Dual LP Tank Mod
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=9257
Printed Date: 27 Jun 2025 at 5:06pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Dual LP Tank Mod
Posted By: famepot
Subject: Dual LP Tank Mod
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 5:52pm
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I know others have posted their dual tank mod, but I though I would post my spin. Here's the single tank mounting bracket.  I removed the bracket and drilled 4 new holes  I filled the old holes with liquid metal  and installed the new dual tank rack  Mounted the tanks (the one on the right is temporary till I get a new one)  I mounted the regulator on a new bracket  and added a new dual tank cover.  Total cost about $60, not including the tank. Current plan is to manually switch tanks.
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Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 6:53pm
Nice job but you're missing one of the biggest advantages of dual tanks. An auto-switch regulator ensures you'll use all the propane in a tank before refilling and that you won't run one dry in the middle of a cold night. Murphy's Law says it will happen at 2AM on the coldest rainy night of the trip 
------------- 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: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 7:25pm
quoted for truth.  ------------- |
Posted By: M&M POD
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 9:56pm
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Nice job. I've got to get this done. My 180 2017.5 is in storage and I need to find out if my holder is welded on or bolted. Bolts would make my life much easier. Sounds like the auto switch reg is the way to go. ------------- Morris & Michelle 2008 FJ CRUISER 2017.5 HRE 180 |
Posted By: famepot
Date Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 11:41pm
| Can you tell when it switches over? Would hate to have them both run dry. |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 6:47am
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Looks good. The only thing that I would note is that it appears that you used the stock POD LP regulator that was previously mounted horizontally. In fact, LP regulators are specifically designed to be mounted one way or the other. The vents on the regulator should point down on a horizontal regulator to allow gravity to help shed moisture. Of course, that is not to say the regulator won't work (allow flow) in the vertical position, but mounting it this way may lead to pre-mature failure. I imagine having the assembly inside the cover, as you do, may delay any related deterioration. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 7:53am
A red flag appears in a little window indicating one tank is empty and the regulator has switched over to the second tank. ------------- 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: jato
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 8:35am
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In the 6 years we have owned or 177 we average about 1.5 tanks of propane usage/year. A couple of times we did burn through 2 tanks because of camping in some really cold weather conditions while in the Rockies. Would be difficult to end up with 2 empty tanks. We have 2 tanks on our pod, wouldn't have it any other way. I suppose if we camped where electricity were available we could use a cube heater but since we like the National Parks propane is our only alternative.
------------- 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: voisj
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 1:05pm
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+1 on Jato's post, 1 get 10 nights out of my 1st tank, I have a gauge on it and only change over to the second when the gauge says it's almost empty or it feels really lite. I'ts so nice to have the second tank. Because I hate wandering around looking for propane when i need it bad. On the regulator being upside down or horizontal. I've been using mine like his picture for 4 months. Is this really an issue that I should take care of? Rgds John ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 4:31pm
Worst case scenario is a untimely and premature failure which can happen at any time. A regulator is not very expensive and is easy to replace. So, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, however, by specification...it should be horizontal with the ventilation pointing down.
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: famepot
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 4:00pm
Now look what you guys made me do:  |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 6:39pm
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Fancy smancy. Nice switch for changing tanks. I am still old school, when 1 tank runs out, during the night in the rain or when it is sleeting and 41 degrees, I go outside and spend 2 minutes changing the line to the other tank. Looks great, nice job!
------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 6:52pm
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I like it! Parts and source list please?
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 9:47pm
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Yes Looks Great! Details please... ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 11:44pm
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Looks good. Only thing I would suggest is turn the tanks and regulator around so you can see the indicator from the front. You might need a longer hose to connect the reg.
------------- 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: famepot
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 11:50pm
All from Amazon. Here's the rack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZCNOVC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Here's the regulator, bracket and hoses: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZCNOS0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Here's the cover: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OMYK83O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Minor details: Liquid metal filler: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ALDYJI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Teflon tape: https://www.amazon.com/44094-Slic-Tite-Thread-Premium-Length/dp/B01FXXV048/ref=sr_1_2?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1485841803&sr=1-2&keywords=Yellow+teflon+tape
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Posted By: famepot
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2017 at 11:52pm
It doesn't really matter with the cover on. When you open the top of the cover you have to look in one way or another.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 31 Jan 2017 at 7:31am
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Thank you. I know the cover is good. I purchased the single tank cover, and it is quite durable, much more so than the vinyl cover that came with our RP-179. Once I find out whether we are going to get our escaPOD repaired or replaced, I will know whether I need to make this mod or not.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 4:57am
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Thanks so much for the detail famepot! ...very nice setup. One question. Whats it like to remove and replace the cover? Is it a PITA or no big deal? Thanks again...  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 8:40am
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I have the same cover, except white on my 177. Guess it depends on how patient you are. For me I tie it down with a piece of baling wire on the bottom tab of the cover to the safety chain. Takes about a minute and a half to untwist the wire and then pull straight up to get the cover off. Takes about the same to re-install.
------------- 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: famepot
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 11:20am
| Cover is easy to remove. I have a bungee cord strapped through the tabs on the bottom of the cover and under the cross bar. The cover just lifts off. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 01 Feb 2017 at 4:46pm
we roll with just a single bungee under the lid going around the top of the mount and back.. over 10,000 miles, no issues. ------------- |
Posted By: famepot
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2017 at 11:05am
| If anybody in the Seattle area needs a single tank cover (black), I'll give you mine. |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2017 at 1:38pm
| I'll have to evaluate what this will do to tongue weight to see if I want to attempt it. |
Posted By: Suds' 179
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 8:56am
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Just bought a 2017 r-pod 179; says says not enough room on the hitch for dual LP - he's providing a 30 lb tank instead. Will that suffice? 2017 R-Pod 179 2017 Toyota Hilander
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 8:59am
Whoever told you there isn't room for dual tanks is wrong, as proven by hundreds of owners who have done it. All Pod tongues are created equal. So if one can do it, all can. Heck there are two or three dual tank installations shown in this very thread.. A 30lb tank is bigger then a 20, so it's "better" then a single 20, yes. ------------- |
Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 9:03am
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sounds like they are taking the "easy way out" and don't want to do the work. It will fit after you remove the existing mounting. I used an angle grinder to cut the welds and then mounted the new base with bolts (no welding, all cold steel work) Up to you, but it is one of the easier modes and with an auto switching regulator, you will use the entire contents of propane and will know for sure when to replace the empty tank. ------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: Suds' 179
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 9:43am
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Thanks for replies - pretty much my thoughts from the get-go. Guess I'll go with the 30 lb tank now and make modification on my own later. Best to all! ------------- Barb & Steve 2017 R-Pod 179 2017 Toyota Hilander |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 10:21am
| I suggested to my wife that we go to a 30-lb tank and she gave me the same argument as going with two 2000W generators instead of a single 3000W: weight of a single unit. With dual 20-lb tanks, you're only lifting 37 lbs at a time at most; with a 30-lb tank, you're lifting up to 55 lbs. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 10:47am
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+1 ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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