The sizes of propane tanks for RVs range according to the tank type and the model of your vehicle. The contents of propane are measured in pounds. There are tanks from 7 to 420 pounds Propane is a key energy source for every RV.
RV propane tanks divide into two kinds: permanent ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and removable DOT (Department of Transportation) tanks. Small campers usually choose removable tanks that the Department of Transportation regulates. They commonly call them DOT tanks.
RV Propane Tank Sizes and Types
For DOT tanks there are several sizes. Your camper probably has one or two propane tanks that you can exchange for another size.
DOT tanks come in three main sizes: 20-pound, 30-pound and 40-pound. For campers typical are 20 pounds (same as grill tanks), 33 pounds and 40 pounds. The most used sizes for RVs are 20 and 33 pounds.
Although 33-pound tanks store more propane, 20-pound are much more commonly availabel in grocery stores, gas stations etc. 20-pound tanks work well for small RVs because of easy access. For big families 33-pound suit bigger vehicles.
Common sizes are: 20-pound tanks of 18 inches long and 12.5 inches in diameter, 30-pound of 24 inches long and 12.5 inches diameter, 40-pound of 29 inches long and 12.5 inches diameter. 20-pound tanks almost always have the same size. 30-plus tanks usually have 12.3 inches diameter, but it can range, especially above 40 pounds.
Most of those big tanks are used in RVs and vans.
20-pound tank stores 4.5 gallons of propane and weighs 37 pounds full. 30-pound tank stores 7 gallons and weighs 55 pounds full. This is commonly used in RVs and campers.
Propane weighs around 4.2 pounds per gallon. Full aluminum 40-pound tank weighs almost the same as full steel 30-pound.
Big Class A RVs can have tanks of 80 to 100 pounds. Those heaters are poor and RVs have little insulation. Tanks you must fill only to 80 percent, which is federal demand for expansion and to avoid overfilling.
Permanent ASME tanks are available in sizes like 11.2 gallons and 19.2 gallons for mountingin RVs.
