Propane Consumption

JohnDanielsCPA · May 2017

I'm heading out on my first official camping trip this weekend; total boondocking. I will be running the refrigerator, Alde and stove on propane. I'm curious how much propane is consumed by these appliances? I understand there can be significant variability, so I'm really looking for a general idea. To assist:

The average daytime temperature will be 75.
The average night temperature will be 38-42.

The refrigerator will be running fulltime from Friday afternoon to Sunday night.

The Alde will only run at night (10 hours max). We will probably maintain an indoor temperature of 75 until bed time, then 50 through the night.

We will cook two breakfasts and one dinner on the stove. Lunches will be cold cuts/canned goods.

I'm thinking one full 20 pound bottle ought to handle this, but then the Alde website indicated the Alde can consume an entire 20 pound tank in 24 hours "when running at full speed."

Appreciate any feedback.

John

Verna · May 2017

Last winter, a 20 lb tank lasted me 4 to 7 days for the cooler part of the winter, over 14 days once I hit warm weather. I kept the interior temp around 70* + or minus depending on wind and outside temps), night time temps at 60*. Cooked one meal a day, but if I cooked outside I didn't use the 20 lb tank.

A 20 lb tank should be plenty. But, if you're where it is still snowing.....I'd take a second tank just in case you got stranded due to the depth of the snow. Mother Nature seems to be having a temper tantrum right now.

JohnDanielsCPA · May 2017

Perfect! Thanks Verna, that's just what I needed. Doesn't sound like I need to worry about it!

Tabaz · May 2017

I'm always amazed at how little propane the T@B uses while boondocking. Because you're a CPA, you'll want to weigh the full take prior to the trip and then weight it upon your return.

db_cooper · May 2017

We boondocked 3 weekends at ski areas this winter on 1 tank, probably could have gotten a couple more nights.

ColoradoJon · May 2017

Unless you have solar or a generator I'd be more concerned about your 12V battery!

Estancio · May 2017

My 20lb tank has lasted for the past 5-1/2 years! Never had to refill it since new.

TabberJohn · May 2017

Estancio said:

My 20lb tank has lasted for the past 5-1/2 years! Never had to refill it since new.

Are you sure you aren't hooked up to methane from the black tank?

9Jethro · May 2017

Tabber john, now that's some funny you know what

JohnDanielsCPA · May 2017

Tabaz said:

I'm always amazed at how little propane the T@B uses while boondocking. Because you're a CPA, you'll want to weigh the full take prior to the trip and then weight it upon your return.

Actually, I picked up one of those "guage" tanks from U-Haul prior to heading out this last weekend. I was amazed at how little propane I actually used. I don't think I'm going to have to worry about propane consumption!

Homebodyatheart · May 2017

@JohnDanielsCPA, the two times I've been out so far, camping with others. I will close up the windows to the small gap setting for ventilation in the late afternoon. The T@b holds heat from the day quite well. When I come back from a campfire then I turn on the Alde for the night, and it kicks in sometime when I'm asleep (unless I mess up the settings...) I also cook outside on a small table with my trusty ancient Coleman gas stove, which saves on the draw from the big tank. I still want to try @Verna's hot water tank level check. She says to pour a mug of hot water down the side of the tank, then feel the tank with your hand. When the metal goes from hot/warm to cold you have your propane level figured. That makes more sense to me than a guage that may or may not work.

wizard1880 · May 2017

They sell black strips you can tape to the side of your tank, for doing the hot-water level check

Amazon seems to sell the magnetic ones only--those are almost useless according to the reviews (likely due to the thermal insulation from the magnetic material)

This looks like a good one:
https://www.thermographics.com/consumer/propane-gas-tank-indicator

Not sure where to buy them however.

Ratkity · May 2017

I had one of the non-magnetic ones, but pulling my tank in and out to refill sorta messed it up. Still do the mug of hot water trick. Never falls me.

RCB · July 2020

Greetings All, I just had my 20 lb propane tank topped up. It took 6 lb ; and that was consumed last season over about 40 days of camping - cooking, hot water and occasional heat. The full tank weighs about 38+/- lb. if I switched to a 10 lb tank - full wt about 22 lb full. Is saving 16 lb on tongue wt worth the trouble ?

Michigan_Mike · July 2020

If you have an adequate tow vehicle (which you do need with a 400) I think it’s a non issue in my opinion. I prefer to have an adequate amount of propane myself as opposed to wondering if I need to refill it.

Propane Consumption

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