Clustering propane tanks

[Lin]

I currently have three 7 gallon propane tanks, two linked together and one separately dedicated to a heater, and was thinking of ways to increase capacity if I decided I wanted to use more of that fuel.  I have room for two or three more where they are currently located.  Can six tanks be plumbed together or would I be better off just getting a big tank?

[skihor]

we have a 40 GAL. main with a remote fill outside. Then we have an auxillary line that connects to a 7 GAL. or less tank. (fits in the bay standing up). When you run out you have a "reserve". or if we can't get out for whatever reason we can just keep refilling the reserve tanks.

Don & Sheila

[Eagle]

Yes you can plum as many together as you want but you are creating a greater risk for leaks and taking up more space for additional tanks when you could install a large permanent tank such as a 40 gal WC tank.

[Len Silva]

I don't have access to my books at this time but I am quite sure that NFPA rules limit you to three tanks.

Len

[cody]

We have 2-30 pound tanks connected by an automatic regulator, when one is enpty it switches to the other tank and we take the empty tank in and get it filled, it's easeir for us to just grab an empty and take it in to fill it than to take the bus in.

[John Z]

I recently changed to 2 50 pound (11.5 gallon) tanks on an automatic regulator, instead of my old 50 gallon tank. What i liked about the old tank was it needed filling about once a year. Did not have a remote fill, just open the bay door and everything is right there. I have no problem at all finding places to pull right up to the bulk tank for filling, whether at home or OTR. I think having 23 gallons of fuel will work out for me, although if it does seem to be a hassle i can put the old tank back in. I must say the free space behind the  new tanks is looking good for a mini-split compressor or one of my yet to be installed heaters.

[Lin]

I saw a tank like this one on Craigslist.  It is supposed to be about 80- 100 gallons and manufactured of two cylinders plumbed together.  Do you think that, since it is a factory design, it would be considered one tank?

[Hartley]

I am no expert on this subject, But from what I have been advised by the propane
gas companies;

When you approach 100 lbs (total) using smaller tanks to be carried in a passenger vehicle you need to move to a fixed DOT approved and installed tank.

The number of gallons is misleading. 4.5 gallons is typically a 20lb cylinder.

Keep in mind also that there are very specific rules about carrying ANY propane tank inside a vehicle. ( many people ignore these but not recommended )

Dave.....

[Lin]

My understanding of this is that it is made by a Canadian company to be installed in places like pickup beds.  I will have to check to see if it is DOT approved.  My plan would be to pull out the original heat/ac coils and put this there to be fillable by opening the bay.

[gus]

Lin,

You can pair your 20-30lb tanks on the inexpensive brackets you see on RV trailer tongues and use a flexible hose with a hand knob. This hose can be easily moved between tank pairs  if they are reasonably close together.  I got my brackets at Camping World for around $20.

I do this between individual tanks now because I have no connector between paired tanks. When one is empty I remove it and get it refilled almost anywhere.

The nice thing about the smaller tanks is that they are easy to get refilled, I got tired of trying to find a filling station I could get my bus into and the old permanent tank also took up way too much space for the amount of LP it held.

[PP]

I like the larger tank built into the 4th bay for on the road. But when we're parked for any Length of time, I use a 7 gal bottle on my aux line for ease of running into the station for refilling. It fits upright in the forward bay with the jack, lug wrench, air compressor, etc. Works out good for us. When I hear about clustering and propane bottles, I cringe, FWIW. PP

[JohnEd]

Lin,

With propane furnace, hot water, cooking and gas refer and the temps down in the teens, my two 50 pounders, 22 gallon, tanks lasted almost a month.  As I recall.  With a bus I would think that you would want the DD fired and on the road for a short trip every month.  Owners do that at home when the coach isn't occupied so why wouldn't you want to do that when on the road anywhere.  Install a 50 gallon tank in a bay and stay gone for more than a month between fills and a visit to town.  Carry an extra 45 pounder for tide me overs.

2 cents,

John