Filling propane tanks - cheapest source?

[ronstew]

We are heading out on a two-week trip, and I would like to start with full propane tanks. I would guess that one of mine is 1/4 full, and the other is 1/2 full. Our local gas station (Mohawk), charges a flat rate to fill a tank, which means that if the tank is not empty to start, I am giving them free money.

We will be travelling in Washington and Oregon, in case that changes the answer.

What do you do to get propane?

[escape artist]

Hi: ronstew... Pour boiling water down the side of the tanks. The frost line forms at the propane level in the tank. At least you'll know...but flat rate seems to be the going rate. Flying J does it to, as well as a $10. dump fee, so I don't go there any more. Tank exchanges are more than the flat rate...if that helps any. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[thoer]

I get ours filled at U-Haul. They do it by the gallon and charge only for how much they put in.

[gharms]

This is probably a thing that is different between US and Canada...

[ellen smith]

If you have a Costco membership, we've found this is the cheapest place to have the tanks filled.

[fudge_brownie]

U-haul as well. My local service center has installed a new product where they can scan your credit card right out at the pump and save tons of time.

[gbaglo]

My Mowhawk in North Van fills by the pound. Usually costs about $22.

Same in Alberta is under $16, so I suggest filling your propane in Southwest Alberta. Lundbreck falls is a nice campground on the Crowsnest River.....

baglo

[amirie]

I usually fill mine at Superstore and they charge by how much they put in....

[ronstew]

Good to know. I bit the bullet and had them fill the 1/4 full one. That should get me through the whole trip unless the Oregon coast gets unseasonably cold. And I topped up the gas tank, even though I had much more than enough fuel to get past the border. Just don't want to think about that stuff on the early part of the trip.

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

At the Co-op fuel station near us they just charge by the pound, but have a minimum charge which is near what a half tank would be. Seems fair to me.

[rog4kneer]

I found that when I refill my tanks I do so at a location that sell propane for home heating. Then they charge you only for what the insert into the tanks. That allows me to escape the flat rate.