How Much Propane Is Actually In Those Exchange Rack Cylinders?

motorsnorkel.com/
You won't believe how much propane is actually in those exchange rack cylinders. In this segment from the Carb Clinic Show, Dr Hew goes outside to find out. Carb Clinic airs every Tuesdays at 2PM Live on KZbin, Facebook, and Rumble. motorsnorkel.com
Here is the link to the article talking about Amerigas and Blue Rhino class action lawsuit for underfilling propane tanks - topclassaction...

[@USCarburetion]

Shoutout to Mark Magill who sent us a link showing where Amerigas and Blue Rhino have a class action lawsuit against them for (Quote ) - "This class action settlement resolves claims that AmeriGas and Blue Rhino allegedly colluded together to lower the amount of propane in their pre-filled propane tanks from 17 pounds to 15 pounds without also reducing the price, resulting in inflated prices for propane customers." I will add a link in the video description to where it can be found for more details.

[@joshdelgado7355]

On bigger tanks they fill to 80% and leave 20% emtpy for liquid expansion. For your safety so you don't see propane coming out of the pressure relief valve. As for this smaller bb tanks I think they're probably doing the same thing, even though they hold 5 gallons, they actually filled them up to only 4 and leave 1 for liquid expansion.

[@00linered]

@@joshdelgado7355 I don't think you're getting the point on this one. 20lbs is the max weight, which already includes the overfill protection.

[@denverdanoreno]

@@joshdelgado7355 tail end of the discussion 10 months ago: my question is, what is the max safety by weight a well-maintained tank can process into the can if winter time temperatures average 35°, and you keep your propane outside during g winter, ? Thank you PS. If reply is SOP, I got it.

[@matthewmiller6068]

@@joshdelgado7355 Its 80% max fill by volume. If you look there's also a "WC" rating which is "water capacity" in pounds if it was 100% full by volume how much the water would weigh. If you work thru all the math any tank I've seen at the end you come out with something like 19.5lb of propane allowed in a "20lb" tank to fill it to 80% volume with LPG. And if you go to a reputable propane filling station they will fill it based on the weight calculations (though they typically have a preprinted chart to reference instead of math) and you'll only be charged for the volume of gallons they pump into it. That also means you don't have to have it totally empty when its filled, and don't lose the last bit of unburned fuel either.

[@gregorybrown8756]

I'm not disagreeing that their measurements are off, but are you surprised that the propane industry has such a law suit to try and bankrupt them when our government is at war with anything not electric?

[@Linus007]

This is a good example of why you should have your tanks refilled rather than exchanged.

[@SlurpJ]

Cost me 16 to refill or 25 for a exchanange that contains 15% less

[@captkleppto]

Glad I saw this! Paying for 20lbs and only getting 15lbs. That’s messed up.

[@lostintime8651]

you are not paying for 20. you are paying for 15. you are mostly paying for the convenience and the certified tank. I take my expired tanks there. Then I go to blue seal to have them refill at 20 lbs. the cheapest way to do it.

[@donsvideos1985]

I get mine refilled at my local KOA, they still fill the properly.

[@rhulse8904]

@@donsvideos1985 I use TSC, Tractor Supply Company.

[@denverdanoreno]

Albeit it has been five plus years since you produced this great video, well informed and thank you ahead of time. I get mine done at the Farm Bureau here in Southwest Virginia. They fail all the way up to 80% all the time. You have to purge when you're fueling, let some of the air Escape so you get a full 80%. Real simple , always Purge your lines.

[@dontall71]

In the words of Hank Hill, "There's a lot you can do with propane and propane accessories"

[@pablopicaro7649]

Only go to a Trade cage if you have an Cylinder with the old obsolete Fill Valve. Trade it for one with a New Style Fill valve. (that is part of the cost they end up with in the exchange business). The exchange also ends up re-testing old cylinders. Drives up their costs.

[@brianbeck8093]

Sorry dude my company doesn't exchange old style valve tanks for that reason

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

@@brianbeck8093 I takes just a little searching to find a store attendant to not know anything about propane valves and will gladly swap out a tank with the old valve for one with a new valve. Or one that will swap out an expired tank for a current test date tank. Thankfully my LWS does not check tank dates and gladly fills any that look like they would pass re-certification.

[@donniecarrascosr.9912]

Well, Mr. Dr. Hughes, you mentioned you’d like to get a older tank because it’s been purged and probably has less air in The tank? There is a screwdriver purging valve, where when you fill your Propane tank you can purge off the air so then there is no problem when hooking it to a generator. On the purge valve, the air comes out first before gas comes out so then you know you can remove excess of air and be sure to wear eyeglass protective, covering, and gloves, because of the freezing, cold propane gases that emit/expel.

[@davidhinson5010]

This is why I watch mine being filled! Great video from NC.

[@dmt66]

Those places are getting hard to find!

[@davidhinson5010]

@@dmt66 I have a Southern States near me $13 per tank to be filled. You must live out in the cut. Good luck if so.

[@richardgraham8568]

Watching them under fill a tank. A favourite trick is for instance a 17.0 pound tank, they will set the scale to 37.0 pounds fill it and send you on your way. What they neglect to do is add the approximate 3 pounds (POL Style, 3.5 plus for the QCC1 style) for the hose and fill it to 40.0 pounds, then remove the fill assembly and have a 37.0 pound properly filled bottle.

[@laurarowland7926]

Thankyou for showing that!!!Now the question is to fing out which company is not shorting you!!!

[@abigrunner209]

Both of them were UNDER the minimum of 15.5lbs on the door😡

[@ralphfolden3273]

Thank you. Justifies my hatred for the prefilled tanks even more than I already do. They always get my good tanks and give me junk. When I return the junk they gave me they act indignant.

[@soulsaucegoodwin319]

Ralph. I always new trade in was crap so welcome to the reality. As far as them and the junk tanks, you Sir are correct. I look at them and see the pig lipstick. Why would never give them my new tank for trade, but in the video Doc brought up a good point. It is about the purging as well.

[@skinb088]

Soulsauce Goodwin purging will be taken care of at the time of purchasing a new tank from an independent retailer. Another reason why ppl shouldn’t shop around convenience. Most of the time you can purchase a brand new tank and have it filled for less than these pre filled kiosks

[@mikesuch9021]

First time watching your Channel. Thank you. I will definitely be stopping by your channel again.

[@davids7550]

Some new tanks come pre-purged and usually have a sticker stating so. If you get a tank which is nor purged, some propane dealers can purge it, but that costs extra. Just something to look for if you buy any new cylinders.

[@matthewmiller6068]

Its never cost "extra" when I've had a new tank...they just run thru the procedure. If you're being charged extra to purge it when getting your tank filled find a better supplier.

[@davids7550]

Great information, thank you. Your snorkels are great too. My generators run so much better on LP and NG than gummy gasoline.

[@DangerClose13E]

I also hate that they sell propane by volume (gallons) because the buyer is also paying for what gets bled off from the hose instead of just what makes it into the tank!

[@dpdp006]

Valuable info. Thank you for detailed explanation on weights

[@faffaflunkie]

Since the price for the _full_ *20 lb. refill* is *about the same* as for the short exchange- they figured out that the _convenience_ of *exchanging* your tank is worth the extra gallon that you would have otherwise got. This is simply the business model that works in that industry.

[@marzsit9833]

in my area propane is $0.65 per pound if you refill. an exchange tank is $19, which works out to $1.27 per pound. literally twice the price for the "convenience", if you call it that....

[@DesertPackrat]

The fact that the rack said minimum of 15lbs yet at least one of the tanks had 14.85 indicates fraud, not a business model. A price that ends up being double a normal refill cost? This is not a convenience price; it is a grift. I have known this for years and never, never used exchange tanks.

[@rafaelramos441]

@@DesertPackrat This is the basis of a class action lawsuit in which proven customers are awarded $5.00 compensation for each tank purchased.

[@cheath8705]

The only time I would EVER exchange tanks is when my tank is 12 years and over. If you're lucky, you'll get a fairly or fully new tank during exchange. Had that happened to me. Cheaper than entirely new tank price.

[@asd67lkj]

Funny how these old videos keep popping up on my feed? Well worth it in this case. I had heard, previously, of this scam at the racks. This is why I always have my tanks filled by a camping goods store...Good to see a class action against the perps,,,,,,,

[@stevestoecker2371]

Very Nice and Informative Video. I had never considered this concept that, each tank is a little different. I always figured each tank was built to a certian spec and everything on every tank is the same. Now I know, thanks to you!

[@KaarenAllynFOMO]

So we’re being ripped off when we buy propane?

[@newseed5137]

I just learned about the scam myself, however, if you go to tractor supply they will refill your tanks for about 11 bucks. That’s not the same as an exchange and they refill it to 20 pounds. I went all of last winter heating a camper doing the exchange method and pissed away tons of money doing it unfortunately because I did not know about the scam

[@soulsaucegoodwin319]

I always get refilled. I never go to instant trade cages. However. I never knew of TW and plan to take scales with me from now on.

[@mikerobbins5049]

Thats nice to know. I will certainly go get tanks refillled rather than swapping from now on if I possibly can...

[@9of966]

Thank you, almost threw away the old bathroom scale, now it stays in the garage waiting for me to go buy propane.

[@TheRealDJOsk]

I bought that same Amerigas tank, and it says Net weight 15.0lbs on the side

[@johnkiljan7441]

I can't help but wonder about a few things. My exchange grocery store (serviced by Blue Rino) says it is 15 lbs, and that's what they weigh (plus the tare of course), so there is no real problem there except a shorter run time. But my small refill place will put in between 18 and 20 lbs and they always charge me for 20 lbs. The total cost for a fill comes out to about the same, so I usually go to the refill place. However, the refill place often sends me to the grocery store exchange anyway if my tank is too old and needs to be re-certified. But I wonder about the tare weights. Where did those millions of old tanks go when OPDs became required? Mexico? Who would need that many tanks? Scrapyards? Or, did the valves just get changed to conforming ones? And, if so, did that change the stamped tare weights? And why short the the weights at the exchange places in the first place? Is it a safety reason having to do with how they are transported? Or, is it like buying a "pound" of some brands of bacon and later noticing that it is only 12 ounces? And why are the "one pound" disposable Coleman-type bottles now showing 16.0 ounces of propane instead of the 16.4 ounces they have been for so many years? More bacon or more safety? The bottles are the same size. It's only a 2.5% cut in volume (to 77.5% full?), but it's also 35 cents less propane at my local bulk retail rate and about a quarter-hour less burn time for full-on operation. And considering you are sending nearly a pound of steel to the dump each time you use up one of those, it would seem to be good public policy to always sell them loaded to the maximum safe amount.

[@skinb088]

The best thing to do it buy a brand new tank from an independent retailer and have them fill it. You would most likely spend around 40 bucks for the tank and fill. Then you have 12 years of a good tank as long as you store it properly and actually empty your grease trap under the grill. Tanks are under filled from the kiosk for safety purposes. When a tank is filled with 20 pounds of propane it can not be left in the sun because it will build pressure from the propane expanding and will cause the relic value to release propane. Which is vary dangerous if inside a building or around an open flame. When going to a filling station the tank can only be filled to it’s maximum pressure. Hot days or cold days. High humidity or low humidity plays a factor in how much propane can be put into the tank regardless of what it costs you for a flat rate fee. Always support local businesses but having your tank filled with them. Helps keep the community strong. Plus you will save annually but sometimes not on every fill. On a side note I agree with the bacon side of the post. It is the same as coffee and gallons of ice cream. Not a gallon any more. Due to increases of wages , material to make products and trucking most manufacturers will create a smaller product to keep retail pricing competitive. Just like buying your name brand dog food from Walmart and buying the same name brand dog food from a local pet store. The pet store will have a higher price but you are also getting a larger bag. It is simple marketing and not evil. The consumer needs to educate themselves before purchasing. Plain and simple. Not shame on store or manufacturers but shame on consumer

[@mainelyelectric]

Companies like AmeriGas and blue rhino just changed out the valves when OPD was required it’s the same thread on the valve The only difference is the new valves include a float valve and that is what the OPD is!

[@aoki6332]

yeah we usually just change the valve on them if there damaged just scrapped and there still doing it today since there still some in circulation and yeah the reason why they normally dont fill them at 80% is for legal reason since they usually transport thousand at the same time so if they all start ejecting the extra pressure into the same place it will cause a risk the company i work for usually fill them between 35.5 and 36 but these are Canadian law its probably different in the US

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

@@skinb088 Blue Rhino and such just charge you for what you think is the extra 5 lbs of propane you think you are getting. DOT says you can fill them to 80%, no ifs ands or buts. Also, the pressure is NOT related to how much propane is in the tank as long as there is some liquid and gaseous propane in the tank. The pressure is ONLY related to the temperature.

[@skinb088]

@@CPUDOCTHE1 blue rhino charges you for a convenience. Read the side of the tank it says 15lbs. It would be false advertising if they claimed it was 20lbs and it wasn’t. I have had heard several ppl with 100lb tanks build too much pressure and force the PRESSURE relief valve to blow off.

[@starhopper457]

THE only reason I exchange is when my tank is aged out. Otherwise, I always refill and thanks for providing the hard evidence of these people shorting the tanks.

[@MasterYoshidino]

That last one isn't legal. It held less than 15lbs of fuel. It's short 0.2lbs to meet minimum fuel requirement.

[@mstover2809]

Not illegal per se, but it is false advertising.

[@johnhershey4010]

we fill are tanks to 18-1/2 gallons tops.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

There was a class action lawsuit over this.

[@jessecossette3537]

Why he wearing a stethoscope

[@seanmikhaels]

Makes him look official!

[@gregakinson2800]

You are just not at all very observant are you? LOL!

[@elliottpeabody1287]

Because he is a DOCTOR! Dr. Hews

[@tjordi911]

Tanks that are used in exchange cages are only filled to 70% capacity due to their constant exposure to the elements. It helps prevent them from off-gassing while sitting in the heat during the summer.

[@bisaya2]

that is true. the OPD valve on the 20 lb. propane tanks only allow the tanks to be filled at 80% capacity to allow for expansion during hot days.

[@skinb088]

bisaya2 even filled to 80% capacity (which would be 20lbs) a tank can still build enough pressure from the sun to blow off the relief valve. But underfilling them is definitely safety protocol

[@knurlgnar24]

This is false and a misunderstanding of the basic properties of propane and liquified gasses. There is no change to off-gasses based on fill level. Pressure is exactly the same nearly empty as nearly full.

[@johnhershey4010]

Sorry Jordi. 80% to the fill line.

[@phantasmphantasm5024]

The question is not how much it's filled, but how much is the price?

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Tip's Of The Trade! Thanks For The Info! It All Add's Up Over Time!

[@markorkarenhanes1354]

Just exchanged a bottle today at an Amerigas vending machine. 15.8 pounds of propane.

[@newseed5137]

This video has made me realize I have wasted hundreds of dollars on those stupid exchange places.; From now on getting them build a tractor supply is the way to go

[@ImaFnT-Rex]

Some really hot days we're making sure they get shade

[@richardl6751]

He didn't show it here but the label says " Net weight 15 lbs".

[@angeldelacruz7254]

I know this is an old video, but here in California, the propane is sold by volume/gallons

[@silverstreak232]

Great Info!

[@charlieaviles310]

That's why I go with my guy hank he always makes sure my tank is full he never rips me off.

[@christopheraviles66]

Hank my guy too. I trust him with my propane and propane accessories I tell you what.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

80% you mean?

[@midas617]

😆

[@bbhrdzaz]

I had Amerigas home service. their prices were $1.25 higher per gallon than the competition. I dropped them, no regrets.

[@johnstack5008]

The average person wouldn't know to bring a scale. Is it common for these propane filling stations to rip off the customers?

[@WebDesignSocal]

The Amerigaas website clearly says that they no longer sell 20lb. cans, and now they are all 15lbs. You are buying 15lbs., not 20.

[@gregorybrown8756]

It's the same amount,,,,, it's how much you can get out where the problem is. They use different tanks Inside 1 type of tank. The DT number is the key. Always pick out DT4 so those parts and tank are designed for each other.

[@3beltwesty]

Two things. (1) Some refillers only fill to 15 to 16 Lbs, it is posted at some Box Store places after a lawsuit where they underfilled. ie the wrappers today often say 15Lbs on the wrapper. They started to do this (underfill) when Propane prices peaked as few years ago. ie like the smaller candy bar in the same sized wrapper. Price matters. (2) When you take your own 20Lb cylinder to a refiller, some do not open up the side Bleed screwdriver overflow screw. Then the liquid enters and the bottle OPD shuts it off earlier. It is hard to argue with the refiller when he is the only open place before a hurricane! With my two 40Lb identical cylinders one filled a Store "T" filled just to 8.4 gallons with no screw "unscrewed" and the other at store "U" refilled to 9.3 gallons with the bleedervent screw open. Heck I only wanted propane here for Hurricane Nate and could not find other refillers thus on was underfilled on last Fridays prep day. The swap out 20Lb jugs here are mostly about really 15Lbs of Propane and with your own jug refilled it might be say 17 to 20. But the temperature matters too. ie the propane OPD float shuts of flow and the bleed valve too work on volume, ie not mass.

[@KaarenAllynFOMO]

3beltwesty thank you

[@matchoo4050]

Is he gonna check the tank's heart rate with his stethoscope? Lol

[@JohnThomas-lq5qp]

My first three propane grills came with an empty tank. The last tank was a fancy fairly expensive grill that the wife wanted. Was surprised that it did not come with an empty tank. Try to go to a U hall place middle of a weekday to get my tank refilled. On werkends even though yard man has a portable device that you can pay for on the spot with a credit card there is always several truck returners in the int if you.

[@aramwatters]

You sound like the dad from king of the hill.... That's funny.

[@marksetchfield8311]

Donki Kick frank richardson

[@marksetchfield8311]

Frank Richardson is Hank Hill, Hank Hill is Frank Richardson

[@tonybucca5667]

I tell you hwut

[@donniecarrascosr.9912]

Years ago in northern California city of Redding, I was working for the salvation Army, the captain of the Salvation Army went and picked up a 20 gallon propane tank from blue rhino, when he hooked up the tank, he found out the tank was empty. He brought it back and they told him he was a liar, and they sold him a full tank? The captain of the Salvation Army is a minister and the head of the headquarters. Now that I think of it, he should’ve brought a bathroom scale and weighed the tank before buying it.

[@dbcooper1961]

So on 100 lb tanks with the blow down valve is that valve doing the same thing as purging smaller tanks?

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

With the bleeder valve, they are only releaving some of the pressure because they are filling the tanks faster than the gas and liquid can equalize. The proper purge procedure, if I remember correctly, is to fill the tank to like 15 PSI, let it out and repeat about 5 times. That removes about all but about 1% of the air.

[@iishyxvietxboyii1]

How long does it take to refill?

[@ek6628]

I take a digital luggage scale with me for propane tank swaps and do the math to make sure I get what I am paying for. I only swap out out of date tanks that cannot be refilled at Tractor Supply. Refilling is much cheaper.

[@jethro9341]

$15.50 to exchange makes me want to cry. I just paid $30 each to exchange.

[@WA-eg7ft]

Wow, prices have changed a lot

[@kennethmccann6402]

Mine is at when I purchased a tank with liquid propane from the cage retailer then over the years I take it filling stations up to 4.5 gallons. By the time a tank expired in 12 years then I exchanged tank to cage retailer has with filled liquid gas good for another 12 years (no cost to exchange). It's waste of money to throw expiring and purchase another tanks as well.

[@supporterofeverythingyouli6255]

In 2021 the swap price is the same as the new price was then!

[@theconciergerecommends3981]

I have mine refilled at a Propane filling station for about $8-10 per tank... and they fill it to safe capacity with a higher grade propane!!!

[@burnthecandleatbothendz]

There is no such thing as higher grade propane and # 2 your not getting it for 8-10 a tank prices vary but not by 40%

[@beckywatt5048]

John Dahlgren Yes they do !!!

[@skinb088]

Becky Watt it’s true we fill tanks for 10.99. Three miles down the road they fill for 16. Price varies. Need to shop with independent retailers and stick it to the box stores

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

Honey, there is one grade of propane, PROPANE.

[@moneyindabank]

I need to exchange my tank the valve is messed up. The date on the tank is 2004 so yeah it's about time.

[@stevewhewell6190]

Refill where it is sold by the gallon not by the pound. More honest measure.

[@buckfiden8445]

the valves on them tanks have a float lever in them that will not allow the tank to be filled to over 80% of its capacity according to law.

[@rafaelramos441]

The float cuts off at 20 lbs. not 15 lbs. the actual capacity is 25 lbs. 25 X 80% = 20 lbs. We are getting ripped off.

[@WL-mt4mv]

From what I have read 80% is considered full due to safety reasons.

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

That's 20lbs

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

5:00 Sorry what? We wouldn't want a new cylinder because why? A new one is more likely to have are in it? Not understanding this at all. I'm totally new to propane. Just bought a new Honda 2200 generator and will use the Hutch Mountain kit to convert to propane... and want to avoid issues. I thought I would look for the nicest newest 20lb tank I could find. You're saying _DON'T_ go for a new one... because it has air in it?

[@1999JAMES.]

I wonder how accurate are gasoline and diesel pumps?

[@Cobalt135]

Well, if it is like the state I live in it us up to the state auditor to certify pumps every year. So it comes down to how honest they are.........

[@shamancredible8632]

i refilled a 5 gallon container with what the pump said was 5 gallons, yet my container wasn't at the fill line. I don't trust situations where corruption can go unnoticed.

[@burnthecandleatbothendz]

He is right but sadly wrong .most if not 20lb tanks weigh 16.7 lbs +20 lbs of propane weigh 36.7 lbs but he didn't mention the 3.5 lb hose that connects to the tank when filling. Hmmmmm? it's supposed to be 40lbs when said and done ,watch your scales people

[@skinb088]

That is not true but great way to think outside the box. If the hose is extended out or up close will put different amount of pressure on the scale. A tank should never be filled to a specific weight. When filling you should use the bleeder valve and fill till the propane reaches the dip tube. Only way to fill a tank safely and properly

[@joelluongo7419]

This reminds me of a gas station practicing similar cheating/unlawful tactics.

[@philipraymond6816]

Simply put we are being scammed by these propane exchange companies!!!! So what this means is for every 3-20 lb cylinders that they fill they are able to feel a free 20 lb cylinder because of their scam!!! That pisses me off!!

[@Nightsider-xr5lx]

Is it scam or is it for safety? How many people now a days keep them in there house or apartment? How many people transport them in the passenger compartment of there automobile and not the trunk/bed? If something happened there not accountable because of people doing stupid things with tanks they shouldn't be.

[@skinb088]

Nightsider2811 finally someone to bring up the factor of safety. Propane expands at a rapid rate in the heat of the sun. So sitting in that metal cage all day long is an accident waiting to happen. Also don’t forget the truck that delivers those tanks to the kiosk. What about when that truck is sitting in traffic and the relief valve let’s out propane from being filled to the max. And Joe Schmo in the car next to the truck is smoking a cigarette. Boom

[@dmt66]

@@Nightsider-xr5lx Not sure how one pound less propane in a tank makes it any safer if people store or transport them incorrectly. Just a slightly smaller explosion I guess. Care to elaborate?

[@Nightsider-xr5lx]

@@dmt66 they don't have the pressure relief valve that the larger tanks do. Leaves more room for the expansion inside the tank when they get warm. That's what was explained to me anyway.

[@rafaelramos441]

@@Nightsider-xr5lx Scam all the way.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

Morale of the story, you pay for convenience, I prefer to wait while my 20lb tank gets refilled instead of grabbing one already filled. Looks like you get screwed by 4-5 lbs.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Are you still being charged for the full amount?

[@ty.Tibor123]

Discusting. They should arrested for scamming the people

[@ignusa749]

well we are back to the larger 200 gallon plus bulk tanks and filled by the large delivery trucks.. and they have a gallons meter on them... pay for what you get!! yup the refill stations should be filling by gallons meter... not by tank flat rate!! we need to lobby this asap!! weights and measures should be contacted on this one in your state!! any short fills in my book is fraud!! plain and simple!! but then again they need to pay the certified person filling the tanks... so a flat rate fill charge and actual gallons price charge would work in my book for the grill tanks... or make these with quick couplers and automatic scale for lay person to be able to fill these... have a bar code on the tank for the max gallons and max total weight. back to the tank purge thing... yea they need to be purged or have a vac drawn on them... that would purge the tank pretty good. most tanks have this done from the factory... but do they keep the vac till they are sold and filled is the big question!!

[@skinb088]

You can not fill a tank by gallons. What if a person brings a tank that has a half a gallon left in it. But they want to be sure to not run out at there next bbq. At that case a tank can hold up to 4.7 gallons. But little do they know the tank has .5 gallons left in it. Then the tank would be over filled and be super dangerous during transport or even during storing conditions. The proper way to fill a tank is by pressure or volume. Propane is a liquid and should be bleed out during fill so once the liquid reaches the dip tube it can be shut off. Relieving the factor of over filling and under filling. Also long term eliminating vapor locking and the need for mid life purging.

[@MRALBERT571]

Tanks have a empty weight on them so the person filling the tank knows what is in the tank and is filled from there, the new style float valve keeps them from being overfilled and and that why they where mandated. I worked with this stuff that is how I know.

[@sugarpuddin]

Hank Hill right there

[@superdivemaster]

So, basically they are filled a gallon short !!!

[@nolove175]

Dame I just paid $25 for mine.

[@marzsit9833]

recertification is also a huge scam, all they ever do is spray the valve with soapy water and look for bubbles, then charge you $25 for that procedure. in theory they would do a hydrostatic test which involves removing the valve, filling the tank with test liquid then pressurizing the tank to a very high pressure to see if it leaks or fails, but they never do that in practice. and tanks that are mounted in vehicles like motorhomes never have to be tested or recertified. it's all a bunch of crap.

[@jDoe-cf8ek]

Requalification is the LAW...10 years after date of manufacture (changed from the 12 yrs in 2017...and no...you don't have to hydrostat a tank to requalify...I do this for a living...

[@mainelyelectric]

@@jDoe-cf8ek it’s still 12 years in the US! It’s 10 years in Canada but if you own a tank that was imported from Canada and clearly states 10 years that is stamped into the collar where the date is normally then it is 10 but if your tank is stamped with a 12 then it is still 12 and they have to honor that. I just checked with my local DOT who does the stamping and the regulating!

[@marzsit9833]

@@jDoe-cf8ek like i said, a huge scam.

[@jDoe-cf8ek]

requalification is imprtant! I know there are shysters out there...I did my job well and followed DOT regs without being a dickhead about it.

[@jizzythefroggy1108]

*It's pounds of Liquid, not Gas.*

[@chuckallen4878]

It’s funny so many videos on this, it’s a 20lb cylinder, doesn’t mean you get 20lbs of propane, you look on the label the company puts on there some say 18/15/17, if they say they put 15 lbs in the bottle then you add 15 to the tare weight that is stamped on the tank , soooo the tare weight is 18lbs the company puts 15 lbs of propane in the tank it should weight 33 lbs legally, I run a company that fills for multiple 20lb cylinder companies. Legally U CAN NOT FILL THEM TO THE SPIT VALVE, it’s called consumer safety. Look up the LAWS.

[@Nightsider-xr5lx]

That's the way it was explained to me when I was delivering 125g tanks to a local propane place. He refills to 20lbs but goes over the safety part of it with every customer when does. Refilling tanks comes with a lot of responsibility and accountability.

[@Happyoldfashionfamily]

Wow. 6 years later $35 swap $80 new tank.

[@pissedoffamerican4869]

Sounds like a CORPORATION to me !!!!!!!!

[@zachharper216]

They get air on them? I've had one that's been sitting out for several years.. is it safe to use on my travel trailer? Good video BTW

[@N1ghtF1re]

New tanks should be purged before being filled, it's very unlikely for them to get air into them unless they've been opened up or vented into the atmosphere to zero pressure. Air inside the tank can cause the tank to explode. Purging is easy but time consuming, if you buy a new tank, when you get it filled (instead of exchanged) let them know it's new and it needs to be purged. You can do it yourself too, transfer about 1 psi of propane into the new tank and then vent it, do that 6 times. Never transfer liquid propane into a new bottle, if the source propane is feeding from the bottom it's feeding liquid.

[@skinb088]

Most tanks purchased after 2015 have been vacuum purged which draws excess air out of tank after manufacturing. If a tank is filled properly it will be vented during fill which will purge any excess air out

[@dareionbaker]

The real Hank Hill

[@RobloxGamer12941]

Actually this is really awesome to know. And bet I won't bring a scale with me to get as closest to 20 lbs that I can. This is bull and a ripoff to a lot of people who think they are getting a full canister

[@allenthacker5007]

Got a propane exchange today and it was $19 plus tax. Inflation is real lol

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

My LWS puts a whole 20 lbs of propane in my 20 lb tanks for $16 tax included. Wholesale propane is $.69 cents per gallon today making it about 16 cents per pound. You paid over $1 per pound.

[@benderdonthat5665]

Amerigas

[@LMBee00]

3.5 gallons or lesser!

[@franciscochavez1709]

What watch is he wearing? I could not tell the time on it.

[@alfrednewman292]

Good thing he doesn't refill them because he hasn't a clue. This is not a 5 gallon tank, it is a 20 pound tank and is labeled as so. A 20 pound tank holds 4.7 gallons at max (dangerous) capacity. At an 80 percent fill rate then the tank can only hold 3.76 gallons or 15.9 pounds of propane. Liquid propane boils at -44 F. At -40 F it has a pressure of 3.6 PSIG and at 70 F it has a pressure of 127 PSIG. At 90 F that pressure climbs to 165 and at 110 F it is 220 PSIG. Most grill tanks have a safety relief valve rated at 250 PSIG or Fork lift tanks at 275 PSIG. Overfilling leaves no room for expansion and that pressure rises dramatically very quickly. Propane is man's best friend and an idiot's worst nightmare.

[@benderdonthat5665]

Propane vapors concentrate to a liquid at -44

[@alfrednewman292]

@@benderdonthat5665 No, propane boils at -44 degrees Fahrenheit and will start to release vapor.

[@BradiKal61]

I buy empty cylinders and have them filled at UHaul.

[@oregonpatriot1570]

Moral of the story? Don't buy from these thieves. Have your old tank refilled.

[@brianbeck8093]

For someone that has been in the LP business for 33 years he doesn't much about propane. Apparently with the white jacket and Dr. prefix he's a Dr. at night?!?! Bahahahaha

[@midas617]

😆

[@someperson7]

I think I would have preferred a calibrated scale for this demonstration.

[@gcraig0001]

Much smarter to buy your own tanks and have them filled at a reputable place while you watch. The companies that run this exchange tank business purposely only fill them to 15 lbs. That's been true of every such operation I've seen, in several different states. I'm sure if you were to ask them they would have some logical sounding reason, but there is no legitimate reason to purposely underfill. Unless of course they are filling those tanks in Antarctica and then selling them in Death Valley during the summer.

[@redleo380]

$20 to swap and $50 for a new tank, 02/2022

[@mark1952able]

When you say purge, does that mean Leak?

[@OvertonWindex]

That means empty.

[@andrewcooper6846]

Read the label Says net 15lb 🙄🇺🇸

[@ioodyssey3740]

It is unlawful in most places to fill those tanks beyond 80%. LMAO

[@deborahabercrombie9461]

its all about greed

[@charlietanner6211]

fill you,re own if you know what you are doing

[@NH4x4Jeep]

*****THANK YOU***** 🤯😠🤬🤬🤬 Sometimes we'd go to the cage, other times have them filled. It's twice as galling b/c the cages are almost twice the price! *****THANK YOU***** for revealingly this dirty little secret to me! My income is severely limited and this makes a huge difference to me financially!!

[@mselliot2]

All the layers of paint add weight also

[@jimsutton3841]

TAKE YOUR CYLINDERS AND GET THEM FILLED AT A FILL STATION THAT FILLS THEM !!!!

[@skinb088]

Also buy your new tanks from independent retailers that also fill tanks. Much cheaper. Can get brand new tank and filled for around 40 bucks

[@mainelyelectric]

@@skinb088 But that $40 you spend on a new tank is empty! Then it’s plus the cost of the propane to fill it! I only exchange tanks if the date is past the 12 years. Then I get some propane with a tank that has a good date so that I can refill anywhere!!

[@mailliw75]

This guy doesn't know about 80% rule or to purge new tanks? Yeah some expert

[@DonDegidio]

Dr. Hew, Been a long time since I bought a cylinder of propane. Looks like they were 5 lbs. from being full. Is the $15.50 swap price listed on the rack for the weight of propane or is it the price per cylinder? When I do get ready to purchase a cylinder, look for the oldest in the rack?

[@USCarburetion]

Hello Donald. Yes, the price that we have on the rack in front of our shop is $15.50 for a full cylinder. We do this as a service to our local community because we are in a rural area. Each location reselling these cylinder exchanges can set whatever price they want. Yes, when you do go to purchase a cylinder, we recommend doing so at one of these exchange racks if you plan to use the cylinder to power an engine. The older the better!