Propane Tank Exchange Program Is Not For Me!

zootjeff

Ok,

I'll delete my post then.

-Jeff

plumberinlaw

Administrator

Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Austin
Posts: 1,242


This is a "how to" site, not a "why I hate this product/company" site


I just wanted to post a quick reminder here. This is a "how to do it yourself" site and not a "why I hate this product" site. If you have a question about a product or need help with it please post about it. If you're here just to make some sort of public statement about a product or company then this is not the place for you.


Thanks.
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Nathan

zootjeff

I'm using the propane for a very DIY project. Thought I'd spread awareness that the propane exchange leaves you with a non-refillable tank. Thought others would like to know. Wish I had known.. Sorry for the rant.

notmrjohn

" leaves you with a non-refillable tank" I thought that was the whole idea behind the exchange program, doesn't matter what you're using gas for. No bottle and valve inspection, no customers in refill bay, no searching for retail gas supplier, etc etc.

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joed

Not the ones around here. The tank has a 10 year life from the last inspection and they can't trade you an expired tank. They also won't take an expired tank on trade IF they bother to check it.

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Do not PM with questions that can be asked in a forum. I will not respond.

zootjeff

Sounds like some programs crimp the filler bleed screw, some do not. I wish they were more forthcoming with what you are and are not getting when you "exchange" your tank.

Maintenance 6

I've taken some to a regular propane dealer and they recertified the tank for another 5 years....... and the refill was cheaper than the exchange.

zootjeff

What does that mean, "regular propane dealer"? I have gas stations with propane tanks, and the Uhaul dealer. Can these guys "recert" the tanks? I live in a big city so I'm sure there are others..

-Jeff

drtbk4ever

Really, you can't refill the exchange tanks?

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Bill

A DIY Noob that knows just enough to be dangerous.

notmrjohn

"gas stations with propane tanks, and the Uhaul dealer" then they'd be regular dealers, also RV dealers, which is where i get mine filled.
'Can these guys "recert" ' Depends on if they have license to do so, what they can, and are supposed to do, is "decert", that is, not refill a defective bottle. Fire marshall inspects those places and at least checks that Gomer can recognize a bad jug, again, Marshal is supposed to.
" big city" Actually its easier to find propane and bottles and certifiers in rural & small town areas. Places where they don't have natural gas lines.
Big city and suburb is where you find the exchange bins at convinience stores etc. Where most propane is used in outdoor grill, the Boss of Backyard BBQ just wants kwick, near by swap, without worrying about certified bottles and Gomer's license or lack there of. If Master Griller is even aware of such things, after all he thinks Bar-B-Que and grilling are the same thing.
Dirt, ya can not refill them, fittings and one way valves prohibit it, or should. You may not refill, even at "regular" dealer, laws, regulations, trade practices,prohibit it. Just like AC coolant bottles, not even sposed to use those to carry air from compresser to tire, but... if no ones lookin...

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zootjeff

I went to two gas stations. One gas station filled it, then the other wouldn't fill it. I didn't know it was expired till I went to the second gas station. The one who wouldn't fill it told me to take it to an exchange. So I did. Now I'm stuck with a 9 year old tank with a crimped filler screw (the flat head on the side of the valve).

I'll call the RV dealer and see what kind of prices they have..

drtbk4ever

Well that sucks. I will have to continue to "exchange" the tank and pay more.

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Bill

A DIY Noob that knows just enough to be dangerous.

AtlanticWBConst.

Uncertified tanks older than 12 years cannot be re-filled by yards.

Information on the regulation here: http://www.propane101.com/propanecyl...ecertification

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- Build Well -

Maintenance 6

If I'd taken a 9 year old cylinder to somebody and they damaged the bleeder valve, he'd be supplying me with a new tank. As long as the cylinder is in good condition, it could be recertified. Now it can't because the valve is damaged. In PA it's 10 years for the first recert and every 5 years thereafter. I just had a 10 year old tank recertified at a propane supplier's facility. New date stamped in the top of the tank. It took him all of 5 minutes.

One thing I would be sure of is that the exchange place gave me a decent tank and not something that couldn't be recertified if I had to.

notmrjohn

For folks with just a backyard grill, the exchange is probably the easiest way to go. With two caveats that are even more important to those of us who use propane in work or DIY projects.
1. Those exchange bottles are standard 20#, but how much gas is in them? I looked at a familiar Aqua Pachyderm bin just last night, 15 pounds in a 20 lb jug. Who knows how much is in Hank Hill's or Local Yokels? Price for "full" exchange vs full refill may be close, but not price per unit of gas.
2. You are working on a project ( or burnin burgers) you only got one jug with not enuff gas left in it to finish job. You can use up the tank and let burgers get cold while you run over and exchange Bleh! ( even worse if you're doing some metal casting and nearly melted metal gets cold). So to get a full jug before starting the job, you can run your refillable over to Gomer's, or take your exchange bottle to the bin and swap them some unused but paid for gas in your bottle for a "full" 15 pounder.
I don't use gas for cookin outside, might as well do it inside. If I run out of charcoal, there's always a handy tree branch near by and I got 2X4's all over the place. Even pieces of more exotic woods. Hold a Luau with Luan smoked Pork. Pressure treated adds just the right nuance to a briskett, and the meat lasts forever.