car, and you didn't notice it. Unpleasant, indeed. I just think that the more one uses those valves, whether it be to continually connect/disconnect the bottles or to refill them, the components of the valve will weaken and eventually fail. I know there will be countless numbers of people that can say they've been refilling the tanks like this for years and have never had a problem. I believe them. But the risk of failure, in my mind, is just not worth the risk.
I don't use 1-lb disposable containers anymore, except for the occasion I use a torch. For camping, I use a 5-lb refillable cylinder for my portable grill and stove. It holds about a gallon, and so it costs me about $3 to fill it, and that's probably the price (at least) of one 1-lb disposable.
No more landfill waste, no dangerous refilling, no disposable valves, and I'm saving money to boot!
Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
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04-12-2018, 05:47 PM
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#12
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 1,857
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Pics of the 5lb bottle? Does it hook right to the grill or do you need a hose? Where did you get it?
Edit: Nevermind. Just looked on Amazon. They ain’t cheap, nor do they look all too convenient. I still want to figure out a way to plumb a quick disconnect into my TM’s propane system.
__________________
2007/21 TM 3326 (Pride of the Fleet)
2000 2720SL (Rebuild Project)
2002 2619 (Parts TM)
SMARTER THAN GOOGLE!
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04-12-2018, 10:10 PM
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#13
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,259
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I have this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Worthington-2.../dp/B000SKX63U
I mounted it on the tongue of the TM. See:
http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...5&postcount=21
It goes wherever the TM goes. I never think about it. Yes, it's $50, but you'll make that up quickly by not buying disposables. I had thought about teeing into the TM's propane system, but:
a) the low pressure of the TM system and the high pressure requirement of most grills/stoves needs to be addressed. Doable, but requires some effort.
b) most importantly, I didn't want to cook within a few feet of the TM. I wanted to be over by the picnic table and/or firepit, where everyone else is also hanging out. Since we camp in primitive areas, that might be 30-50 feet from the TM.
Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
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04-13-2018, 06:35 AM
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#14
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: White Mountains of New Hampshire
Posts: 428
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito
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Well that's just adorable! LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito
a) the low pressure of the TM system and the high pressure requirement of most grills/stoves needs to be addressed. Doable, but requires some effort.
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So is it the tank fittings that determine the pressure of the propane dispersal? I didn't realize there was a difference in what systems require, although I suppose if I had any reason to ever ponder it, I would have eventually come to the conclusion that there would be differences.
I believe that might be a solution for me, actually. It certainly seems much easier than refilling the #1 bottles. However, unlike the #20 bottles, which I can just turn in at a station and swap out with a new bottle, purchasing the #5 bottle means eventually it will have to be re-certified. How much does that usually cost?
__________________
Holly
2005 Trailmanor 3023 - 2016 Ford Expedition Limited w/ Eaz-Lift WDH
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04-13-2018, 10:15 AM
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#15
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Blandford, MA
Posts: 1,046
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Holly,
The propane tanks on our unit (SL) are horizontal and cannot be conveniently swapped out.
I've had both my OEM propane tanks re-certified within the past two years at our local propane company store (in my case AmeriGas). You don't need to be a customer to have your tank certified. Each time it cost $25 including filling the tank. The certification is good for 5 years. They basically do a visual check for rusted fixture connections with the tank body and the base support ring. The test also includes a pressure test, looking for a defective valve assembly. I periodically remove any rust, prime and paint the tanks before bringing them in for certification or as needed. I am not sure how much they would charge to re-certify a 5 pound tank.
Dick
__________________
Dick & Jeri in Western MA
2003 2720 SL
2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4x4 - V8
Albums
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04-13-2018, 10:37 AM
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#16
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Site Sponsor
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sunny Beaches of Los Angeles
Posts: 3,259
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HoMiPa
How much does that usually cost?
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Good question. I've had for 9 years, and I either don't remember ever having to do the recert yet, or it was so cheap (or free) that I found it unremarkable.
For the larger tanks, my experience with recerts has been similar to Dick's. Either included in the price of a refill (usually the case), or maybe a $10 charge.
According to this Amerigas website:
https://www.amerigas.com/amerigas-bl...r-propane-tank
...initial certifications are good for 12 years from the date of manufacture, and then must be renewed every 5 years thereafter.
It would be the slightest thing from my mind if I were considering doing this. Worst case scenario is you discard and replace the tank for $50.....so, a recert should be significantly cheaper than that, whenever it is required.
Dave
__________________
2000 2720SL & 2007 3124KB
2005 Toyota Sequoia
Twin Battle Born 12v 100Ah LiFePO4 (BBGC2) batteries, 300W solar on rear shell, Link 10, Lift kit, Maxxis 8008 225 75/R15 E tires
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04-13-2018, 10:38 AM
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#17
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: White Mountains of New Hampshire
Posts: 428
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Quote:
Originally Posted by commodor47
You don't need to be a customer to have your tank certified. Each time it cost $25 including filling the tank.
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Thanks for that info. I may be incorrect, but I'm guessing at least half of that $25 is for the propane refill. Perhaps $15 would be a reasonable cost for a #5 tank, and if only required every 5 years, would be worth it instead of using all those 'disposable' #1 bottles.
__________________
Holly
2005 Trailmanor 3023 - 2016 Ford Expedition Limited w/ Eaz-Lift WDH
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04-13-2018, 09:21 PM
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#18
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Somerset, OH
Posts: 1,868
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I think it is every 10 years you need to do a re-cert. My 20 lb tanks I exchanged when it was time to re-cert. Got some 2017 tanks in exchange and then went back to refilling the tanks at $12 per 4.5 gl/ 20 lbs after the 15 lb ran out.
I thought about the 1.2 gl/5 lb tank, but the re-cert has been my concern. I got a y connector for my 20 lb tank on the TM and a 20 ft hose with a 1 lb adaptor. But a few years back. I realized I only use about 4 - 1 lb tanks a year. I get them 2 for $6, so I stopped using the y connector and hose.
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Art & Joyce
Current camper: Motor Home
Previous: 2009, 3023-QB and 2003 2720
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04-13-2018, 10:14 PM
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#19
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: White Mountains of New Hampshire
Posts: 428
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tentcamper
But a few years back I realized I only use about 4 - 1 lb tanks a year. I get them 2 for $6, so I stopped using the y connector and hose.
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The cost of the #1 isn't the problem - it's the $10 charge to dispose of them. I think the #5 tank is the perfect answer - and probably way easier to cart around, even full, than the #20 tanks. They are awkward as all get out to carry, and seem way heavier than #20. I'd rather carry the #50 of dog food up to the house from the garage 10 times a day, than carry the darn #20 propane tank once in a season. LOL
__________________
Holly
2005 Trailmanor 3023 - 2016 Ford Expedition Limited w/ Eaz-Lift WDH
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04-14-2018, 07:50 AM
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#20
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TrailManor Master
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Somerset, OH
Posts: 1,868
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Had never hear of the disposal fee for the 1 lb bottles. Maybe we are getting rid of them the wrong way??? If I need to pay a disposal fee,I will go back to the 20 lb tank on the tongue of the camper with a y connector and 20 foot hose.
__________________
Art & Joyce
Current camper: Motor Home
Previous: 2009, 3023-QB and 2003 2720
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