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27-04-2012, 15:08
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,604
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Returnable Propane Tanks
Anybody use returnable or exchangeable propane tanks?
If you return them frequently enough seems like you shouldn't need to worry about corrosion so much. I'm talking the kind in a cage outside the builder's supply place or hardware store.
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27-04-2012, 15:10
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Wherever the boat is!
Boat: Marine Trader 34DC
Posts: 4,619
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
We do exchanges all the time while in the US. Once in the Bahamas, etc. you are pretty much going to need to just fill them. Chuck
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27-04-2012, 18:09
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Plastic tanks here. Exchangeable and returnable/refundable. Spain.
b.
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27-04-2012, 18:10
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
BTW never had any tank issues steel tanks 10 years old.
b.
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27-04-2012, 19:31
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Washington DC
Boat: Buying Jun 2012
Posts: 54
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
If your tanks are too old they won't refill them at BJ's. THere's some age limit. Rhino and ameri-gas are less stringent or maybe just take the older ones out of circulation.
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27-04-2012, 19:42
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Philippines in the winters
Boat: It’s in French Polynesia now
Posts: 11,368
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Exchangeable tanks $eem to be about double of refilling in my area.
__________________
Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend, but the Kisses of the Enemy are Deceitful! ........
The measure of a man is how he navigates to a proper shore in the midst of a storm!
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27-04-2012, 19:53
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Boat: Coronado 35
Posts: 94
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Exchanges are the only thing I do. (WA State). If the tanks are too old, it just means the valves are incorrect and not updated. They take the old tanks at the exchanges and you get a shiny new one. I live aboard and change mine every couple months with a new one. It's not much more per tank than filling, and no waiting in lines for attendants.
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28-04-2012, 06:33
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Washington DC
Boat: Buying Jun 2012
Posts: 54
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by STG
Exchanges are the only thing I do. (WA State). If the tanks are too old, it just means the valves are incorrect and not updated. They take the old tanks at the exchanges and you get a shiny new one. I live aboard and change mine every couple months with a new one. It's not much more per tank than filling, and no waiting in lines for attendants.
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Too funny very different experience in my area of Northern Va. The storage shelves/grates are locked. There is no automation like I've seen elsewhere. You have to wait in customer service who then has to get the attendant with the key to come help you.
The BJ's associate said it was beyond the over-fill protection valve, something about the age of the tank too; maybe that is self imposed as he fills the tank to full capacity. Maybe there are regional regulations? If there is a chance of an additional regulation Arlington Va will ensure it is in place. Also the re-fills are not fully filled to 20 lbs. It's all about a balance of convenience and value.
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28-04-2012, 07:19
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#9
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cruiser
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Key West FL - Burlington VT
Boat: O'day 32 CC Ketch
Posts: 493
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
When the price of gas spiked several years ago, the amount of LP gas in 20# tanks started to drop, so pricing could remain the same. Then some places the price went up as well, for less fuel. At no point did the price ever come down or the tank volume return to anywhere near 20#. Basicly the swap tanks are the worst deal, followed by filling a 20# tank, it's way better to fill any other size. Bigger or smaller, they will charge you by weight, not the preset pricing of standard grill tanks (20#). Some 20#er's get as little as 13.5# gas. I use 40# and holds the volume of allmost 3 -20# tanks filled to new standard. Tank swap is real easy, but not good value.
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28-04-2012, 07:24
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Also here (Canary Islands, Spain) re-fills are cheaper. The point is there is only one re-fill station and far from town. When we add transportation cost then the re-fill comes nearly break-even.
When we started back in 2003 re-filling was possible everywhere, now it is becoming an issue. Freaking European Union ;-(
b.
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28-04-2012, 08:16
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Punta Banda, Ensenada. and Canada
Boat: 28Ft Piver Encore, Tri-Maran, Anchored in San Diego.
Posts: 728
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
The only advantages to the exchangeable tanks are getting clean and certified ones in return.
I know as i used to deliver them by the thousands everyday not long ago.
As to regulations,i am glad of them as you don't get second chances very often with an explosive fuel.
You would be amazed what some people try to bring in for refilling,
I have had many arguments and almost knockdown drag outs with some people, when i have had to tell them, that their tank was beyond unsafe.
But then...most people have never seen the results of a leaky tank and a source of ignition first hand as i have many times.
So for me,,,exchangeable is worth the extra few bucks for safety and cleanliness.
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28-04-2012, 08:54
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Boat: Coronado 35
Posts: 94
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by F15EWSO
Too funny very different experience in my area of Northern Va. The storage shelves/grates are locked. There is no automation like I've seen elsewhere. You have to wait in customer service who then has to get the attendant with the key to come help you.
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We do have some of those places too. Fortunately (for me anyway) the Home Depots here have automatic ones that are 24/7 and you use your debit/credit card to access. You can place any used tank in the cage and get a new one.
I had been suspicious about the fill levels a few years ago, but I think there has been a lot of publicity about that lately, so I'm guessing the bigger stores tend to keep them fairly full to prevent bad publicity. Mine seem to always be pretty full these days anyway.
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29-04-2012, 15:13
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#13
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Nearly an old salt
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Lefkas Marina ,Greece
Boat: Bavaria 36
Posts: 22,801
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Quote:
Originally Posted by barnakiel
Also here (Canary Islands, Spain) re-fills are cheaper. The point is there is only one re-fill station and far from town. When we add transportation cost then the re-fill comes nearly break-even.
When we started back in 2003 re-filling was possible everywhere, now it is becoming an issue. Freaking European Union ;-(
b.
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Refilling is actually banned in the EU but like everything theres still a bit around.
Dave
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Interested in smart boat technology, networking and all things tech
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29-04-2012, 15:20
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Boat: Columbia 41
Posts: 522
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
I have used exchangable tanks for three years. I heat with them in the winter. The only problem was some tanks were just a bit taller than others so my lazarette hatch would not quite close. Other than that they were convenient to swap out at the local hardware store. Last winter I only needed two tanks. Global warming is a good thing. Sunshine and deep water. Gotta love it.
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29-04-2012, 15:40
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between the devil and the deep blue sea
Boat: a sailing boat
Posts: 20,420
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Re: Returnable Propane Tanks
Quote:
Originally Posted by goboatingnow
Refilling is actually banned in the EU but like everything theres still a bit around.
Dave
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Yes. You know, Canary Islands ... just one look at the chart ... ;-) we are Africa at least as much as we are the EU.
DISA still fills them but very unwillingly if the bottle is not a DISA one. Spain has at least four distributors with four different fittings.
I think, at least here, with so many passing international boats, they could be a bit more cruiser-friendly. But it is actually the other way round.
b.
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