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04-12-2008, 10:58 AM
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#1
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Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Willard
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #7605
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Filling Your Propane Tank
We have never filled our propane tanks yet and seem to not know if we just take them out and have them filled anywhere or have to leave them in and drag the 5th wheel to the RV store
We have the split bottle system
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04-12-2008, 11:12 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Arnold
Posts: 1,200
M.O.C. #2586
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Good question. First, do you need propane? Look at the indicator on the tank, usually on the curbside. If it is still green and you haven't switched the lever, you're OK. If it is red, now, or anytime, switch the lever to point to the other tank (should change to green). Now, turn off the tank valve on the empty tank, remove the empty tank supply hose, and take the tank to a propane refill facility. Put the refilled tank back in its compartment, secure it, re-attach the supply line, and slowly open the valve. When the other tank empties, the indicator will turn red, but the autoswitch will already be pulling from the full tank. Flip the lever towards the full tank, and repeat the process. Good to go!
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04-12-2008, 11:31 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Sunshine
Posts: 1,445
M.O.C. #538
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Just pour a cup of hot water on the tank and feel the side. It will be cold at the level of the propane. Turn off the valve and take the tank to be refilled.
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04-12-2008, 11:33 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Lone Tree
Posts: 5,615
M.O.C. #6109
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Ideally they are designed to take out to have filled. Even if you drug the 5th wheel to the store, the attendant would most likely remove them from the coach to fill them.
Just a note to be careful how you transort them. Secure them good and avoid enclosing them in the cab of the truck or a trunk.
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04-12-2008, 11:40 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Layton
Posts: 1,048
M.O.C. #666
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When in doubt, weigh the tank. It is stamped on the tank what they should weigh. I take mine out and transport to the local propane dealer to fill.
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04-12-2008, 12:20 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Wappingers Falls
Posts: 1,303
M.O.C. #6263
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illapah has it right...stamp on tank handle will have a TW (Tare Weight) value which is the "dry" tank weight (no propane). Monty tanks are can safely hold 30 lbs so you just add 30 to the TW value (small adder for filler's nozzle) and that is the full weight. Most refiller's these days don't even look at this value nor use a scale to fill them...as they depend on the float lever to shut off the inlet when the 80% level is achieved. I'm not fond of this blind method of filling...but try to be nice and leave it to the expert unless I feel they are in danger of over-filling my tank.
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04-12-2008, 01:02 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by illapah
I take mine out and transport to the local propane dealer to fill.
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Ditto, easier and cheaper.
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04-13-2008, 02:35 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Naples
Posts: 658
M.O.C. #4049
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Unhook the tanks from the straps that hold them in and pick them up. An empty tank is much easier to pick up than a full one. I then turn off both tanks and take out the empty one to be filled.
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04-13-2008, 04:48 AM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: St Johns
Posts: 434
M.O.C. #7691
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Transport them with the valves up especially when you have them filled and make sure you keep the valves closed when transporting the empty tanks. Propane expands at a rate of 270 to 1 and you definitely wouldn't want it leaking as a liquid.
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04-13-2008, 05:49 AM
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#10
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Kingsville
Posts: 473
M.O.C. #6588
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While the auto-change over is a neat thing, I suffer from CRS and have ended the day/night with both tanks empty and the rig getting cold. Therefore, I only keep one tank at a time open. When a tank goes dry, I manually switch to the other tank and get the empty one re-filled. I always have one full tank this way. I also use a Sharpie pen to note the fill date on each tank. By-the-by, I paid $.73 a pound two days ago ($3.42+ gal.) in Holden, Mo. Bob
PS: In answer to your question, remove the tank(s) and take them to the store. As others said, carry them in an open truck and secure them solidly upright.
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04-13-2008, 11:00 AM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: St. Petersburg
Posts: 343
M.O.C. #4828
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I made a box to put my tank in while transporting. Some people use a milk or beverage plastic container. I then use a rope and tie it to the eye hook on the back of the truck and the tail gate. It is secure that way. "Always on the side of Caution"
Have a Good Day
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04-13-2008, 03:47 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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I have always pulled the tanks out and take them to a propane supplier @ 2.58 per gal compaired to 3.75 or more at a gas station or RV store. No minimum fee either, a lot easier than dragging the Monty around.
__________________
Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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04-15-2008, 02:15 PM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Oviedo
Posts: 150
M.O.C. #8237
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The Fire Guy in me is coming out.... Please use a bit of soapy water on each tank connection to ensure that there are no leaks. Yes even an RV can leak gas and the fire can be very unpleasent.
I carry a small bottle with a spray pump to check mine with.
Doug
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04-20-2008, 06:37 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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I have a remote indicator that flashes a light in the bedroom when the red flag on the regulator goes up. Thus I don't have to keep checking for that flag. I therefore leave both tanks open. I religiously check for leaks when reconnecting the propane. I have an electronic sniffer but I don't always trust it. I also have a spray bottle with a pump like Doug.
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