Print Page | Close Window

Refilling Propane Tanks

Printed From: r-pod Nation
Category: Forest River r-pod
Forum Name: Miscellaneous / Off-topic
Forum Description: Got something to share or a question to ask. Do it here...
URL: http://www.rpodNation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4082
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 4:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.0 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Refilling Propane Tanks
Posted By: jato
Subject: Refilling Propane Tanks
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2013 at 3:06pm
An interesting fact about propane tanks:  IF you can fill up at a hardware store or other business where you fill by weight you will get a much better deal, paying for propane by the gallon.  IF you decide to exchange your tank at a gas station or similar you will pay a much higher price, even if they only charge 20 -25 dollars to exchange your tank you are not getting a full tank.  After getting an exchange (in this case Blue Rhino) I got the tank weighed at the hardware store where I normally purchase propane by the gallon.  Come to find out the tank was only 75% filled.  Went back to the gas station and let them know, they just smiled and said, "Yep, we know, that is the way it is." 

Last time I purchased propane by the gallon I filled a nearly empty 20 lb. tank for $ 16.50.  Now if I exchange the same size tank for a Blue Rhino I will pay $ 23.00 and receive a tank that is only 3/4 full.  Quite a difference in price/gallon, all things considered.


-------------
God's Pod

'11 model 177

'13 Ford Explorer

Jim & Diane by beautiful Torch Lake



Replies:
Posted By: MandB
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2013 at 10:37am
Yep, refilling is the way to go.  We do use the Blue Rhino exchanges as a way to get a tank in better shape then the one we are using, but I have learned that often enough isn't the case. The rubber seal inside the tanks will often dry rot and crack. That has happened to us twice in 2 years now. When we first got our used 172 it came with a tank from Amerigas that we discovered leaked quite badly. I replaced the hose that connected to the tank but soon discovered it was still leaking. You couldn't hear it, but you could smell it and then when applying soapy water to the connection you would see bubbles. 

Fast forward two seasons and a few weeks ago I got a Blue Rhino tank from Kroger that leaked gas so badly my semi-deaf ears could hear it easily and I swear see a mist escaping from the screw on fitting. I was using the tank on a new grill and could have easily had a really bad accident. I inspected the seal and sure enough it was dry rotted and had two cracks in it. Now I inspect each exchanged tank on-site with a bright LED flashlight shined inside the fitting. I plan to inspect this seal for every tank I use on the rpod. If it looks questionable, I'll take the tank to the nearest exchange retailer and exchange it for a tank with a seal that looks good. Then I will refill that tank when needed. 

I didn't realize how easy it is for these tanks to get into a dangerous condition and would recommend inspecting the seal on the inside of the fitting on a regular basis. Refill them only as long as this seal looks to be in good condition and then exchange the tank at a $5 or so loss when the seal starts to look dried out. It should be shiny and not dull and have no cracks at all in it. Then keep your fingers crossed that whoever inspects these tanks does a good job.  


Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2013 at 7:06pm
I would never exchange a tank that has a problem without noting it on the outside of the tank.  Employees at Kroger, Walmart or any other retail exchange service don't really care if a tank has a problem, but Blue Rhino should know about it before refilling it.  Why put another person at risk?


-------------
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD}
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche


Posted By: MandB
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2013 at 10:13pm
A: Kroger employees that take in a defective full tank of gas on return have two choices. 
1) Replace the plastic cover and resell it and risk blowing someone up and being sued for millions of dollars
2) Return it to the distributor as a defective tank and get their money back
I'm not going to worry about what they do because I have faith they will do the right thing. 

B: Suppose the tank falls through the cracks and Blue Rhino, Amerigas, etc has received a full tank of gas from a retailer. If their employees are stupid enough to not be suspicious when they go to refill it, fail to inspect the tank as they are required to do by law and just put it back in the pipeline as they received it, then we are all in mortal danger and all hope is lost. 

Happy Holidays


Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 25 Dec 2013 at 10:39pm
Originally posted by MandB MandB wrote:

 Refill them only as long as this seal looks to be in good condition and then exchange the tank at a $5 or so loss when the seal starts to look dried out. It should be shiny and not dull and have no cracks at all in it. Then keep your fingers crossed that whoever inspects these tanks does a good job.  


I thought you were referring to exchanging empty tanks when they show signs of being defective. 


-------------
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD}
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.0 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2014 Web Wiz Ltd. - http://www.webwiz.co.uk