dswhite Posted June 19, 2020 Report Share Posted June 19, 2020 We have a tall 5th wheel that has two 40 # propane tanks on the side of the trailer. These tanks filled each weight approx 75 #. It’s getting more difficult as the years go by to lift & position these tanks. Does anyone have any solutions or ideas? Thanks David Quote David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kb0zke Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 If you find something, please let the rest of us know. Seriously, you might see if some sort of hoist mechanism could be installed. I suspect that height may be an issue, but maybe going to the 30# tanks would help. They aren't as tall, nor are they as heavy. If you are at a lot that you own/lease (like at an Escapees co-op) you may be able to have the local propane company park a tank on your lot. They will keep it full, and all you will have is a hose that goes to your coach. We have a lot at The Ranch and that's what our neighbors just did. Quote David Lininger, kb0zke 1993 Foretravel U300 40' (sold) 2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 4 20 lb tanks would give an equal amount of propane, with less weight. More tank changes, though. Quote I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWharton Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 I have always thought a pulley system high up on the RV wall might work. You can always go to a propane company and have them filled there or see if the local propane truck will come by your campsite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 40 pound propane tanks They are approximately 12 x 12 x 29 inches in size. They weigh approximately 30 pounds empty. They hold approximately 9 gallons of propane (which weighs approximately 38 pounds). They weigh approximately 68 pounds when filled with propane. 30 pound propane tanks They are approximately 12 x 12 x 24 inches in size. They weigh approximately 23 pounds empty. They hold approximately 7 gallons of propane (which weighs approximately 29 pounds). They weigh approximately 52 pounds when filled with propane. 20 pound propane tanks They are approximately 12 x 12 x 18 inches in size. They weigh approximately 14 pounds empty. They hold approximately 4 gallons of propane (which weighs approximately 17 pounds). Quote Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJohns Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 Put a frame mounted tank behind the axles. I found a manifold tank 48 gallons that I am going to mount. Then keep the 40# for backup. Quote 2002 Beaver Marquis Emerald C-12 Cat 505 HP 2014 Volvo 630 D-13 I Shift SOLD 2017 New Horizons SOLD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 Fiberglass or alluminum tanks are lighter Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richfaa Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 We use the 30 pounders and they seem to get heavier every year. We can still get then up there...….so far. Quote Helen and I are long timers ..08 F-350 Ford,LB,CC,6.4L,4X4, Dually,4:10 diff dragging around a 2013 Montana 3402 Big Sky SKP 100137. North Ridgeville, Ohio in the summer, sort of and where ever it is warm in the winter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 My previous DRV was a pain to put the back bottle in. Our Teton is a lot better. They still 40# but easier access. And yes, they are heavy Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 I'm assuming you are mobile, so really can't help there. But a number of years ago we were in Johoba Hills SKP Park in Cali. An elderly gentleman had a crane device fastened down to concrete beside his Teton. He could unload the 40's off his pickup, swing them around and put them in the compartment. It was a neat set-up. Personally, I wouldn't have 40's, the 30's are all I want to fool with. And richfaa, here all the time I was thinking they were giving me more propane in my 30's! Know exactly what you mean. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 Get a pair of 30 pound composite tanks. They weigh 17 pounds and hold 31 pounds of propane for a total of 48 pounds. They are the same size as the 40 pounders. Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dswhite Posted June 20, 2020 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 Thanks everyone. Lots of good information! Quote David & Sandi 2010 Silver Fox 29 5T 2011 Silverado 3500HD Crew, SB, SRW Duramax, 6 spd Allison 2018 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 37 minutes ago, GeorgiaHybrid said: Get a pair of 30 pound composite tanks. They weigh 17 pounds and hold 31 pounds of propane for a total of 48 pounds. They are the same size as the 40 pounders. That is a 4# savings according to Kirk's post Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray,IN Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 (edited) 6 hours ago, GlennWest said: Fiberglass or alluminum tanks are lighter I thought I remember reading fiberglass LP cylinders have been recalled,. Edited June 20, 2020 by Ray,IN Quote 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsinc Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 What about using a cheap HF hoist mounted to a 2" square tube to fit into your receiver hitch and use it to handle the weight. As long as you can slide the tray out, the hoist should be able to lift them empty or full, into your truck bed. Then when done, put it away. Can also use a ropealong or a strap hoist. If you have a winch on the truck used for other purposes, then a pulley mounted in the correct place, will do the job too. Quote Marcel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 54 minutes ago, Ray,IN said: I thought I remember reading fiberglass LP cylinders have been recalled,. news to me. But really have not kept up with it. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted June 20, 2020 Report Share Posted June 20, 2020 Just ask your younger neighbor to lift it in place for you. Quote 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaHybrid Posted June 21, 2020 Report Share Posted June 21, 2020 Ray, the composite tanks that were recalled were from a different compnay that what is available now. Quote 2017 Kenworth T6802015 DRV 38RSSA Elite Suites2016 Smart Prime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pappy Yokum Posted June 24, 2020 Report Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) On 6/19/2020 at 4:47 PM, dswhite said: We have a tall 5th wheel that has two 40 # propane tanks on the side of the trailer. These tanks filled each weight approx 75 #. It’s getting more difficult as the years go by to lift & position these tanks. Does anyone have any solutions or ideas? Thanks David Read thru the suggestions - didn't see this: Pickup truck crane - numerous retailers including Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, etc. Numerous videos on YouTube. Various prices - starting at approx $100. - hydraulic or hand winch. Use from the ground - OR - mounted on the side of the pickup bed. Stows along side the wheel well, below the top of the bed. The type for use on the ground (using 2" receiver) is operated from the side of the pickup - allows the tailgate to clear the winch to place items in the bed. Breaks down into 3 parts. Handy for moving/lifting lots of items (besides the propane tanks). X'lnt YouTube video of the hand winch version (about 2 minutes) of a guy placing crane to lift a large gen from ground into truck bed. Hand crank type - crane attached to 2" receiver. . Edited June 24, 2020 by Pappy Yokum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanZemke Posted June 24, 2020 Report Share Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) Quote Just ask your younger neighbor to lift it in place for you. I'm 71 years old and can still comfortably lift a 70lb tank (barely). But I realize, I probably won't be able to do so, in the future. I too, have thought about mechanisms that could assist me. But for many of us, I think rynosback's suggestion points the way to a superior approach. Trade labor for capital. Charm someone to help. If charm isn't enough, a $5 to $20 bill will likely work. Edited June 24, 2020 by DanZemke Quote Volvo 770, New Horizons Majestic and an upcoming Smart car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 25, 2020 Report Share Posted June 25, 2020 Lifting one isn't tht bad, The drv we had one really need to remove a bottle to put rear bottle in. I had to pick it up over the first and lower into place. That was hard. Wrenched my back a few times. Our Teton comes out farther and I have good room for putting in rear bottle. When I repace them, Certs is coming up again, may get fiberglass. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orca Posted June 25, 2020 Report Share Posted June 25, 2020 The inner tank on my DRV is also hard to get at so now the valve remains closed until the outer tank is empty. Much like the days of the reserve tank on motorcycles, when you run out on the main tank you switch to reserve and start looking for a gas station. I switch back to the outer tank once i refill and close the inner tank valve until i need it again. In the three years i have been doing this i have used about a third of the inner propane. Quote 2004 Freightliner m2 106 2015 DRV lx450 Fullhouse 2019 Indian Springfield 2014 Yamaha 950 V-Star Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 25, 2020 Report Share Posted June 25, 2020 Was hoping they had fixed that. Ours was a 2006. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TXiceman Posted June 25, 2020 Report Share Posted June 25, 2020 Our HitchHiker has two sis by side 40# bottles as I get older, they are getting heavier. It would be nice if the manufacturers would put in four 20# bottles so that the older folks could easily change the bottles. Of course this would require more mounting hardware and piping and would cost them more to build. Ken Quote Amateur radio operator, 2023 Cougar 22MLS, 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4 Off Road, Sport trim <br />Travel with 1 miniature schnauzer, 1 standard schnauzer and one African Gray parrot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted June 25, 2020 Report Share Posted June 25, 2020 I measured mine to see if 4 20# would fit. Not enough head room. Quote 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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