Solution for Propane Tank Problem?

[Jitterbug]

Many of us have the small propane tanks 5 or 10 pounders. It sounds like we will not be able to get these tanks filled anymore and I have never seen a store that exchanges these size tanks like they do with the 20 pounders, so heres my question is it possiable to refill our smaller tanks from a "new" twenty pound tank with some type of adapter? I know theres something for refilling a one pound tank that adapts to a twenty pound tank. Any thoughts?

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[Dan97]

Hi Jitterbug...

I have a 11 (actual fill of 10 pounds) tank with the "new" valve on it. And yes, they will continue to fill this one. I'm fairly certain that the 5 pounders with the correct valve could be filled as well. I don't think the tank sizes is the problem. It's the valve. Just replace the old valves and you're good to go.

With these new valves, it makes refilling the 1 pounders impossible because it does not allow your "bulk" tank to be inverted.

As I see it, you'll either have to replace the valves or the tanks. Sort of a spendy deal any way you look at it.

Dan

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[Dennis]

The new valve for propane tanks has a float on it so the tanks cannot be over filled. It is a safety device that is made to protect the consumer and the places that fill tanks. I ran a bait and tackle store that filled propane tanks, The problem starts with the way cylinders are transported, we had many people come in during the summer months with SUV's or vans with there propane tanks inside. With the olds stile valve the only way to avoid over filling these tanks is to wiegh them. It is very easy to get anxtra pound or 2 in them, and as the temp increases it alows the preasur relief valve to release preasure, and can turn an inclosed area into a bomb. I watched many times over the last 8 years people bring in tanks to be filled, and have there kids in very expensive car seats and throw a potential bomb on the floor in front of them. This has created a huge liabilaty for the fill stations. It is an inconvienence for now but will be worth it in the future. This is not new we have been replacing valves as many LP fill places also for the last 4 years for tanks that had expired dates.

[Raven]

I talked to the fellow that fills my tanks and he said that the CENEX Co-op in Bemidji will replace the old valve, test the tank, and fill it for 20 bucks. It sounds like a deal to me. I am going to take my three tanks in for the change over.