30lbs LPG swap to 40lbs

seanrmz · 12-02-2022, 07:01 AM

Hello everyone,

I have a 2021 Keystone cougar 30RLS that came with 2x 30lbs LPG tanks. Could I swop them out with 40lbs tanks. Just wondering if they will fit. Did any one do the swop?

thanks sean

jsb5717 · 12-02-2022, 07:14 AM

Here are dimensions. Measure the height of your propane space to get your answer.

bobbecky · 12-02-2022, 01:43 PM

If the larger cylinders do fit, are you going to be able to physically lift them into their mounting position? Filled, they are going to be a lot heavier than the 30 lb cylinders.

NH_Bulldog · 12-02-2022, 02:34 PM

A full 30 lb. cylinder weighs 55 lbs.and a full 40 lb. cylinder weighs 72 lbs. Aside from the increased weight to lift into place, tongue or pin weight increase should also be contemplated if the trailer is mobile (not at a seasonal site).

Not all cylinders are created equal, some are taller with the same circumference while others a little bigger around the middle and not that much taller. The straps/bands that hold them in place on a fifth wheel might not be long enough to accommodate the bigger tank.

**sourdough** · 12-02-2022, 04:09 PM

I have not done the swap personally. Have a friend that stayed in the same park as we do for the winter come down with cancer so I volunteered to take care of the RV and issues for his wife while he was hospitalized. She liked being warm (it was winter) and went through a lot of LP. First time I went to take the tanks in I was surprised they were larger than my 30lb. tanks. She told me he had put the larger ones in because she liked it "warm". Not a big deal hoisting them out empty but they are considerably heavier than a 30lb. tank when putting them in the bed of a truck or lifting them into the LP tank bay so be aware.

dutchmensport · 12-02-2022, 05:57 PM

Shortly after we purchased our Montana High Country, I seriously considered swapping out the 30 pounders for 40 pounders. It never happened. I did however, purchase another 30 pounder as I wanted another tank to be portable for outside grill and what-not.

In the long run, it turned out pretty good. 3 - 30 pounders equals a total of 90 pounds. Each of the 3 - 30 pounders isn't all that difficult to lift. Two - 40 pounders would have been only a total of 80 pounds (So, by picking up a 3rd thank, I gained 10 more pounds over getting 2 new tanks at 40 pounds.)

Also, I purchased only 1 extra tank instead of 2 new tanks, which were bigger and cost more for one than the 30 pounder, and much cheaper than getting 2 - 40 pounders.

So, I suggest, instead of swapping out your 2 - 40 pounders, just purchase another 30 pounder and carry it with you. You'll end up with an extra 10 pounds, it will cost cheaper, they weigh less, and there is no difference in weight on your tongue or hitch (depending on where you place that 3rd tank for travel).

For us, it was a win-win-win decision. Plus, I still have a tank that is portable and I can use it anywhere, or as a back-up for my trailer. In the winter, I cycle through all 3 tanks for heat. It works very, very well this way.

So ..... something to think about there.... as an alternative!

seanrmz · 12-03-2022, 06:43 AM

thanks everyone for your input. Your right the weight difference could be a hassle at times. I am a young buck at 50 but I won't always be in this shape. Also if ever my wife needs to refill them she will have a serious problem 5ft and weighing in at 105lbs. So I do have a 3rd 30lbs here at the house so I will take this into consideration.

thanks everyone

sean

Pathfinder75 · 12-12-2022, 10:21 AM

Interesting. I was thinking of spare also but since tank must be upright so where do you transport spares?
29" 40lb and 24" 30lb. Tank are above my bed rail so 19" 20lb. Appears my only option for spare tank. With a roll up cover I can't store to front of bed possibly others can. Have to see if 20lb. Reaches hose but think tire blocks could space upward.

**sourdough** · 12-12-2022, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathfinder75

Interesting. I was thinking of spare also but since tank must be upright so where do you transport spares?
29" 40lb and 24" 30lb. Tank are above my bed rail so 19" 20lb. Appears my only option for spare tank. With a roll up cover I can't store to front of bed possibly others can. Have to see if 20lb. Reaches hose but think tire blocks could space upward.

Dave with 2 30lb. tanks you've got a lot of propane and lots of time to fill an empty one when one runs out. Even in the dead of winter you would have 2-3 days to get one in for a refill. You're right on the tank sizes; my 30lb. nor a 40lb. will fit in the bed of my truck with the cover, the 20lb. will.

**JRTJH** · 12-12-2022, 11:47 AM

Possibly carry a 20 pound tank in a plastic milk crate (to keep it from tipping over) as a "dire emergency only".... With 30 pound tanks, you'll have at least a couple of weeks in the summer and 2-3 days in the winter to get the empty tank refilled, and with the 20 pounder as an emergency only alternative, you'll always have another day or so "in the milk crate"....

Honestly, the only people I know of that run out of propane in the winter are those who just completely ignore checking their tanks. Most, after one of those events, will check tanks at least every other day for the rest of their camping life..... Those who run out in the summer, aren't affected by as much inconvenience (cooking over the campfire rather than on the built in grill), so they may not "learn the lesson the hard way as quickly"....

rhagfo · 12-12-2022, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pathfinder75

Interesting. I was thinking of spare also but since tank must be upright so where do you transport spares?
29" 40lb and 24" 30lb. Tank are above my bed rail so 19" 20lb. Appears my only option for spare tank. With a roll up cover I can't store to front of bed possibly others can. Have to see if 20lb. Reaches hose but think tire blocks could space upward.

I transport our spare 30# cylinder horizontally, then keep upright at site. Never had an issue with operation.

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