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Old 04-13-2022, 03:50 PM   #1
Stephene1219
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Default Question on Propane Filling and Capacity

I have been doing some testing on the two horizontal propane tanks on my 2022 2922.

They both cam empty from the dealer so filled them up at the local ACE. The total gallons used was just 7.5. 3.7 for one and 3.8 for the other tank. Since it says to fill vertical that was what was done. The gage when vertical showed full. It also says to transport horizontal. When you lay them down the gage shows just about 3/4 full for both tanks. Each tank should take at least 4.5 gallons.

I then used the propane to test how long the TM would run if you were using all gas including the heater. When done each tank showed empty. I took them back to ACE. I wanted to make sure they were empty, so ACE opened the bleed value to see if any gas came out. Very little did. When I filled them again. The results were the same. Only able to put 3.7 gallons per tank when filling vertical. Valve showed full when vertical and a little les than 3/4 when horizontal.

Is this a common problem with horizonal tanks in general?

It seems a waste to have 5 gallon tanks and only being able to put 3.7 gallons in them.
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Old 04-13-2022, 05:18 PM   #2
Larryjb
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I was curious, so I looked this up:

https://www.zwirnerequipment.com/blo...storage-tanks/

See especially point #1.
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Old 04-13-2022, 06:01 PM   #3
Kmikesell
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephene1219 View Post
I have been doing some testing on the two horizontal propane tanks on my 2022 2922.

They both cam empty from the dealer so filled them up at the local ACE. The total gallons used was just 7.5. 3.7 for one and 3.8 for the other tank. Since it says to fill vertical that was what was done. The gage when vertical showed full. It also says to transport horizontal. When you lay them down the gage shows just about 3/4 full for both tanks. Each tank should take at least 4.5 gallons.

I then used the propane to test how long the TM would run if you were using all gas including the heater. When done each tank showed empty. I took them back to ACE. I wanted to make sure they were empty, so ACE opened the bleed value to see if any gas came out. Very little did. When I filled them again. The results were the same. Only able to put 3.7 gallons per tank when filling vertical. Valve showed full when vertical and a little les than 3/4 when horizontal.

Is this a common problem with horizonal tanks in general?

It seems a waste to have 5 gallon tanks and only being able to put 3.7 gallons in them.
OK.... Now I'm going to have to pay closer attention next time I fill my tanks!
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Old 04-13-2022, 06:11 PM   #4
Stephene1219
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I have done some research and a 20 gallon tank can only be filled to 4 gallons safely. The shout off valve should allow nor more than 4 to 4.2 gallons. So my tanks are getting.3 to .5 gallons less than they should. One article talked about tank manufacturers of horizontal tanks setting the the 80% from 4.5 gallons not 5. This would mean you would get around 3.7 gallons per tank. I will call the tank manufacturer tomorrow and ask.

Also since the gage is actually calibrated for the full 5 gallons and you are only putting 80% of that, the tank should never show more than 3/4 full (approximately)
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Old 04-13-2022, 06:31 PM   #5
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Propane weighs 4.24 lb/gallon, so a "20 pound tank" would hold 4.7 gallons if you could fill it all the way. However, tanks cannot be filled to more than 80% by law, to leave some room for expansion. This limit is enforced by a device called an OPD (overfill protection device) which is built into the tank, and cuts off the flow when the tank reaches 80% full. And 80% of 4.7 gallons is 3.77. So you are getting what you are supposed to get. By the way, it is a "20 pound tank", not a "20 gallon tank".

It is worth noting that there are 3 ways the seller can compute the cost of a fill.
1. By weight. How many pounds of propane were put into the tank? A scale is used.
2. By volume. How many gallons were put into the tank?
3. Flat rate. You pay the same amount, no matter how much propane was added.
Obviously #3 is not a good choice unless your tank is completely empty.

I have filled at several Ace stores, and they always use #1 or #2, so no matter how many gallons or pounds go in, I am charged for that amount and no more.

It is also worth noting that most (all?) propane exchange racks don't even give you 3.7 gallons. If you look at the top of the tank, you will find a tag stating how much propane is in it.

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Old 04-13-2022, 06:34 PM   #6
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It is also worth noting that a horizontal tank has two gauge scales. One is labeled "horizontal", the other is labeled "vertical". You must read the correct one.

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Old 04-14-2022, 02:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill View Post
I have filled at several Ace stores, and they always use #1 or #2, so no matter how many gallons or pounds go in, I am charged for that amount and no more.
Bill
This was going to be my point.. As long as you are only paying for what they are giving you... Then so be it.

AND, unless you are going out boondocking for an extended stay, two full ish tanks of propane should be sufficient. YMMV

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Old 04-14-2022, 04:42 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kmikesell View Post
This was going to be my point.. As long as you are only paying for what they are giving you... Then so be it.

AND, unless you are going out boondocking for an extended stay, two full ish tanks of propane should be sufficient. YMMV

Kory
We went 3 weeks to Disneyland, and had propane left over. The propane was mainly used for cooking, except for the a few boondocking nights when the fridge was put onto propane as well. No need for the furnace that trip.
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Old 04-15-2022, 08:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Larryjb View Post
We went 3 weeks to Disneyland, and had propane left over. The propane was mainly used for cooking, except for the a few boondocking nights when the fridge was put onto propane as well. No need for the furnace that trip.
When I sold trailers people would ask me how long the propane would last. My answer was simple... "Till it's gone!" Realistically two "full" tanks of propane will last me about a full year of camping, but it depends GREATLY on how and when you use your trailer.

Always with full hookups? Rarely use your furnace? Most cooking outside? Then you will "sip" propane.

Boondock a lot? Winter camp a lot? Is most cooking done inside? Use your oven to make warm cookies (I do!) Then you are going to guzzle propane.

And unless you are going to the middle of nowhere, propane is usually not that far away. (either by refill or by exchange). And if neither of those is available.... It's camping...rough it a little!
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