5 lb. Propane tank. Pros and cons?

Mr. Leary

Mr. Leary

Adventurist
Founding Member
Pretty simple question, adventurists! What works and what doesnt about 5 lb. Propane tanks.

Background: For years, I've been using primarily 1 lb propane tanks while camping and using the 20 lb. tank for running the campfire and heater while winter camping. Bringing the 20 lb tank while winter camping doesn't bother me, because I have other items that only go in the truck for those trips and I'm altering my load plan anyways. The problem is in the other seasons. In spring / fall I may be relying on my little red campfire for heat when it gets colder than expected. In summer I may just want a campfire to sit around in a burn ban area. Of course my longer trips might take me through multiple climate zones, and its just good to have the option regardless of the season. My little red campfire doesn't work very well on the 1 lb tanks, though, hence the consideration of moving to a hybrid solution (#5). I like the idea of a smaller tank that can supply the campfire, stove, or heater in a pinch. I've seen the smaller tanks on several rigs, but wonder how much is kool-aid vs. Real gains. My primary concern is ease and availability of a refill, as I've gotten spoiled by being able to do a tank exchange virtually anywhere. A secondary concern (which is also driven by the first concern) is whether the 5 lb tank will be enough to get me through a long trip, since fill up options are limited or potentially time consuming.

Ready. Set. Go!
 
Ok, I started with a 5 but transitioned into the next size up which is a 10 or 11 lb depends on who you ask and it seems to be the answer for me.
 
I have a 5 lb aluminum tank and it's lasted me the whole summer, used for cooking. Used it for cooking and heating last year for about 4 months and barely made a dent in the supply... only took a pound of liquid before I topped it off for this year.

When I heat, I warm up the space and shut it down, restarting in the morning.
 
Does the 11 lb occupy the same amount of surface area as the 5 lb, or does it have a larger diameter?

Also, fillups. Where do you get your small tanks filled up if you cant do an exchange?
 
Same diameter, just taller, which is why I run that size on the swing-out.

The only real con I've run into is having devices tethered to the vehicle with a network of propane hoses. Not a big deal if you don't move the stove/firepit/truck that often while in camp. I own my tank, so I usually refill at the local RV dealership since they're the cheapest. Gas stations often have this service as well, that's usually what I do in the field.

Exchanges are evil.
 
The small green cans are too small and expensive. For me the 20 lb. tanks are big and take up a lot of space. I downsized to an 11 lb. tank in the tall configuration. They make them 2 ways, one is the same footprint as the larger 20 lb. just shorter so no real space savings there. The taller size has the same 11lb. but the footprint is half the size of the 20 lb. Mine is a Worthington brand bought at the local Ferrell Gas for $48.
 
Mike, not sure but there may be a reason my 4wheelCamper comes with 2 10lbs instead of just a 20? Looks like there may be space for a 20. That said we were out a week and used it with the forced air heater and I think the hot water and boiled some water... seems like I still have 1/2 in that one bottle left although it's not easy to tell. I think a 10lb would be sufficient for you and take less space.
 
I run the #5 for all the cooking. It lasted over 14 days while cooking for 2 every day. Carry 2 #1 for back up. If we plan on using the fire pit for more than 5 hours, I throw in the #20. I plan on adding a second #5 to leave the #20 at home. If I were to start over on the build, #10 x2 would be in the design. My fire pit guzzles the gas when used for heat.
I have my tanks filled at RV parks.
 
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