first time to buy propane

pdq_bc · 03-03-2011, 07:29 PM

very much a newbee....
have an itasca 2009 suncruiser 35P

okay - so we have been using the gas furnace last couple of weeks and now it is time to get some propane: but how do you get propane?
- see some parks sell propane at their rv parks
- can you buy at a gas station (that's where we get our propane for our bbq)

please let us know the options and what you have found to be the best method

as always - your help is MOST appreciated
regards, pdq
(peter)

Shadowcatche · 03-03-2011, 07:36 PM

Do a search of propane suppliers where you are. Make sure they will charge you for what is used. Around here Uhaul has the best price and least hassle. My experience with parks is they figure you are a captive audience and charge accordingly.

HMXDave · 03-03-2011, 07:37 PM

You should have a setup to accept Auto propane....looks like a gas pump. Just pull up beside and have them fill it up. The bleeder will be cracked while it is filled (you'll see/hear it hissing)....when it is 75 or 80% full (the legal limit) the attendant will close the bleeder and turn off the pump. I always double check the bleeder screw before I leave as I've had an attendant (read: 16 yr old kid) leave the bleeder leaking before. Wear gloves, and just snug it finger tight and it should be good.

In Canada, the auto propane is much cheaper then the BBQ propane, even though it's the same stuff. Auto propane is sold by the litre, BBQ propane is sold by the pound. (figure that out....we haven't used pounds since 1977, LOL)

trainsktg · 03-03-2011, 07:38 PM

I've found that it is easiest to drive into a gas station that sells it. Although I've never bought propane at a park, it has been my friends' experience that they usually sell it for a higher price than 'in town', and is best reserved for emergencies.

Keith

Martind4 · 03-03-2011, 07:39 PM

We've found that RV parks, campgrounds or RV dealers are probably the highest cost but are very convenient. Most Flying J truckstops sell propane and are relatively easy to access. Smaller gas stations that fill BBQ grill sometimes can't fill motorhomes.

My favorite place back home is the local residential propane dealer, but I have to call ahead to make sure someone is there to fill the tank.

Make sure you turn off all the accessories that use propane before filling, otherwise it's a pretty painless process.

Vegasdan · 03-03-2011, 07:58 PM

If you are in a more rural area or just passing through, look for propane dealers. They usually have large lots and you just pull up and they will fill you up. They generally have the best prices. I've also gotten LP at campgrounds and some Camping worlds, but you pay a higher price.