Propane Refill

[cjunken]

So this seems like a basic question, but I'll ask anyway because I've seen varying answers. Our new trailer has one 20# propane tank. It generally looks just like a tank at your local Menards you can do an exchange on. However, there does appear to be a raised ridge around the perimeter about half way up. I'm guessing this may help keep it in place. The question is since I've just got what appears to be a standard tank is the best option to simply do a propane swap like I would for my grill? I could see some of the others options come into play if I had a bigger tank or more tanks but for just one 20# that seems the most logical. Correct?

[mobeewan]

Or a Dremel with a engraving bit like they used when they recertified mine. However, they did enter mine into a log book with the date, my name & my DL number. I can't do that with a Dremel or set of stamps. I won't have any problem answering the question "Where did you get them recertified?".

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Lynnmor wrote:
Most exchange places have the 15lb. figure posted if you look close enough. I have a relative that delivers cylinders to the exchange places and he loves the lighter weight.

Re-certifying is cheap and easy if you have a cheap set of Harbor Freight stamps. :W

Bwhahahaha, and here I thought I was the only one that thinks like that! :B

[mobeewan]

MichaelAtShawRV wrote:

cjunken wrote:
So this seems like a basic question, but I'll ask anyway because I've seen varying answers. Our new trailer has one 20# propane tank. It generally looks just like a tank at your local Menards you can do an exchange on. However, there does appear to be a raised ridge around the perimeter about half way up. I'm guessing this may help keep it in place. The question is since I've just got what appears to be a standard tank is the best option to simply do a propane swap like I would for my grill? I could see some of the others options come into play if I had a bigger tank or more tanks but for just one 20# that seems the most logical. Correct?

Be careful about swapping the original tanks for a gas station tank. The tanks that come with the campers have specific DOT markings to make it road legal. The ones from gas stations are meant to stay stationary on a grill or heater, they're not rated for road travel.

So you just joined the Forum today. Your name looks like you probably work for an RV dealership. You probably sell propane and propane cylinders. You are warning people to be leery of cylinders whose manufacturer is regulated by Department of Transportation and might not have DOT markings. Well if the cylinders don't have DOT markings they can't be legally put into a vehicle and taken home to use on a gas grill now could they? Wouldn't the companies that are filling these cylinders for reuse and transporting them be liable for shipping unregulated cylinders not to mention they would be providing cylinders to the public that can't be legally transported by the consumer. I seriously doubt what you are saying. Sounds like you have your own interests in mind.

[MichaelAtShawRV]

cjunken wrote:
So this seems like a basic question, but I'll ask anyway because I've seen varying answers. Our new trailer has one 20# propane tank. It generally looks just like a tank at your local Menards you can do an exchange on. However, there does appear to be a raised ridge around the perimeter about half way up. I'm guessing this may help keep it in place. The question is since I've just got what appears to be a standard tank is the best option to simply do a propane swap like I would for my grill? I could see some of the others options come into play if I had a bigger tank or more tanks but for just one 20# that seems the most logical. Correct?

Be careful about swapping the original tanks for a gas station tank. The tanks that come with the campers have specific DOT markings to make it road legal. The ones from gas stations are meant to stay stationary on a grill or heater, they're not rated for road travel.

[72cougarxr7]

I go to the place that delivers my home heating oil to have my tanks filled.
They fill a 20# propane tank for $10!

[coolbreeze01]

I like the places that fill the tanks right on the trailer.

[dave54]

rockhillmanor wrote:


Anybody know if they actually take these nasty old tanks and paint them up, fill them up and put them back out for sale??

While some individuals may, any reputable company inspects and brings up to current code the trade in tanks. Non repairable ones are discarded.

[rockhillmanor]

dave54 wrote:
.....Once I found an

old rusted up tank in a field, obviously no longer usable. I took it to a Walmart for a swap

, and they took it in trade.....

And this is the reason I don't swap my RV tanks anywhere!

Anybody know if they actually take these nasty old tanks and paint them up, fill them up and put them back out for sale??

[Hannibal]

http://www.homeandautorepair.com/blue-rhino-propane-exchange-vs-refilling-your-own-tank-all-about-pr...

Here's some truth without the flailing arms. I'll never notice the difference as a 20 (15) lb tank lasts me a couple of years at least with our WeberQ 120. I have three so running out isn't a concern. I refill my 30 lb tanks at U-Haul about one every six months. This works and will continue to work for me. The convenience is worth the imperceptible difference in overall cost.

[Lynnmor]

Most exchange places have the 15lb. figure posted if you look close enough. I have a relative that delivers cylinders to the exchange places and he loves the lighter weight.

Re-certifying is cheap and easy if you have a cheap set of Harbor Freight stamps. :W

[kerrlakeRoo]

Neighborhood (locally owned) ACE hardwares, Southern States, in many cases propane distributors that refill home tanks will fill small ones at their facility.
Just a few options.

[time2roll]

I recommend having the cylinder refilled over exchange.
Secondly if you have space for two cylinders I would add the second and get an automatic regulator so you never run out.

[dave54]

The only time I use a tank swap is if it is past the recert date. Swapping is cheaper than paying to get it recert.

Once I found an old rusted up tank in a field, obviously no longer usable. I took it to a Walmart for a swap, and they took it in trade. Now I have a second spare.

[mobeewan]

I think the raised ridge the OP is talking about half way up on the cylinder is the seam where the top and bottom cylinder halves are welded together. It is more prominent on some cylinders than on others.

[KCFDCapt]

My local propane guy stopped by my place two days ago. He filled up my motor home, five 20# cylinders and topped off my propane tank for the house. The price was $1.59 per gallon. No add on fees of any kind.