Refillable Propane Tank

wooper

Does anyone use small (1lb) refillable propane tanks that can be used for propane stoves/grills/lanterns...etc.?  Seems like it would be cheaper in the long run and reduce waste with the empty 1lb tanks.


https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-Refillable-Propane-Cylinder/dp/B07F9LCYRT/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=empty+one+pound+propane+tank&qid=1565814034&s=gateway&sr=8-2

ScottG

FWIW you can do this with pretty much any 1lb cylinder once you have the adapter. However, there are limitations to the practicality, safety, and possibly legality of reusing cylinders not intended for the purpose.

The rig you show seems a little fancier--and pricier--then the adapter that is commonly available, so maybe it addresses these limitations and might be worth the extra dough.

JEB

wooper said:

Does anyone use small (1lb) refillable propane tanks that can be used for propane stoves/grills/lanterns...etc.?  Seems like it would be cheaper in the long run and reduce waste with the empty 1lb tanks.


https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-Refillable-Propane-Cylinder/dp/B07F9LCYRT/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=empty+one+pound+propane+tank&qid=1565814034&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Yes.  I use them. They’re great and they’re legal to transport. 

klenger

Get a 1 gallon / 5 pound tank and you can get it filled at any LP dealer.  I think to total weight filled is about 11 lbs.  Camping World has a really nice one.  Expect to pay a bit of a premium for it's size.  

Homebodyatheart

Yes, for my Coleman stove snd Little Red Campfire. Bought it at my local hardware store. Love it!

db_cooper

I bought the flame King refill kit and it works fine. Can definitely fill the tank fuller than I've been able refill the disposable ones that don't have a vent.

pepper

We use a one gallon tank also.  I bought mine at Home Depot.

dCliffhanger

Instead of using separate small bottles, I substituted a "T" valve splitter to my main 20# tank and an addition 12 foot hose that connects to my camp stove wherever I want to put it.

klenger

I bought this one from Camping World.  They don't show any LP tanks on their website, but they have them in the stores.  I think I paid just south of $50 for it.  Very stable with the flat bottom.

https://smile.amazon.com/Refillable-Steel-Propane-Cylinders-4-5-gal/dp/B003RWADZA/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=5+pound+lp+tank&qid=1565931420&s=gateway&sr=8-10

wooper

@klenger do you refill it from a 20 gal tank or take it someplace to fill it?

davel4wa

Most of the comments here seem to be ignoring the fact that is illegal to refill the regular 1 lb. cylinders you buy at your favorite store. 

https://youtu.be/g2_GhyAw3vM

Could never happen to you, right?

klenger

wooper said:

@klenger do you refill it from a 20 gal tank or take it someplace to fill it?

I have it filled by the same gas station that fills the 20# tanks. See post above this one regarding refilling your own tanks.    I travel with LP on much of time (no flaming please) but would never consider refilling my own tanks.

ScottG

Good discussion. I'm revising my earlier comment to be clear that I'm not necessarily advocating the reuse of disposable cylinders. 

Commercial refilling of 1lb disposable tanks is illegal, but it's unclear if the same law applies to doing so for personal use. Same applies with regard to transportation on public roads--relevant here since the point of having a camper is to be able to take it somewhere. Local regulations may also apply.

I "know a guy" who recently refilled a few bottles with limited success... ;-)  If you follow the directions exactly you can only get them ~3/4 full. Also, while the cylinders themselves didn't leak post refilling, one wouldn't properly seal up with the appliances.

In light of the legal ambiguity--not to mention to common sense safety issues--the 1lb cylinders designed for refilling strike me as a good investment. While I also use a T-adapter and hose off my 20lb T@B tank, I still like the flexibility of the small cans for some applications.    

wooper

davel4wa  I wasn't considering on refilling disposable 1 lb tanks, but using the tanks that are designed to be refilled.  I just think its a waste to keep buying and throwing away these small tanks.  I could use a splitter or other methods, but if I want to have my grill, stove, lantern, etc.  someplace away from my 20#, smaller tanks are the answer.  I don't want to break any laws...just looking for a reasonable, environmentally safe option.
 

ChanW

That's a good reminder of what I don't know... Thanks.

davel4wa said:

Most of the comments here seem to be ignoring the fact that is illegal to refill the regular 1 lb. cylinders you buy at your favorite store. 

...........

Could never happen to you, right?

ChanW

Note that they also sell just the refillable 1# cylinder, without the 'kit', if you happen to already have the refill adapter. Much cheaper, @ $11.

https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-Refillable-Propane-Cylinder/dp/B00MM3GCVO