Propane capacity ?

[MountainGirl]

Inspired by SOCOM's last post ~

Very soon we'll be increasing our propane storage and I'm wondering how much y'all keep on hand and it's configuration. Right now all we have are several tanks to roll up close to the gen... and these days it feels like not enough... ya know?

[T-Man 1066]

Inspired by SOCOM's last post ~

Very soon we'll be increasing our propane storage and I'm wondering how much y'all keep on hand and it's configuration. Right now all we have are several tanks to roll up close to the gen... and these days it feels like not enough... ya know?

At T-Man Land - East (the big house), I have a NG forced air furnace, and a wood fireplace for backup.

At T-Man Land - West (the shop and BOL), the house there has an electric forced air furnace, a corn / pellet furnace, and two wood fireplaces.

The shop is the only thing I heat with propane. I have a 500 gallon tank. the shop is 1500 sq ft, 30'x50', two service doors, a 12' x 10' garage door, no windows. It is stick frame construction, like a house, well insulated, drywalled, etc. The heater is a ceiling mount Modine, 110,000 BTU. I keep it about 65-70 all winter, and I go through about a tank and a half of propane per season. I am on the Chedder Curtain, PO knows the winters round here.

One thing to remember, is that they only fill your propane tank to 80% capacity, and they want you to schedule a refill by the time you get to 10% capacity. So normally you are only using around 350 gallons between fills. I would guess that the shop burns about 500-600 gallons per winter.

I also have two 33# forklift tanks for the forklift. And 5 regular BBQ grill propane tanks. One thing to remember, is you can not use a forklift propane tank for the grill, and vise versa. Forklift propane siphons the liquid and runs it through an evaporator before the carburetor. BBQ tanks just use the vapor. That is why you can't use a BBQ tank on its side or leaning at a weird angle. The forklift tanks work horizontal or vertical.

[Slippy]

Excellent topic!

We have a 250 gallon tank that runs our gas cooking stove (LG) and provides our furnace supplemental fuel for days when the temp falls below a set temperature. I have it set at 38 degrees. We barely use 100 gallons/year and top it off every August or September.

We also have about fifteen or so 20lb tanks and three 30lb tanks. Both generators are dual fuel and run on LP Gas.

Also we use LP gas in our camper, plus a BBQ Grill and I love our little LP gas firepit for ambiance!

33255

Remember, a LP gas tank can only hold about 80% of its capacity.

https://www.amerigas.com/about-propane/propane-tank-sizes

[Slippy]

Side note about the LP Gas Firepit;

Ask me how to fire up this little contraption, and I'd have to put an adult beverage in my left hand and then show you how to do it.

I don't think I've ever used 2 hands to fire it up! :redneck:

33256

[MountainGirl]

^^ LOL :thumb:

[Prepared One]

I remember those winters well T-Man. I get a chill thinking about it

Our propane storage is used mainly for the gen sets. I currently have 25 or so 20 pounders and a couple of the 100 pounders. We used two 20 pounders during the Hurricane this past June and we only lost power for 24 hours. That got me to thinking I need more capacity. After a major hurricane we could be without power for as long as 4 to 6 weeks. In a SHTF grid down situation the extra capacity would at leas allow us to manage our propane storage use in order to extend our frozen food storage among other things.

I am currently thinking two, or maybe three 420 pounders lined up just outside the new shed where they will be out of site. I will move the main gen set into the shed. It has plenty of ventilation and will be out of site, and I will get decent sound attenuation. (Running out on the Carport was loud as hell.) I could go to a 250 or even a 325 Gal. but then I would have to be at least 10' from any structure.

I am storing the 20 pounders in the same shed but the shed is pretty big. I will move the 20 pounders to one wall and the gen set on the opposite wall closest to the auto switch. That's my plan as of now, but I am open to suggestions or concerns.

[BucketBack]

750 gal PIG @ 31 % yesterday

[Mad Trapper]

Is a salamnder propane heater safe to run inside?

I got one free and was wondering about using in basement to keep pipes from freezing.

For me wood is good......

[Slippy]

Is a salamnder propane heater safe to run inside?

I got one free and was wondering about using in basement to keep pipes from freezing.

For me wood is good......

The salamander heaters are Outdoor use only...I believe.

[Illini Warrior]

Is a salamnder propane heater safe to run inside?

I got one free and was wondering about using in basement to keep pipes from freezing.

For me wood is good......


only thing close to being safe for that application is a Mr Heater product like a Buddy model - has built in safety features to shut it down - still have the common sense requirement of making sure of a burnproof clearance .....

[Illini Warrior]

thing to have on hand or make sure to salvage - there's a couple current LP tank fittings >>> an adaption of the old old LP tank valve fitting - now a fine threaded interior and square exterior thread - there's also now a more common quik-couple type hose fitting - make sure you can utilize both types of fittings ....

in a severe as hell SHTF or even TEOTWAWKI - any opportunity to salvage fuel - especially like the common suburban backyard BBQ gas grill LP tanks - make sure you can utilize any kind of tank you can salvage .....

another LP accessory to have in your private stock - the extension hose to adapt from the 20lb tank to the 1lb bottle fitting ....

[Slippy]

only thing close to being safe for that application is a Mr Heater product like a Buddy model - has built in safety features to shut it down - still have the common sense requirement of making sure of a burnproof clearance .....

^^^2nd the Mr Heater Mr Buddy model for inside use.^^^

[MountainGirl]

thing to have on hand or make sure to salvage - there's a couple current LP tank fittings >>> an adaption of the old old LP tank valve fitting - now a fine threaded interior and square exterior thread - there's also now a more common quik-couple type hose fitting - make sure you can utilize both types of fittings ....

in a severe as hell SHTF or even TEOTWAWKI - any opportunity to salvage fuel - especially like the common suburban backyard BBQ gas grill LP tanks - make sure you can utilize any kind of tank you can salvage .....

another LP accessory to have in your private stock - the extension hose to adapt from the 20lb tank to the 1lb bottle fitting ....

Good info. Ditto on the extension hose, we got one right away to tap the 20s. Plenty of green bottles here to use first, but ya never know.

Not sure if there's a way to tap from a big tank or pig into a Coleman stove. Seems a lot of step-down would be needed. Yes?

[BucketBack]

I have a few bottles that the solar panel donater filled up from his PIG with a device off Scamazom. I will be looking into it soon

[MountainGirl]

I have a few bottles that the solar panel donater filled up from his PIG with a device off Scamazom. I will be looking into it soon

I saw some of those little ones are refillable.. but I dunno.
Let us know what you find out ~

[BucketBack]

The seal on the little ones are weak and maybe only good for one or two fills. I about froze my hands taking off the torch as the gas all came out.

[Chiefster23]

I saw some of those little ones are refillable.. but I dunno.
Let us know what you find out ~

They make little bottles that are made to be refillable from BBQ tanks. 30 and 40 lb tanks would work too, but you have to turn the big tank upside down to do the refill. Larger tanks would therefore be a problem. I have two of the refillables and they work great.

Flameking makes the bottles and refill kit. On Amazon.

[MountainGirl]

In the prepping thread, SOCOM posted this; copied here for reference.

*********************************
"I am using 100 pound tanks, two on each system, one set for kitchen stove and one set for this heater.

The heater regulator is a crossover type,

runs on one tank and automatically changes over to the full one when first is empty.

Kitchen has standard type regulator, I keep one tank off until first runs out.

It takes about nine months to empty one at my cooking rate.

I do not use the stove's oven, uses way too much gas.

I also have two 100 pounders tied into my #1 use genset and two spares for whatever needs them.

After I see how the new heater works out this winter,

I may well put in a 100 gallon tank to support the heater.

The prime here is direct heat generated no intermediate stage,

it takes 4 minutes to heat the heat exchanger in the oil furnace.

That time would be used already heating rooms.

Oil will be used to keep the new water pipes from freezing, they run underneath alongside the heat ducting."

[MountainGirl]

They make little bottles that are made to be refillable from BBQ tanks. 30 and 40 lb tanks would work too, but you have to turn the big tank upside down to do the refill. Larger tanks would therefore be a problem. I have two of the refillables and they work great.

Flameking makes the bottles and refill kit. On Amazon.

Thanks for the info about the refillables, and having to turn the 30s & 40s. Since we have the adapter hose to go from the tanks directly to the Coleman, no need to put the green ones in the middle. Yay!

[MountainGirl]

The seal on the little ones are weak and maybe only good for one or two fills. I about froze my hands taking off the torch as the gas all came out.

Thanks, good to know.

[MountainGirl]

Dang it people, if you have/use a Coleman stove for backup,

GET THE HOSE ADAPTER!!

If for no other reason, at Walmart the price of the green canisters doubled in one year. Pfft.

Here's a link to one - read the info to make sure it'll work with your stove; if not, there's one out there that will. Find it !!

https://www.amazon.com/MOFLAME-Propane-Adapter-Converter-Roadtrip/dp/B0BG12FCTR/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.76d54fcc-2362-404d-ab9b-b0653e2b2239%3Aamzn1.sym.76d54fcc-2362-404d-ab9b-b0653e2b2239&crid=1TDGSZYM3PR7Q&cv_ct_cx=Coleman+stove+hose+adapter&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.nDzmf1AukQEHrJHZgLmEr2nGsPAZ0jl4s CIWygmQRCIqkv-XqbMazzzFkVmBHFOAGxyuzhuDYKYDT61PbA0KZw.GK8XoRlXMs amZps5qB_301yTBCl0HSInTlGeintgzlI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Coleman+stove+hose+adapter&pd_rd_i=B0BG12FCTR&pd_rd_r=785a16a6-f234-4d00-ac6c-04fa65f00b0d&pd_rd_w=7sYnB&pd_rd_wg=77Osq&pf_rd_p=76d54fcc-2362-404d-ab9b-b0653e2b2239&pf_rd_r=XHFBX4SKDY6Q0A4KJY3W&qid=1730033465&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=coleman+stove+hose+adapter+%2Caps%2C224&sr=1-1-6024b2a3-78e4-4fed-8fed-e1613be3bcce-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&psc=1

[SOCOM42]

This is an update, much added.


I am using 100 pound tanks, two on each system, one set for kitchen stove and one set for this heater.

The heater regulator is a crossover type,

runs on one tank and automatically changes over to the full one when first is empty, second valve must be open.

Kitchen has standard type regulator, I keep one tank off until first runs out.

It takes about nine months to empty one at my cooking rate.

I do not use the stove's oven, uses way too much gas.

I also have two 100 pounders tied into my #1 use genset and two spares for whatever needs them.

After I see how the new heater works out this winter,

I may well put in a 100 gallon tank to support the heater only, will do it myself, like everything else.

The prime here is the direct heat generated no intermediate stage,

it takes 4 minutes to heat the heat exchanger in the oil furnace.

That time would be used already heating rooms and would have reached thermostat cutout temp.

Oil will be used to keep the new water pipes from freezing, they run underneath alongside the heat ducting.

On the refill of smaller tanks, I hoist a 20 pound tank upside down on a chainfall.

I have made custom hose lines to do the fill.

The disposable one pounders are a waste of time, get the refillable ones, the others leak out.

I did ten of them and lost all the fuel in them.

On the 100 pound tanks, if you get them, get the MULTI FILL valve installed in them,

Propane suppliers need the second inlet if you have deliveries from them,

they will not disconnect the POL line to fill.

The POL side is used for hooking up to your appliances, it is just like the one your BBQ tank has.

All the tanks are mine, I just have them filled by the same company as for my oil.

About 40 years ago I had a battle with my first propane supplier,

they were bitching I was not using enough fuel and wanted to take out the 100 pound tanks.

This was after I had them remove the 1,000 gallon tank that was used to heat my shop, went to oil.

I made them wait for them to be empty, then put in my own set.

[BucketBack]

Well, I was planning on trying to fill some 20 lb tanks off the old time end fill 500 gallon not 1000 PIG, as opposed to the new top fill PIG's

[MountainGirl]

Well, I was planning on trying to fill some 20 lb tanks off the old time end fill PIG, as opposed to the new top fill PIG's

Let us know how that goes ~

[MountainGirl]

This is an update, much added.

I am using 100 pound tanks, two on each system, one set for kitchen stove and one set for this heater.

The heater regulator is a crossover type,

runs on one tank and automatically changes over to the full one when first is empty, second valve must be open.

Kitchen has standard type regulator, I keep one tank off until first runs out.

It takes about nine months to empty one at my cooking rate.

I do not use the stove's oven, uses way too much gas.

I also have two 100 pounders tied into my #1 use genset and two spares for whatever needs them.

After I see how the new heater works out this winter,

I may well put in a 100 gallon tank to support the heater only, will do it myself, like everything else.

The prime here is the direct heat generated no intermediate stage,

it takes 4 minutes to heat the heat exchanger in the oil furnace.

That time would be used already heating rooms and would have reached thermostat cutout temp.

Oil will be used to keep the new water pipes from freezing, they run underneath alongside the heat ducting.

On the refill of smaller tanks, I hoist a 20 pound tank upside down on a chainfall.

I have made custom hose lines to do the fill.

The disposable one pounders are a waste of time, get the refillable ones, the others leak out.

I did ten of them and lost all the fuel in them.

On the 100 pound tanks, if you get them, get the MULTI FILL valve installed in them,

Propane suppliers need the second inlet if you have deliveries from them,

they will not disconnect the POL line to fill.

The POL side is used for hooking up to your appliances, it is just like the one your BBQ tank has.

All the tanks are mine, I just have them filled by the same company as for my oil.

About 40 years ago I had a battle with my first propane supplier,

they were bitching I was not using enough fuel and wanted to take out the 100 pound tanks.

This was after I had them remove the 1,000 gallon tank that was used to heat my shop, went to oil.

I made them wait for them to be empty, then put in my own set.

Update much appreciated! PO will need that new information.

[Slippy]

LP Gas is Good!

That is all. :hail:

[Prepared One]

This is an update, much added.


I am using 100 pound tanks, two on each system, one set for kitchen stove and one set for this heater.

The heater regulator is a crossover type,

runs on one tank and automatically changes over to the full one when first is empty, second valve must be open.

Kitchen has standard type regulator, I keep one tank off until first runs out.

It takes about nine months to empty one at my cooking rate.

I do not use the stove's oven, uses way too much gas.

I also have two 100 pounders tied into my #1 use genset and two spares for whatever needs them.

After I see how the new heater works out this winter,

I may well put in a 100 gallon tank to support the heater only, will do it myself, like everything else.

The prime here is the direct heat generated no intermediate stage,

it takes 4 minutes to heat the heat exchanger in the oil furnace.

That time would be used already heating rooms and would have reached thermostat cutout temp.

Oil will be used to keep the new water pipes from freezing, they run underneath alongside the heat ducting.

On the refill of smaller tanks, I hoist a 20 pound tank upside down on a chainfall.

I have made custom hose lines to do the fill.

The disposable one pounders are a waste of time, get the refillable ones, the others leak out.

I did ten of them and lost all the fuel in them.

On the 100 pound tanks, if you get them, get the MULTI FILL valve installed in them,

Propane suppliers need the second inlet if you have deliveries from them,

they will not disconnect the POL line to fill.

The POL side is used for hooking up to your appliances, it is just like the one your BBQ tank has.

All the tanks are mine, I just have them filled by the same company as for my oil.

About 40 years ago I had a battle with my first propane supplier,

they were bitching I was not using enough fuel and wanted to take out the 100 pound tanks.

This was after I had them remove the 1,000 gallon tank that was used to heat my shop, went to oil.

I made them wait for them to be empty, then put in my own set.

Excellent info. I never thought of the multi fill valve. Thanks SOCOM.

[Illini Warrior]

in regard to the 1lb bottles of propane - tooooo damn handy NOT to have plenty in stock >>> secret is to re-fill the empties and hunt down the empties that the unknowing throw away ....

the re-fill adapters are $20+ now these dayz - well worth the cost - pays for itself the first batch of bottles you re-fill >>>

before you try re-filling - watch the UTubes - read the postings in the various prepper sites - there's some blog articles about the process >>> there's plenty of tips & tricks to make the job go easier - get better results .....

[Sparkyprep]

At any given time, I have 5 20 lb. tanks full, 1 in use, plus 2 100 lbs. tanks full for the portable generator. But I also have a wood-burning fireplace, and a wood-burning stove.

[Inor]

We have a 250 gallon tank for the house (water, heat and cooktop). I got rid of all but 2 20# tanks that I only use for deep frying the turkey at Thanksgiving and twice per year for cleaning meat chickens.

My plan is to replace the 250 gallon tank with a 500 gallon tank and move the 250 around back to run a Generac generator. That has been my plan for about 2+ years now, but I never seem to get off the dime and do it. (I really need to get that done sooner, rather than later.)

[Illini Warrior]

We have a 250 gallon tank for the house (water, heat and cooktop). I got rid of all but 2 20# tanks that I only use for deep frying the turkey at Thanksgiving and twice per year for cleaning meat chickens.

My plan is to replace the 250 gallon tank with a 500 gallon tank and move the 250 around back to run a Generac generator. That has been my plan for about 2+ years now, but I never seem to get off the dime and do it. (I really need to get that done sooner, rather than later.)


might be easier to find more of the 250 galloners - people just like you replacing tanks for more capacity >>> install two tanks to get that extra 500 gallons

[Prepared One]

We have a 250 gallon tank for the house (water, heat and cooktop). I got rid of all but 2 20# tanks that I only use for deep frying the turkey at Thanksgiving and twice per year for cleaning meat chickens.

My plan is to replace the 250 gallon tank with a 500 gallon tank and move the 250 around back to run a Generac generator. That has been my plan for about 2+ years now, but I never seem to get off the dime and do it. (I really need to get that done sooner, rather than later.)

I like the idea of a 250 running the house gen set. I am supposing you can either lease or buy the tank outright. I am thinking if you lease they are going to want to refill it on a regular bases. Problem is it may set for 2 or three years without me having to use the large 250. I am going to start putting numbers together and talking with some of the local gas companies about tanks and installs. I want to get this done after the first of the year.

[Inor]

I like the idea of a 250 running the house gen set. I am supposing you can either lease or buy the tank outright. I am thinking if you lease they are going to want to refill it on a regular bases. Problem is it may set for 2 or three years without me having to use the large 250. I am going to start putting numbers together and talking with some of the local gas companies about tanks and installs. I want to get this done after the first of the year.

Don't lease the tank. Then you are stuck with the propane dealer you are leasing from. We learned the hard way that not all propane is created equal. The first propane people we had sold really dirty propane. I had to take apart the chimney for our furnace and water heater after about 3 years because there was over 1/2 inch of carbon built up inside the pipes. That job SUCKED, a LOT!

Also, some of them get a little funky about whether they will allow you to put a refill hose on your big tank to refill 20# tanks from it. That saves about $15 per tank, per refill.

[Inor]

might be easier to find more of the 250 galloners - people just like you replacing tanks for more capacity >>> install two tanks to get that extra 500 gallons

I looked at that too. The problem with that was that I would have to pour a bigger concrete slab to put the extra tank on. By the time I do that, it is just cheaper and easier to just get a bigger tank and since I have a use for the smaller one anyway...

[Prepared One]

Don't lease the tank. Then you are stuck with the propane dealer you are leasing from. We learned the hard way that not all propane is created equal. The first propane people we had sold really dirty propane. I had to take apart the chimney for our furnace and water heater after about 3 years because there was over 1/2 inch of carbon built up inside the pipes. That job SUCKED, a LOT!

Also, some of them get a little funky about whether they will allow you to put a refill hose on your big tank to refill 20# tanks from it. That saves about $15 per tank, per refill.

Yeah, I don't much care for the idea of getting married to one supplier. Owning the tank is the only real option.

[BucketBack]

We've had the same drivers for years, plus what happens after the tank, stays after the tank.

[Mad Trapper]

only thing close to being safe for that application is a Mr Heater product like a Buddy model - has built in safety features to shut it down - still have the common sense requirement of making sure of a burnproof clearance .....

Thanks for the info.

So some of these have a CO detector shutoff?

I know they still sell kerosene room heaters, not a salamender, wick type.

[Mad Trapper]

Good info. Ditto on the extension hose, we got one right away to tap the 20s. Plenty of green bottles here to use first, but ya never know.

Not sure if there's a way to tap from a big tank or pig into a Coleman stove. Seems a lot of step-down would be needed. Yes?

I know thet make step downs to fill a 1-lb with a 20-lb. That is much cheaper than 1-pouunders
o
Diesel/kerosene cooking stoves are an option. Not sure on the CO issue. I think Colemen has a dual fuel.

I got an Optimus 535, nearly same stove Shackleton took on his Expedition. They still make pump kits.

33285

33286

[Mad Trapper]

Yeah, I don't much care for the idea of getting married to one supplier. Owning the tank is the only real option.

Same with welding tanks. I bought tanks ~40 years ago. One of my best investments.

[Innkeeper]

I heat here at the house with LP for now and have a 500-gal tank, I am hoping to convert after the first of the year to NG and then buy a newer genie and run it off the pig. The thing is getting someone willing to hook it up in my garage where the Breaker box is, the Gound is just outside the same wall so would make a nice easy two fer.

For now, I have about 4 5-gal gas cans for it, which I also run through my mower and snow blower, so the fuel is always fresh. I have a couple Army buddies who will come here at first as well who will also bring fuel and a couple more genie's. But if we have to go to the BOL there is a 500 gal tank there for heat and it also has wood heat.

My cooking here is Electric as is everything but the heat, but when I get the new boiler, I will go over to NG cooking as well. In an emergency I have both my Coleman stove and my smaller solo backpacking stove to cook with and a couple dozen 1-gal tanks to run them on since I didn't go camping the last couple of years because of Surgery. My buddies have more so we are doing ok. But I also know the area well from being a surveyor and know where there are many vacation homes of out of staters which run on wood stoves and are in out of the way locations. Always have a backup for your back up.

[Illini Warrior]

I looked at that too. The problem with that was that I would have to pour a bigger concrete slab to put the extra tank on. By the time I do that, it is just cheaper and easier to just get a bigger tank and since I have a use for the smaller one anyway...


don't see that around here - even the huge multi-1,000s are only set on concrete poured piers >>> small tanks are on concrete blocks around here