Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Propane questions- Tanks and convenience
| Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253327] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 10:34  |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I would like everyone's opinion on propane. I have to original tank, it looks decent, no rust. However it was not installed in the coach when I bought it. PO had it in his garage. I have been using a BBQ bottle for my grill, and haven't cooked inside yet, and my furnace is toast. But now that I am getting into the quality of life items, I would like to have propane for grill, new 3-way refrigerator, range-top in coach, eventually furnace and quite possibly feed my honda eu6500 inverter generator with a dual fuel kit.
It seems quite convenient to swap out BBQ bottles...they are everywhere, but for capacity, those BBQ bottle swap places don't fill the bottle, it's only 15 lbs...but I guess if you are in a pinch, 15 is better than nothing.
Connecting 2 bottles? Forklift bottles? Restore original? I would like a quick connect for my grill, and maybe one inside for a catalytic heater? What it the JWIWD...or in this case JWTFD...just what the forum does.
Thanks!
Sean
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
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| Re: Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253340 is a reply to message #253327] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 11:37  |
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WD0AFQ
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
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Senior Member |
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SeanKidd wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 10:34I would like everyone's opinion on propane. I have to original tank, it looks decent, no rust. However it was not installed in the coach when I bought it. PO had it in his garage. I have been using a BBQ bottle for my grill, and haven't cooked inside yet, and my furnace is toast. But now that I am getting into the quality of life items, I would like to have propane for grill, new 3-way refrigerator, range-top in coach, eventually furnace and quite possibly feed my honda eu6500 inverter generator with a dual fuel kit.
It seems quite convenient to swap out BBQ bottles...they are everywhere, but for capacity, those BBQ bottle swap places don't fill the bottle, it's only 15 lbs...but I guess if you are in a pinch, 15 is better than nothing.
Connecting 2 bottles? Forklift bottles? Restore original? I would like a quick connect for my grill, and maybe one inside for a catalytic heater? What it the JWIWD...or in this case JWTFD...just what the forum does.
Thanks!
Sean
Sean, I have mine set up like you want, including the quick disconnect for our cat heater inside. Also have quick disc. For BBQ grille and, a hookup so we can run the gmc off smaller portable tanks when parked for the winter. I hate moving the coach so we take the smaller bottles to have refilled. Ours is a 74 and has the shorter lp tank. I love it as it gives us storage. My next thing is to rerun the propane line so it is not in the wheel well.
Dan
3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers
One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm
355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng.
Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System
Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows
Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
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| Re: Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253341 is a reply to message #253327] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 11:37 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I would go original. others might have a different opinion.
depends on where you live, and what you do with your coach. That is the true deciding factor. I think small size propane like BBQ bottle, or other, can easily be used for most of the time. I do not think the fridge takes much propane, and if you have power, then it takes even less. I don't think the BBQ uses much either. and I do not think the cooktop uses enough to be concerned about.
the deciding factor I would think would be furnace. when temps are below freezing, my original furnace uses up 1/4 of the original propane tank in 24 hours. so if you plan on camping in cold temps at all, I think an larger propane tank would be preferred.
also depends on services where you camp. If you have lots of power, you can run electric heaters, but they have their hassle too. storing, placing, plugging in, and managing temp. a propane furnace, you just set a thermostat, and you are done.
catalytic heaters are great, but again, need to figure out where they mount, have to plum them in. and I do not think they heat as well or easily as a furnace. I turn my furnace on in the am, when it is cold, the coach is to temp in about 5 minutes.
the last thing to consider, is hot water... if you go propane there, I am not sure how much propane those use.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253349 is a reply to message #253341] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 14:08 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that I've
been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the
valve leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I didn't
check that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the
next best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
On Jun 26, 2014 11:57 AM, "Jon Roche" wrote:
> I would go original. others might have a different opinion.
>
> depends on where you live, and what you do with your coach. That is the
> true deciding factor. I think small size propane like BBQ bottle, or other,
> can easily be used for most of the time. I do not think the fridge takes
> much propane, and if you have power, then it takes even less. I don't think
> the BBQ uses much either. and I do not think the cooktop uses enough to
> be concerned about.
>
> the deciding factor I would think would be furnace. when temps are below
> freezing, my original furnace uses up 1/4 of the original propane tank in
> 24 hours. so if you plan on camping in cold temps at all, I think an
> larger propane tank would be preferred.
>
> also depends on services where you camp. If you have lots of power, you
> can run electric heaters, but they have their hassle too. storing,
> placing, plugging in, and managing temp. a propane furnace, you just
> set a thermostat, and you are done.
>
> catalytic heaters are great, but again, need to figure out where they
> mount, have to plum them in. and I do not think they heat as well or
> easily
> as a furnace. I turn my furnace on in the am, when it is cold, the
> coach is to temp in about 5 minutes.
>
>
> the last thing to consider, is hot water... if you go propane there, I am
> not sure how much propane those use.
>
>
>
>
> --
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253355 is a reply to message #253349] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 15:33 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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james Ernst wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 12:08Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that I've
been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the
valve leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I didn't
check that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the
next best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
Did you fully open the valve? Sometimes those valves leak when in between fully closed and fully open, but are sealed at either extreme. Mine is like that (not an original tank).
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253358 is a reply to message #253355] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 16:32 |
james Ernst
Messages: 79
Registered: December 2013
Location: Lincoln, NE
Karma: -4
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Member |
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Carl,
Thank you for the input. I did not try opening all the way to the stop.
I'll give her a try after work tomorrow.
Jim Ernst
77 Kingsley
Columbus, NE
On Jun 26, 2014 3:33 PM, "Carl Stouffer" wrote:
> james Ernst wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 12:08
>> Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that
> I've
>> been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the
>> valve leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I
> didn't
>> check that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the
>> next best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
>
>
>
> Did you fully open the valve? Sometimes those valves leak when in between
> fully closed and fully open, but are sealed at either extreme. Mine is
> like that (not an original tank).
> --
> Carl Stouffer
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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Jimbalaya
No Coach yet
60 Olds 88
66 Toro
76 Toro
86 cutlass Supreme
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253359 is a reply to message #253349] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 16:39 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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I believe they ALWAYS leak if they are not all the way open or all the way closed.
It's just the nature of those valves. In between, there is no seating of the valve.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
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> Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 16:32:39 -0500
> From: jimbalaya57@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience
>
> Carl,
> Thank you for the input. I did not try opening all the way to the stop.
> I'll give her a try after work tomorrow.
>
> Jim Ernst
> 77 Kingsley
> Columbus, NE
> On Jun 26, 2014 3:33 PM, "Carl Stouffer" wrote:
>
>> james Ernst wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 12:08
>>> Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that
>> I've
>>> been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the
>>> valve leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I
>> didn't
>>> check that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the
>>> next best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
>>
>>
>>
>> Did you fully open the valve? Sometimes those valves leak when in between
>> fully closed and fully open, but are sealed at either extreme. Mine is
>> like that (not an original tank).
>> --
>> Carl Stouffer
>> '75 ex Palm Beach
>> Tucson, AZ.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253360 is a reply to message #253359] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 17:09 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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k2gkk wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 14:39I believe they ALWAYS leak if they are not all the way open or all the way closed.
It's just the nature of those valves. In between, there is no seating of the valve.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*
You may be right Mac, but when I had mine filled at U-Haul a while back, The attendant said he had never seen another one leak like that before.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253379 is a reply to message #253349] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 19:32 |
Len Novak
Messages: 676
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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I replaced every fitting on the tank when I had the tank float fixed (it was
stuck to the side of the tank). I had a local shop (Fallbrook propane) do
it, less that $100 and added a fitting to run a standalone bbq.
No leaks, everything works.
Cheers,
Len and Pat
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule@Roadrunner.Com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of james Ernst
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 12:09 PM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience
Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that I've
been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the valve
leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I didn't check
that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the next
best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
On Jun 26, 2014 11:57 AM, "Jon Roche" wrote:
> I would go original. others might have a different opinion.
>
> depends on where you live, and what you do with your coach. That is the
> true deciding factor. I think small size propane like BBQ bottle, or
> other, can easily be used for most of the time. I do not think the
> fridge takes much propane, and if you have power, then it takes even
> less. I don't think the BBQ uses much either. and I do not think the
> cooktop uses enough to be concerned about.
>
> the deciding factor I would think would be furnace. when temps are
> below freezing, my original furnace uses up 1/4 of the original
> propane tank in
> 24 hours. so if you plan on camping in cold temps at all, I think an
> larger propane tank would be preferred.
>
> also depends on services where you camp. If you have lots of power,
> you can run electric heaters, but they have their hassle too. storing,
> placing, plugging in, and managing temp. a propane furnace, you just
> set a thermostat, and you are done.
>
> catalytic heaters are great, but again, need to figure out where they
> mount, have to plum them in. and I do not think they heat as well or
> easily
> as a furnace. I turn my furnace on in the am, when it is cold, the
> coach is to temp in about 5 minutes.
>
>
> the last thing to consider, is hot water... if you go propane there, I
> am not sure how much propane those use.
>
>
>
>
> --
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
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_______________________________________________
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Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Las Vegas, NV new email: B52sRule@Gmail.com
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375
www.bdub.net/novak/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253385 is a reply to message #253359] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 20:11 |
lotsofspareparts
Messages: 726
Registered: May 2014
Location: Arlington, WA
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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k2gkk wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 14:39I believe they ALWAYS leak if they are not all the way open or all the way closed.
It's just the nature of those valves. In between, there is no seating of the valve.
Mine is that way too, fully closed it is fine, no leaks, fully open, no leak.
When turning it from closed to open or vice versa it does hiss a little bit.
Jared
Jared & Tina Lazaron + 14yr old Daughter.....
77 Eleganza II "Recherché".....
73 Canyon Lands 230 "Elephant"
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| Re: Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253390 is a reply to message #253327] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 20:23 |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 39
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Senior Member |
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SeanKidd wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 10:34I would like everyone's opinion on propane. I have to original tank, it looks decent, no rust. However it was not installed in the coach when I bought it. PO had it in his garage. I have been using a BBQ bottle for my grill, and haven't cooked inside yet, and my furnace is toast. But now that I am getting into the quality of life items, I would like to have propane for grill, new 3-way refrigerator, range-top in coach, eventually furnace and quite possibly feed my honda eu6500 inverter generator with a dual fuel kit.
It seems quite convenient to swap out BBQ bottles...they are everywhere, but for capacity, those BBQ bottle swap places don't fill the bottle, it's only 15 lbs...but I guess if you are in a pinch, 15 is better than nothing.
Connecting 2 bottles? Forklift bottles? Restore original? I would like a quick connect for my grill, and maybe one inside for a catalytic heater? What it the JWIWD...or in this case JWTFD...just what the forum does.
Thanks!
Sean For me it would come down to if there is a towed to fetch propane bottles. If no towed, you gotta take the RV to get propane, so have big tank. Got a towed for going to the tank exchange? Use it to take the tanks to be exchanged. If you will be camping where its cold and you gotta use the propane furnace in your GMC, and if you don't have the OEM tank, you will be getting a new bottle about every day.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253410 is a reply to message #253355] |
Thu, 26 June 2014 23:38 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Carl S. wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 14:33james Ernst wrote on Thu, 26 June 2014 12:08Speaking of LP, when I picked up my coach it had 3/4 tank. So now that I've
been working on it id thought I'd check the stove. Went to turn on the
valve leaks gas like crazy. Closed it up, its tight. Like a fool I didn't
check that b4 I bought it. I've never replaced a tank valve b4, whats the
next best step? RV shop or can it be DIY?
Did you fully open the valve? Sometimes those valves leak when in between fully closed and fully open, but are sealed at either extreme. Mine is like that (not an original tank).
A good or new valve will not leak no matter what position, but they really are designed to not leak at either extreme, so a person can make do with a valve that might leak a bit in between. Frankly, I leave mine open for the last 15 years.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Propane questions- Tanks and convenience [message #253476 is a reply to message #253327] |
Fri, 27 June 2014 20:56 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Although I am new to the GMC I have been RV ing for many years. We did mostly dry camping so big propane bottle was desire able. I also carry a small spare that is half the size of a BBQ tank. Carried it for years, never used it personally but loaned it out a few times.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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