Propane Appliances

Post tags: | propane | propane_appliances | refill_propane-bottle |

Refill Coleman Bottle

$2.87 at Walmart

WheeliePete youtube NO Pre-Chilling! FULLY Refill a 1lb Propane Bottle (Avoid 600%+ Markup on Propane) Coleman

  • 1 US gallon liquid propane = 4.11 lb
  • Coleman bottle = 16.4 oz = 1.02 lb
  • 4.03 Coleman bottles = 1 US gallon liquid propane
  • 20 lb / 4.7 gal. tank ~= 20 Coleman bottles
  • MacCoupler refill coupler - $12.50
  • curved forceps to relieve bottle gas pressure
  • empty Coleman bottle = 13.25 oz
  • New Coleman bottle = 30.15 oz
  • refill with pressure relief = 32.3 oz

Measured weights

  • Coleman 16 oz from store - 850g
  • Empty Coleman 16 oz - 372g
  • propane weight 850 - 372 = 478g (16.86 oz)

Fractional can weights

  • 1.00 850g 29oz - 1lb 13oz
  • 0.75 730g 25oz - 1lb 9oz
  • 0.50 611g 21oz - 1lb 5oz
  • 0.25 491g 17oz - 1lb 1oz
  • 0.00 372g 13oz - 13oz

spring pull scales

Choose Ohaus 8003-MN 1000g $14 at amazon

  • Ohaus 8003-MN 1000g
  • Ohaus 8003-PN 2.25 lb
  • Ohaus 8004-MN 2000g
  • Ohaus 8004-PN 4.5 lb

Comment on newer OPD 20 lb tanks

In response to Lanc Mac’s question about anti tip-over valve causing it to stop flowing. I think you’re talking about OPD (Overfill Protection Device) equipped tanks. As of April 1, 2002 all four- to 40-pound propane tanks must be equipped with an Overfill Protection Device. This is a new valve that replaces the one on existing tanks. The new valves are marked with “OPD” to designate their compliance with the state law and have three-lobed valve handles, rather than the five-lobe type found on older propane tanks. The OPD valve is simply a protective device that, as the name implies, prevents overfilling of a propane cylinder. The OPD valve does NOT prevent you from flowing liquid when the tank is on it’s side or inverted. The tank in this video is a newer tank and is OPD equipped. I find no information on a true tip-over valve installed in the common BBQ tanks. There are valves in the hook up fittings to BBQ equipment and camper/motorhomes that prevent fast flow in case lines are cut to prevent the free-flow of gas/liquid in an accident, but those fixtures also usually have regulators/mixers to deal with liquid propane.

Propane Tank Sizes and Specs

5 lb propane tank - marine use - 1 gallon propane - 16.5 lb full

The 5 lb cylinder is specifically designed to fit into sailboat and marine applications. However, another popular use for this size cylinder is tailgating and portable grill applications. A 5 lb tank holds one gallon of propane and weighs 16.5 lbs full. Available for purchase only.

11 lb propane tank - 2.5 gal. propane - 25 lb full

The 11 lb propane tank is popular for small grills, portable grills and marine use applications. The 11 lb tank holds 2.5 gallons of propane and weighs 25 pounds full.

20 lb propane tank - 4.7 gal. propane - 37 lb full

The most commonly used propane tank, the 20 lb tank is the standard size tank for barbecue grills, mosquito magnet, turkey fryer, small space heaters. However, the 20 lb tank can be used on several more propane applications. A 20 lb propane tank holds 4.7 gallons of propane and weighs 37 pounds full.

30 lb propane tank - 7 gal. propane - 55 lb full

The 30 lb propane tank is most commonly used for campers and camper trailers. Most commonly, they mount two 30 lb tanks on the toungue of the trailer which supply gas for the refridgerator, heat, and stove-top. However, 30 lb tanks can be used with space heaters, construction heaters and other propane applications. A 30 lb tank holds 7 gallons of propane and weighs 55 lbs full.

40 lb propane tank - 9.4 gal. propane - 72 lb full

The 40 lb propane tank is most commonly used for large commercial grills, construction heaters, space heaters, propane hawk torches and many other propane applications. A 40 lb propane tank holds 9.4 gallons of propane and weighs 72 lbs full.

100 lb propane tank - 23.4 gal. propane - 180 lb full

The 100 lb propane tank is mainly used for temporary heat. Many construction companies use the 100 lb tank for high-output construction heaters. The 100 lb propane tank can also be used for small residential applications such as a cottage, garage or small building. The 100 lb propane tank holds 23.4 gallons of propane and weighs 180 lbs full.

Mr. Heater Big Buddy

Run times

Mr. Heater Big Buddy manual

  • 4000 BTU
  • 9000 BTU
  • 18,000 BTU

Mr. Heater Big Buddy Manual

home trial

7h 10min - store full tanks - about 3h low, 4h medium - fan running - battery about 1/2 charge at end - 2016-01-17

Survivalistsboards - Product Review: Mr. Heater Big Buddy MH18B Propane Heater.

Total run time on the low setting was 8.25 hours. That comes out to about 0.25 lbs. of propane per hour on the low setting. By the way, you do not need to have both propane bottles installed to run the heater.

Running from a 20 lb. or larger tank is easy once you sort through the numerous options. The Buddy has a “quick release” propane input that bypasses the internal regulators. To use it, you must use a hose with a regulator on it, or have a regulator on your tank. Connecting an unregulated propane hose to the quick-release will force high pressure gas into the heater and create a very dangerous condition. The optional F271803 hose will safely hook your Buddy to a large tank. Wallet Alert…the hose costs about $40.

I realize all these hose/filter/regulator/connector combinations are a bit overwhelming! I’m going with the regulated hose with the quick connect to avoid the hassle of filters or recalcitrant non-gooey hoses.

Although the Buddy is marketed as a “ventless” heater, the manufacturer nonetheless recommends an 18 square inch fresh air source. That’s not a lot; most homes are kind of “leaky” anyway. I did notice that the air in the room had an odd funk about it while the heater was running. It did not make me sick and it wasn’t unacceptable, but it was evident. The funk went away when I cracked the door a little.

The Buddy has a built-in fan that runs on four internal D batteries or an external 6 volt DC source. It greatly improves the efficiency of the heater even if the batteries cannot be expected to last as long as the propane. The jack for the optional AC adapter ($17) is this tiny little thing that looks just strange. Nearly every other similar device in the known universe has a common DC barrel plug. I don’t understand why a product that is so well thought out in every other way would use such a cheezy off-the-map power jack.

Internal Fan

4 D Cells or Heater can also be powered by electrical adapter F276127. Required adapter to be 6 volt DC up to 800 mil liamp current with positive tip polarity

Amazon - $15 - MR HEATER CORP F276127 6V/800MA Power Adapter