[readNrun]

What do folks think the sweet spot for a propane tank size it (volume wise)?

-Andrew

 

[slamkal]

depends a lot on what you intend to run, power, etc.

I had a 11lb tank (lite cylinder recall) which I liked because it was compact. I now have a 17lb ragasco. Most trips I supply the propane, small group size 6-10 peeps. We usually have a second tank so we can run both a burner and the stove without having to swap tanks ...

you will need a larger tank for colder weather heating (mr Heater) or for longer trips or larger groups. For simple overnights I recharge a couple of the smaller 1lb tanks ... Never done a Grand trip but would probably want two tanks unless it was summer time ...

Really like the ability to gauge the amt of stuff in the tank like I can on the fiberglass tanks

Lou

 

[slamkal]

the larger 20 lbish tanks are more of a sweet spot in terms of price ...

 

[cataraftgirl]

Weeklong trips, cold trips = 20 lb. tank. Maybe two of those depending on # of people.
Weekend trips = 5-10 lb. tank

 

[mania]

5lb is awesome.

 

[oarboatman]

I found this posted here and have tested it on many trips. Propane usage formula. 1/4lb per person per day. This includes hot dish water.

 

[TapStyx]

I like the 5 lb tanks too.

 

[readNrun]

I like the 5 lb tanks too.

Which 5lb tanks are you guys using. Currently eying up the 17lb Ragasco. I have a bunch of the 1lb minis I use and refill all the time.

 

[TapStyx]

URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CAO4TSI/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"

Manchester tank or look at worthington tank on Amazon.

 

[shappattack]

another vote for standard 5 pound tank. They are small, fit in the dry box, easy to stash around the boat, and have multiple, 1 in each boat. Also spreads the risk in case of a catastrophy. I have the manchesters. We still had gas left over (1 tank trip with a small group lower salmon/grande ronde combo trip this summer). We don't geek out though with the gas like larger more conventional raft trips do. No blaster or 4 burner stove. But we do eat well!

Manchester Tank & Equip 5 LB Propane Tank Vertical Cylinder 10054.3

 

[readNrun]

Hmmmm. I forgot to mention that I have a 1gal worthington as well. We've blown through that on a 1 week trip maybe by day 5. Lots of cooking including mornings. I like it because it fits perfectly inside a 5 gallon bucket. I just wish it was slightly larger - maybe didn't have the big concave bottom so as to have that extra capacity.

 

[catwoman]

By the 1/4# per day recipe, an 11 # Ragasco will get two folks down the Grand. I think on most trips it is pretty wise to have more gas than one needs and have it spread out in more than one tank. Valves fail (or get left open) and flips happen.

 

[cmharris]

I also like the 5 pound Worthington. It’s steel but not too heavy. We get six days out of the tank but our group is usually small, one boat and 2 or 3 people. We carry a two burner stove, no blaster, and eat great food. We use dutch ovens for a couple of dinners and also a breakfast or two. If I were in the market today, the sweet spot would be the smallest aluminum Worthington. I think it’s a 6 pound. For Spring and Fall trips, I usually try to keep a small backpack stove handy for mid-day tea or coffee.

 

[mtrafter]

here's another handy item that makes camp kitchen life awesome,i usually put it on a 20lb tank and have lantern,stove and a gas grill all fueled at the same time,plus the lantern is in the perfect spot for cooking

Coleman 30-Inch Distribution Tree, Propane Distribution Tree, Propane Tank Tree, Distribution Tree

 

[readNrun]

Looks like one of the few composite options out there now in that volume is the Ragasco 11# tank. I found it PropaneProducts.com - Heaters, Parts, Regulators, Fittings, Repair for $117 plus shipping. Anyone find it or a similar composite tank somewhere else for less?

 

[Avatard]

Looks like one of the few composite options out there now in that volume is the Ragasco 11# tank. I found it PropaneProducts.com - Heaters, Parts, Regulators, Fittings, Repair for $117 plus shipping. Anyone find it or a similar composite tank somewhere else for less?

You can get the larger ragasco for less. Think I paid $90. They both have the same diameter and its not a lot of extra weight to carry in case you need the volume. I usually take mine with whatever gas is in it ( half full ) as I don't need to refill it as often.

Note those propane trees need an extra sand stake type item etc. to secure as they are designed to mount on the skinny lip of a steel container

 

[[email protected]]

I cannot remember where but I read once that blasters work better with the larger tanks 10-20#ers.

 

[mania]

Remember those propane trees only have the small coleman type fittings. for a partner stove and a woodland powerstove you need the large fittings. I purchased this to use with the 5lb steel tank and everything works fine.

Amazon.com - Mr. Heater Propane Y Female Adapter with Handwheel 2-Female P.O.L.'s with Acme Threads and P.O.L

 

[readNrun]

Remember those propane trees only have the small coleman type fittings. for a partner stove and a woodland powerstove you need the large fittings. I purchased this to use with the 5lb steel tank and everything works fine.

Amazon.com - Mr. Heater Propane Y Female Adapter with Handwheel 2-Female P.O.L.'s with Acme Threads and P.O.L

Interesting. Is the fitting for a powerstove or partner a male POL or acme type 1 like this:

F271735 Mr. Heater Propane Splitter

 

[mania]

Interesting. Is the fitting for a powerstove or partner a male POL or acme type 1 like this:

F271735 Mr. Heater Propane Splitter

it works with both so it is basically replicating the same fitting that is on the tank itself. The picture on Amazon isn't quite right and is more like the one you posted.