Ever want to top off propane (18 gal fixed mount tank) before a trip, maybe 2-4 gals, and find it a real PITA to do so, especially when theres a 5 gal minimum, or when a single attendant pumping gas, and has a very unpleasant attitude about pumping a few gals of propane ? Its happened more than once. I'm thinking I could just gravity fill it at home from a 40# ?? bottle, same one I use to fill 1 lb bottles, and fill my little 2.5 gal BBQ bottle.I'd like to fill it thru the 2" acme thread filler, but not sure that would work, not to mention that an adapter for 2" acme is 40 bucks.So I'd guess just drop the regulator off the valve and fill it like I do other bottles. If I installed an "extend a stay" maybe could fill thru that ? Just an idea ???

Why top off? Do you have a Genny that runs on the stuff?

Probably not a good idea,, unless you have a nozzle to fit the fill connection on the tank. Most fill valves have a limiter that will not allow you to fill over 80% to leave expansion room. The other options you suggest might allow you to overfill, which could present problems. The places I fill always open the overflow valve before filling, then fill until liquid comes out. that assures that the tank is no more than 80% full.

Also, if the vendor has an unpleasant attitude, or does not want to sell less that a certain amount, I find someplace else with better attitude. I try not to do business with vendors that do not appreciate my business, small as it may be.

I think that the original poster didn't mean overfill, just make sure that the tank started off at 'full', i.e. %80. I'd suggest shopping around someplace with better customer service (although such a concept seems to be going the way of the buggy whip at times.) There should be a number of sources to choose from unless you are located in a very rural area, and someone is bound to be happy to land a new customer.- Randy

You can't backfill through an Extend-A-stay.

PITA Topping Off Propane | Good Sam Community

workhardplayha1
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Johno02 wrote:
Also, if the vendor has an unpleasant attitude, or does not want to sell less that a certain amount, I find someplace else with better attitude. I try not to do business with vendors that do not appreciate my business, small as it may be.

If I were a vender I would gladly point you in the right direction when only buying a couple gallons. It cost him more to dispense than the sale price. How much gas/diesel is someone willing to burn to save a few bucks on propane. Just pay the flipping minimum charges and move on.
path1
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
So that leaves 14 gal out of 18 gal. Why not just stop by a place when on your trip?
time2roll
Nomad
Mar 26, 2014
I would be more inclined to add a fitting to use that 40# as additional capacity if needed. Otherwise wait for half full or less and go to a real propane dealer vs the corner gas station.

Why the top off?
2oldman
Explorer II
Mar 26, 2014
I can understand the attitude. It's a lot of hassle for a couple gallons, and really doesn't benefit you all that much.

I don't bother to put a few gallons of gas in my vehicle.
olygene
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
But why top off with 2 - 4 gallons of propane for an 18 gal tank. To me, that's like stopping at a gas station when your 60 gal gas tank is down 5 to 7 gallons of gas. Perhaps if I understood the logic, I can offer better insight.
OnaQuest
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
You can't backfill through an Extend-A-stay.
WrongWayRandall
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
I think that the original poster didn't mean overfill, just make sure that the tank started off at 'full', i.e. %80. I'd suggest shopping around someplace with better customer service (although such a concept seems to be going the way of the buggy whip at times.) There should be a number of sources to choose from unless you are located in a very rural area, and someone is bound to be happy to land a new customer.

- Randy
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Also, if the vendor has an unpleasant attitude, or does not want to sell less that a certain amount, I find someplace else with better attitude. I try not to do business with vendors that do not appreciate my business, small as it may be.
Johno02
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Probably not a good idea,, unless you have a nozzle to fit the fill connection on the tank. Most fill valves have a limiter that will not allow you to fill over 80% to leave expansion room. The other options you suggest might allow you to overfill, which could present problems. The places I fill always open the overflow valve before filling, then fill until liquid comes out. that assures that the tank is no more than 80% full.
bgum
Explorer
Mar 26, 2014
Why top off? Do you have a Genny that runs on the stuff?

Forum Discussion

PITA Topping Off Propane

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Coach Search.....PITA

Propane!

Top RV manufacturers?

Top 5 Options

grill top