LP Tank and heater,

[Sivymp1]

Taking the new camper out for the first time next week with a buddy. Supposed to warm up being spring....so I thought and now they are calling for snow later this week. WTH? Anyway in looking at my LP tank it only looks like it holds 12 gal? With a heater running at night how long will that last?

[gmc]

Very much depends.... on how cold... and how warm you choose to keep it.
These are not insulated like a home - and will consume fuel to keep things warm...
3 months in FL last winter - I didn't even use a tank...
3 1/2 months this winter - I used a tank and a half plus...
We got cold for FL - but rarely below freezing (some frost warnings).
My tank is larger than 12 gal - don't remember exact size.

Know your options to refill nearby (or onsite - but expect $$ for that) - and if you have shore power - bring an electric space heater to take some of the load...

If you will be below freezing and 'wet' (not winterized) - make sure you know what is exposed outside of living areas and insure properly kept from freezing (any plumbing in wet bay, drain tanks, drain lines...)

[brucev]

We spent a couple days in the local mountains a couple weeks ago. Got down to mid to high 20's at night. Didn't move the needle on the tank much. Try setting the thermostat low and using blankets at night, then warm it up in the AM. If you have hookups take along an electric bathroom heater. I also bought a Heater Buddy that uses 1lb propane tanks as a backup.

Robot Check

[Sivymp1]

Are there systems to hook up an external tank somehow?

[Yosemitebob]

Start out with full tanks, you'll be fine. I went through a tank a week when I was in Washington last Christmas, and that was using it all day set at 68 and all night, set at lowest possible temp, wanted to keep the tanks from freezing.

[Sivymp1]

I found the answer I also was curios not so much this trip but other trips where I have electric where I did have to haul an extra tank for my grill if I was able to connect to that tank somehow but never fear you tube was there. Thanks for the help.

[bevedfelker]

If you are staying at parks with electric, don't waste the propane. Get an electric space heater. Also we don't run the heat at night. Blankets are sufficient to stay wzrm. We use the heater to take off the chill in the AM and at night when showering and getting ready for bed. Does the AC in your Chateau have a heat strip? If so, again while on shore power that should also be sufficient unless it is well below freezing.

[EA37TS]

It all depends on the configuration of your coach and the outside temps.

If your plumbing and tanks are all in heated areas (inside the coach) then using a space heater may be sufficient and allow you to save on propane. If the plumbing and tanks are outside the coach in storage bays then you need to determine how they stay warm. My Challenger for instance has all the plumbing and tanks in heated storage compartments so I have to use the furnace when temps drop below freezing. My Class C had an Artic Pak (heat blankets) around the tanks so in that coach I was able to use a space heater most times. I would generally use a space heater during the day and set the furnace at 55 or 60 at night and use a down comforter on the bed. In that coach when temps were at or below freezing I would go through about 40 pounds (9.8 gallons) 0f propane per week.


Also, FWIW, if the temps are forecasted to be below freezing ask the campground if they intend to turn off the water supply. I have had campgrounds turn off the water at around 9:00 PM and then turn it back on when the temps got above freezing. In this case you will want to ensure you have enough water in the fresh water tank.

[Sivymp1]

The campground we are going to there is no electric or water so we will be dry camping. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

[brucev]

Sivymp1, You can buy adapters to either hook up an external tank or connect your BBQ grill. Take Yosimitebob's advice, start with full tanks and see how it goes. I think you will be amazed how long it will last.

[sikoriko]

I think they make inserts for your vents. They go inside and help keep the warm air in.

[Sivymp1]

Well trip went great. Got the "T" installed and used the propane for heat, cooking, water heater and only used half the tank. Had heat set at about 68 and worked great thanks for all the advice.