propane heat at --30

[ffff]

First timer coming up to Westwinds on Sunday. If it gets as cold as is predicted will the propane gas tanks freeze up. Really looking forward to coming up. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[sunnyj]

The tanks will only freeze up if they get low on fuel/preasure. Deer hunting in 03' a thirty pound tank i had froze out with a third left Had a full one and it worked fine. when its this cold be prepared.

[kelly-p]

The tanks will not freeze up but only 25% to 50% of the gas will vaporize. During the last cold spell one "100" pound tank only vaporized about 20 pounds before it stopped. What will be just as bad this weekend is the strong wind as it will be blowing out pilot lights. All in all it is an ugly time to be out there.

[minndonn]

One thing a person can be prepared to do is pour hot water on the tank. This will add some heat to the tank and increase pressure for a while. A gas delivery person one had opened the top of the tank and could watch the gas bubble similar to slow boiling water.

[Dancing Bear]

I would heartily reccomend that you put your cigarette out before trying the above endevor!

Stay warm this weekend you nut balls that go out, I am headed up next weekend and can't wait to see everybody.

DB just loving the fact that I had to come home from TX for this

[WKSparrow]

I know it is not 'recommended', but is it really a significant issue to bring the 20lb tank inside a fishhouse??

Any advice on this?

[R_B]

I might bring my tanks inside this weekend if it's not working well. I will definitely be sure I have a good seal. I will try throwing a blanket over the tanks for some insulation first.

[minndonn]

Maybe keep a couple blankets inside to get warm and then rap tanks. when propane evaporates ( turns to gas) it absorbs heat so just rapping with cold blankets may not work. You may need to add heat to the tank.

[icehousebob]

I've heard the best way to thaw a tank is to bring it into the fish house, take off all your clothes and take the tank into a sleeping bag with you so your body heat warms it up. I haven't had to try this but if someone does, let me know whether it works.

( Or maybe thats the way you warm up chilly cheerleaders. My memory isn't what it used to be.)

[Traxxx]

How about packin snow around it for insulation? Maybe?

[NINETOE]

Yep I think icehousebob has it figured out!

[psegriz]

I've got a spot in my 8x16 just for the 100lb cylinder. I built it that way just so it'd stay warm. I know it's not recomended but not too many FH have as much ventilation as mine.

[swampman]

I think icehouse bob sounds a little to lonely .

[NINETOE]

Yeah, but he's got motivation!

[sdghsdgj]

Quote:

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I've got a spot in my 8x16 just for the 100lb cylinder. I built it that way just so it'd stay warm. I know it's not recomended but not too many FH have as much ventilation as mine.

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so you're the guy that got his ice house smashed by that car, huh?

[psegriz]

Not quite that much ventilation but close.

That guy might have to hang a tarp on each end and use a knipco for this winter.

[Stan7600]

We were told by a fishhouse manufacturer that in a pinch, you could use lakewater from your fishing hole, pour it over the tank and warm it enough to help. Haven't tried it myself. Once years ago at LOW we used an electric blanket but we were on shore with access to electric. It was -40. Stan C.

[fishermatt]

I would not want to see which parts of bob would stick to that -30 propane tank when he put it in the sleeping bag with him! tongue stuck on the flagpole is one thing, but flagpole stuck on the propane tank is quite another!!

[icehousebob]

Seriously, one time I did have to use body heat to thaw something. We had a stove in our Mille Lacs house that had to have its combustion chamber heated to start right on very cold, windy days. We used a propane torch with a one pound bottle. The bottle was too cold to light, so I had to put it under my coat and shirt, next to my stomach, to get it warm enough to light. A verrry long and uncomfortable ten minutes.