I hate searching out propane

[tsetsaf]

6:30pm the tanks ran empty... 1.5 hours later I finally found a station to fill them. Such a pain finding propane; or should I say such a pain finding someone to fill the propane bottles.

[time2roll]

Lantley wrote:
For those with dual tanks using the one tank on one off method is the foolproof way never to run out. The auto switch over valve creates more problems than it solves.

I see this as a foolproof way to run out because you must run out to know a tank is empty. Fine in mid-afternoon. Not so good at 3a getting elbowed to get the heat working. Actually checking the regulator has worked great for me. Check daily with heavy use, weekly with light usage.

[Dave_H_M]

SoundGuy wrote:

Dave H M wrote:
It is hard to imagine how many folks do not take advantage of the auto switch over. To me it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. :h

"Sliced bread" isn't so great when you run your tanks with an auto switchover regulator, aren't paying attention, and allow both tanks to run dry! :S

not paying attention? Well i just won't go there today. :W

[SoundGuy]

Dave H M wrote:
It is hard to imagine how many folks do not take advantage of the auto switch over. To me it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. :h

"Sliced bread" isn't so great when you run your tanks with an auto switchover regulator, aren't paying attention, and allow both tanks to run dry! :S

[Dave_H_M]

It is hard to imagine how many folks do not take advantage of the auto switch over. To me it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. :h

[RedRocket204]

Yep, call around and/or ask if staying at a campground. Sounds like what prompted this thread was you trying to find a propane fill late on a Sunday.

I have been trying to get propane before when I was told, "we have propane but I don't have anyone who can fill it... propane fill hours are between XX - XX." I have actually heard that a couple of times, different places.

It can be a pain at times.

[Lantley]

tsetsaf wrote:

Lantley wrote:
After reading all the responses. The title of the thread should be I hate running out of propane. The only time finding it is an issue is if you let yourself run totally empty. Otherwise there is no urgency find it.
For those with dual tanks using the one tank on one off method is the foolproof way never to run out. The auto switch over valve creates more problems than it solves.

Glad the responders "solved" my problem to your satisfaction ;). A few responses:

1. Yes I manually open and close tanks to know when one is empty. It was my fault.
2. Called every local cg within 20 miles... all were closed for the day.
3. Local gas stations do not maintain propane fills... only exchanges.
4. I tried the "apps" second did not help.
5. Eventually stopped and asked a gas station delivery driver. He called his home office and found a small station that was still open and still had propane fill.

The statement in your signature line that says"I don't trust my own advice"! sums it up.:B

[tsetsaf]

Lantley wrote:
After reading all the responses. The title of the thread should be I hate running out of propane. The only time finding it is an issue is if you let yourself run totally empty. Otherwise there is no urgency find it.
For those with dual tanks using the one tank on one off method is the foolproof way never to run out. The auto switch over valve creates more problems than it solves.

Glad the responders "solved" my problem to your satisfaction ;). A few responses:

1. Yes I manually open and close tanks to know when one is empty. It was my fault.
2. Called every local cg within 20 miles... all were closed for the day.
3. Local gas stations do not maintain propane fills... only exchanges.
4. I tried the "apps" second did not help.
5. Eventually stopped and asked a gas station delivery driver. He called his home office and found a small station that was still open and still had propane fill.

[Lantley]

After reading all the responses. The title of the thread should be I hate running out of propane. The only time finding it is an issue is if you let yourself run totally empty. Otherwise there is no urgency find it.
For those with dual tanks using the one tank on one off method is the foolproof way never to run out. The auto switch over valve creates more problems than it solves.

[cpaulsen]

I use just one tank and when empty I swap to the full one. And I usually top off the partially full one and have never paid for more than what goes in there.

[Tvov]

In my area, virtually all the gas station convenience stores have the 20lb propane Blue Rhino exchange tanks. I have not seen an exchange that carries any other size, either 30lb or the little 1 lb stove bottles.

It is getting difficult to find places to fill propane tanks. And "topping off" can get expensive - all I've ever seen around me is "fill by weight", with a set price. If your tank is half full, you get charged for a full filling.

As another posted, call a local campground - if they don't have a fill station, they will know where to go.

Sort of related - I went out yesterday to check on our TT (camping this weekend). One 30lb tank was maybe a 1/4 full, no problem! says I, as I always have at least one full tank. In the process of remounting the tank, I jostled the matching full tank (TT has two tanks on the tongue). Felt odd. Took tank off - surprise! It was completely empty. I have always turned both tanks on, with the crossover valve thing between them. I guess we used a decent amount of propane last year without me realizing it. I think I am going to start only having one tank on at a time now, so I know how much we are using!

[OutdoorPhotogra]

pira114 wrote:
Weird. Every gas station in this state seems to have propane. Is it really that hard to find elsewhere?

Also, I keep hearing people say they ran out. Or tricks to prevent it. I top off my tanks after every single trip. Regardless of how long I'm using them. Use one tank at a time, so only top off the one I used. Unless, of course, I used both.

Is this really that hard? Like many, I have two 30lb tanks. Even if I only used $5 worth, it's worth it to me to KNOW for a fact I start every trip completely full.

Yes, it has gotten much harder. In my home state of Louisiana, easy to get a refill. With the exchanges becoming popular with the masses, it has gotten harder. Still can find one but it's not as simple as the local gas station being a guarantee. I have had luck in lots of campgrounds though.

[SoundGuy]

pira114 wrote:
I top off my tanks after every single trip. Regardless of how long I'm using them. Use one tank at a time, so only top off the one I used. Unless, of course, I used both.

Is this really that hard?

In many jurisdictions propane fill is by weight, not volume, including here in Ontario where I am. If I take a 20 lb tank in for a fill I pay for a 20 lb fill whether the tank is completely empty or still has some left in it ... aside from the inconvenience no way would I refill after every trip. I have dual tanks and do what many others do - run just one tank until it's empty, then manually switch over to the second tank. Although there's no reason for it to happen, if I ever did run both tanks dry I could run our trailer off the stand alone 5 lb tank I use to run our Weber Q grill or even a couple of 16.4 oz canisters I always carry as spares using a Second Chance Adapter. There's absolutely no reason to ever run out of propane and no reason to ever have to refill until the tanks run completely empty ... it this really that hard? :S

[pira114]

Weird. Every gas station in this state seems to have propane. Is it really that hard to find elsewhere?

Also, I keep hearing people say they ran out. Or tricks to prevent it. I top off my tanks after every single trip. Regardless of how long I'm using them. Use one tank at a time, so only top off the one I used. Unless, of course, I used both.

Is this really that hard? Like many, I have two 30lb tanks. Even if I only used $5 worth, it's worth it to me to KNOW for a fact I start every trip completely full.

[the_vfox]

Another option is to look for a Flying J/Pilot that has RV services, they usually have Propane also. Check them online, they display the price per gallon.

[Dennis_M_M]

the Allstays Camp and RV app for iPhone has a filter for propane search that shows places that will fill your 30 or 40 lb. tanks - not exchanges on the small tanks.

I usually just look for an equipment rental place, thay usually fill propane tanks or know who does.