Posted: July 21, 2025
Whether you prefer the back-to-basics rugged freedom of camping, the comforts of an RV, or you’re not planning to go farther than your own backyard, you’ll probably need a propane tank.
Fortunately, there’s a portable propane cylinder sized for just about every need—even if “portable” means a full-size ASME tank that’s built into your motor home. The tank size you need depends on what you’re using it for—such as cooking, heating, a fridge, and so on.
Using a motor home? You’ll have what is called an ASME tank (which means it meets the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers). It’s sized specifically to be built into the body of your motor home.
ASME tanks usually have a capacity of about 100 pounds, but can come as compact as 60 pounds. An ASME tank doesn’t need to be recertified, but you should inspect your tank regularly for signs of rust or damage and replace it if necessary.
To refill your ASME tank, you need to go to a propane service station.
If you are using a travel trailer, RV, or are camping in a tent and bringing propane to run a generator or grill, you have a DOT cylinder, which meets the standards of—and is certified by—the Department of Transportation. Most people know these as portable tanks or cylinders. The most common sizes for campers are 20, 30, or 40 pounds.
For backyard grilling, a 20-pound tank is the most common. They’re also the ideal size for patio heaters and fire pits.
Here’s a guide to the different size tanks and how long each size would last at about 20,000 BTUs per hour:
While they’re not very portable once installed, larger tanks used on RVs provide more time between refills—so they’re great for off-grid living or extended camping without hookups. Many RVs have built-in compartments or mounts for dual 30-pound tanks, which allows for automatic switchover to the full tank, keeping you fueled without interruption.
Another way to calculate your needs is to think about how much propane different camping equipment requires. Here are a few averages:
If your RV has a tankless water heater—and many of the newer models do—you’ll use a lot less propane to heat water, since you don’t need to keep a tank of water hot.
Using propane to run a generator? Run time is a little different: Based on a typical 3,500W generator, which uses roughly 1.5 lbs/hour at 50% load, a 20 lb propane tank will deliver about 14 hours of runtime, a 30 lb tanks gives you about 20 hours, and a 40 lb tank gives you about 27 hours of runtime. Using a generator to run the AC in your motor home will require at least a 30 to 40 lb tank.
Superior makes sure refilling your portable cylinder or motor home tank is a snap. Refills offer a better value than exchange, since you only pay for the propane we put in your tank. (With an exchange, you basically forfeit any propane left in the tank you drop off.) You also avoid restocking fees and other surcharges.
We refill grill tanks and other propane cylinders at every Superior Gas location during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Contact us for more information today!