Glad it was helpful!

My pleasure!! I thought it was interesting and I'm glad others do too! -Ian Baker

Thank you very much, I always appreciate feedback! -Ian Baker

Thanks Mark, I appreciate it! Let me know if there is something you’d like to see a video on and I’ll try to work it in! -Ian Baker

Hi There! I apologize for the delay in getting back to you, as I was reaching out to our technical institute to get a more comprehensive answer/response. You're correct that a 20-pound tank should have 20 pounds of propane in it. DOT portable containers are calculated at 80% full already, no further mathematical hoops to jump through. ASME containers permanently installed in motorhomes are labeled at 100% full and the technician must multiply by .8 to calculate the fill capacity. The BTU/hr, BTU/lb, and BTU/gal statements in the video are all correct. That said, it is not helpful to subtract the BTU/hr inputs from other appliances as it doesn’t translate into actual LP savings. When calculating how much LP will fit in a container, you must choose a method. NFPA 1192 states that only 2 methods are legal: volumetric and weight. Since we cannot weigh an ASME tank on a motorhome, we must use the volumetric method. This means we open the 80% fixed maximum liquid level gauge and stop filling when we see white liquid come out. We use both when filling a DOT cylinder. First, know that propane expands and contracts a lot with small changes in temperatures, 1.5% for every 10 degF up or down. Water is comparatively stable and this is why we use water capacity as a reference point for container capacity. Next, know that propane has 42% of the mass of water, so we multiply the water capacity by .42. For example: WC 47.7 x .42=20lbs. 20 lbs + TW18.7= 39 lbs scale weight. So when filling the cylinder, we know it is correctly filled when any one of these happens: the scale trips, white liquid comes from the 80% fixed maximum liquid level gauge, or the overfill prevention device valve closes at 80%. When we use the generic weight of a cylinder (20lb, 30lb, 40lb), we take a risk we teach our students to never take: assuming the actual weights of a container. We absolutely must read the data off of the container and perform the math each time we fill it because accuracy counts when it comes to propane safety. At Camping World, we charge for the actual amount of LP dispensed, just like getting gasoline in your car at the gas station. Other providers often charge by the container regardless of the actual amount of LP dispensed. Hope all this helps, but please let us know if you have follow up questions! - Tucker Ballister

@@campingworld Now that's a great reply! Thanks!

Hey Amy, Ian Baker here. It honestly depends on the usage. If it's the middle of winter in Minnesota and you don't have dual pane windows or your RV doesn't have great insulation, then yes, you will most certainly go through propane in a hurry. However, there are a lot of people who live in an RV full time and manage it just fine. This is part of the reason "snow birds" are so common. You won't use nearly as much propane if you travel south during the cold months. I agree with the fact that propane can be pricey though! Thanks for watching Amy! -Ian Baker

You're completely wrong. 30lb or 7 gallons lasts 3 weeks for me when in RV. I also use a buddy heater in winter on a 5 gallon tank also about 3+ weeks. Furnace I don't use it sucks power not propane