Paging Hank Hill…

We’ve got 3 propane tanks, each 120 gallons—the kind that look like Minions, if you paint them yellow. They are connected together and all valves are open. We’ve got a 2-stage regulator system.

The tank attached to the regulator is below 20%, and when that happens, there does not seem to be enough pressure to run the generator, which is about 25’ away (1.25” pipe). Oddly, the tankless water heater does not complain, and it’s further downstream than the generator. Propane deliveries are backed up, so not sure when we can get a refill.

It seems that I should be able to increase the pressure at the red (high pressure) regulator. To do this, I believe I’d remove the black cap and turn the valve thingy clockwise to increase the pressure.

Let me know if this sounds reasonable. If so, how much should I turn the valve?

You need a manometer hooked up to measure the pressure at the generator to ensure you're between 11-13" wc.  Once you have that hooked up, you can actually change the pressure at the 2nd (low) stage regulator.  If you only adjust at the high-pressure regulator, then the 2nd stage before the generator will still regulate it down.  The reason for the water heater not complaining is because you're not maxxing out the demand for the water heater.  The generator pulls a lot more fuel.

It seems to me it’s a lack of flow, which would depend on the higher-pressure (first) stage, not a fine adjustment at the 2nd stage. And, if I monkey with the second stage, then I’d have to re-adjust it when the tank is refilled, which doesn’t make much sense to me.

I think I misunderstood.  In that case, you can adjust it at the high stage.  Make sure you take care to not exceed the 2nd stage's inlet max, though.  I think it'd still be worth checking to ensure you have 11-13" wc at the generator afterwards.

Still not sure when propane will be delivered and it looks like power will be off for a while. Does anybody know where I can buy a 100 lb propane tank? I think I could get that to work, and it would last us at least a couple of days…

Still not sure when propane will be delivered and it looks like power will be off for a while. Does anybody know where I can buy a 100 lb propane tank? I think I could get that to work, and it would last us at least a couple of days…

There's a guy in Watsonville who refurbs and sells tanks.  Good guy, straight shooter on price and he can deliver if needed.  I'd shoot him a text and see what he has... Kristian 831-331-3564.  Alternatively, A Tool Shed in Santa Cruz rents 100 lb cylinders (without propane) for $77/wk.  Might be easier than buying... https://www.atoolshed.com/equipment.asp?action=category&category=41&key=3826

Still not sure when propane will be delivered and it looks like power will be off for a while. Does anybody know where I can buy a 100 lb propane tank? I think I could get that to work, and it would last us at least a couple of days…

There's a guy in Watsonville who refurbs and sells tanks.  Good guy, straight shooter on price and he can deliver if needed.  I'd shoot him a text and see what he has... Kristian 831-331-3564.  Alternatively, A Tool Shed in Santa Cruz rents 100 lb cylinders (without propane) for $77/wk.  Might be easier than buying... https://www.atoolshed.com/equipment.asp?action=category&category=41&key=3826

I actually found that the local Lowes sells 100lb tanks, but didn’t get one, since our power is back (for now). We still haven’t got a propane refill, and are not even able to get an estimate as to when we might get a delivery. So, I’m starting to see the wisdom of installing more propane capacity, and I’ve even got the necessary plumbing and regulator all setup for a backup tank. I’ll call the guy in Watsonville and see what he has—thanks for that info, tedski!

—thanks for that info, tedski!

AKA Hank Hill 

—thanks for that info, tedski!

AKA Hank Hill 

I can't picture tedski standing in the alley drinking beer, but I could be wrong...

Have you heard the Legend? 


Tedski, the legend of the outdoors,
With knowledge vast and skills to adore,
Kayaking's his passion, his spirit soars,
Through rivers and rapids, he expertly roars.

Propane, like Hank Hill, he knows it well,
The heat and the flame, the safety to tell,
Grilling and cooking, with expertise to sell,
Tedski's the man, no one can excel.

Astronomy, he's got the stars in sight,
The constellations and planets, shining bright,
With a telescope, he explores the night,
Tedski's knowledge, a true delight.

Boat safety, he's a master of the craft,
The lifejackets, the paddles, and the raft,
Navigating the waters, a skill he's apt,
Tedski's guidance, a safety raft.

Trees and birds, he knows them by name,
Their habitats, their beauty, their claim to fame,
The colors and sounds, they bring to the game,
Tedski's love, for nature, he'll proclaim.

Homesteading, he's a true pioneer,
The land, the crops, and the animals, dear,
Living off the land, with nothing to fear,
Tedski's spirit, bold and sincere.

Tedski, the legend of the great outdoors,
With his knowledge and skills, he truly endures,
A master of kayaking, propane, astronomy, boat safety, trees, birds, and homesteading,
Tedski's legacy, for all to be reading.

Written by ChatGPT hehe

Have you heard the Legend? 


Tedski, the legend of the outdoors,
With knowledge vast and skills to adore,
Kayaking's his passion, his spirit soars,
Through rivers and rapids, he expertly roars.

Propane, like Hank Hill, he knows it well,
The heat and the flame, the safety to tell,
Grilling and cooking, with expertise to sell,
Tedski's the man, no one can excel.

Astronomy, he's got the stars in sight,
The constellations and planets, shining bright,
With a telescope, he explores the night,
Tedski's knowledge, a true delight.

Boat safety, he's a master of the craft,
The lifejackets, the paddles, and the raft,
Navigating the waters, a skill he's apt,
Tedski's guidance, a safety raft.

Trees and birds, he knows them by name,
Their habitats, their beauty, their claim to fame,
The colors and sounds, they bring to the game,
Tedski's love, for nature, he'll proclaim.

Homesteading, he's a true pioneer,
The land, the crops, and the animals, dear,
Living off the land, with nothing to fear,
Tedski's spirit, bold and sincere.

Tedski, the legend of the great outdoors,
With his knowledge and skills, he truly endures,
A master of kayaking, propane, astronomy, boat safety, trees, birds, and homesteading,
Tedski's legacy, for all to be reading.

Written by ChatGPT hehe