Propane Lifespan In Pickup Campers: How Long Does It Last?

Propane is an essential fuel for RVs, used for cooking, heating water, and generating power for appliances like the refrigerator. The duration of a propane tank depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, the number and type of appliances using propane, and the frequency and energy consumption of those appliances.

The most common RV propane tank sizes are 20 and 30 pounds, holding approximately five and seven gallons of propane, respectively. On average, an RV furnace burns around one gallon of propane every three hours. However, this does not account for other propane demands, such as cooking or hot water usage, which will increase consumption.

To estimate propane usage, it is essential to understand the energy rating and BTU (British Thermal Unit) of your appliances. One gallon of propane is equivalent to 91,452 BTUs, and by calculating the BTU capacity of your tank and appliances, you can estimate their run time.

Additionally, external factors like ambient temperature influence propane usage. Colder temperatures lead to higher propane consumption, as the furnace and water heater require more fuel to maintain desired temperatures.

To conserve propane, consider using alternative heating methods, such as electric space heaters, and timing hot water usage. Regularly monitoring your propane tank gauge and planning refills or exchanges is crucial to avoid running out during your travels.

Propane tank size: 20-pound vs. 30-pound tanks

When it comes to propane tank sizes, there are a few common options for RVs: 20-pound, 30-pound, and 40-pound tanks. Each size has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Here's a detailed comparison between 20-pound and 30-pound propane tanks to help you decide which one is best suited for your pickup camper.

20-pound Propane Tank:

• Portability: Weighing around 37 pounds when full, the 20-pound tank is easy to lift and transport, making it convenient for short trips or use in smaller RVs.
• Availability: These tanks are widely available, and you can easily find places to refill or exchange them, whether in rural areas or cities.
• Cost-effectiveness: With lower initial and refill costs, 20-pound tanks are budget-friendly and ideal for those who use propane sparingly.
• Limited capacity: Holding only 4.6 to 4.7 gallons of propane, you'll need to refill more frequently, which can be inconvenient during extended trips.
• Not suitable for high usage: If your RV relies heavily on propane for multiple appliances, the limited capacity of a 20-pound tank may not be sufficient.

30-pound Propane Tank:

• Balanced capacity: Offering a happy medium, the 30-pound tank holds approximately 7 gallons of propane, reducing refill frequency while still being manageable for most people to handle.
• Versatility: This size is highly versatile and suitable for various uses, such as heating, cooking, and powering generators.
• Extended use: The increased capacity provides longer stretches of uninterrupted propane supply, making it ideal for extended trips or camping in remote areas with limited refilling options.
• Increased weight: Weighing around 54 pounds when full, the 30-pound tank is heavier than the 20-pound option, making it slightly more cumbersome to transport and handle.
• Higher cost: The 30-pound tank is more expensive to purchase and refill, which may be a consideration for those on a tight budget.

In summary, if you value portability and cost-effectiveness, a 20-pound propane tank might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a balance between capacity and portability, the 30-pound tank could be a better option. Consider your usage patterns, the number of propane-powered appliances in your RV, and the length of your trips to make an informed decision.

Ambient temperature: Warmer vs. colder climates

The ambient temperature is a significant factor in determining how long propane will last in a pickup camper. Warmer and colder climates will have different effects on propane usage and conservation.

In warmer climates, the demand for heating is reduced, which can significantly extend the lifespan of propane in an RV. This is because running the furnace is one of the most propane-intensive activities in an RV. Warmer temperatures also mean less need for hot water, reducing the usage of propane-powered water heaters. As a result, RVs in warmer climates may only need to rely on propane for cooking and powering certain appliances, such as the refrigerator.

However, it is important to note that extremely warm temperatures can also increase propane usage, especially if the RV is not well-insulated. In such cases, the air conditioning unit or additional fans may need to run for longer periods, increasing the overall propane consumption.

In colder climates, propane usage can increase significantly. The furnace will likely be running more frequently and for longer periods to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the RV. Additionally, the demand for hot water also increases, as the water coming into the RV from external sources is colder. This means that the water heater will need to use more propane to heat the water to the desired temperature.

To conserve propane in colder climates, it is recommended to use alternative heating methods, such as electric space heaters or heated blankets. Insulating the RV with skirting or adding reflective foil to windows can also help retain heat and reduce propane usage. Timing the use of hot water for showers and dishes can also help, as constantly heating and reheating water consumes more propane.

Overall, the impact of ambient temperature on propane usage is significant. Warmer climates can extend the lifespan of propane by reducing the need for heating, while colder climates can lead to more frequent refills due to increased heating demands. However, by adopting conservation strategies and utilizing alternative power sources, it is possible to mitigate the effects of ambient temperature on propane consumption, regardless of the climate.

Appliances used: Furnace, stove, oven, water heater, fridge, generator

The length of time that propane will last in a pickup camper depends on several factors, including the size of the propane tank, the number of appliances relying on propane usage, the frequency of their operation, and the energy rating and BTU (British Thermal Units) of the appliances.

A 20-pound propane tank is one of the smallest options available and can hold around five gallons of propane. A 30-pound tank offers more propane and can hold approximately seven gallons of fuel. Both options are commonly used in pickup campers and can be easily transported and refilled.

Some of the appliances in a pickup camper that typically run on propane include the furnace, stove, oven, water heater, and fridge. Here is an estimate of how long propane will last in a 30-pound tank for each of these appliances:

• Furnace: A 30-pound propane tank can provide heat for about 48 hours of continuous use. In practice, the heater may run for shorter periods, depending on the thermostat settings and outside temperature.
• Stove/Oven: A typical RV stove and oven have a combined BTU rating of around 28,500 BTU. With a 30-pound propane tank, you can expect to cook for a significant amount of time.
• Water Heater: A typical RV water heater has a BTU rating of about 8,800 BTU per hour. It takes about 20-30 minutes to heat six gallons of water. With a 30-pound tank, you can expect to have hot water for multiple showers and washing dishes.
• Fridge: On average, a 30-pound propane tank can run an RV refrigerator for about 430 hours or approximately 18 days.

Additionally, a generator can also be powered by propane. A 20-pound propane tank can fuel a 7500W generator for 10-11 hours straight.

To maximize the efficiency of propane usage, it is recommended to space out showers, take shorter or colder showers, and turn off the refrigerator while driving.

BTUs of appliances: 16,000 BTU vs. 30,000 BTU furnace

The number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) an appliance uses is a measure of the amount of propane it will consume. The higher the BTU rating, the more propane the appliance will use.

A 16,000 BTU furnace will use less propane than a 30,000 BTU furnace. This means that a 16,000 BTU furnace could be ideal if propane conservation is a priority. However, a 16,000 BTU furnace will need to run for longer than a 30,000 BTU furnace to produce the same amount of heat. This means that a 30,000 BTU furnace could be a better option if keeping run-time down is a priority.

The best option for your pickup camper will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you are looking for a balance between propane conservation and run-time, you may want to consider a furnace with a BTU rating somewhere between 16,000 and 30,000. Additionally, you may want to consider other factors such as the size of your propane tanks, how many appliances you will be running simultaneously, and the outside temperature, as these will also impact your propane consumption.

Usage patterns: Full-time vs. weekend RVers

The propane consumption of an RV depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the propane tank, the number of appliances relying on propane, the frequency of appliance usage, and the energy consumption of the appliances. While it is difficult to provide a definitive answer to how long propane will last, understanding usage patterns can provide valuable insights. Here is an overview of propane usage for full-time and weekend RVers:

Full-time RVers

Based on the information gathered from various sources, a full-time RVer can expect their propane to last for a considerable duration. One source mentions that a 20-pound propane tank should last "better than a week" under normal usage conditions, which include refrigerator operation, cooking, and limited heating system use. Another source mentions that a 20-pound tank can last up to a month for a couple residing in their RV full-time, considering daily usage of the stove or oven for cooking.

Additionally, it is worth noting that full-time RVers may have certain habits or routines that can impact propane usage. For example, they might be more conscious of their propane consumption and adopt strategies to conserve propane, such as using alternative power sources when available or opting for more efficient appliances.

Weekend RVers

For RVers who only take their RVs out for the weekend or occasional trips, propane usage patterns can vary significantly. One source mentions that a 20-pound propane tank can last for about two weeks during the summer when the furnace is not in use. However, during colder seasons when the furnace is used in the mornings and evenings, the same tank may only last for a week.

It is important to consider that weekend RVers might have different usage patterns compared to full-time RVers. Their propane consumption may be influenced by factors such as the duration of their trips, the frequency of trips, and the types of activities they engage in while using their RVs.

Factors Affecting Propane Usage

Regardless of the usage pattern, several factors can influence propane consumption for both full-time and weekend RVers:

• Ambient temperature: Colder temperatures will lead to higher propane usage, especially when running the furnace.
• Number and type of propane-fueled appliances: Appliances such as the furnace, water heater, stove, oven, and refrigerator will impact propane usage differently.
• BTU ratings of appliances: Appliances with higher BTU ratings will consume more propane.
• Number of people in the RV: A higher number of occupants will likely result in increased usage of propane-fueled appliances.
• Size of the propane tank: Larger tanks will provide a greater supply of propane and extend the duration between refills.

In conclusion, while it is challenging to provide an exact answer to how long propane will last for full-time and weekend RVers due to various factors and usage patterns, understanding these variables can help RVers make informed decisions about their propane usage and refilling needs.

Frequently asked questions