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Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / Propane, how far is to far
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Eddy G
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 11:09am
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Hey there,

I'm finding so much excellent information on this site.
Thanks to all for that.
I have tried searching for this but didn't find what I was looking for so here it is.

We have a cabin with very limited access.
It sits a good 2 to 3 hundred feet from the road.
There is a foot path from the road to the cabin that has a small bridge/boardwalk from A to B.

I'd like to convert the stove, hot water heater to propane (they are currently electric) and possibly install a boiler for heat in the future.

How far away can a tank (150 to 300 lbs. maybe) be from the devices its serving?
We have room at the end of the road (its a private road/driveway)
If the distance isn't a problem what kind of pipe or tubing would be used to run from tank to cabin?
I know Copper was run from a tank to a home we had in Massachusetts back in the 80's but things change and this is NH not MA.

Well again, thanks for all the help so far and any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

hueyjazz
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 11:52am
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Engineering problem
Two main factors are the distance from tank and consumption.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/propane-gas-pipe-sizing-d_827.html

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 01:04pm
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From the chart hueyjazz linked to, you can see that at 300 ft and over 145,000 btus total appliance capacity you would need to run 1-1/4 pipe, if over 300,000 btus then 1-1/2 pipe. Even in plastic pipe that's going to cost a bundle. And I have no idea about what would be involved with running the pipe across the bridge you mentioned.

If the run of pipe from tank to cabin is run at a higher pressure, that reduces the size of the pipe, then you have a second regulator at the appliances to knock the pressure down to standard 11 inches water column. But I think the major expense here is the cost of installation. Metal gas pipe needs to be 12" deep minimum in the ground, plastic 18". I think you are looking at thousands of dollars, unless you do it all yourself, maybe just hire out the trenching. Can you get a trencher machine past the bridge. Big job.

Eddy G
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 01:14pm
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It does look like a pretty expensive proposition....

I've still got a lot of research and options to look in to.

This is really helpful.

ShabinNo5
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 01:26pm
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We will be using propane for the Shabin. Currently the solution involves hauling 30# and 40# tanks through the woods. But as I approach 57 the haul becomes less appealing.

We also have an option to install a 500 gallon tank that would require a 500 foot line. In our case, the underground conduit is already in place. I was quoted $3,000 for the line, regulator at the Shabin and new underground tank that would be filled after it is buried.

One thing that we did learn. In our area, you need to purchase propane at 300+ gallons to get a reasonable price. This was the main factor in considering a 500 gallon tank.

Julie2Oregon
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 04:25pm
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You *could* do a wood-burning boiler for heat and hot water and then just use a standard BBQ-sized propane tank for your stove. I looked at large wood-burners and they're pretty cool. If I were building a larger place for more than just myself, that's what I'd invest in. Depending on the size, ballpark figure is $2,500. Of course, I'm assuming that your cabin is surrounded by a fuel supply.

Eddy G
Member
# Posted: 11 Dec 2015 08:26pm
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Quoting: Julie2Oregon
Reply getQuotation('Julie2Oregon');Quote


You *could* do a wood-burning boiler for heat and hot water and then just use a standard BBQ-sized propane tank for your stove. I looked at large wood-burners and they're pretty cool. If I were building a larger place for more than just myself, that's what I'd invest in. Depending on the size, ballpark figure is $2,500. Of course, I'm assuming that your cabin is surrounded by a fuel supply.


Copy that, about 6 archers or so.
The current stove is actually off a 30 lb tank.
I'm going to look into the wood boiler...thanks

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2015 06:29am
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Just a thought;

I dunno if you'd consider it Eddy but could the path & bridge not be widened to be able to handle an ATV ? If that could be done, then using an old ATV or even Lawn Tractor with a small trailer, you could scoot 100# tanks up a couple at a time.

Using a couple of 100# Tanks with a auto change over regulator would give you lot's of gas at hand.

I picked up an old Lawn Tractor for $50 last spring and that thing has a hitch for a little trailer... An old ATV would be more bucks no doubt but may be more fun for other things though, which you could say is a bonus or added value ...

skootamattaschmidty
Member
# Posted: 12 Dec 2015 07:42am
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We are in the same position as Steve. We use two 100 pound tanks and I have a distance to go from my parking area to my cabin. I find it quite easy to move the tanks with a hand truck. But an atv or lawn tractor would be more fun.

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