Extra Propane Options

The LTD, MAC, and Classic Series used to come standard with one propane tank. Starting in 2022 the MAC series joined the Sports Enthusiast, High Wall, and T Series with a two-tank, automatic regulator system.

During the summer (in Colorado, at least) one propane tank generally lasts for 1 to 1 1/2 weeks. During the shoulder season (like Memorial Day and Labor Day) one tank is usually good for a long weekend (or a 3-day trip) because the heater generally sees more use during this time (and heaters draw the most propane compared to the camper's other appliances).

Depending on the location and time of year for your camping trip, extra propane may be helpful, if not downright necessary.

Extra propane ideas:

If your tank came from a propane exchange, the easiest way to get 5 extra pounds of propane (in a 20-pound tank) is to get it filled at a place that puts all 20 pounds in the tank. Most propane exchanges put only 15 pounds of propane in a 20-pound tank, providing only 75% of the propane it could hold.

Carrying a second tank in the back of the tow vehicle*. Grabbing a second tank from the ole' propane grill is easy and inexpensive. This is a very common way to have more propane but not have any extra cost (other than the second tank itself). The drawback is having to store the tank loose.

Carrying a second tank on the tongue of the trailer. A second propane tank holder is installed next to the original tank holder. When one tank runs out you disconnect the propane hose from the first tank and attach it to the second tank. This was inconvenient when a wrench was necessary to change the hose from one tank to the other but the advent of hand-turn propane connections has made this the preferred method for extra propane.

Installing a second tank with an automatic regulator. The single tank holder is replaced with a dual-LP rack complete with two tanks and an automatic regulator. When one tank runs out the regulator automatically switches to the second tank. The next time you check the regulator you will see the "empty tank" indicator and the empty tank can be refilled while the camper runs on the second tank. This ensures uninterrupted propane to the camper. The drawback is the relatively high price of installing the dual-LP system.

A larger tank. There is enough clearance between the propane rack and where the bed slides out to accommodate a 30-lb tank. This helps control the tongue weight and also allows the battery pack to stay in it's original location (as opposed to having to move the battery above the winch in a one-LP tank configuration). The drawback is that 30# tanks are less common and therefore cost disproportionately more than a 20# tank.

Hunters: an extra long hose is available which allows you to connect a stand-alone 100# tank to the camper. This alleviates the need to change out small bottle after small bottle when the heater is working overtime.

*By "back of your tow vehicle or camper" we are talking about an open-air truck bed or an open storage rack on the outside of a camper. Storing a propane tank in an enclosed space--even temporarily--is dangerous and not recommended.

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