Refilling "Disposable" Bottles

[NorthWoodsGuy]

I noticed that Cabela's is selling a connector that allows the small disposable bottles to be refilled. Has anyone used this, and if so how well does it work?

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NorthWoodsGuy

[slick2526]

I wouldnt waste your money on one unless if you have a big bigger propane tank. I herd that theres not enough pressure in the 20lb to fill up the disposable cylinders.

[Whopper Stopper]

Cabelas claim you can get a small bottle about 75% filled under ideal conditions. I have heard nothing but complaints from the people that have tried the refill route.

[Guest]

Guys,
I must say, I've heard the opposite!!! My cousin has one and loves it. In order to properly fill them, you have to put the tanks in the fridge, or outdoors would probably work now You also have to hold the bottle upside down, while you fill it.
True, you may not fill it 100%, but it's a much cheaper route. After all, how many disposables are in a 20# tank? Refilling costs much less than buying a new ones everytime you go out. Good Luck!!

Rusty

P.S.- NO I do not work at Cabela's

[Polar Bear]

Here's my experience. I filled a dozen tanks a few weeks ago and 3 leaked out almost immediately. A 25% to 33% loss rate seems about average when filling a number of tanks.

You connect the small tank to the 20 pounder then turn the whole thing upside down. Open the valve and use a small needle nose pliers to pull the the spring loaded pin valve on the disposable until the liquid propane begins to bubble from the valve. Turn the 20 pound tank off and disconnect the small tank.

Of course, this is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS thing to do because of the release of gas as you're filling. But you can get your disposables plumb full in under a minute.

It should be noted that here in Minnesota it is not illegal to refill disposable tanks but it is DEFINITELY ILLEGAL to transport refilled disposable tanks on public roads.

PolarBear

[Guest]

By forcing raw liquid gas into a disposable canister with the 20# tank upside down you are in essence producing a bomb.

If a cylinder is overfilled and is exposed to heat the gas will expand, as in a vehicle for instance. This can produce enough pressure to burst the cylinder and cause a rapid release of the liquid gas vaporizing it in the surrounding atmosphere. If there is a spark or a open flame your toast! I have heard of ice houses leveled and vehicles destroyed by one cylinder bursting as it exploded in the heat.

Refilling disposable cylinders is a bad idea, that is why it is not legal to do so and transport them in a vehicle.

I do not in any way encourage anyone to do so nor should this forum encourage anyone to do so.

It is not safe!

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 01-01-2002).]

[RogersResort]

I personally have refilled hundreds if not more over the past decade and have had only one not seal immediately. I keep my empties in the freezer (the one in the garage) and I only fill the bottles, as I need them. My biggest problem is the new twenty-pound tanks, they will not work and it is true that after the first of the year you will not be able to get the tanks refilled unless they have the new OPD valves.

[Guest]

I been told that starting in April of this year ALL tanks will have to be equipted with an automatic shut off. This will prevent anyone from using that refiller. This will also make many useless propane cyclyders as I was told to replace the valve cost as much as a new tank.

[NorthWoodsGuy]

Thanks for all the input. With all that was said, I think I'll pass on the connector. Again, thanks for the great advise.

[hunt4food]

There was a forum discussion on this awhile back. I tried to find it but could not. I have tried this a few times but found that the refilled bottles leak sometimes. I filled quite a few one Fall and when I went to use them a couple of months later, several of them were empty. Someone suggested putting a little WD-40 on the valve before filling them. Also, the new 20# tanks have a special design that does not allow them to dispense any fuel when they are tipped over. In order to refill the 1# bottles, you must tip the 20# tank upside down. I heard a rumor that the old style tanks are not going to be refilled much longer by law. I hope that is not true, but because of the added safety features on the new style tanks, it is probably true.

[hawgTime]

for SDice.

[Surface Tension]

You need to open the bleed valve. Make a tool out of tubing cut a slit across it.
Put your 20 pounder upside down/ screw on 1 pounder/ open bleed valve till vapor starts to coming out./Open 20 pounder. When vapor turns to liquid its full (7/8ths) . Turn off 20 pounder then close valve on 1 pounder. If your worried about over filling weigh the tank empty then then subract that from filled tank. Long tanks hold 1 pound fat tanks hold 1.02 pounds.
Been doin this for 30 years and the ONLY way to do it right.