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Topic ClosedDual LP Tank Mod
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famepot View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Sep 2016
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Posts: 15 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Dual LP Tank Mod
    Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 5:52pm
I know others have posted their dual tank mod, but I though I would post my spin.

Here's the single tank mounting bracket.



I removed the bracket and drilled 4 new holes



I filled the old holes with liquid metal



and installed the new dual tank rack



Mounted the tanks (the one on the right is temporary till I get a new one)



I mounted the regulator on a new bracket



and added a new dual tank cover.



Total cost about $60, not including the tank.  Current plan is to manually switch tanks.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 6:53pm
Nice job but you're missing one of the biggest advantages of dual tanks. An auto-switch regulator ensures you'll use all the propane in a tank before refilling and that you won't run one dry in the middle of a cold night.  Murphy's Law says it will happen at 2AM on the coldest rainy night of the trip Approve
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 7:25pm
Originally posted by CharlieM

Nice job but you're missing one of the biggest advantages of dual tanks. An auto-switch regulator ensures you'll use all the propane in a tank before refilling and that you won't run one dry in the middle of a cold night.  


quoted for truth.

Wink
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M&M POD View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 9:56pm
Nice job. I've got to get this done. My 180 2017.5 is in storage and I need to find out if my holder is welded on or bolted. Bolts would make my life much easier. Sounds like the auto switch reg is the way to go.
Morris & Michelle
2008 FJ CRUISER
2017.5 HRE 180
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famepot View Drop Down
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Posts: 15 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jan 2017 at 11:41pm
Can you tell when it switches over?  Would hate to have them both run dry. 
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 6:47am
Looks good. The only thing that I would note is that it appears that you used the stock POD LP regulator that was previously mounted horizontally. In fact, LP regulators are specifically designed to be mounted one way or the other. The vents on the regulator should point down on a horizontal regulator to allow gravity to help shed moisture. Of course, that is not to say the regulator won't work (allow flow) in the vertical position, but mounting it this way may lead to pre-mature failure. I imagine having the assembly inside the cover, as you do, may delay any related deterioration. 
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 7:53am
Originally posted by famepot

Can you tell when it switches over?  Would hate to have them both run dry. 

A red flag appears in a little window indicating one tank is empty and the regulator has switched over to the second tank.
Charlie
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jato View Drop Down
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Posts: 3257 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 8:35am
In the 6 years we have owned or 177 we average about 1.5 tanks of propane usage/year.  A couple of times we did burn through 2 tanks because of camping in some really cold weather conditions while in the Rockies.  Would be difficult to end up with 2 empty tanks.  We have 2 tanks on our pod, wouldn't have it any other way.  I suppose if we camped where electricity were available we could use a cube heater but since we like the National Parks propane is our only alternative.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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voisj View Drop Down
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Posts: 471 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 1:05pm
+1 on Jato's post,  1 get 10 nights out of my 1st tank, I have a gauge on it and only change over to the second when the gauge says it's almost empty or it feels really lite. I'ts so nice to have the second tank. Because I hate wandering around looking for propane when i need it bad.

On the regulator being upside down or horizontal. I've been using mine like his picture for 4 months. Is this really an issue that I should take care of?

Rgds John
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2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
 
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2017 at 4:31pm
Originally posted by voisj

On the regulator being upside down or horizontal. I've been using mine like his picture for 4 months. Is this really an issue that I should take care of?

Rgds John

Worst case scenario is a untimely and premature failure which can happen at any time. A regulator is not very expensive and is easy to replace. So, I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, however, by specification...it should be horizontal with the ventilation pointing down. 
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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