Over the years (12) I have had my propane tanks filled using two methods to determine when the tank is full, by weight using a scale and the second filling until propane escapes from a bleeder valve. When I picked up the tanks after filling I noticed that when they were filled using the bleeder valve method the tanks were heavier & lasted longer. I know which filling method I prefer, but is there a correct method? I have never had any problems using the tanks filled by either method. Skeptics might doubt about the ability to feel the difference but over time you learn to notice differences visually and physically and although I have never weighted the tanks when filled by the bleeder method the weight feels about 2 pounds heavier. All I know they last longer.

I watched them fill ours last week and they were being weighed at the same time, the bleeder valve started to bleed out @ exactly 7.3 Gallons. This is for the 30lb. tank.

I highly doubt they were two pounds heavier but any of three methods is acceptable;fill till bleeder releases liquidfill till OPD shuts off flowfill by weightAll three methods should fill to the same point.I always use a digital fish scale to weigh the LPG DOT cylinders. It is nearly impossible by normal means to weigh a tank that is bolted to a chassis. ;)

LynnandCarol wrote:I watched them fill ours last week and they were being weighed at the same time, the bleeder valve started to bleed out @ exactly 7.3 lbs. This is for the 30lb. tank.I think you meant 7.3 gallons.

It's been my observation that not all propane dispensers are trained equally. Some may use a 'standard' weight for your cylinder instead of actually looking at the tare weight stamped on the collar, then adding for the weight of the nozzle and unsupported hose.

I,ve been told if the tank isn,t being bled off during fill ?it ain,t being done right.

Propane - when is a fill a true fill | Good Sam Community

LynnandCarol
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
I watched them fill ours last week and they were being weighed at the same time, the bleeder valve started to bleed out @ exactly 7.3 Gallons. This is for the 30lb. tank.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
I highly doubt they were two pounds heavier but any of three methods is acceptable;
fill till bleeder releases liquid
fill till OPD shuts off flow
fill by weight

All three methods should fill to the same point.

I always use a digital fish scale to weigh the LPG DOT cylinders. It is nearly impossible by normal means to weigh a tank that is bolted to a chassis. ;)
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
LynnandCarol wrote:
I watched them fill ours last week and they were being weighed at the same time, the bleeder valve started to bleed out @ exactly 7.3 lbs. This is for the 30lb. tank.

I think you meant 7.3 gallons.
HappyKayakers
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
It's been my observation that not all propane dispensers are trained equally. Some may use a 'standard' weight for your cylinder instead of actually looking at the tare weight stamped on the collar, then adding for the weight of the nozzle and unsupported hose.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 19, 2014
I,ve been told if the tank isn,t being bled off during fill ?it ain,t being done right.
downtheroad
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
Ours have always been filled by the "bleeder valve" method. When the bleeder starts spewing, they shut off the fill and charge me by the gallon and tenth of a gallon as indicated on the meter. (example: 4.2 gallons @ $2.49 per gallon = $10.46)

Simple enough and works for me.
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 19, 2014
HappyKayakers wrote:
It's been my observation that not all propane dispensers are trained equally. Some may use a 'standard' weight for your cylinder instead of actually looking at the tare weight stamped on the collar, then adding for the weight of the nozzle and unsupported hose.
Up north and west it's done by gallons.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 19, 2014
midnightsadie wrote:
I,ve been told if the tank isn,t being bled off during fill ?it ain,t being done right.

I'm no expert on this and don't know the true answer, but every propane tank I have ever had filled over the last 35 years, whether BBQ tank, RV tank, or whatever, has been filled by opening the bleeder valve and shutting the propane off when the gas starts shooting out. Didn't know there was any other way.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
Ron3rd wrote:
...every propane tank I have ever had filled over the last 35 years, whether BBQ tank, RV tank, or whatever, has been filled by opening the bleeder valve and shutting the propane off when the gas starts shooting out....

When liquid spurts out is full. Gas starts coming out the instant it is opened.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Dec 19, 2014
beemerphile1 wrote:
Ron3rd wrote:
...every propane tank I have ever had filled over the last 35 years, whether BBQ tank, RV tank, or whatever, has been filled by opening the bleeder valve and shutting the propane off when the gas starts shooting out....

When liquid spurts out is full. Gas starts coming out the instant it is opened.

You got me on that one. That's what I meant, when liquid spurt out.

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Propane - when is a fill a true fill

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