We were camping at Killbear Provincial Park recently. It's a park we routinely go to and there is store just outside the park that sells the usual supplies including refilling of propane tanks. I was disappointed to find out that the owner had gotten rid of his refill service.When I asked him about it he told me that the cost of getting the required licence and the cost of the liability insurance was prohibitive as he simply did not sell enough to justify the cost.This concerns me that it might be an indication of where the industry is going. We have no problem getting our tanks refilled in major centres, but I wonder if finding refill stations is going to get harder and harder.Also I bought a small 10 lb tank for my BBQ. Those are not available at exchange locations.FYI

I've always found refills hard to find in the areas I like to camp in as well. The only time I'll exchange is when a tank is expiring or the valve starts acting up.I wonder are refilling stations more common in the west, or the south?

In California nearly every equipment rental yard will ReFill your tanks.

Joseph T wrote:When I asked him about it he told me that the cost of getting the required licence and the cost of the liability insurance was prohibitive as he simply did not sell enough to justify the cost.This concerns me that it might be an indication of where the industry is going.Also I bought a small 10 lb tank for my BBQ. Those are not available at exchange locations.Hardly an issue, especially if your trailer has dual tanks. That 10 pounder you have can also be used a spare and 16 oz canisters, 'though expensive, are readily available just about anywhere. Carry a "2nd Chance" or "steak saver" adapter and you can even use one to run your camper in a pinch. No way I'd waste $$ on way overpriced, typically underfilled propane exchange tanks when here in Ontario Costco's propane pricing for refills is so inexpensive, about $12 Cdn at the moment for a 20 lb fill.

Pretty much, any RV repair shop will sell re-fill propane as do some Home Improvement stores, sometimes boat marinas.I found I preferred to have my -previous- 20 pound's refilled instead of exchanged. If I have a good tank, I want to keep it. I no longer have 20 pounders at all, only 30, and those can't be exchanged anyway. If in doubt, check with your campground host, campground park ranger, or campground store or local bait and tackle shop. There is always someone who will be able to tell you where you can get fill up's opposed to exchanges.

I treat my propane tanks nicely and I don't want someone else's "beat up" tank.

Refill Propane vs Exchange | Good Sam Community

SoundGuy
Explorer
Oct 09, 2018
Joseph T wrote:
When I asked him about it he told me that the cost of getting the required licence and the cost of the liability insurance was prohibitive as he simply did not sell enough to justify the cost.

This concerns me that it might be an indication of where the industry is going.

Also I bought a small 10 lb tank for my BBQ. Those are not available at exchange locations.

Hardly an issue, especially if your trailer has dual tanks. That 10 pounder you have can also be used a spare and 16 oz canisters, 'though expensive, are readily available just about anywhere. Carry a "2nd Chance" or "steak saver" adapter and you can even use one to run your camper in a pinch. No way I'd waste $$ on way overpriced, typically underfilled propane exchange tanks when here in Ontario Costco's propane pricing for refills is so inexpensive, about $12 Cdn at the moment for a 20 lb fill.
1320Fastback
Explorer
Oct 09, 2018
In California nearly every equipment rental yard will ReFill your tanks.
GordonThree
Explorer
Oct 09, 2018
I've always found refills hard to find in the areas I like to camp in as well.

The only time I'll exchange is when a tank is expiring or the valve starts acting up.

I wonder are refilling stations more common in the west, or the south?

Forum Discussion

Refill Propane vs Exchange

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Propane Refill

On-board propane tank refill

Propane refills - how, where, and how much?

Who has been refilling 1 lb propane tanks?

DEF refill