LP Usage

[TheGriz]

Need some input on LP usage. Haven't used the furnace yet. Leaving on our trip south tomorrow. Probably won't be far enough south for the first night to de-winterize the Laredo TT. Shooting for mid-Virginia and low temps forecast for low 20's. So we will likely stay in a non-CG the first night and not use the plumbing. That means using the LP for the fridge starting tomorrow morning for the Dometic 8 cubic foot fridge, and tomorrow night using the furnace.

Roughly how long can I expect two full 30 pound LP tanks to last lets say keeping the TT at 65 degrees running it about 16 hours/day, and keeping the fridge going all day...a day, two, three...or whatever?

Thanks,
Mike

[sourdough]

What do you think the highs will be? There is a great difference if the heat runs 24 hrs. a day because the lows are in the 20s and the highs are in the 30/40 range vs 20s at night and highs in the 50/60 range.

In weather that runs low 20's at night and 40s in the day I can get probably 4-6 days off of one 30lb tank. We do use the fireplace to augment which helps a LOT. We don't cook inside or bake much either. Daytime temps make a huge difference and we have all black sides on the slides so if the sun is out the slides are generating some warmth. We keep the thermostat at 71 at night and 74 during the day and we have a 35k furnace. I also run the water heater on LP/electric every night for my shower. Not knowing how you camp I think I would plan on 3-4 days per tank to be on the safe side....IMO.

Edit: We do not run the fridge on LP unless we are traveling. If the furnace is running 16 HRS a day I'm thinking that 3-4 days may be optimistic.

[TheGriz]

What do you think the highs will be? There is a great difference if the heat runs 24 hrs. a day because the lows are in the 20s and the highs are in the 30/40 range vs 20s at night and highs in the 50/60 range.

In weather that runs low 20's at night and 40s in the day I can get probably 4-6 days off of one 30lb tank. We do use the fireplace to augment which helps a LOT. We don't cook inside or bake much either. Daytime temps make a huge difference and we have all black sides on the slides so if the sun is out the slides are generating some warmth. We keep the thermostat at 71 at night and 74 during the day and we have a 35k furnace. I also run the water heater on LP/electric every night for my shower. Not knowing how you camp I think I would plan on 3-4 days per tank to be on the safe side....IMO.

Edit: We do not run the fridge on LP unless we are traveling. If the furnace is running 16 HRS a day I'm thinking that 3-4 days may be optimistic.

Thanks for the input sourdough. I will be running the fridge on LP once we depart tomorrow morning and will continue on LP until likely the second night when we get to our first CG. The furnace will not run while we are moving, hence an estimate of 16 hours. So, with the two 30lb tanks, sounds like I should be good for at least 4 days. And once I get to a CG the second night, I can top off the first 30lb tank if needed.

Appreciate the input.
Mike

[laidback]

No problem with two 30's You won't be running the furnace all day so you'll have no problem. I've run the fridge 5 or 6 days on less than one tank. The furnace can run the battery down pretty much in one night Might want to run the tow vech awhile just before You go to sleep. Have a safe trip. Just to make You feel better we are running our furnace tonight and last night down here in Destin Fl. panhandle.

[Canonman]

Don't know if this helps much, but last fall dry camping in the Colorado San Juans we ran for a week on a 30# tank. It did snow a couple of nights and the night time temps were in the 20's and 30's. Day time was warm in the mid 40's. Sleeping temp was around 60 in the 5er.
Spent last spring at the Grand Canyon also snow and really cold nights. again a full week on one tank. Didn't fill it until we got home.
Short answer a week seemed to be no problem. Probably could have gone two.

[Ken / Claudia]

Do you have electric use figured out. If you run the furnace 16 hours a day the batteries will be dead long before your out of propane if only using batteries.

[TheGriz]

Soooo...I only have one Grp24 battery. What will that limit my furnace run time to??? I have a generator but wasn't planning on running it, especially if we end up in walmart or the like for that first night.

[laidback]

Which way are You heading south 95 or 81. There are some very in expensive campgrounds on 81. There is one at Ft Chiswell Va right off the exit I use it quite a bit. Hook up to elect and get a good nights rest. Maybe I'm just getting old and don't like adventures any more. 81 is a much better route anyway.

[TheGriz]

Which way are You heading south 95 or 81. There are some very in expensive campgrounds on 81. There is one at Ft Chiswell Va right off the exit I use it quite a bit. Hook up to elect and get a good nights rest. Maybe I'm just getting old and don't like adventures any more. 81 is a much better route anyway.

Down I-81. Avoiding I-95 like the plague until I get well south. Actually targeting Destin, FL first then Crystal River, FL. I guess you meant inexpensive. Ft. Chiswell, VA may be a good idea. Need to look it up...THANKS!!!

All...need to get my beauty rest now. Thanks for all the input!!!! Going to bed so will be fresh for driving! Will check in in morning!

Good night,
Mike

[sourdough]

Thanks for the input sourdough. I will be running the fridge on LP once we depart tomorrow morning and will continue on LP until likely the second night when we get to our first CG. The furnace will not run while we are moving, hence an estimate of 16 hours. So, with the two 30lb tanks, sounds like I should be good for at least 4 days. And once I get to a CG the second night, I can top off the first 30lb tank if needed.

Appreciate the input.
Mike

In my experience that is what you should be prepared for. Someone said that you might be able to run 2 wks on a tank in cold weather.....ain't gonna happen if you want to be comfortable. Be prepared for low run times with a plan; if it's better than that, good. If it's worse and you don't have a plan....it sucks.

[TheGriz]

Which way are You heading south 95 or 81. There are some very in expensive campgrounds on 81. There is one at Ft Chiswell Va right off the exit I use it quite a bit. Hook up to elect and get a good nights rest. Maybe I'm just getting old and don't like adventures any more. 81 is a much better route anyway.

Great suggestion Bruce. Just looked up Ft. Chiswell and made reservation. Can't beat it for $35. Now no hassle and will stay toasty!!

NOW it's off to bed.

Many thanks to all for the help,
Mike

[notanlines]

Mike, I can't disagree with anything that was said. However I will add that your refrigerator usage where propane is concerned will be very minimal. Water heater and furnace will add up quickly, but you will have no trouble for four days. (Heed the battery advice closely)

[Ken / Claudia]

One battery and running the furnace 16 hours and lights etc etc. You might get 1 night with the day before and after before it's dead without shore power or genny or solar.