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Replacing 20 Lb Tank Propane With 30 Lb Tank


kyote

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Except for the foam that looks just like our '91.
I have carefully measures the inside and I think it might fit. If it doesn't I think the sticking point might be the inner trim strips. I would also like to know if anyone's done this successfully, it's a substantial increase. The main user of the propane on ours is the heater, the fridge will run a long time on the gas.
Another way to increase the useful life of the propane would be to get a more efficient heater, ours blows reasonably warm inside the RV but the exhaust outlet is where most of the heat goes. Needs a much more efficient heat exchanger in the heater, nowadays I hope somebody makes something that would fit either as a new unit or just a heat exchanger retrofit ???? I guess while we're at it a quieter more efficient blower wouldn't be too bad either. :)
What model is your Dolphin??

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In the past we built a bus and had a catalytic heater which is nice as they don't require electricity to work. Great for boondocking. With this small of unit, we figure a couple candles and terra cotta plant pots will heat up nicely. There definitely is not room for a catalytic heater. As far as the model goes, I am not sure. It has the couch as well as the dinette. Super clean rig, less than 43k on the unit and was owned by a familty that kept it garaged and they maintained it well. It has been restriped too.

I did take measurements also. Just don't want to spend $180 on upgrading to this larger tank if it won't fit. We won't use the heater, Just the stove and fridge on propane. Also adding a solar panel, AGM coach batteries and switching lights to LEDS.post-8276-0-22366600-1433039504_thumb.jppost-8276-0-99818600-1433039510_thumb.jp

Edited by kyote
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I replaced my 20# for a 30# tank but it was on a 1984 Dolphin. It was a tight fit. You may have to remove the tank to fill it at some areas especially in Canada. Then it is more difficult to reinstall, heavier and close fit. You will like the extra volume. I got a used tank from a propane dealer and they recertified it for $35.00.

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Your layout is the model 900. Probably the most common Dolphin out there. So probably no points for rarity, but the good news is that most buyers (new) thought it was the best! :)

Can't be certain that the propane 'locker' (and door) was the same size over the years. Maybe if you post the dimensions of yours someone with a 30# could compare with theirs.

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Hello, new to this forum as I just picked up a sweet 90 Dolphin. I am wondering if anyone has replaced the 20lb tank with a 30lb tank. Thanks.

Does anyone sell a 30 lb. vertical "portable" propane tank? I've only seen the 30 lb. horizontal tanks and those are 6" higher then the 20 lb. tanks. Do you get yours filled or buy on exchange somewhere? You can gain a LOT just by having someone fill your tank properly with 20 lbs. of propane instead of the usual 15 lb. rip-off fill. A so-called "20 lb." tank actually takes around 24 lbs. and is properly and safely 80% filled when it has 20 lbs. of propane in it. NOT 15 lbs. like the popular BS story often goes. Proper safe fill goes by the W.C. number stamped on your tank. It looks like yours is stamped with a W.C. of 47.7. If so, it is safely filled with 20.03 lbs. of propane. If it's just a W.C. of 47 - safe fill is 19.75 lbs. of propane. Calculation of proper fill is always supposed to be 42% of the W.C. number stamped on your tank.

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I don't own the 84 Dolphin anymore so can't help on door measurements.

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"and switching to LED's"
I got these, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007VLFENE/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_ST1_dp_1
like them so much got a bunch more and did back-up and turn signal lites as well. I did add a resistor across the rear signal lamps sized so I can now run LED or bulb any combo just in case, adding a resistor is necessary as the LED's don't draw enough current for the flasher relay to work, just buzzes real loud and lights. But not a problem as the LED's have been there several years now, no failures.

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You would gain another 2.4 gallons of propane with a 30# tank but if you are not heating the MH a 20# tank should last you all summer unless your living in it In your case an exchange tank is not an issue because they don't do horizontal tanks any way so most camp grounds or propane dealers will at least fill it generally for a flat fee because of the labor involved no matter how much it takes but it will be full.

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  • 1 month later...

I am trying to figure out a way to get more propane on board too. I think I am going to make a rack on the back of the rig for a few things, think ill add a spot for 2 tanks. Right now I have a duel tank regulator installed, one side to the small horizontal tank, and the other pig tail is 5ft long to attach to a bottle I just place on the ground. Should work ok for now I guess.

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I carry a bbq tank my regulater and hose will reach to set one on the ground . I can get a good average of more more then 10 days. on the rv tank I also have a spare horizontal tank . sometimes I just switch it out after a couple of trips. and I do run my heater and water heater.

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