disposable propane bottle refiller

[howlinowl]

Was thinking about purchasing one of these adapters that allows you to refill disposable LP bottles from a refillable tank.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0013259512325a&type=product&cmCat=searchFeat&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=propane&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=propane&noImage=0

 Figure that it would be cheaper than always buying the disposable bottles and would be less waste (I hate disposable anything....wish they still had glass refillable bottles for soda).  Anybody have one of these?  Wonder how many refills I could get out of a disposable bottle before the seal goes bad and it doesn't hold gas anymore.  Only thing that worries me is the DOT restriction on transporting refilled bottles..

Allan

[AustinBoston]

Was thinking about purchasing one of these adapters that allows you to refill disposable LP bottles from a refillable tank.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0013259512325a&type=product&cmCat=searchFeat&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=propane&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=propane&noImage=0

 Figure that it would be cheaper than always buying the disposable bottles and would be less waste (I hate disposable anything....wish they still had glass refillable bottles for soda).  Anybody have one of these?  Wonder how many refills I could get out of a disposable bottle before the seal goes bad and it doesn't hold gas anymore.  Only thing that worries me is the DOT restriction on transporting refilled bottles..

The DOT restrictions only apply if you take them across state lines.  Within state, it's up to the individual state.

Austin

[tlhdoc]

I haven't used one, thought about it and then didn't do it.  Other people have said that some tanks can't be refilled at all without leaking.  I didn't want to worry about a tank leaking in the storage trunk on my PU.  An option is to get an extension for your 20 pound tank or to buy a small refillable tank (2.5 or 5 pound tank) that you can carry around easily.

[howlinowl]

The DOT restrictions only apply if you take them across state lines.  Within state, it's up to the individual state.

Austin

Hmmm..... since most of (heck, more than likely, all) of my camping will be done in Florida, wonder what Florida's restrictions would be.

Allan

[howlinowl]

I haven't used one, thought about it and then didn't do it.  Other people have said that some tanks can't be refilled at all without leaking.  I didn't want to worry about a tank leaking in the storage trunk on my PU.  An option is to get an extension for your 20 pound tank or to buy a small refillable tank (2.5 or 5 pound tank) that you can carry around easily.

Dunno... was thinking of getting some of those propane lanterns that attach to the disposable bottle, 2.5 or 5 lb bottle attached would be somewhat unwieldy.  Also, right now, at least near my home, all I can do the tank exchange.... I am sure that I could find a place to do filling somewhere if I look, but the time to drive back and forth and gas cost would negate any savings on using that vs the disposable bottles...

Allan

[tlhdoc]

To refill rather than exchange your tank look for equipment rental and hardware stores.  Of course campgrounds and RV stores also refill tanks.  If you do get one of the re-fillers post and let us know how it worked out.

[oldmoose]

I have one of these valves. It does work, but the tanks are not filled as full as originally purchased. I use a tank extension for my big propane tank and got a smaller tank for my lantern. I seldom use the valve because it's a pain.

Moose

[AustinBoston]

Hmmm..... since most of (heck, more than likely, all) of my camping will be done in Florida, wonder what Florida's restrictions would be.

Allan

I don't know about Florida, but many states basically just photocopy Federal legislation on this kind of thing and vote on it.  I should have said so in my original post.

Austin

[67L48]

I just got one.  Ordered it from Cabelas, though it can be had for cheaper from places like Harbor Freight.

Around here, 1 lb propane tanks cost around $3.50.  A new 20lb tank costs $30.  20 lbs of propane costs about $10.  The valve costs about $20.

So, the initial investment is around $60.  20 * $3.50 = $70.  So, the set-up pays for itself on the first tank.  After that, it's all gravy.

I'm going to get my new tank tonight and will try it out.  I'll post back with my findings -- how easy it was, leaky tanks, etc.  I have a couple of used tanks, some Coleman and some Ozark (Wal-Mart brand).

Stay tuned ...

[67L48]

OK, I filled a bottle last night.

I used a 2/3 full 20 lb propane tank, an empty Coleman 1 lb canister (chilled, per instructions), the Mac Charger valve, adjustable wrench.

• Make sure the tank gas is off.  
• Install the filler valve.  
• Tighten with wrench.  
• Attach canister.  
• Flip tank upside down.  
• Open the gas on the tank.  
• Wait one minute.  
• Close gas.
• Flip tank.
• Disconnect cannister.
• Disconnect filler valve.

Very easy.  Quick.  But, as another poster indicated, it doesn't appear that the cannister is as full as a factory filled 1 lb bottle.  Not a big deal to me.

For me, the ease-of-use, convenience, and cost savings are all positives.  I did notice that Wal-Mart has a two pack of bottles for $5.  That means that the financial analysis would have to be adjusted slightly and the break-even point would probably be early in your 2nd tank of propane.  Still, not a bad deal.

BTW, I noticed a couple of rust spots in my bottles, so I decided to buy some rust-inhibiting primer and re-paint my bottles.  I'm 32, have a beard, and was dressed in business casual when I purchased the spray paint of primer.  The clerk asked me if I was planning on any vandalism. I know it's a policy to always ask, but it made me laugh.

[wavery]

I used one of those for years. Never had a problem and saved a lot of $.

I haven't used one recently but when I did, the 1# canister had a pressure relief valve on it. Not sure if they do anymore. However, if they do, remember that you are transferring liquid. Liquid take a lot more volume than gas. If you keep the 1# container upright and push the relief valve, you will release gas and make more room for the liquid. Just make sure that you do it outside. Propane gas is heavier than air and can settle in pockets near the floor.

I never had a problem with leaking. In fact, I still have a bottle that I filled about 6 years ago in my work shop. I use it for my propane torch (obviously not very often :p )

[howlinowl]

Quoteth: "I just got one. Ordered it from Cabelas, though it can be had for cheaper from places like Harbor Freight." Unquoteth

Cool!!  Harbor Freight's got it for 12 bucks!!!  Cabelas' is 20...

Quoteth again: "Very easy. Quick. But, as another poster indicated, it doesn't appear that the cannister is as full as a factory filled 1 lb bottle. Not a big deal to me." Unquoteth once more.

Not a big deal either.  'specially since the Feds won't let us transpoat 'dem 'cross state lines.  Get enough gas in there to burn a lantern or burn a couple steaks in da little grille.  Think I'll order one.... I've wasted more money on lesser toys.

Allan

[67L48]

Cool!!  Harbor Freight's got it for 12 bucks!!!  Cabelas' is 20...

Yeah, and I even have a HF b&m store near my house. Except that I have Cabela's bucks, so my out-of-pocket expense was $0 at Cab vs. $12+ at HF.  Otherwise, HF is the place to buy the valve.

I found a factory fresh 1lb propane bottle last night and compared it to the one I filled.  I was wrong in my earlier assessment.  I could not discern a difference between the two by shaking them and "weighing" them by feel.  I don't have a scale that measures ounces, but the refilled bottle had to be at least 90% of the factory filled bottle.

Also, I haven't seen any federal border crossing check-points to search for illegally filled propane bottles.  I'm going to assume that this regulation is more to prevent commerce operations and high volume offenders ... probably a safe assumption.  I'll write from prison, if I'm wrong.  

wavery said, "Liquid take a lot more volume than gas."  I'm going to have to go ahead and sort of disagree with you there.  Liquid, by definition, is more dense than gas, with the exception of perhaps a supercritical gas compressed extensively (albeit, one could debate whether a supercritical gas is a gas or if it's simply a supercritical fluid) ... but I don't want to turn this into a thermodynamics debate.

Yes, the bottles still have safety valves.  Your idea sounds like it has merit, but I think I'll personally shy away from messing with the valves.

Good luck, all.

[wavery]

:p YAAAA!!!.......... Duh................of course, I stated that backward: "Liquid takes a lot more volume than gas."  :eyecrazy: You'll know what that's all about when you get to be my age .

I think that I got the point across though. You can get more liquid into the bottle by releasing the gas with the relief valve.

However, if you are concerned about leaking valves, you may not want to mess with the relief valve.

[Old Goat]

It is perfectly legal to transport refilled cylinders across state lines if they are for your own personal use and not to be sold..Law says "Refilled cylinders not to be sold or transported in commerce".[49 USC 1809]. Manufacturers leave "in commerce" off the transport regulation inorder to sell more new ones and discourage people from refilling them...

I have been refilling the 1 lb. cylinders for a long time now and have never had a problem..Here's what I do.

1. Make sure that cylinder valve is clean and no rust on it's threads.

2. Place cylinder in freezer for about 30 minutes before refilling..Cold cylinder will help keep liquid propane from vaporizing as it enters empty cylinder and allow more liquid to enter for a full refill...

3. 20 lb. propane tank's temperature should be above 60 degrees F. I have found that tank temperatures between 70 and 80 work the  best.

4.With filler coupler connected to 20 lb.tank, hand tighten cold cylinder to coupler.

5.Turn tank upside down and open valve. Leave valve open for one minute and then close valve before returning tank to uprite position..You cannot overfill cylinder. Disconnect cylinder from tank..Check for leaks. I usually let them set for awhile before doing this...Place plastic cap over valve ..

I made a wood cradle for a 20 lb. tank which makes it easier to turn tank up or down  while sitting on a saw horse.

All refilling should be done outside in a well ventilated area and well away from any source of flame or sparks..

I have cylinders that I have refilled many times and they have never been a problem with leaking. When a cylinder starts to get rusty I pitch it and buy a new one...I always keep the plastic cap on the valve  when not in use....