How Much Propane Do You Need to Run a Food Truck?

Your food truck helps to generate business and keep your customers well-fed and happy. Regardless of the type of food you're serving, if you're using propane, you want to know that you have enough to keep delivering the highest quality product at every shift or event and that it's being used safely.

Keeping your services consistent means knowing how much propane your truck will use and following all food truck propane regulations, so the pros at Propane Plus are here with a breakdown of the calculation steps.

Calculating Propane Usage for Your Food Truck

Fortunately, finding the total that you will need is relatively easy, and the basic formula for the calculation is as follows.

Propane Tank Sizes for Food Trucks

While some trucks may only require one tank, others may need multiple, depending on how busy they are. The first step is to measure your tank starting from the top to the floor; you'll also want to include its diameter to know the size. These are the four common food truck propane tank sizes:

• 20 lb.: 12.5 inches in diameter and 18 inches high

• 30 lb.: 12.5 inches in diameter and 24 inches high

• 40 lb.: 12.5 inches in diameter and 29 inches high

• 100 lb.: 14.5 inches in diameter and 48 inches high

What is the BTU Capacity?

You will then need to determine the BTU capacity of your tank. A 20 lb. tank will have a 430,270 BTU capacity, a 30 lb. has 649,980 BTU, a 40 lb. has 860,540 BTU, and a 100 lb. tank will have a 2 165,109 BTU capacity when full.

Add Up the Appliance's BTU Ratings

Each appliance will also have a BTU rating that needs to be calculated. These are typically listed in the owner's manual or on the machine. Once you have each written down, add them together for a total.

Divide the Output of the Tank by the Appliance Rating

Your final step is to divide the output of your tanks by the appliance's BTU demand. This will help you determine how long the tanks can keep the devices powered to ensure your food truck runs at full capacity and you never get caught without the appropriate amount of fuel.

If you have just purchased the truck and are trying to determine the amount or size of tanks you need, this formula can also help you narrow down your requirements.

Propane Plus: High-Quality Propane Services in Central Texas

Each food truck is different, and there is no specific standard, but these calculations can help give you a better idea of how much you will need.

Getting the highest quality propane services is critical to keeping your business running, and when you need expert services, the Propane Plus team has you covered! Whether you need a propane tank refill for your food truck or propane tank maintenance, we offer the guaranteed lowest-cost price around!

Get your tanks filled with our fast and friendly services, or if you have questions, message us online or give us a call at 512-259-7587 today.