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Thread: Propane Pricing
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10-04-2020, 06:38 PM #1
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Propane Pricing
I just received a message from a friend who just spent $23 for an Exchange tank of Propane. For those who do not know this the Exchange tanks only hold 15 lbs of Propane versus a full 20 lbs of propane in a 20 lb Propane tank, that is 5 lbs of pure profit for the Exchange company.
Anyway, I just had my 30 lb tank refilled last night, so I thought I would do some quick math on the cost difference between refilling a tank versus using an Exchange program.
My friend spent $23 for 15 lbs of Propane, that works out to $1.53 per lb for the Exchange tank.
I spent $15 filling my 30 lb tank, that works out to $0.50 per lb.
Just something to consider as you are making the decision to use an exchange service versus find a refill station for your Propane.Last edited by SolarPoweredRV; 10-04-2020 at 06:40 PM.
David and Peggy
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
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10-04-2020, 06:49 PM #2
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In case you did not believe me when I said that the Exchange tanks only hold 15 lbs of Propane, here is a copy of a FAQ directly from Blue Rhino's Website (Blue Rhino is a Large Exchange company in my area).
How much propane does Blue Rhino put in its tanks?
Inflationary pressures, including the volatile costs of steel, diesel fuel, and propane, have had a significant impact on the cylinder exchange industry. In 2008, to help control these rising costs, Blue Rhino followed the example of other consumer products companies with a product content change. We reduced the amount of propane in our tanks from 17 pounds to 15 pounds.David and Peggy
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
Stopping with 8,000 lb Disc Brakes and Titan Hydraulic over Electric Brakes system.
Powering all this fun with 1200 Watts of Solar, two Tesla, Model S, battery modules, 24 volt Victron Inverter.
2018 Solitude 310 GK
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10-04-2020, 07:26 PM #3
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Most refill sites only fill to 80%. Even with a 30# tank they will only fill to 24#.
You are absolutely correct that refill is more $$$ efficient than exchangeGeoff and Cheri
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10-04-2020, 07:45 PM #4
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I think its law that they can only fill 80% to compensate for expansion.
Sent from my SM-T580 using TapatalkSteph & Lise
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10-04-2020, 08:10 PM #5
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I have never had that experience. I have tanks filled by weight and by gallons. If my 30 lb tank is empty, I receive ~ 7 gallons of Propane. Never has anyone tried to tell me that they can only fill my tank to 24 lbs.
Propane weighs 4.2 lbs per gallon, 30 / 4.2 = 7.1 gallons for a 30 lb tank.
A 30 lb Propane tank is Engineered to safely hold 30 lbs of Propane. There is no 80% fill for safety or expansion requirement.
Same goes for a 20 lb tank, they are designed to hold 20 lbs of Propane.David and Peggy
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
Stopping with 8,000 lb Disc Brakes and Titan Hydraulic over Electric Brakes system.
Powering all this fun with 1200 Watts of Solar, two Tesla, Model S, battery modules, 24 volt Victron Inverter.
2018 Solitude 310 GK
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10-04-2020, 08:15 PM #6
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David and Peggy
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
Stopping with 8,000 lb Disc Brakes and Titan Hydraulic over Electric Brakes system.
Powering all this fun with 1200 Watts of Solar, two Tesla, Model S, battery modules, 24 volt Victron Inverter.
2018 Solitude 310 GK
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10-04-2020, 08:51 PM #7
Walmart is the cheapest for exchange. 20# bottles are just under $15, and they are always on BlueRhino's yearly rebate list so you can exchange for $11 with the mail-in. Refilling is always the way, but when your tank date is coming due, exchange is more cost effective by far - I just cycled out two 20# bottle because of this. When the 30# and 40#ers come due - trade the trailer for new!
Rob & Nikki + Cloverfield
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10-04-2020, 09:14 PM #8
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Propane out west is sold by the gallon.
The cheapest I have found, is $1.49 a gallon in Redmond, Oregon. Most everywhere else, the price is $2.59 to $2.79 or so. KENBackpacker and tent camper all my life, including BSA as a kid and adult.
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10-05-2020, 03:33 AM #9
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This is correct. Depending on the temperature of the tank (and the accuracy of the meter on the filling system) you may see 6.8 to about 7.4 gallons go into a 30# cylinder.
The safety is built-in above that number. The OPD shuts of the fill before it gets into that space.2016 Grand Design Momentum 385TH
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10-05-2020, 04:38 AM #10
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I always try to find someone who charges by the gallon on the refill. In our area Tractor Supply seems to be the best.
Steve and Peggy
Based in beautiful East Tennessee
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