Propane Tanks: Gas Valves Question?

As you found out your new tanks need the new overfill protection device. These tanks are identified by a three lobed handle on the valve.

The Blue Rhino method works if you don't mind the tank only partially filled. But in reality you'll only lose at most $4 for the under fill.

Blue Rhino only works for the 20lb tank. If you need the taller 30 lb tank I've seen them at Costco for $40 which seems like a good deal.

Costco also has a 20lb tank with an actual float gauge for about $30 but you have to pay to fill it after that.

Take your tanks out of the camper and carry them, one in each hand to the refill tank. I believe the premium to trade in an old tank versus a refill is about $6 - $8.

This suggestion will be controversial....

Take your two old tanks to a Blue Rhino (or equivalent) dispenser. They will accept your old tank on trade. You'll get a reconditioned new-style tank filled with Propane for about $20. The gimmick is that Blue Rhino only fills tanks about 75%. Still, this is a pretty inexpensive way to trade your non-compliant tanks in on two reconditioned tanks. You can then get the Blue Rhino tanks filled in the future or just swap them out for pre-filled tanks.

I did this with an old style tank a year ago at a Walgreen's. I told the manager this was an old style valve and she said it didn't make any difference to Blue Rhino, they just replace it with a new valve. They did want the tank itself to be in fairly good condition though.

Hope this helps!

Are they horizontal or vertical tanks?