annbclay
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1961 Shasta Compact
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Post by annbclay on Jun 6, 2014 16:50:19 GMT -8
I just installed a new Galaxy brand Falks light on my Shasta. I prefer to run it off of a 1 lb canister. I will rarely need it and am not planning to run a propane line to a large tank as I am trying to keep the weight of my trailer as low as possible.
Can I screw the canister directly into the falks lamp with an adaptor or do I need a regulator? In the past I've used the little camp stoves that screw directly into a 1 lb which is why I thought of this but I'm not certain if the pressure from a 1 lb can is already low or like a 20lb tank requires a regulator to reduce the pressure.
any insight?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 8, 2014 19:52:08 GMT -8
If this light has no regulator then yes you need a regulator.
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Post by vikx on Jun 8, 2014 21:39:35 GMT -8
I agree. You need a regulator. Not running a gas line won't save you much in weight, maybe 1/2 pound tops? The trouble with the small canisters is it's a bit difficult to attach the regulator...IF you can find the fittings.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 8, 2014 22:02:01 GMT -8
If you don't want a normal 20 pound tank you can find smaller tanks, in the 5 or so range that accept the normal regulator. Check with your local propane dealer. I have seen these used with portable grills at tailgate parties.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jun 9, 2014 6:07:38 GMT -8
Oh! Thanks Big Bill, I will check into that. I'm not a fan of 1 lb throw aways but I saw a video about how to refill them from a 20 lb tank so I was gonna go for it. 5 lb would be better thoUgh.
Thanks, I LOVE this forum, so helpful.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 9, 2014 9:46:11 GMT -8
Oh! Thanks Big Bill, I will check into that. I'm not a fan of 1 lb throw aways but I saw a video about how to refill them from a 20 lb tank so I was gonna go for it. 5 lb would be better thoUgh. Thanks, I LOVE this forum, so helpful. They don't work very well. They only fill up the bottles to about 20%. I bought one and tried it out and took it back. You can get one gallon tanks at RV shops and Propane stores and even Ace Hardware I believe. |
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Post by vikx on Jun 9, 2014 21:42:26 GMT -8
I've had good luck with my 5 lb tanks. NOTE: These tanks are particularly susceptible to lock up if you open the valve too fast, shutting it down all together. (a safety feature) I inherited two that had been returned and they work great as my test tanks.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 10, 2014 4:45:44 GMT -8
I've had good luck with my 5 lb tanks. NOTE: These tanks are particularly susceptible to lock up if you open the valve too fast, shutting it down all together. (a safety feature) I inherited two that had been returned and they work great as my test tanks. I even experience that on my 20 lb tanks. I have developed the habit of opening the valve about a turn then close and reopen, it seems better than trying to light something then finally going back and closing and reopening later. |
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jun 26, 2014 17:50:39 GMT -8
The reason I want to use the 1 lb is I don't want to run a propane line from outside. My cousin almost died while sleeping in a camper because the propane tank outside caught fire, she literally got out seconds before the camper exploded in flames. I prefer to have a small tank next to the appliance that I will disconnect when not in use. Perhaps overly cautious but I know I won't use the light or the stove very often. For me the less complex the systems the better. Fewer things to get jiggled loose when towing.
Also, You tube has a video of how to go about refilling the 1 lbs so they get about 80% full. A bit more trouble but for me it means less landfill and that is a priority to me.
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Post by vikx on Jun 26, 2014 21:58:10 GMT -8
The reason I want to use the 1 lb is I don't want to run a propane line from outside. My cousin almost died while sleeping in a camper because the propane tank outside caught fire, she literally got out seconds before the camper exploded in flames. I prefer to have a small tank next to the appliance that I will disconnect when not in use. Perhaps overly cautious but I know I won't use the light or the stove very often. For me the less complex the systems the better. Fewer things to get jiggled loose when towing. Also, You tube has a video of how to go about refilling the 1 lbs so they get about 80% full. A bit more trouble but for me it means less landfill and that is a priority to me. Personally, I think all propane bottles are dangerous inside. The 1 pounders are really designed for outdoor use. It is illegal to use a tank larger than 1 pound inside, at least here. So, a 5 lb. tank wouldn't be good. Also, regulators for 1 lb. tanks are often not available; they usually are built into the appliance. If your cousin's tank had caught INSIDE, she might not have made it out at all. These little trailers only have one door... |
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Post by bigbill on Jun 27, 2014 7:07:26 GMT -8
If you mount a tank outside, you shut off the valve except when you are using the light inside. Propane is totally safe if handled and plumbed properly. I have seen people use copper tube from the tank to the regulator and that is a no no because each time you flex it to hook or unhook a tank you are weakening it and it will crack sooner or later. When setting up a trailer for propane buy the proper materials to make it safe then maintain them as if your life depended on it. If you do not know what you are doing hire a professional that does. Also if you don't know how to check your system yourself pay to have it inspected each year.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jun 29, 2014 7:15:29 GMT -8
Okay, thank you all, these are good points for me to consider. I may decide to forego propane all together. I used battery operated LED puck lights on my recent trip and they worked wonderfully, they come with a remote that controls all of them and even dims them one notch. Easy & inexpensive lighting solution. I took a butane one burner stove and that was easy to use and compact as well. On this first camper I really want the systems to be simple so perhaps I'll stick with what I have and add another drawer instead of a stove top! Never too much storage space!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2015 19:33:53 GMT -8
Do not refill those 1Lb tanks from a big one. These are not designed to be refilled and may explode if overfilled. There are small refillable tanks out there, though they are not too common.
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