5# propane tank

[bae501]

Just bougth a 5# propane tank. Went out the other night for 2 1/2 hours and it completly ran out. I have used 20# in the past and they would last a whole season. Did I get hosed when I got it filled or how long do they normally last?

[Guest]

When it was filled the first time , did they put a vac. pump on it?
If not it didnt get filled completely.
I got a 5LB this fall and have used it for about 9 hrs sun flower heater,on low and it still isnt empty
racer

[Scupper]

I average 40-50 hours of burn time with my Mister heater Buddy on my 5 pounder.
I don't burn my hearter steady.
Someone posted a btu's used chart earlier and this seemed pretty accurate.
Go back to where you had it filled and explain your situation. Unless you had a leak or you have a monster heating unit, I feel you were probably under filled.
Good Luck...

[crappie todd]

can speak for the 20 lbers only but might be the same requirement for 5 lbers that they be purged 1st. And , I was charged for the purging. One time only. The purging is to get the moisture out. Typically when you buy a new one, they have some air in them. try turning the valve on a new one next time your at the store. If they are not purged, expect some difficulty with running your heater until your next refill.
CT

[bae501]

Thanks guys I appreciate the info.

[Scupper]

You are right about the purge process crappie todd. New 5 pounders do need to be purged. Let the fill station attendent know it is new and they will preform the purge process of adding fuel, bleeding fuel a couple of times. This is why some charge for purging.
Good Luck...

[bigdog]

I had the same problem th e first time I had a 5# tank filled. Claimed they purged but I only got about 2-3 hours out of it. Since the first fill I have gone elswhere for refills and have not had any troubles.

[Guest]

Do you guys attach your heaters directly to your 5# tanks, or do you use a hose and leave the tank outside the shanty?

Mike

[red bricks]

I have an 11lb tank and a 5' hose attached to my little buddy heater. I leave the tank outside the portable. It works slick. Saves more space. Using the 1 lb tanks was nice but they would always seem to freeze up and you only got about half of the tank. Then the valve would freeze up and leak the other half of the gas out.(after you removed it from the heater) I guess it wasn't so nice after thinking about it. Danm glad I don't smoke.

[Guest]

When I worked at a bait shop (10+ years ago) all you had to do to purge them was let all the air out of them. They fill them with air and dip them in water to test them. When you buy them new the air is still in them. I can remember asking people who had new looking tanks, if they were new. I would simply let the air out and then fill it. I never had anyone come back and complain.

[bigeyes]

A whole season on a tank? My 20# will only do about 40-50 hours on low? I am on my 4th fill of the season.

[Mykal]

I too fell victum to the airhead who did not purge my new 5# tank. I ran it for 3 hours before it started to fade. I have used 5#'ers for years and I really like the portability.