propane fuel etc

[Nullifier]

So what are you guys doing about fuel for small grill etc. I had to go to camping world today and saw these small 3 lb and 11 lb tanks. Looks like it's small enough to mount in the bed out of the way, but large enough for an extended trip. Traditionally in sea kayak / canoe trips I use either the refillable containers or small green propane tanks just depending on what stoves we take.

I love my small stainless grill we take on canoe trips and see no reason why it won't serve perfectly for 4wd trips. I just don't want to deal with multiple fuel containers if there is a better way.

[dieck]

So what are you guys doing about fuel for small grill etc. I had to go to camping world today and saw these small 3 lb and 11 lb tanks. Looks like it's small enough to mount in the bed out of the way, but large enough for an extended trip. Traditionally in sea kayak / canoe trips I use either the refillable containers or small green propane tanks just depending on what stoves we take.

I love my small stainless grill we take on canoe trips and see no reason why it won't serve perfectly for 4wd trips. I just don't want to deal with multiple fuel containers if there is a better way.

I run this:

It doesn't look like much but it is awesome. It burns any fuel including white gas, kerosene, diesel, automotive gas, aviation gas, stoddard solvent and naphtha. When camping I take white gas. 1 bottle lasts me about 4-5 days of one person water boiling and cooking. When car camping I run it off gasoline from my extra fuel can. Boils fast, tiny to pack, light weight and never once has it let me down.

http://a1072.g.akamai.net/f/1072/2062/1d/gallery.rei.com/media/709002_9996Lrg.jpg
http://www.rei.com/product/47792737.htm

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Don't you wish this was your mom!..........

Well......I'm so 1950's 60's 70's......

I grew up camping with a stove like this (mom and dad used one).......it takes me back to happier times when I use it....so I still use one today!

Even the smell of it burning brings back good memories...........AND!..........I'm NOT filling land fills with "Bottles"....!

Actually I'm getting really good buys on them at garage sales.....$2 to $5 BUCKS!

..........hey....what's old is NEW AGAIN!!!!!! .....hehe

They run for days of cooking.....and the fuel is way cheap compared to the bottles.........selling you ALL the "bottles" is just another conspiracy ya know! (is the word "pirate"...somewhere in the word conspiracy?!!!).......hehe

Looks like she is using a 3 burner!..............I have one of those too! ;)




http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/PhotoLib/H32.jpg


We all have our own views/opinions of what we like and don't like.....but this does not make one better than the other.....nor.....is it ment to make someone feel wrong or lessor.

[60seriesguy]

What does a 3lb. propane tank look like? I've been looking for a small propane tank to mount permanently on the tongue of my expedition trailer, but haven't come across the right size. Came across a 5lb. one with the right dimensions, but it didn't have a lip on the bottom and I need that to make the mount.

[Nullifier]

well the one I sw was about 8-10" in diameter and maybe 13" high. It has a regular propane tank fitting on it so it is refillable. I guess I will have to go buy one and mount it in the bed. I am thinking a scuba tank bracket would be perfect to mount it with. Hell maybe even a power tank mounting bracket. Now I'm gonna have to go measure the thing @ the store you got my curiosity up damn it!

[Brian McVickers]

My parents just found a tent in the attic that is just like the one in the pic above. Heavy canvass, sleeps 10-12 people and must weigh well over 100lb!
They asked If I wanted it and I originally turned them down but that picture above makes it look so appealing!

I suggested that they donate it to the local boy scouts unless I can figure out how to trim it up a bit and convert it into a roof top tent.

Anyone ever seen a custom built roof top tent?

[datrupr]

Brian, check out this (http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/default.aspx?f=12&m=28061) thread, he built the rooftop tent himself to fit his Jeep and Trooper. It is very cool and looks very high quality. A little bit smaller than an E-Z-Awn, but basically the same principal and design, but home made.

[Brian McVickers]

WOW IS THAT SWEET!!
I love it when people make their own stuff like that!

That must be your dream Trooper!

I'll have to email him to get more of the scoop on the tent.
Thanks again for the link.

[cruiseroutfit]

Anyone have some pictures of the smaller propane bottles? I like the idea of a skinnier (taller) tank versus the standard (???) size. Thanks!

[datrupr]

That must be your dream Trooper!


Yeah, pretty much.:D

[Robert Bills]

. . . I've been looking for a small propane tank to mount permanently on the tongue of my expedition trailer, but haven't come across the right size. Came across a 5lb. one with the right dimensions, but it didn't have a lip on the bottom and I need that to make the mount.

Bump.

I know this is an ancient thread, but I had the same problem to solve.

I searched trailer supply stores and trailer repair shops, particularly the ones run by "old timers" who hate to throw stuff away. Asked them if they had any horizontal tanks. Found this "used but not abused" tank for $20. These tanks are exempt from conversion to the new style external thread valve.

http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data/924/medium/HPIM0134.JPG

[IH8RDS]

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/PhotoLib/H32.jpg

wow. That brings back memories. My brother and I had to lug that 100lb tent around when we where little. I think my Dad had those same chairs and I still have that stove. Those where the days. I remember my Dad always saying "Don't touch the sides of the tent!" when it was raining.

[Steve Curren]

I have a small propane tank and I hope I figured out how to get the darned picture in teh response..

[Josh]

I bought a tall skinny 11#'er today.

I was hoping to mount it one it's side. Is that allowed?

Kind regards, Josh

[Martyn]

Manchester Tank is the largest produces of propane tanks in North America. You can find anything from 20 lb BBQ tanks to DOT approved tanks. http://www.mantank.com/

[IH8RDS]

During phase II exercises at work I use artillery shell simulators that use propane and O2 that ignite and make a loud "report" to simulate mortar attacks. I will have to get a picture of the tank. Its pretty small. I am guessing 5 to 7lbs, but it is the perfect size. I know the owner of the company so I'll give him a call and see where he sources his tanks.

[Robert Bills]

Manchester Tank is the largest produces of propane tanks in North America. You can find anything from 20 lb BBQ tanks to DOT approved tanks. http://www.mantank.com/

Manchester Tank is the manufacturer of the horizontal tank on my trailer. A new tank was quite spendy. I was fortunate to find mine used.

[mk4]

I use a 10# tank, which when I bought I thought that 10# (equal to 10 1# cannisters) would be enough propane for a full week of heavy usage. The biggest user of propane for me is the lantern. I used to go through a 1# cannister during winter nights. So I figured 7#'s for that plus 3#'s for stove and the heater.

That's what convinced me to get the 10# tank over the 5# tank. But from usage, it seems as though the larger the tank, the more efficient it is. It definitely lasts longer than the equivalent amount in 1# cannisters.

I camp out ~100 nights a year, equally spent throughout the year. And I fill up once during the summer and twice during the winter. A fill-up (10#) roughly costs me $10, whereas a 1# cannister goes for as much as $5 in remote locations. The cheapest I could ever get them for was $2.29 at Walmart.

Plus you can fill up the tank (per gallon) in remote areas, where propane usage is more common. In metropolitan areas (Socal) they charge you a per tank fill, meaning whether you top off or fill the whole tank, it's a flat rate charge, like $25 or something. So I usually fill up when I get to where ever I'm going.

This is my setup. A two-burner stove, a lantern, and a small heater.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9855/img1222eb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[jbs]

I have a small propane tank and I hope I figured out how to get the darned picture in teh response..

Looks good. Do you have any more pics of how you mounted it to your Chaser? I see a couple of Quick-Fists. What about the support it sits on? I want to do the same thing.

broc

[Steve Curren]

I went to a metal fabricator and had two 10x10 "shelves" made that have a "lip" the same size as the frame . I drilled through the frame and attached the "shelf" to the frame and I have supports under it. I did indeed use the Quick Fists to secure it, the super large ones and the regular large ones I got from Sierra Expeditions. I have driven over rough country with it and the man behind me said the bottle didn't move at all. I got the propane bottles at Home Depot.
Hope this helps.

[Steve Curren]

Two more I took and didn't have the smarts to get on the first response.

[fisher205]

Josh, I'm no propane or propane accessories expert, but DO NOT use a vertical propane tank on it's side. If you a horizontal tank such as the Manchester's that have been shown. Another place to find a used small horizontal tank is the old VW campers like a Westy. - Brad

[Josh]

Great. Thanks for the reply, Brad.
That's bad news but I kinda' figured as much.

I'll need to figure something else out 'cause I doubt I can afford one of those horizontal jobs.. I think they're in the ballpark of $300+ unless one can stumble onto a used deal somehow.

Kind regards, Josh

[Robert Bills]

Brad is correct, vertical propane tanks are not designed to be used horizontally and present a safety hazard if they are. The valves are designed to seal/release vapor, not liquid propane as will occur when filled vertical tanks are turned horizontally.

VW Westfalia campers are a good source for used horizontal tanks. You might look for businesses that restore VW campers to see if they will part with one for a reasonable price, or auto boneyards with an inventory of old VW stuff.

[Robert Bills]

I carry a small box with various regulators, adaptors, tees, hoses, etc. so that I can configure my system as needed for stove, lanterns, etc. I also carry 6 small propane torch cannisters (more capacity than the "Coleman" size, same size thread) and adaptors so that I can use a cannister if my trailer mounted tank runs dry and refill them from my large propane tank at home. Sure beats paying $1.50-$5 each for stove cannisters.