Larger propane tanks

[gbaglo]

There is a tare weight stamped on the cylinder. That's the empty weight. Add 20 lbs. of propane and the tank will weigh the tare, plus 20 lbs.

That's what my propane dealer does.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

every propane place I've ever been to out west sells propane per gallon, not weight.

That's the dispenser-meter unit of measure and payment basis here, too, but the fill process is done with the tank on a scale so it can be filled to full capacity regardless of it's partial state of fill and 'bleeding' during the process (filled 'til the scale reading = 20# + tare weight of the tank stamped thereon + known weight of the filler hose on the tank). Thus my statement "weight based full fill" (in contrast to the all-too-often 'short-filled' kiosk exchange tanks).



(Thanks, Glenn, ya beat me to it while typing)

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

There is a tare weight stamped on the cylinder. That's the empty weight. Add 20 lbs. of propane and the tank will weigh the tare, plus 20 lbs.

I know that, and thats how I know that my one 'empty' tank isn't quite empty, that and I can feel some stuff slushing around in the bottom when its 'empty'

used to be you could dump the excess oils out of the bottom of the tank, by putting a disconnected hose fitting into the tank valve, then turning it upside down and opening the valve, but with the new anti-tip and anti-overfill devices, I'm not sure that works anymore.

as I've said, I've never seen anyone use a scale here at a filling station

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by 7Gentex

Another aspect to consider is that most places that do #20 bottle exchanges are only giving you about #15 of propane.


A #20 tank is rated to have about #20 when "full" (80% of capacity)


So, if you can get your tanks fully refilled, you get 33% more (5/15) propane than an exchange approach and extend your run times accordingly.

After the recent AmeriGas class action lawsuit, I'm not sure if that is true or not

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Jack!

How difficult have you found it to get your 40lb tanks "filled in place" while traveling arround the country?

Removing the tanks to get filled is my only show stopper for doing something like you have done. I don't need that compartment for storage and weigh extra gas as much more important.
Thanks!

The last two Tractor Supply locations I had my 20lb tanks filled had signs saying they would NOT fill tanks attached to an RV.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

every propane place I've ever been to out west sells propane per gallon, not weight. ............

They "sell" by the gallon, but should fill by weight.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

........................
as I've said, I've never seen anyone use a scale here at a filling station

They are likely using the OPD, or the bleeder valve, as the indication of how full the tank is. Not a good practice for portable tanks.

Believe DOT requires filling by weight for #100 and less bottles.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Perryb67

We have six refillable Flame King 1 pound tanks. Over the past three years I've easily refilled each tank five or more times (who counts). I only fill them to about .8#. At .8# you start wasting gas for that last .2# but it's enough to run our Martin heater all night keeping the camper at 55-60F.

Enjoy,

Perry

Interesting, I used to refill 1# tanks for years while emptying an unneeded 100# tank.

At some point it seemed like the filled containers would leak a little after being refilled several times.

I'm wondering what the difference is between the disposable tanks and the flameking ones.

Ron

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

.............

I'm wondering what the difference is between the disposable tanks and the flameking ones.

Ron

The "green bottle" disposable #1 valves are not specifically designed to be refilled and can leak...........DOT regs address "no go" on transporting such...........


FlameKing are designed for refills.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by TTMartin

After the recent AmeriGas class action lawsuit, I'm not sure if that is true or not

Bottom left of the pic below.............same as all the ones available around here.

[JeffreyG]

So are you being ripped off if they tell you they are ripping you off?


'Murica......land of the fine print.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

So are you being ripped off if they tell you they are ripping you off?


'Murica......land of the fine print.

Well, AmeriGas/Blue Rhino was willing to settle alleged claims of deceptive trade practices for $6.5 million.

Un/under informed consumers...yes.

My statement in this thread that led off the topic of exchanges usually having only around #15 was to offer an option of longer runtimes by getting a full #20 on a refill rather than getting larger tanks (which would have to be refilled anyway....)

[hotfishtacos]

I went with larger propane tanks a while back when I decided to equip my rear hitch with a generator that runs on propane. Since I've never previously exchanged tanks when needing a refill, going to larger tanks wasn't an issue. I have a little more tongue weight more than offset by the rear generator weight. Since, "going to the dark side" with my generator I've always had plenty of fuel.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by hotfishtacos

I went with larger propane tanks a while back when I decided to equip my rear hitch with a generator that runs on propane. Since I've never previously exchanged tanks when needing a refill, going to larger tanks wasn't an issue. I have a little more tongue weight more than offset by the rear generator weight. Since, "going to the dark side" with my generator I've always had plenty of fuel.

Did you go aluminum or steel #30 or # 40 for the tanks (weight)?


Propane is the way for gens..............!

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Being the clumsy guy I can be, I have done that a few times. I have been thinking of attaching a small iron abbot across the back of the lip, still allowing for latching.

First time I've seen or heard that word. What is the context? Do I need one too, to have ab bot?

I looked the word up....no connection to what you were posting about.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

First time I've seen or heard that word. What is the context? Do I need one too, to have ab bot?

I looked the word up....no connection to what you were posting about.

I guess I should be banned for spelling mistakes. [emoji6]

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I guess I should be banned for spelling mistakes. [emoji6]

Nah. You just read what you've written before hitting submit.

[Jim Bennett]

Seriously. You have WAY too much time on your hands. Life is too busy for this minor stuff.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Seriously. You have WAY too much time on your hands. Life is too busy for this minor stuff.

Who is "you"?

[Centex]

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

So are you being ripped off if they tell you they are ripping you off?

IMO no, especially if you're happy with the price, the lighter 'full' tank carry-weight, and ~25% less burn-time for your appliances per tank.

Originally Posted by JeffreyG

'Murica......land of the fine print.

Gotta like that truism