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Posted: 11/21/2011 11:48:39 AM EDT
I know this has been talked about before many times.
But I tried of not getting  what I think is a full tank.
WalMart tank only lated 2 mothes. Under $20.00
I use it two times a week and once on the weekend.
Three chips or four bugers. No big cook outs.
First where to go for a full tank?
If I put it on my bathroom scale!  What should the tank wt full be?
How long does the hive tanks last? How often to you cook with it?
Thanks for the help!
I will not go to WalMart, if a better place is found!


PITA45
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 12:04:45 PM EDT
[#1]
Are you shutting the tank off at the valve between grilling? Every grill I've owned will slow leak the tank dry if only shut off at the grill console.

Anyway, most places fill 20lb tanks to 15-17lbs. The weight of the tank is imprinted on the tank handle "TW ##" (TW = tare weight). Empty tank weighs about 20lbs, if I remember right.

I use fishing scale to measure the tanks on my camper. Total lbs-TW=remaining propane.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 12:32:59 PM EDT
[#2]
It's a pretty known fact that the tank exchange programs don't give you a completely full tank. I only use them when I need a newer condition tank. I'm not sure about in Ohio, but many true values or ace hardware stores can fill the propane tanks for you.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 12:46:29 PM EDT
[#3]
find a propane dealer, have them fill it for you. That's the easiest and most cost effective way to get propane in a grill tank.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 12:47:48 PM EDT
[#4]


You can run a google search and read up on walmart exchange tanks, and these days I consider all exchange tanks to be a similar fill, vs. you taking your good tank somewhere and letting them fill up your tank.



I live in the sticks and by regulations they won't fill a tank all the way up. They have to leave some room in it.



Walmart likes to keep their tanks under 20 bucks for an exchange, or at least a pretty good article with some history on how walmart used to have tanks with more liquid in them made me believe it anyway. Psychology stuffy and all that is the short version.



Depending on who fills my tank I might get exactly 4 gallons put into a 5 gallon tank. Sometimes I get a tad more. No longer do I get a lot more.



Different tanks weigh different amounts so you could weigh a new and unused exchange tank and then weigh it when empty and see what you think, normally you get 15-17 lbs in a fill is my experience but I am not an expert and we have some certified propane folks on here who might chime in as well.



I always shut off my 5 gallon tanks no matter what they are hooked onto.



I usually go ahead and shut the tank off while the grille or heater is running and that way it runs out all the gas in the line as well.



I have had one 5 gallon tank get a stuck valve somehow, it would not shut down and I rigged up a line with a good on/off valve to allow me to go ahead and use up the propane in the tank and then I took it to a good company that could actually realize why I marked it as a bad valve and change it out. This tank came from an exchange and was full but upon opening it the valve would not fully seal shut when closing it off. And I tried a few times.



Those are my thoughts on propane tanks. I have about 10 of the 5 gallon ones wandering around and they get exchanged if they get old and yucky and just downright nasty rusty.



I like propane and I do my best to make sure I keep the tanks full so I shut them off with their good valve.



Now if you rigged up a real valve on your grille then maybe there is another issue, but all the grilles I have fixed and used over the years pretty much leaked gas a little here and a little there.





I am adding an edit to say that the above mention of 15-17 lbs is on exchanges and of course my scale may vary from yours.



I agree that the tanks are marked with their tare weight, I still like to test my scale against it when empty.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 12:54:22 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 1:09:50 PM EDT
[#6]
If you are in central OH, go to Geer Gas
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 1:10:03 PM EDT
[#7]
Your local farmers supply/RV place/campground should be able to fill it for you.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 1:15:18 PM EDT
[#8]
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 2:10:34 PM EDT
[#9]
What other have said.  U haul, farm supply and some gas stations.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 2:41:29 PM EDT
[#10]
full tank weight is around 46lbs.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 3:52:26 PM EDT
[#11]
I get mine filled at the local hardware store.  A full tank lasts me about three months of grilling, 1-2 times a week.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 4:32:05 PM EDT
[#12]
Get the tank filled at a Tractor Supply.  The Exchange tanks only have 14 to 15 lbs in a 20lb cylinder.  They didn't want to raise the price so they lowered the amount of gas per cylinder.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 4:44:19 PM EDT
[#13]
menards has tank exchange for 17.82 (17 lb fill)  around here.  

Link Posted: 11/21/2011 5:04:59 PM EDT
[#14]
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 5:12:31 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 5:50:47 PM EDT
[#16]
Been in the propane business nearly all my life.There is a number stamped on the side of the bottle. It should read T.W (around 20lbs). Take it to you local propane dealer and have them weigh the bottle while filling. The end weight should be 20lbs plus whatever the number on the side of the bottle is. That way you know your getting a full tank. Hank Hill approves this message
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 6:44:34 PM EDT
[#17]





Quoted:





Quoted:


If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.






Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  



I took 5 each 20 pounders to the local hardware store to fill.  They charged me for 1-100lb instead of 5-20's (19lb fill, BTW, he looked at the tare on each one and moved the scales twice).





Saved me about $20...





YMMV





-Slice
ETA:  I asked why 19 vs 20, and he replied something about legal liability from their supplier, and signing a waiver that they wouldn't go over 95% of rated capacity.
 
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 6:49:38 PM EDT
[#18]
Check your local RV parks.  

Some RV parks have good prices, some not so good.
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 9:39:16 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Been in the propane business nearly all my life.There is a number stamped on the side of the bottle. It should read T.W (around 20lbs). Take it to you local propane dealer and have them weigh the bottle while filling. The end weight should be 20lbs plus whatever the number on the side of the bottle is. That way you know your getting a full tank. Hank Hill approves this message



Well, it will vary with the tank...

Went out and looked at a 20# tank and wrote down the info on the valve shroud.

TW 16.6#    That's the weight of the EMPTY cylinder.

WC  47.6  This number is the water capacity [volume of the cylinder] in pounds of water.

Also, [not stamped into the tank] propane weighs ~4,2 pounds per gallon

And water weighs 8.35 pounds per gallon

[all numbers approx]

So, the tank volume in GALLONS is 47.6/8.35 = 5.7 GALLONS that the tank will hold of any liquid -completely full.

Now find how much propane it will hold -completely full- by multiplying the weight of propane in pounds per gallon or

5.7 gallons x 4.2 pounds/gallon = about 24 pounds of propane when the tank is completely full

But, law requires propane tanks to be filled to -no more- than 80% of capacity so multiply 24 x 80%

24 x .8 = 19.2 pounds.

This number is the max allowable fill for the tank used in this example. You can use this info to quickly find the max legal fill for any tank you own.





Link Posted: 11/21/2011 9:40:53 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  



They make 20, 40, 50 pound tanks.

I like the 50 pounders.  

Link Posted: 11/21/2011 9:47:59 PM EDT
[#21]



Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:

If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.




Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  






They make 20, 40, 50 pound tanks.



I like the 50 pounders.  





Our camper has a pair of 30's on it...





 
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 9:52:52 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:

Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  



They make 20, 40, 50 pound tanks.

I like the 50 pounders.  


Our camper has a pair of 30's on it...

 


That's impossible...





Link Posted: 11/21/2011 10:02:31 PM EDT
[#23]



Quoted:



Quoted:

Our camper has a pair of 30's on it...

That's impossible...







Maybe!  Could be midget 40's I suppose



 
Link Posted: 11/21/2011 11:56:10 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


I always use a 40-pounder, which I get filled at my local hardware store. Lasts a looong time.

Link Posted: 11/22/2011 1:56:38 AM EDT
[#25]
The 15 pound Walmart exchange is not a bad deal if you are exchanging rusty old style tanks that were free from craigs list or freecycle.   Walmart will take them all and be glad to do it.  During exchanges over that last two years, I found two noticeably lighter tanks as they were handed to me.  The valves were not tight.  I asked for a ‘full’ tank and there was no issue.  The chick pulled the cap off of the one, I guess so nobody else got it.   When one of the ‘new’ exchange tanks needs a refill, I take it across the street to the gas station, same price for about 18 pounds.  
Link Posted: 11/22/2011 4:24:34 AM EDT
[#26]
I have 2 40s, 2 20s, and 1 500gal

The 20s are to take camping

the 40s are for home work

the 500 is for the home



If needed both of the 40s can be hooked to the house
Link Posted: 11/22/2011 1:44:21 PM EDT
[#27]
They can fill over 80% and meet DOT regs, but only when the propane is warm (pre expanded) and only if they have a chart. When it is cool, 80% is the limit, plus many, if not all of the newer 20 lb tanks have an overfill device that kicks in at 80%.  At that point, the colder it is, the more fuel (in BTU or lbs) fits in the 80%
Link Posted: 11/22/2011 3:39:46 PM EDT
[#28]
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  




You need to get into a gym and work out.  A 100 lb propane tank isn't that hard to move around.  Of course, if you don't have a truck or a trailer you probably are better going with smaller tanks.

And, 100 lb tanks are cheaper to fill per gallon regardless.
Link Posted: 11/22/2011 5:02:08 PM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  




You need to get into a gym and work out.  A 100 lb propane tank isn't that hard to move around.  Of course, if you don't have a truck or a trailer you probably are better going with smaller tanks.

And, 100 lb tanks are cheaper to fill per gallon regardless.[/quote]

Whys that? If lp is like gas, a gallon costs whatever the cost is. Doesn't matter if I buy 1 or a 100 gallons, the cost per gal/pound is the same.
Link Posted: 11/22/2011 7:42:05 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  




You need to get into a gym and work out.  A 100 lb propane tank isn't that hard to move around.  Of course, if you don't have a truck or a trailer you probably are better going with smaller tanks.

And, 100 lb tanks are cheaper to fill per gallon regardless.



2 100 pounders will fit easily in the back of an SUV or truck and aren't too difficult to move around. I don't recommend one person lifting one unless they are in very good shape but they are pretty easy for one person to unload and then spin-rool where you want to put it.

ETA, a 100# tank when full weighs a lot more than 100#.

Link Posted: 11/23/2011 6:31:24 AM EDT
[#31]
I don't have any problems loading 100 lb tanks for refil- they weigh about 60-70 lbs.  As for full tanks, lower one end to the ground, and let the tail gate hold half the weight.  I routinely load and unload 330 cuft gas cylinders this way, and they weight well over 200 lbs.  I've unloaded a 251 cu ft cylinder one handed after breaking my dominant arm.  You just have to think about what you are doing.  And I drive a 4x4 1 ton so I assure you my tail gate is higher then enything except a lifted truck.

You could allways rig a block and tackle from under a tree or garage also.

Now I wouldn't carry a liquid gas tank in the enclosed space of an SUV on it's side- If it leaks, it's gonna leak 700 times faster on it's side.  Maybe if you soap checked for leaks and kept the window open.
Link Posted: 11/23/2011 6:53:46 AM EDT
[#32]
I know its possible to get a 100# tank loaded, to the filling station, filled, back home. My point was, who wants to? Unless its life or death a 20# tank suits my grilling needs just fine (as mentioned by another poster about cost per grilling hr/btu or some such BS). The "how I load a 100 #er" can now cease. Thank you.

Link Posted: 11/23/2011 7:09:44 AM EDT
[#33]
Refill my own from my 500 gallon bulk tank. Much cheaper, and I know how much is going in.

Current price to fill my 500 gal is $1.73/ gallon. You do the math
Link Posted: 11/23/2011 8:48:35 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
They can fill over 80% and meet DOT regs, but only when the propane is warm (pre expanded) and only if they have a chart. When it is cool, 80% is the limit, plus many, if not all of the newer 20 lb tanks have an overfill device that kicks in at 80%.  At that point, the colder it is, the more fuel (in BTU or lbs) fits in the 80%


They can not with the OPD valve. OPD strands for overfill protection device. The valve it's self will not allow you to overfill a tank it shuts off filling at a certain point.
Link Posted: 11/23/2011 9:53:57 AM EDT
[#35]
Quoted:
Quoted:
They can fill over 80% and meet DOT regs, but only when the propane is warm (pre expanded) and only if they have a chart. When it is cool, 80% is the limit, plus many, if not all of the newer 20 lb tanks have an overfill device that kicks in at 80%.  At that point, the colder it is, the more fuel (in BTU or lbs) fits in the 80%


They can not with the OPD valve. OPD strands for overfill protection device. The valve it's self will not allow you to overfill a tank it shuts off filling at a certain point.


Yes, it also limits the flow when the valve is opened and nothing is conx.

Great feature for dumbed down Americans!



In fairness to C-B, I think he is reffering to larger tanks without the newfangeled dummy valve.

[I like the new OPD valve, I'm just kiddin around]




Link Posted: 11/23/2011 10:35:42 AM EDT
[#36]
Most RV dealers have a propane refill station.  Got two filled the other day at one for $32.  They want ~18-19 at the local hardware stores.
Link Posted: 11/23/2011 12:43:40 PM EDT
[#37]
Buy an empty tank, new, from HD/Lowes/TSC/whatever, for about $30. Mark your name on it. Never ever exchange it.

Take it to a UHaul or rental store or TSC etc and have them fill it; you'll pay market price for how much they actually put in, not a flat-fee for an exchange. Only need two gallons? Only pay for two gallons.

Don't exchange so you know your equipment is being properly cared for.
Link Posted: 11/23/2011 2:19:49 PM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you get a 100 lb propane tank and hook it up to your grill, you can pay a lot less per gallon.


Yeah those 100 #'er's are real handy to load up and get filled  




You need to get into a gym and work out.  A 100 lb propane tank isn't that hard to move around.  Of course, if you don't have a truck or a trailer you probably are better going with smaller tanks.

And, 100 lb tanks are cheaper to fill per gallon regardless.[/quote]

Whys that? If lp is like gas, a gallon costs whatever the cost is. Doesn't matter if I buy 1 or a 100 gallons, the cost per gal/pound is the same.



Lets see.  These are prices in my area.

20 lb tank is $18 to fill.

100 lb tank is $52 to fill.  

20 lb tank holds roughly 4 gallons of propane.

100 lb tank holds roughly 23 gallons of propane.  

20 lb tank costs about $4.50 per gallon

100 lb tank costs about $2.26 per gallon.

That's my area.  I don't know about yours.

Link Posted: 11/23/2011 5:13:15 PM EDT
[#39]
Quoted:

20 lb tank costs about $4.50 per gallon

100 lb tank costs about $2.26 per gallon.

That's my area.  I don't know about yours.


I get my tanks refilled at a local gas station, costs $2.99/gal regardless of quantity. Where are you going that gives you a discount for large volumes? I'm thinking of picking up a 100# tank or two, be less hassle than the little 20 and 30 pounders, and cheaper cost per gallon would be a big bonus. I go through a lot of propane (close to 200 gals a year).
Link Posted: 11/24/2011 5:59:36 AM EDT
[#40]
Quoted:
Quoted:

20 lb tank costs about $4.50 per gallon

100 lb tank costs about $2.26 per gallon.

That's my area.  I don't know about yours.


I get my tanks refilled at a local gas station, costs $2.99/gal regardless of quantity. Where are you going that gives you a discount for large volumes? I'm thinking of picking up a 100# tank or two, be less hassle than the little 20 and 30 pounders, and cheaper cost per gallon would be a big bonus. I go through a lot of propane (close to 200 gals a year).




I have mine filled at a local propane place.  

Delivered price for propane is $1.99 at the moment to fill your big stationary tank.  

Propane companies make money by selling volume.
Link Posted: 11/25/2011 6:26:12 AM EDT
[#41]
Quoted:
They can fill over 80% and meet DOT regs, but only when the propane is warm (pre expanded) and only if they have a chart. When it is cool, 80% is the limit, plus many, if not all of the newer 20 lb tanks have an overfill device that kicks in at 80%.  At that point, the colder it is, the more fuel (in BTU or lbs) fits in the 80%


I ALWAYS store my nitrous bottles in the freezer for a few days before taking them to be filled... Can easily get 11lbs of nitrous in a 10lb bottle this way.

When you open the valve on a frozen (empty) bottle you can hear it suck in air... A hot/warm bottle will NOT hold as much.
Link Posted: 11/25/2011 11:30:40 PM EDT
[#42]
Quoted:
Quoted:

20 lb tank costs about $4.50 per gallon

100 lb tank costs about $2.26 per gallon.

That's my area.  I don't know about yours.


I get my tanks refilled at a local gas station, costs $2.99/gal regardless of quantity. Where are you going that gives you a discount for large volumes? I'm thinking of picking up a 100# tank or two, be less hassle than the little 20 and 30 pounders, and cheaper cost per gallon would be a big bonus. I go through a lot of propane (close to 200 gals a year).


Everywhere I fill tanks has different rates depending on the quantity.  I usually fill a 100lb tank and a few 20lb tanks at the same time, saves me a bunch.
I use 100lb tanks for our on demand hot water heater.  Its the only propane appliance we have other than the bbq.  A 100lb tank is not that hard to move around.  I can easily pick it up and put in the truck by myself empty, and it is easy to control it sliding off the tail gate when I get home, then I just tip it on a small angle and roll that bitch where it needs to go.(not on its side, but so it rotates on the edge on the bottom)  No big deal.  A moving dolly is also an easy fix for this.  I could pick it up and carry it, but I live  by the work smarter not harder motto since I broke my neck.  YMMV.
Link Posted: 11/26/2011 4:46:04 AM EDT
[#43]



Quoted:



I ALWAYS store my nitrous bottles in the freezer for a few days before taking them to be filled... Can easily get 11lbs of nitrous in a 10lb bottle this way.



When you open the valve on a frozen (empty) bottle you can hear it suck in air... A hot/warm bottle will NOT hold as much.
do you keep them cold when filling?



I don't see how charles law applies when the liquid is not the one being cooled, i.e. the container will heat up in transport and the thin vessel will not have enough thermal mass at the "lower" temp to effectively cool the NO when its added.



Maybe fill it, then chill, then fill again but just cooling the container seems like marginal gain  





 
Link Posted: 11/26/2011 6:04:11 AM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Buy an empty tank, new, from HD/Lowes/TSC/whatever, for about $30. Mark your name on it. Never ever exchange it.

Take it to a UHaul or rental store or TSC etc and have them fill it; you'll pay market price for how much they actually put in, not a flat-fee for an exchange. Only need two gallons? Only pay for two gallons.

Don't exchange so you know your equipment is being properly cared for.


I have 2 20lb tanks but one of them I was told is too old to get refilled this year.  It is about 12 years old and the guy at the propane place said that they have to get recertified or some crap.  I just moved and have 2 100lb tanks for the stove, gas fireplace and the new grill that is coming next year so now I can just have the propane company come to me.  

Should I use the old tank as a target?

Link Posted: 11/26/2011 10:28:29 AM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy an empty tank, new, from HD/Lowes/TSC/whatever, for about $30. Mark your name on it. Never ever exchange it.

Take it to a UHaul or rental store or TSC etc and have them fill it; you'll pay market price for how much they actually put in, not a flat-fee for an exchange. Only need two gallons? Only pay for two gallons.

Don't exchange so you know your equipment is being properly cared for.


I have 2 20lb tanks but one of them I was told is too old to get refilled this year.  It is about 12 years old and the guy at the propane place said that they have to get recertified or some crap.  I just moved and have 2 100lb tanks for the stove, gas fireplace and the new grill that is coming next year so now I can just have the propane company come to me.  

Should I use the old tank as a target?




Propane tanks have uses beyond storing propane.

You can purge it, remove the valve and now you have a nice 5 gallon tank to put whatever in.

As far as recert, IIRC larger tanks require a visual inspection, the 20# tanks might need the valve replaced. You can likely find the info w/ Google.

Replacing the valve isn't difficult and IIRC they are on ebay.

Or take the tank and exchange it or go to another refill place where they wouldn't look for the expiration stamp.



Link Posted: 11/26/2011 10:33:48 AM EDT
[#46]
Quoted:

Quoted:

I ALWAYS store my nitrous bottles in the freezer for a few days before taking them to be filled... Can easily get 11lbs of nitrous in a 10lb bottle this way.

When you open the valve on a frozen (empty) bottle you can hear it suck in air... A hot/warm bottle will NOT hold as much.
do you keep them cold when filling?

I don't see how charles law applies when the liquid is not the one being cooled, i.e. the container will heat up in transport and the thin vessel will not have enough thermal mass at the "lower" temp to effectively cool the NO when its added.

Maybe fill it, then chill, then fill again but just cooling the container seems like marginal gain  

 



Filling and chilling and repeating is a good way to get the overpressure plug to blow.

I carry CO2 paintball cyls in the vehicle for tire inflation and asked the guy at the paintball place to put extra CO2 in it. I have no idea what he did, [I'll pay better atten now] and this summer my SO heard a loud bang in the back and thought something happend to the rear end but couldn't figger it out.

Turned out the safety valve ruptured on a tank.


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