Refill of 1 lb propane tanks?

[perch_destroyer]

Any information would be great. I enjoy using the 1 lb tanks while fishing. I see that I can purchase an EZ propane filler to perform refills. Just wondering if anybody currently does this and has any feedback? Also, is it safe? Any precautions that one needs to take? Lastly, how easy is it? Thanks,in advance..

[jigginjim]

I have heard you should refill them as if not done properly if could explode.

[ec30_06]

It is not too hard to do, but it is easier to buy the hose that runs from a bigger tank and hook it to whatever you used the 1 lb tank for.

[skunked_once]

This topic has been extinsively discussed in the past. Try a search. What I learned from the past posts was that many people do it but it is not wise because of the safety factor.

[The Hammer]

The one I purchased to refill the 1 lb cylinders didn't work to well.

[dougger222]

I have had a coupler for a few years now. A friend of mine uses his a lot and I will try to explain how he does it.

He takes an empty pounder and freezes it. In the morning he connects the two tanks and puts the 20 pounder either on it's side or upside down, don't recall. When he returns from work he disconnects them. Some won't take any propane, those he tosses out. Some will fill half way which is better than nothing. Others will fill completly, these are usually the pounders he uses most.

A few weeks ago I did it and seemed to have a slight propane spill as it appeared as though I had frozen propane all over my 20 pounder and the pounder was empty.

Most places won't sell the adapter as it's said to be illegal to sell them.

[perch_destroyer]

yeah, looking more into this now, it seems it's illegal to transport the refilled ones. Kinda worthless then.

[Dozer]

I do it all the time. Works great! Much more convenient than lugging around a 20lber.

[slipperywhenwet]

My bro tried it a couple years back and did not have much luck.

Not that I'm a lawbreaker but...

how would the popo know it was refilled if they ever stopped ya?

[Fredd]

Research the previous threads. I refill these and have had good luck with the adapter that goes right on the tank. Get the one pounders real cold, warm up the twenty pounder flip it over and open the valve until it stops flowing. Quick process and easy to do. The transport piece has been discussed, but I feel that they wouldn't be sold if it truly was illegal to transport. What do they think we are going to do with these one pounders, hook them up to the gas grill at home??? Besides there is no way to tell if they are filled or new IMO. I got my adapter at Sportsmen's for about $20 a couple of years ago.

[givetoget]

I just recently started refilling one lbers, and i think it works pretty good. Like Fredd said above, freeze the one pounder and the twenty at room temp, attach, flip upside down, open valve for one minute, close valve, flip upright , remove tank and your done. just have to watch for leakers.I try to use newer tanks.Alot less leakers that way.If i end up with a leaker i just put it in the heater or lantern.

airjer are you going to say something like you did when I brought up this issue a few weeks back, or was it just me

[crothmeier]

If it wer illegal why would stores sell them. I recently got one from cabelas, but have not tried it yet. I am doing a little research on this site as to how people have done it, will post tomorrow how it went!

[fubar]

Don't the new 20# tanks have the valve on the inside, that would prevent flow if tipped??

[RonWBasser]

Don't the new 20# tanks have the valve on the inside, that would prevent flow if tipped??

That is what I thought too.

[catfishkid]

I found that before you try to refill one drain it all the way first, then refill it. even if it seemed empty on the lantern it will still drain somewhat. after i started doing that you could put quite a bit more in the tank.

[jeff erding]

Refilling 1 pounders works great. Just go to Cabela's camping and ask for the proper fitting. Follow the directions on the package the fitting comes in and all is good. The directions tell you how to check for leaks. Don't forget to do it!

[silverado 295]

I have considerd it until now. It seems its not fool proof.

If re filling is a viable issue, why is it the cans are tossed in the garbage rather than be turned in for some money value, re-filled and re sold for a lower cost.

[blackdog1101]

I am an analyst for a large fleet of tractor trailers. The "illegal to transport" thing means commercial transportation, not putting it in the back of your vehicle to go fishing.

[chris63]

I think you may be thinking of the opd valve.(over fill protection device),for the 20 pounders.If you guys are having issues with leaking tanks can't you get caps(not those cheap little plastic things they come with)and after refill you just cap it till you need it?c63

[silverado 295]

I was changing out a 1 lb er yesterday and found this label on the canister.

says its illegal. Looks like a hefty fine.

check out 49U.S.C 5124. tells about the law.

[Fredd]

Silverado, again this may be for commercial/business endeavors. I continue to feel that if the adapter is sold for refilling one pounders only and that if it was illegal that they wouldn't be able to sell them. Just my two cents. I have been very happy with my results.

[Sandmannd]

Not so true Fredd, I've seen illegal (in MN) fishing itesm being sold to the public. You can buy "smoking pipes" at the smoke shop too even though everyone knows what they are used for. To me, it's just too dangerous to be playing with gas like that. If you don't wanna lug a 20 lber go get a 10 lber.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Don't the new 20# tanks have the valve on the inside, that would prevent flow if tipped??

The OPD valve only effects the flow of propane into the tank. It has nothing to do with the flow of propane out of the tank. The EFD (excessive flow device) will limit the flow of propane out of the tank if flows to quickly.

[Big Buck Buster]

I was changing out a 1 lb er yesterday and found this label on the canister.

says its illegal. Looks like a hefty fine.

check out 49U.S.C 5124. tells about the law.

This sums it up for me. I thought about refilling mine, but I will not be doing that!

[goetler]

I have started to refill them this past fall and I have not had any issues with doing this. As others have stated how are you to tell if it had been refilled or if it is a new one? they do not fill all the way but if you have 8 of em you will have plenty to run your equipment with. I use mine mainly for my cook stove in the duck boat, I do not have enough room to be using a 20 pounder or any other size of tank like that in my boat.

But each to there own.