Small Propane Tank Selection and Storage Dilemma

[Tundracamper]

Having recently ordered a small propane fire pit, I believe the two 1 lb propane bottles I use for cooking won’t be enough for an entire weekend of camping (testing is planned:). I do only expect to have fires in the evenings as I’m usually on the move during the day. I can’t decide what route to try for propane storage. Here is what I’m thinking so far….(yes, I’ve searched here and read multiple threads)


5 lb tank Pros:

• I can refill at home using 20 lb tank (this is a big pro!)
• About $75 one-time cost + propane cost

5 lb tank Cons:

• Don’t know how much propane is left in tank
• Have to find a place to refill on longer trips
• Will stick up 5” higher than everything else on roof rack (a big con!)

1 lb tank Pros:

• Readily available, even on trips
• Know with more certainty how much propane is left (e.g. 2 of 4 tanks full)
• Possible storage on side ( see below)

1 lb tank Cons:

• Can’t refill (see below)
• Cost (see below)

More thoughts…

Cost: I am fully aware of the 1 lb refillable Flame King option. Besides the cost, it seems only the kit is available. The individual tanks are out of stock. I would need at least 4 tanks. That option is over $100, which is probably two years worth of 1 lb single-use tanks.

Storage: All tanks will go on the roof rack. I have seen multiple posts claiming that 1 lb tanks cannot be stored on their side. If that is true, why can these tanks be shipped through the USPS? I know the post office doesn’t keep them vertical (even with the ridiculous cost!). If I can store the small tanks on their side, that’s a huge pro.

Seeking more thoughts on this…

HERE’S AN UPDATE ON WHAT I ENDED UP DOING: Small Propane Tank Selection and Storage Dilemma

 

[waexplorer]

Need more info on the fire pit. I had a Kamp Chef that was a propane hog. 20 lb cylinder lasted only 3-4 evenings. It broke and I threw it away. In the market for a new one, smaller and less thirsty

 

[MMc]

I use a 10 gal tank and love it. I put a gauge on mine so I do know what's inside. You can also feel the side of the tank while it is being used and get a idea of where you are, the fuel is colder as you use it.
I stored my 1# on there side for years without a problem.
Filling a larger tank is easy and there are many places that will do, most have a minimum fee.

 

[Tundracamper]

Need more info on the fire pit. I had a Kamp Chef that was a propane hog. 20 lb cylinder lasted only 3-4 evenings. It broke and I threw it away. In the market for a new one, smaller and less thirsty

Here’s what I plan to get before the end of the year:

Portable Propane Fire Pits: The Naked LavaBox Combo

The original ammo can fire pits, made of unpainted, cold-rolled steel, are tough, utilitarian, smoke-free, and can be safely burned during fire bans. Shop Naked LavaBox Portable Campfires.

fireanytime.com

And based on this, I think 2 lbs per weekend will be about right, with a 1 lb spare for really cold weekends…

What Propane Fire Pit do You Recomend?

I am looking for a small propane fire pit, one that takes up a small amount of space when stored. What do you guys use and recommend? Thanks

www.overlandbound.com

But again, I plan to do testing once it arrives before I spend any money on any more tanks.

 

[Tundracamper]

You can also feel the side of the tank while it is being used and get a idea of where you are, the fuel is colder as you use it.

Just sitting here in the middle of frying a turkey and thought about this. Ran my hand up and down the side of the 20 lb tank. No sense of fill level whatsoever.

I stored my 1# on there side for years without a problem.

Yeah, I think all those statements were just opinions. I can’t believe the post office would ship a small propane tank if it had to be stored upright.

Filling a larger tank is easy and there are many places that will do, most have a minimum fee.

Used to have an RV. Getting the 30 lb tanks filled around my home became such a pain that I replaced them with 20 lb tanks that I could exchange at the grocery store or gas station. The extra cost is soooo worth the convenience. JMHO

 

[MMc]

Just sitting here in the middle of frying a turkey and thought about this. Ran my hand up and down the side of the 20 lb tank. No sense of fill level whatsoever.




Yeah, I think all those statements were just opinions. I can’t believe the post office would ship a small propane tank if it had to be stored upright.




Used to have an RV. Getting the 30 lb tanks filled around my home became such a pain that I replaced them with 20 lb tanks that I could exchange at the grocery store or gas station. The extra cost is soooo worth the convenience. JMHO

I just looked up the hand thing, you pour hot water down the side and feel the tank. It's been years for me doing it. Google it.

 

[waexplorer]

Nice fire pit. I'll have to look into more. Thanks

 

[genocache]

One more con for the 1#; they usually get thrown in the dump.

About the extra height; Are you that critical in getting under objects? Parking garage etc? No other place to put a larger one?

 

[OldManJack]

Need more info on the fire pit. I had a Kamp Chef that was a propane hog. 20 lb cylinder lasted only 3-4 evenings. It broke and I threw it away. In the market for a new one, smaller and less thirsty

Glad I saw this…I’m going to just use a ole’ Coleman stove. There’s just two of us and it’s so much lighter.

 

[NMBruce]

I just switched to a 5lb tank with a gauge, $50 at Costco.com

https://www.costco.com/5-lbs.-steel-propane-cylinder-with-opd-valve-%2526-built-in-gauge.product.100734956.html

carry 2-3 one lbs for back up if on a long trip

 

[LostWoods]

Adding one more 1lb con, they're super wasteful. They are household hazardous waste in most places which means they are not recycled and even if they were, you'd have to vent the last bit of propane to atmosphere to do so.

The 5lb container is far more responsible IMO and if you know the empty weight it's easy to top off before trips. I keep a refillable 1lb in the box in case I run out but it's been there long enough that I'm realizing I should probably pull it out and check to see if it's still full. If you're worried about tracking use, you can weigh the thing with one of those handheld luggage scales.

 

[Autism Family Travels]

I have a 5 lb, 10 lb and 30 lb. Depending on length of trip depends on what tank I take.

 

[Clrussell]

I just switched to a 5lb tank with a gauge, $50 at Costco.com

https://www.costco.com/5-lbs.-steel-propane-cylinder-with-opd-valve-%2526-built-in-gauge.product.100734956.html

carry 2-3 one lbs for back up if on a long trip

thanks for that link. I just ordered one

 

[NMBruce]

Having recently ordered a small propane fire pit, I believe the two 1 lb propane bottles I use for cooking won’t be enough for an entire weekend of camping (testing is planned:). I do only expect to have fires in the evenings as I’m usually on the move during the day. I can’t decide what route to try for propane storage. Here is what I’m thinking so far….(yes, I’ve searched here and read multiple threads)


5 lb tank Pros:

• I can refill at home using 20 lb tank (this is a big pro!)
• About $75 one-time cost + propane cost

5 lb tank Cons:

• Don’t know how much propane is left in tank
• Have to find a place to refill on longer trips
• Will stick up 5” higher than everything else on roof rack (a big con!)

1 lb tank Pros:

• Readily available, even on trips
• Know with more certainty how much propane is left (e.g. 2 of 4 tanks full)
• Possible storage on side ( see below)

1 lb tank Cons:

• Can’t refill (see below)
• Cost (see below)

More thoughts…

Cost: I am fully aware of the 1 lb refillable Flame King option. Besides the cost, it seems only the kit is available. The individual tanks are out of stock. I would need at least 4 tanks. That option is over $100, which is probably two years worth of 1 lb single-use tanks.

Storage: All tanks will go on the roof rack. I have seen multiple posts claiming that 1 lb tanks cannot be stored on their side. If that is true, why can these tanks be shipped through the USPS? I know the post office doesn’t keep them vertical (even with the ridiculous cost!). If I can store the small tanks on their side, that’s a huge pro.

Seeking more thoughts on this…

something about storage of 1lb tanks, get some 4' pvc pipe and a 1lb tank will fit nicely in there. I glued a cap at one end and a screw on at the other end.
you can kind of see the two of them behind the Yeti in the middle

 

[Tundracamper]

something about storage of 1lb tanks, get some 4' pvc pipe and a 1lb tank will fit nicely in there. I glued a cap at one end and a screw on at the other end.
you can kind of see the two of them behind the Yeti in the middle

That’s how I store them. But, on the roof rack it has to be horizontal.

 

[Bpjr07]

Having recently ordered a small propane fire pit, I believe the two 1 lb propane bottles I use for cooking won’t be enough for an entire weekend of camping (testing is planned:). I do only expect to have fires in the evenings as I’m usually on the move during the day. I can’t decide what route to try for propane storage. Here is what I’m thinking so far….(yes, I’ve searched here and read multiple threads)


5 lb tank Pros:

• I can refill at home using 20 lb tank (this is a big pro!)
• About $75 one-time cost + propane cost

5 lb tank Cons:

• Don’t know how much propane is left in tank
• Have to find a place to refill on longer trips
• Will stick up 5” higher than everything else on roof rack (a big con!)

1 lb tank Pros:

• Readily available, even on trips
• Know with more certainty how much propane is left (e.g. 2 of 4 tanks full)
• Possible storage on side ( see below)

1 lb tank Cons:

• Can’t refill (see below)
• Cost (see below)

More thoughts…

Cost: I am fully aware of the 1 lb refillable Flame King option. Besides the cost, it seems only the kit is available. The individual tanks are out of stock. I would need at least 4 tanks. That option is over $100, which is probably two years worth of 1 lb single-use tanks.

Storage: All tanks will go on the roof rack. I have seen multiple posts claiming that 1 lb tanks cannot be stored on their side. If that is true, why can these tanks be shipped through the USPS? I know the post office doesn’t keep them vertical (even with the ridiculous cost!). If I can store the small tanks on their side, that’s a huge pro.

Seeking more thoughts on this…

Convenience is greater than price.

I love my 5lbs tank. You can feel it getting empty, (can also buy a hose with a guage, or add a guage)
I have a van so i carry it inside i like that it has a actual valve to close.

I top it off before going on a big trip 4days+. Its payed itself off in a year.

 

[Kozysnack]

That’s how I store them. But, on the roof rack it has to be horizontal.

View attachment 216957

nice set-up on top of the rig

 

[Tundracamper]

nice set-up on top of the rig

Well thanks. Here’s the most important part, where the fire pit will go in the Pelican case with a little firewood:)



Obviously, I’m debating about adding a 5 lb vertical tank or extending the pipe to take one or two more 1 lb tanks. I really don’t want to add much to the height. I sure wish I could get a set of four 1 lb Flame Kings for under $100. That would be the best approach.

 

[Bpjr07]

nice set-up on top of the rig

Well thanks. Here’s the most important part, where the fire pit will go in the Pelican case with a little firewood:)

View attachment 216969

Obviously, I’m debating about adding a 5 lb vertical tank or extending the pipe to take one or two more 1 lb tanks. I really don’t want to add much to the height. I sure wish I could get a set of four 1 lb Flame Kings for under $100. That would be the best approach.

I refill the disposable 1lb tanks, have not had a issue. They fill up to around 80% with a $5 adapter i got at walmart (said it was specifically for 1lb cans)

 

[Sparksalot]

I refill the disposable 1lb tanks, have not had a issue. They fill up to around 80% with a $5 adapter i got at walmart (said it was specifically for 1lb cans)

I’ve been able to get close to that if I put them in the freezer for an hour ahead of time. At ambient temperature, you might get 50%.