Buying New Propane Tanks

[Chuck4wagon]

When buying new tanks is it ok to buy them at Lowes, Home Depot or should I go to my local RV dealer ?

[rhagfo]

They are all the same, based on size. Get the best deal.

[NH_Bulldog]

You would likely pay a premium at the RV dealer. They all come from the same place and have the same standards and the same features. I would shop around and find the best price. You can expect about $50-$60 for a 20 lb. tank or $100-$110 for a 30 lb. tank.

Now, with that being said; My local propane supplier will take an older tank that needs recertification, and give me a refurbished one (good for another 10 years) that is filled, and for less than the cost of a new empty tank. It’s a no-brainer for me.

[chuckster57]

I would get them anywhere BUT the RV dealer.

[Campermike]

If a 20lb just exchange the tank and check for a decent date on the tank you get. If larger tank then just get it wherever.

[rhagfo]

The last set of 30# tanks I bought I got at a propane distributor, good price.

[Lee]

Best price I found here in the Olympia, WA area for 30lb tanks was at Costco.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Campermike

If a 20lb just exchange the tank and check for a decent date on the tank you get. If larger tank then just get it wherever.

The exchange is a good way to upgrade to a newer tank, but it's the most expensive way to buy propane.
They are only filled to about 65%/3.5 gals at a higher price than the normal 80%/5 gals at a refill location.
It would also be less $$ to have yours recertified for another 10 years than to replace it, most won't keep the same rv for 10 more years.

[foldbak]

Camping world has a killer deal on 40lb tanks for $130

[Campermike]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

The exchange is a good way to upgrade to a newer tank, but it's the most expensive way to buy propane.
They are only filled to about 65%/3.5 gals at a higher price than the normal 80%/5 gals at a refill location.
It would also be less $$ to have yours recertified for another 10 years than to replace it, most won't keep the same rv for 10 more years.

The only time I use exchange is when the tank is past date for exactly that reason.

[Max23]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

The exchange is a good way to upgrade to a newer tank, but it's the most expensive way to buy propane.
They are only filled to about 65%/3.5 gals at a higher price than the normal 80%/5 gals at a refill location.
It would also be less $$ to have yours recertified for another 10 years than to replace it, most won't keep the same rv for 10 more years.

I had no idea they weren't as full as any and all others!! That seems to be quite a rip off! No where do they say they are not the same amount of LP. Wow, thanks for that info! Unbelievable how they rip you off at every turn that they can get away with.

[Campermike]

Originally Posted by Max23

I had no idea they weren't as full as any and all others!! That seems to be quite a rip off! No where do they say they are not the same amount of LP. Wow, thanks for that info! Unbelievable how they rip you off at every turn that they can get away with.

You pay for convenience. When you look at the exchange, most places will show they are filled with 15lbs of Propane. A refill is 20lbs. But it's a good deal if your tank is out of date as they'll still exchange it.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by Max23

I had no idea they weren't as full as any and all others!! That seems to be quite a rip off! No where do they say they are not the same amount of LP. Wow, thanks for that info! Unbelievable how they rip you off at every turn that they can get away with.

It's clearly stated in the Blue Rhino FAQ section:

"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."

https://bluerhino.com/propane-info/f...t-in-its-tanks

[notanlines]

Keebler Cookies did the same thing, why not propane suppliers?

[Campermike]

And ice cream. Remember when it was half gallon containers? Now it's 1.5 quarts.

[dutchmensport]

Originally Posted by Chuck4wagon

When buying new tanks is it ok to buy them at Lowes, Home Depot or should I go to my local RV dealer ?

To answer your question simply, the answer is "Yes", you can buy them from Lowe's, Home Depot or anywhere else (also, don't forget Tractor Supply Company and your local Propane / city gas companies). And you do not need to purchase exclusively from your RV dealership.

Depending on the type of camper you have, just be aware, 30 pound propane tanks come in 2 different diameter sizes. I purchased an extra one (from my RV Dealership), had it filled and then found out it was slightly bigger in circumference than the originals in my Montana. On a travel trailer tongue, that would not be a problem. But in my Montana, the tanks are held in place by a snap strap. The new tank is larger in diameter or circumference and the strap is too short to snap closed. So, if I use the 3rd tank, it will sit in the bay area just fine. But if I travel, I swap the old one back in (even if it's empty) and stow the new one away.

So, that is really the only thing you need to be aware of. Otherwise, purchase the tank from anywhere your prefer.

[Mike71954]

Here in Canada Costco has by far the best deal

[rlh1957]

I would do an exchange at Home Depot, Lowes or anywhere that uses the cages outside. You get a certified, painted and full tank.

If you buy a new tank it might be empty, then you have to pay to get it filled.

They don’t have tanks on the exchange rack that are out of certification date or can’t be refilled.

Get tanks anywhere other than RV stores/dealers.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by rlh1957

You get a certified, painted and full tank.
.

Correction! As previously mentioned!
Yes you get a painted tank that has a good date on it, but it's NOT full.
Those 20lb exchange tanks are filled to 65%/3.5 gals/15lbs where as if you have one filled it will be to 80%/5 gallons/20lbs.
And they ONLY exchange 20lb tanks, so if you have a 30lber you have to buy new or have it recertified.

[crowbar]

For a new tank, Costco is the best bang for your buck!