Propane Tanks - refill or swap

[powderman]

I thought I was the only one who kept a unit long enough for recert to be a problem.

[okmunky]

Along the same lines -- has anyone been able to sell back the empty tank they bought as a swap out without a tank to swap? I needed a second tank for a short time but when it was empty none of the swap out places would buy back the empty tank. I can understand not giving me the full price I paid over the swap price, but not that they won't refund any of what I considered to be a deposit.

[GreyWolf67]

Thank you, I have never done a re-fill before. Only had gas grills. I have 2 tanks from the grill for backups.
Will locate a place for refilling.
Thanks again for your responses.

[cwsqbm]

Originally Posted by okmunky

Along the same lines -- has anyone been able to sell back the empty tank they bought as a swap out without a tank to swap? I needed a second tank for a short time but when it was empty none of the swap out places would buy back the empty tank. I can understand not giving me the full price I paid over the swap price, but not that they won't refund any of what I considered to be a deposit.

I've sold extra empty tanks on Craigslist. Just point out that you are cheaper than the deposit.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by okmunky

Along the same lines -- has anyone been able to sell back the empty tank they bought as a swap out without a tank to swap? I needed a second tank for a short time but when it was empty none of the swap out places would buy back the empty tank. I can understand not giving me the full price I paid over the swap price, but not that they won't refund any of what I considered to be a deposit.

okmunky
Are you saying:
1.) You bought a 20# propane tank with 15# of propane in it because you had no tank to exchange?
2.) Used the 15# of propane from that tank?
3.) Then attempted to return the empty 20# tank bought and expected them to take it back and pay you??

If so that is not how it works.

"Exchange places":
1.) EXCHANGE empty tanks for tanks with 15# of propane in them.

AND they:
2.) SELL used propane tanks with 15# of propane in them.

"Exchange places" DO NOT:
1.) Charge a deposit for a 20# tank when you BUY it with 15# of propane in it.

AND they DO NOT:
2.) "SELL", "BUY" or "BUY BACK" empty used 20# propane tanks.

Mel
'96 Safari

[okmunky]

Yes, I now understand that I bought a used tank. At the time of purchase I thought I was paying a deposit on a recyclable item. Remember way back when we could return empty soft drink bottles for cash? Oh wait, in some states you still can.

Craigslist it is. Thanks for the info.

[MtnTrek]

Originally Posted by cwsqbm

Most of the time I refill, but on occasion I've been low and not near a place that filled.

On a weekend or evening, not always easy to find a re-filling station VS swapping almost anywhere.

Also depends on your tank sizes....

What sucks is swapping a good tank and getting an old one in return. I had to swap again to get a newer tank.

Originally Posted by bruceisla

That's for the FIRST recertification.

"DOT tanks may only be used for 12 years after the manufacturing date. Some states may have adopted rules which specify a different period. After that, tanks must be recertified, giving another five years (and can be recertified repeatedly, every five years)."

So, depending on recertification cost, it can be cheaper to replace the tank and get 12 years ... not to mention you get a new tank with a new valve. Or, you can do a swap and check date and get a nearly new tank.

I had some 40#s recertified on my last coach they were $6 ea. I wire brushed them and touched up with Rust-o-leum. looked new.

Be well.