The cost of propane

[DreiHunde]

Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan

Seems this has changed recently, now it is 10 years, as quoted by a local supplier. Can't recall if this is a DOT reg or CGA reg, however it has changed.

I've never favored swap-outs for a variety of reasons...more expensive usually and don't know how the tank has been handled. Probably the old firefighter in me, that is a pressurized cylinder, subject to all the laws of physics filled with stuff that burns. I want to know that the cylinder has not been exposed to excessive heat or dinged up resulting in the cylinder wall being compromised. Yeah, yeah...I know that all sound excessive. Probably is. Still......

x2! You are not alone!

[Lloydg]

Originally Posted by rsdata

a couple of weeks ago I paid $2.19/gallon at Tractor Supply in N KY..

Just paid $2.19/gallon at Tractor Supply near Traverse City, MI

[SpringerPop]

Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan

Seems this has changed recently, now it is 10 years, as quoted by a local supplier. Can't recall if this is a DOT reg or CGA reg, however it has changed.

Last I heard, the Feds had backed off on part of that rule change, and it would remain at twelve years on the initial cert.

It's the RE-certification intervals that are changing, and then only for certains kinds of testing procedures. See:
http://eservicesco.com/2017/01/24/do...cation-update/

It doesn't say anything about the five-year "visual" inspection and re-cert.

Here in LaLaLand, they visually re-cert for five years IF they also change the OPD valve. They do it for $25, and I can't buy new thirty-pound tanks for that, so that's what I do.

Pop

[kamper00]

I thought paying $10 for 20# was cheap here in CT, but many states have me beat

[Austintatious]

I filled up two 20# bottles today at Tractor Supply - 9.3 gallons at $1.99 per gallon for a total of $18.50.

[Scrapper]

Filled a 30# tank at our CG last weekend for $32.40. They always charge more than local LP dealers.

[Bushbunch]

Reading,Pennsylvania

20lb. Tank Refill - $15.00
30lb. Tank Refill - $23.00
40lb. Tank Refill - $33.00
100lb. tank Reiff - $75.00

[MaineCampingFan]

Originally Posted by SpringerPop

<deleted>

Here in LaLaLand, they visually re-cert for five years IF they also change the OPD valve. They do it for $25, and I can't buy new thirty-pound tanks for that, so that's what I do.

Pop

Which brings to my mind this question. What does a visual inspection entail? What protocols are followed? What determines a 'passing' visual? What fails a cylinder?
My interest stems from an extensive background of visually inspecting high pressure cylinders from the scuba industry as well as fire service. There are strict protocols and specifications followed during a visual inspection for these cylinders. My knowledge of propane cylinders is limited to how great the chicken wings are coming off the grill.
Interesting topic....sorry to bring it off the OP original question.

[D W]

Originally Posted by MaineCampingFan

Which brings to my mind this question. What does a visual inspection entail? What protocols are followed? What determines a 'passing' visual? What fails a cylinder?
My interest stems from an extensive background of visually inspecting high pressure cylinders from the scuba industry as well as fire service. There are strict protocols and specifications followed during a visual inspection for these cylinders. My knowledge of propane cylinders is limited to how great the chicken wings are coming off the grill.
Interesting topic....sorry to bring it off the OP original question.

49 CFR 180.209(g) details the visual inspection process. By the time the requalifiers get done recording everything that they're supposed to check they could have completed a complete hydro.

Propane pricing these days is whatever the market will bear, and that can be drastically different from block to block in the same town. Years ago in the 60's and 70's propane was dirt cheap. It was the original alternative fuel. GM even marketed cars and trucks that ran on propane. Propane was a by-product of motor fuel refining. 75% of the propane produced was burnt-off at the refinery because there was so much of it. These days the majority of US refineries are gone. The 80's introduced the gas grill and demand soared. Nowadays, the RV industry is booming and the need for propane is again surging. One thing for sure, these business that sell propane for whatever price they choose are making money or they wouldn't sell it.

[MacDR]

X2 on 15.00 a 20lb. in Wisconsin.

[lugoismad]

I just refilled 3 (2 empty, 1 partially full) 20lb tanks at Sherwood RV in Hillsboro, Ohio today. 55lbs of propane for $27.

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by Mr Havercamp

Here in western PA it's $13 to fill a 20# at the local bottled gas supplier. At least it was last November.

Got you beat. My local propane supplier filled my 20 today....10 bucks.That will last me until next year sometime...

Propane, like gasoline is regionally priced.

[dlwilliams48]

Just filled a completely empty 20# bottle for $12.11 at the local Tractor Supply Company. This is in Columbus, GA.

[johnlewis]

Costco Myrtle Beach $7 for full tank. Pay for what you buy. They weigh it before and after

[wicked1]

$12.99 for 20lbs and $19.95 for 30lbs @ BJ's in Central New Jersey

Refill only NO exchanges, and Personally I like to keep my own tanks, those Blue Rhino tanks are sketchy at best, got one with a leak for BBQ entire tank leaked.