Propane refill cost?

[Iraqvet05]

I took one of my 30 lb propane tanks to get filled at a local tool rental place yesterday. The tank was no empty but I didn't want it running out the next time we camped. When I paid I asked how much propane they put in and he said it didn't matter, they charge a flat rate for a 20 lb and 30 lb tank. With my $2 off coupon, that refill cost me $28 and change.

Do most propane refill centers charge a flat rate or do they charge by the pound? I feel like I took it in the wallet on this one and I'll probably have the next tank refilled at Tractor Supply.

[clubhouse]

Everywhere around here is my gallon, about $3 gallon. Some have a 5 gallon min.

[bedrck46]

Have been charged both ways Currently pay by the Gallon and a 20# tank is $14.00
Just had an 11# bottle filled and cost was a little over $9.50. so 28# for $30 isn't a bargain. When I can get 2 20# for $28.00. And sometimes price has to do with location.

[octane]

around here it's all flat rate. I paid 8$ cdn for a 20# at Costco last night!

[thodgson]

I keep my TT out in the western sticks of Illinois so I had to drive about 20 miles to a propane dealer in a small neighboring town. My 2 30lb tanks were bone dry empty and it was just over $20 a tank to refill them. That was 2 months ago but I don't think there has been any big shift in propane prices this summer. I have not seen flat rate pricing on tank re-fills before but in my case with completely empty tanks I would definitely come out better than someone just topping off their tanks before a trip.

[Seann45]

Some places charge by the tank some by the pound (or gallon). Ask first and it the charge by the tank go elsewhere. I find that practice abhorrent.

[Camper_bob]

I haven't partially filled a tank in years, but when I did, the price was per gallon (or pound, I don't remember). Last time when I had my 30# tank filled, it was bone dry, and I think I paid like $25 out the door? Something like that.

I agree with Seann though, if you're just topping off a tank, you should pay for what you take. We have LOTS of propane vendors to choose from, all in close proximity, so if one of them wanted to charge me for a whole tank when I just needed a few pounds to top off, I would just tell them I'm trotting down the street to one of their competitors and will not be back to fill any of the other 4-6 tanks I have.

My guess is many of them would politely wave to me as I left, we have a couple large commercial outfits who are likely more inconvenienced my a small-timer like me anyway.

[RedHorse1]

The local propane shop charges a flat rate (sorry, but I don't recall how much). There is also a U-Haul near by that charges by the pound (again, I don't know the rates).

[BrentB]

The place I go charges a flat rate. I don't like the concept, but I do like the rates, especially if I take in empty tanks: $14 for 20lbs and $21 for 30 lbs.

[wags999]

Only paid by the gallon, a 30 lb tank holds about 7.6 gallons. I pay about $2.50 a gallon or about $19 for an empty 30 lb tank.

[Iraqvet05]

Thanks for the responses. Looks like I won't be taking my bottles back to that place for a refill.

[SmokerBill]

I've been paying $1.49 a gallon for the last few months at a nearby locally owned hardware store. They always have the lowest rate, as others nearby are charging $2.99 a gallon. Maybe the low price is used as a loss leader, to get people in the store to buy other things.

[SouthCo]

By the gallon where I go but can't remember how much per gallon...

[Jagiven]

I have seen both ways. FIlled three 20 pound tanks about a month ago. A 20 pound tank holds 4.2 gallons, 2.99 a gallon.

I think the places that charge a flat rate are places that do not have up to date certifications.

[Parcany]

At the Hon-Dah casino in Pinetop Az we pay $2.59 per gallon. In Apache Junction we pay $2.79 per gallon.

[Flyrotor]

Ha I made that mistake once too, never again will I pay flat rate.... Also, I have never and will never use the propane exchange racks either, I don't want someone else's junky tank!

[bedrck46]

Originally Posted by Flyrotor

Ha I made that mistake once too, never again will I pay flat rate.... Also, I have never and will never use the propane exchange racks either, I don't want someone else's junky tank!

There is nothing wrong with paying flat rate when you know that the tank is completely empty. And as far as the exchange racks go I will use them when I have an old tank that has gone past the date stamped on the tank. This way I am able to get a new tank or a tank that is less than 2 years old. True I may only be getting a tank that is 3/4 full for about $20.00 but when you consider the cost of buying a new tank and having it filled I am ahead of the game.

[Raven]

Originally Posted by octane

around here it's all flat rate. I paid 8$ cdn for a 20# at Costco last night!

X2 ... Filled from empty a twenty pound tank at costco yesterday and it was only $8.35.

[outofhere]

Just a side not if you can pay buy the pound you can use a hand held luggage scale to see just how much you should be paying

[Sub Teacher]

Been refilling my tanks for years here in the Bremerton area. Never found a place that charged a flat rate. If I did I would find someplace else. Too many businesses out there to be over charged for a simple process. JMHO