Propane tank size

[Russell E Johnson]

Took the MH in today and got the propane tank filled.  It held 20.5 gallons.  Since this is our first MH, can that be correct?  All our TTs had 2 40 ponders, can the MH really only have a 20 gal tank?  Inquiring minds need to know LOL

[Jim Stoltz]

20.5 gallons is a little more than 80 lbs. So you have an 80 lb. tank - that's what my Allegro has too. A gallon of liquid propane weighs 4.24 lbs.

[Russell E Johnson]

OK, now that makes sense, thanks Jim, I feel better knowing that.  I was thinking it was a very tiny tank, but 80 pounds is more to my understanding of propane tanks.

[david craft]

The tank will have a label. That label will prolly need wirebrushing...lol. There you will read W.C. And a number. That number is the "water capacity" in gallons. The lay down design tank in motorhomes is the ASME tank I mentioned in LP systems blog. Those tanks fill to 80% capacity. So, take .8 times the W.C. To get your lp capacity. Newer motorhomes have smaller tanks on average. 20 could be considered quite good today...Ive prolly got 10 or 12 tanks out back. You may be able to scrounge another larger tank...

[Russell E Johnson]

It will take a lot of wire brushing, I didn't even see one when I was trying to get the gauge to working, which by the way, turns out to be that the float was broke off.  A mfg. defect, there was 2 little spots holding it on.  The rest of the rod was smooth.  And there is no replacement to be had by any of the salvage yards I contacted.  One place had a complete tank with all the hardware attached, but they would not sell the gauge out of it, I had to purchase the entire tank.  So I will try the stick on gauge you told me about and see how that works.  Getting hot H2O on it may be a challenge, but I will try LOL.

[david craft]

The label in ususally on the bottom. Maybe pull the tank to get the float and braze it to the rod? When i first mentioned the stick on gauge, I pictured Berniece in a robe and slippers one frosted morning, with a larger than usual pan of hot water, flinging it through the LP door to get a reading. It was then I realised it may not be the best suggestion...first the water heater and now this....will she ever forgive me??

[Russell E Johnson]

You can feel safe, I don't tell her everything you say.  LOL

[Matthew Tritt]

If it actually took 20.5 gallons, ans since it's illegal to fill a propane tank > 85% capacity, I would guess that it's actually a 30 gallon.

[Jim Stoltz]

Sounds like it - good point. At 80%, that would make it about a 110 lb. tank.