Hi, is it okay to use the 20lb. propane tanks on tt that you swap for refills at the local retailers? Reason I'm asking is, it looks like the closest refill station is quite a ways away and I need them sooner than later. I will set aside our brand new tanks for later fill. Thanks!

Sure, as long as you don't mind paying double for your propane. As is typical, I can get a 20 lb tank refilled for about half the price of the tank exchange place.I dunno where you are, but I suspect you just haven't found the closest refiller yet. Have you asked at the CG office?

Yes, economics may be better to exchange vs fill based on travel/time cost.Locally (TX) a exchange is about $20 with exchange and $40 if you don't have a cylinder to exchange.

Thanks! I do have a couple of grill cylinders to exchange so I will pay the lower exchange rate (which is 17.99 locally) I just wasn't sure if there were different fittings or anything. Just trying to save DH who's been swamped at work another item on his "honey-do" list ;)

Remember, you do NOT get a true 20# of propane, as you would if you refilled your own bottle, when you use the exchange. Many companies have reduced their already short fill even more, so make sure you read the "fine" print and know what you are getting.

Another thing to consider, some of those exchange outfits are no longer filling the tanks to 80%. Read the fine print on the steel cages if you can find it.

Propane tank question | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

HappyKayakers
Explorer III
Jul 22, 2013
skipnchar wrote:
tbred wrote:
Hi, is it okay to use the 20lb. propane tanks on tt that you swap for refills at the local retailers? Reason I'm asking is, it looks like the closest refill station is quite a ways away and I need them sooner than later. I will set aside our brand new tanks for later fill. Thanks!

Perfectly ok to use BOTTLES that you swap provided you like paying quite a bit more than necessary. Have your bottles filled at most any LP DEALER and your costs will be about 25% lower.

Doesn't have to be an LP dealer. Many U-Haul and hardware stores will also fill LP bottles. Let your fingers do the walking as prices are usually not posted outside and may vary widely in a small area.
robsouth
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
To answer your question, Yes they will work. Any other considerations are your own.
skipnchar
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
tbred wrote:
Hi, is it okay to use the 20lb. propane tanks on tt that you swap for refills at the local retailers? Reason I'm asking is, it looks like the closest refill station is quite a ways away and I need them sooner than later. I will set aside our brand new tanks for later fill. Thanks!

Perfectly ok to use BOTTLES that you swap provided you like paying quite a bit more than necessary. Have your bottles filled at most any LP DEALER and your costs will be about 25% lower.
bobsallyh
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
Another thing to consider, some of those exchange outfits are no longer filling the tanks to 80%. Read the fine print on the steel cages if you can find it.
The_Texan
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Remember, you do NOT get a true 20# of propane, as you would if you refilled your own bottle, when you use the exchange. Many companies have reduced their already short fill even more, so make sure you read the "fine" print and know what you are getting.
tbred
Explorer II
Jul 22, 2013
Thanks! I do have a couple of grill cylinders to exchange so I will pay the lower exchange rate (which is 17.99 locally) I just wasn't sure if there were different fittings or anything. Just trying to save DH who's been swamped at work another item on his "honey-do" list ;)
red31
Explorer
Jul 22, 2013
Yes, economics may be better to exchange vs fill based on travel/time cost.

Locally (TX) a exchange is about $20 with exchange and $40 if you don't have a cylinder to exchange.
naturist
Nomad
Jul 22, 2013
Sure, as long as you don't mind paying double for your propane. As is typical, I can get a 20 lb tank refilled for about half the price of the tank exchange place.

I dunno where you are, but I suspect you just haven't found the closest refiller yet. Have you asked at the CG office?

Forum Discussion

Propane tank question

18 Replies

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Propane Tank level question

Smaller Propane Tanks

Propane Tank Issues

20# propane tank

Purging propane tank