RV Propane Usage Calculator

In cold weather (below 40F), a 20-lb propane tank running an RV furnace typically lasts 8 to 12 hours of continuous use, or about 2 to 3 days of intermittent heating. A 30-lb tank lasts roughly 50% longer. The calculator above factors in temperature and which appliances you run.

A typical RV furnace rated at 30,000 BTU burns about 0.3 gallons (1.1 lbs) of propane per hour of continuous running. In cold weather it cycles on 50 to 70% of the time, so expect 0.15 to 0.21 gallons per hour in real conditions.

Cooking only (stove and oven) uses very little propane — about 0.05 gallons per hour of burner use. A 20-lb tank will last 3 to 4 weeks of normal meal prep, or up to 2 months if you only boil water and make coffee.

Running the fridge on propane is more efficient when boondocking — it uses about 0.1 gallons per day versus draining 30 to 50 Ah of battery per day on 12V. Switch to propane when you do not have shore power.

Insulate windows and skylights with Reflectix, use an electric or down blanket at night instead of the furnace, keep the bathroom door closed, and lower the thermostat to 55F overnight. Skirting the RV blocks cold wind under the floor and can cut furnace use by 30%.