Do I need two propane tanks
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8040
Printed Date: 24 Jun 2025 at 9:45am
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Topic: Do I need two propane tanks
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Subject: Do I need two propane tanks
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 1:32pm
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dry camping question I am picking up my new 178 this month . We ordered it with an extra propane setup and an extra battery.. They are being setup in the front. Do I really need this for weeklong dry camp? how cumbersome will this extra setup be? Anyone had experience with carrying this extra luggage? Wondering if I can still fit a bike rack between the truck and the pod? Thanks all Lynne ------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 3:03pm
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This time of year a single tank will last a long time, even when running the fridge on propane. If you use the factory furnace during cold weather it depends on temp and time. Eventually you'll want the second tank with an auto switch over regulator. The advantage is you'll never run out of propane without a warning.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 3:04pm
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Thanks Charlie
I'll keep the order as is. two tanks and two batteries. ------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 3:13pm
If you still can you should specify the two batteries as GC2 6 volt golf cart batteries. Trailer batteries are typically dealer installed options so you should get some credit. The two GC2s will give you 220AH capacity. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 3:28pm
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that's a great idea, let ,me see if I can change it. thanks again ------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 5:09pm
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Lots of podders run dual batteries and dual tanks.
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 5:15pm
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The bulk of our camping is in the fall, followed by spring and lastly summer. Per year we go through 1.5 tanks of propane, the majority of it being used for the furnace, followed by fridge, and then cooking. Our batteries 12v marine batteries will last us 3-4 days each during cold weather camping, so we can expect 6 - 8 days out of both batteries, and they are now beginning their 6th year.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Date Posted: 28 May 2016 at 9:13pm
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Thanks for the really helpful insight Jato, Furpod ------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Posted By: Sailor John
Date Posted: 29 May 2016 at 8:15pm
 I run with 2 6 Volt batteries and 2 30# propane tanks on my 179. I like the manual throw over reg over the auto. I then know that one tank is dry and needs to refilled.
------------- John & Reina 2015 r-179, 2006 Jeep Liberty Retired Sub sailor West central ID |
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Date Posted: 29 May 2016 at 10:42pm
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Thanks Sailor John, if I read this right I should get a setup that stops the system when the first tank runs dry, rather than automatically tapping on the second tank. THis will alert me to get a refill on tank one.. IS that what you are saying? Makes sense.... Many thanks Lynne
------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Posted By: mtbmitch
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 11:24am
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I tank for us and 1 group 31 battery. The 2 tank mounting would always rattle loose on wash board fire roads. ------------- enjoy the fresh air |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 11:42am
The manual switch over will alert you to an empty tank, but maybe in the middle of a cold night. The auto changeover will do the same, but it waits until morning. It alerts you with little red indicator that tells you it switched and which tank is empty. It doesn't switch until one tank is really empty. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 2:51pm
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If you plan on doing a lot of sub freezing weather camping, then some sort of dual tank setup is probably a convenience well worth the investment. For now I just keep a spare tank inside a milk crate in the pod when towing, then leave it outside next to the tongue. It takes me no more than 5 minutes to swap out a tank in the dark under the front light on the pod. Even if I couldn't find my glasses and wasn't able to thread the strap, it would be fine until morning with the clamp holding it in place.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 8:14pm
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moving this to the podmod section. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 8:21pm
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I do the same a Retroactive, I carry a 20 pound spare tank, use it for a back up and will sometime ( month stay at Cape Hatteras) will use it for my Weber Q. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Grey51shadw
Date Posted: 30 May 2016 at 10:31pm
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Thanks again
------------- '17 178 '16 F150SC ..aRtPODist at large |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 12:19am
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I thought I would add a couple of brief comments here. I've noticed that the furnace uses a lot of propane compared to the other propane devices in our Pod. I would estimate that if it was being used throughout the day and evening in 40 degree temperatures that one 20# tank would only last a few days. Since others alluded to this already, I just keep an extra 20# tank in my TV. We have enough room for it, so it wasn't a big deal for us. If we were cold weather camping, I would definitely have dual tanks installed and would probably look into 40# tanks as well. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2016 at 7:48am
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Anything that produces heat requires a bunch of fuel. No way around that. ------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: mtdave
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 12:09pm
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Is there a way to monitor the amount of propane in the tank? Some sort of meter? ------------- 2011 R-Pod 176 2009 Chevy Suburban 1500 |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:22pm
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I keep 1lb propane canisters and a "steak saver" in case my propane tank runs out. No need for a second tank. There are several devices on the market that supposedly allow you to monitor the level of fuel in the tank. There is also the possibility of using a transparent tank. |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:43pm
Yes and no. There are monitors out there, but they do a very poor job of informing you as to the amount of propane left. They will read that the propane is good until they suddenly inform you that it's nearly empty. The better and easier solution is to heat up a small pot of hot water and pour it over the side of the propane tank. Then, feel of the sides and feel where the line where the tank goes from warm to cold. That's point where the propane is sitting in the tank. This is far more accurate than any gauge you'll find. Keep in mind that a 'full' tank of propane is 80% of the capacity of the tank. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 2:51pm
Meters are supposedly very, very inaccurate. IMO, the easiest and most accurate ways to determine how much propane is left is to pour hot water down the side of it, which leaves a line of condensation at the level of propane, or else just simply hefting it to see how empty it is. You could always bring a bathroom scale and weigh it for more accuracy. ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 3:17pm
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I use and like the ultrasonic device. Easy to use without removing the tank and very accurate. About $40 from Amazon etc. http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC10-LP-Gas-Checker/dp/B00Q7379X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468005355&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrasonic+propane+tank+level+indicator - http://www.amazon.com/Dometic-LPGC10-LP-Gas-Checker/dp/B00Q7379X0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468005355&sr=8-1&keywords=ultrasonic+propane+tank+level+indicator The best solution I've found. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: mtdave
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 3:32pm
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Lots of great advice! Thanks ------------- 2011 R-Pod 176 2009 Chevy Suburban 1500 |