Filling large propane tank on the road

DrewE wrote:
I would be somewhat concerned.

The headspace is required due to thermal expansion (liquid propane has a pretty high coefficient of thermal expansion). If you're heading from warm weather to cold weather, it's less of a concern than if you're heading from cold to warmer weather, or sitting unused in a cold place that will get warmer over time.

Please also contact the campground and advise them that they overfilled your propane tank so that hopefully they can provide better guidance to the employee who did that and prevent problems in the future. If they're unconcerned, it may be worth notifying the state; this is potentially a serious safety issue. If the propane expands enough to use up all the headspace, the pressure relief valve on the tank will vent liquid propane, which is a fire hazard; and if the relief valve fails to operate for some reason, there's a very good chance that the tank could rupture, which is an even bigger hazard.

Most tank gauges are calibrated such that when the gauge reads ‘100%k or ‘full’ the liquid level in the tank is at the proper 80% of capacity level. Cars & trucks are the same, when your gauge reads “full” there is still an empty head space above the gasoline or diesel.

Yours is likely working the same way.

Remote reading gauges are also notoriously inaccurate.

Land Yachters wrote:
Should I worry about 96% fill on tank?

Depends, how accurate is your gauge? On my RV when it's 80% capacity the gauge on the tank shows full and the gauge inside shows full (although it's just a guestimate bar display).

I would be somewhat concerned.

The headspace is required due to thermal expansion (liquid propane has a pretty high coefficient of thermal expansion). If you're heading from warm weather to cold weather, it's less of a concern than if you're heading from cold to warmer weather, or sitting unused in a cold place that will get warmer over time.

Please also contact the campground and advise them that they overfilled your propane tank so that hopefully they can provide better guidance to the employee who did that and prevent problems in the future. If they're unconcerned, it may be worth notifying the state; this is potentially a serious safety issue. If the propane expands enough to use up all the headspace, the pressure relief valve on the tank will vent liquid propane, which is a fire hazard; and if the relief valve fails to operate for some reason, there's a very good chance that the tank could rupture, which is an even bigger hazard.

OK, update. I did get the tank filled at CG yesterday on our way out. Figured 24 gal tank and gauge showed 41% and needed to get to 85%, so my limited math skills said I needed about 12 gal. +/- or so. In a hurry blocking exit to CG and guy filled it with 17 gal saying I must have been on empty....didn't look at gauge until I got to next stop, and sure enough, gauge shows 96% full. To get rid of some propane, I am using propane hot water heater, but don't think that will "bleed" off excess propane anytime soon.
Should I worry about 96% fill on tank?

FWIW - We’re in Dallas, and the Tractor Supply’s around here will not fill permanent tanks in a motorhome. I’m not sure any of the, will - YMMV, but I would recommend calling first.

We have found the Pilot station in Waco to have the best price on propane. Pilot does somewhat cater to the motorhome’er’s, but as previously stated, not,all Pilot stations carry propane.

There is a propane dealer in Forney, Tx, right on the Hwy 80 west bound service road, who services motorhomes.

A lot but not all motorhome/rv dealers sell propane.

But a key thing to remember - you have to ask or make it clear that you have a permanent tank in your motorhome unless you do as suggested and have the modification done where you can connect one of the bbq grill style bottles (but keep in mind, I am pretty certain it is unlawful to carry one of those bottles inside the coach when underway).

We put an extend a stay valve on our onboard tank and have a 20# tank that we run off from, when it runs out, we switch the valve back to the big tank and we go fill the 20# tank. Saves us driving to get propane. Tractor Supply has great prices( not all locations have propane) When we are traveling, we then stop and fill the onboard tank. We also use electric heaters to supplement the furnace. Other than first thing in the morning, the furnace usually doesn't run during the day as the electric heaters keep us warm enough.

I think most U-Haul also will fill your RV tank.

No reason to be cold for lack of propane. +1 for collecting one or more 30# cylinders if the on-board tank is inconvenient or inadequate. Get the fire on already.

Get a 30 or 100 pound tank and an extended stay kit and run off it. Assuming you have toad and able to load the tank.

If it were me, I would be headed farther South at the first opportunity! :E
Barney

Thanks all for the input. Asked CG where we are staying, and where we are going, and no delivery available, but now know what to look for. I passed a large "gas" dealer here outside of Birmingham and called for delivery, and was told "NO" we don't do delivery to RVs. I was a bit put off on their attitude and was going to ask if was ok to pull RV into lot, but decided I didn't want to give them business due to attitude. We still have 30% left in the tank. God, I am tired of being cold here down south. Wake up cold, go to bed cold. Took the dog out last night in "freezing fog", and thought I was in the Twilight Zone. Couldn't see the dog at the end of the leash. I have been in lots of weird weather and seen this before, but it was odder than previous because there was no light besides my headlight and it kind of blinded me. That's why we love doing this ....right?