weight of empty propane tank?

skamper75 · Oct 15, 2007, 06:24 PM

How much can I expect an empty propane tank to weight? Its a 30 lb tank, I think. Its the same size as the one for my grill. I took it off today and it seemed lite, 20lbs by my fish scales. Its an old tank and cant be filled but not ready to buy a new one yet. It was at least a year since weve used the gas heat. Might not need it again for a while but dont want to be empty if needed.

Also, how long will propane last before its stale,unusable, or expired? Its the gas that was in the tank when we bought the camper some 5 years ago. Dont know how old it really is.

wavery · Oct 15, 2007, 06:27 PM

Quote from: skamper75How much can I expect an empty propane tank to weight? Its a 30 lb tank, I think. Its the same size as the one for my grill. I took it off today and it seemed lite, 20lbs by my fish scales. Its an old tank and cant be filled but not ready to buy a new one yet. It was at least a year since weve used the gas heat. Might not need it again for a while but dont want to be empty if needed.

Also, how long will propane last before its stale,unusable, or expired? Its the gas that was in the tank when we bought the camper some 5 years ago. Dont know how old it really is.

The empty weight is stamped on the handle. Propane weighs approx 4.5# per gallon. Hope that helps :sombraro: .

BTW, a typical BBQ tank weighs about 18#. Propane doesn't get "stale" :p .

If I were you, I'd take the tank to Home Depot and trade it in.

dptak1 · Oct 15, 2007, 07:17 PM

Since I happen to be copying set up and take down instructions from the Fleetwood manual, I'll second what Wavery said. The manual says 18 pounds for an empty tank and 40 for a full tank.

rccs · Oct 16, 2007, 04:56 AM

The number after the TW on the tank is the empty weight of the tank.

skamper75 · Oct 16, 2007, 06:53 AM

After looking at my grill tank I agree with 18lbs. The old tank is unreadable, its that old. Thanks for the input. Looks like a new tank

Can I get a trade in discount on that old of a tank?

fshnfool76 · Oct 16, 2007, 02:59 PM

Quote from: skamper75Can I get a trade in discount on that old of a tank?

Like Wavery said, just take it to Home Depot and trade it in for a new full one, it's about $20.00.

ptbrauch · Oct 17, 2007, 10:03 AM

I don't think that you can trade in the old style for the new style tanks straight up. I believe theres a charge for that. Also, I don't believe your connections to your old tank will fit your new one. I think you'll need a new regulator with the new fittings. Its an easy fix to put one on.

wavery · Oct 17, 2007, 10:09 AM

Quote from: ptbrauchI don't think that you can trade in the old style for the new style tanks straight up. I believe theres a charge for that. Also, I don't believe your connections to your old tank will fit your new one. I think you'll need a new regulator with the new fittings. Its an easy fix to put one on.

I have never heard of anyone that has been refused turning in an old-style tank for a new-style. I doubt if many people mention it :p .

You can buy adapters for your old-style camper fittings.

AustinBoston · Oct 17, 2007, 11:41 AM

Quote from: ptbrauchI don't think that you can trade in the old style for the new style tanks straight up. I believe theres a charge for that.

That depends on a number of factors, including how well the vendor has educated the clerk doing the exchange.

QuoteAlso, I don't believe your connections to your old tank will fit your new one. I think you'll need a new regulator with the new fittings. Its an easy fix to put one on.

Old fittings will work on new tanks fine (the left-hand threads are still there in the new valve assemblies), new fittings will not work on old tanks at all (the old valve assemblies do not have the large right-hand threads on the outside).

Most of the LP vendors around here still use the old left-hand conenctors when filling 20# propane tanks. No matter what valve is on the tank, the old fitting still works.

Austin

skamper75 · Oct 17, 2007, 05:58 PM

Ive looked before at the old style fitting working on the new style tank and sure Im good with that.

Questine about tradein value is because DW has a coworker that would like the old tank if I dont need it. I dont mind letting him have it as long as I dont get a little something for trade in.

tlhdoc · Oct 21, 2007, 07:29 PM

I agree with AB, the old regulator will fit the new tank valves.

ronerjones · Nov 12, 2007, 02:14 PM

I filled an empty tank this past weekend. Empty the tank weighs 18lbs and full it is 38lbs. That comes direct from the LP guy.

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weight of empty propane tank?