Other Small Propane Tank Options
There are plenty of other options for smaller propane tanks. Maybe a 10 lb tank suits your needs better. Or perhaps your storage area is a slightly different dimension. There are many choices for quality propane tanks and adapter hoses.
Here are some of the best small propane tanks on the market:
Flame King 5 lb Propane Tank Another trusted brand which many campers and overlanders use. Very high reviews across the board.
Flame King 11 lb Propane Tank If you need more than 1 gallon of propane, then check out this alternative. Worthington also makes a 10 lb tank, but it is fairly new to the market.
Manchester Tank Equipment 5 lb Propane Tank This 5 lb propane tank has a shorter, wider design which may fit some applications better.
Sports Basement’s Refillable Propane Canisters
Over 40 million disposable propane canisters are purchased, used, and discarded in the US every year. Even when they are recycled it can be dangerous for sanitation workers if there’s any gas left in the containers, which is incredibly common. On the contrary, refillable propane canisters are much more earth-friendly, much safer and much cheaper!
We love the Earth and we love our customers, which is why we sell refillable propane canisters and refill them for free.
Q: How Do I Know My Propane Canister Is Empty
Using a CrunchIt tool or a Green Key, if you have one, you will know the canister is empty when no more fuel can leak out. You can also compare the tare weight of the canister. Some tools allow you to puncture pressurized steel canisters safely and, when held in place, will let remaining fuel escape before removing the tool.
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Its Bad For The Environment To Use Disposable Propane Tanks
But, this is the first time that disposable propane cylinders are less costly than refillable cylinders. Unless you plan to use propane just once in your life and never again, a refillable tank will save you money in the long run.
When you contemplate that a gallon of propane prices around $1.45 to get, even the math makes sense. If a gallon of propane weighs around 4.2 pounds, then a refillable Flame King tank can cost just $0.34 per gallon to refill. Youll save money on a refillable tank by the third or fourth refill since each 1-pound disposable tank costs roughly $4 per gallon.
But, the question remains: why not just refill throwaway tanks if they are less expensive? Its not as simple as that. In the first place, it is illegal to have a service station refilling your disposable tank. The Department of Transportation has authorized only refillable propane tanks to be filled. This is the situation since the little disposable tanks were not designed to withstand the refilling method. Refillable propane tanks have thicker walls and valves, while these tanks are much thinner and do not allow for refilling.
Types Of Propane Tanks
There are different types of propane tanks for different jobs.
Size and weight matter to most campers and tailgaters who want portability in their propane tanks and equipment.
One gallon of propane weighs 4.2 pounds which needs to be considered in addition to the weight of the empty tank.
There are three simple methods to determine if a propane tank is empty.
Here are some of the most common propane gas cylinder sizes and their typical uses with the best propane camping gear available to make camping safe, comfortable and fun.
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How Do You Know That The Gas Growler Saves 100s Of Green Bottles From Going To The Landfill
The math is pretty simple. If you do only 40 hours of heating a year, that takes about 40 green propane bottles. The Gas Growler is certified initially for 12 years. So 12 x 40 = 480. If you are a commercial guide, running a heater in your drift boat, thats a lot of green cans to haul around or throw away. Many guides run their heaters 4 hours a day, 7 days a week during fishing season. Thats 100s of propane bottles per season. They need Gas Growlers, and so do you!
Check The Empty 1 Lb Cylinder For Good Condition
Check the condition of your 1 lb Propane Cylinders to ensure the tanks are not dented or rusty and that the threads are in good condition.
If a bottle is not suitable for refilling, make sure it is empty and get rid of it. Heres how to empty propane tanks.
Only refill bottles that are in good shape.
Here is how to dispose of 1lb propane cylinders.
Thanks to Dave for leaving this suggestion in a comment:
Just a thought here it may be a good idea to be sure the 1lb cylinder is completely empty before the cylinder is placed in the freezer for 15 minutes. This could be done by attaching to a grill, lantern etc and run it until the flame goes completely out.
Thank you Dave for sharing your tip!
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Price Comparison: 1 Lb Tanks Versus 5 Lb Tanks
The cheapest 1 lb propane tank is usually sold for around $4 in the United States. At that price, 5 lbs of propane costs $20 . And this is basically the lowest price possible Ive seen them sold for nearly $8 each in popular camping areas!
Meanwhile, filling up a 5 lb propane tank is usually less than $4. Or about the same cost as a single 1 lb tank.
$4 can get you one 1 lb single-use propane tank or 5 lbs of propane if you have the 5 lb tank. Which sounds better?
You save a minimum of $16 each time you fill up the 5 lb propane tank! And thats if you are buying the 1 lb tanks at the lowest price possible.
Yes, you have to invest in the refillable tank and adapter. But by saving $16 each fill, you will likely breakeven after one or two camping seasons if you camp often. Plus, you still have a valuable propane tank which could be sold if you no longer have a use for it.
Where To Fill 5 Lb Propane Tanks
In most cities and towns where camping or RVs are prevalent, it is not hard to find a propane refill station. Loads of RVers, vandwellers, and overlanders use refillable tanks. You are not breaking new ground here and you should not be discouraged because you think it will be too hard to find places to fill them.
Many gas stations, repair shops, hardware stores, and even U-Haul locations have the ability to fill the propane tank. Look for options along major transportation routes for your best chance.
Most new propane tanks must be purged before they can be filled with propane. Call ahead to make sure they can provide this service when filling your new tank for the first time.
So what if you just simply dont have any refueling stations nearby but you want to stop using the single-use tanks? You can either bring a 20 lb tank camping or buy the Flame King refillable 1 lb propane tank mentioned above, which can be safely refilled at home with a 20 lb tank.
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Propane Canister Safety For Campers
Propane is often the fuel of choice for outdoor adventures, especially for portable camping stoves, lanterns and heaters. One-pound propane cylinders are compact, durable and easy to use when out in the park. However, single-use cylinders are intended for ONE TIME USE ONLY and should NEVER be refilled.
PHMSA/DOT
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Do not refill single-use propane cylinders. Attempting to refill a DOT-39 cylinder is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injuries. The single-use cylinders are designed to be used one time only and can leak propane gas if refilled. Propane is an extremely flammable gas that must be kept away from fire or other ignition sources, as it can cause explosions and dangerous flash fires.
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Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions on the label for safe handling and storage.
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Contact a qualified refiller to determine if a cylinder can be refilled properly.
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Properly discard or recycle non-refillable cylinders when empty. Follow park rules on how to properly dispose of your garbage.
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Check in at the Visitor Center or with the campground hosts to see if your park has propane canister recycling bins available.
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Some parks require you to carry out your garbage and dispose of it offsite, especially if you have gone backcountry camping.
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Contact a household hazardous waste program in your state for more details on the proper disposal of your propane cylinders if you take them home.
Lb Propane Tanks Vs Refillable 1 Lb Propane Tank
There are many different portable propane tank sizes you can use to provide fuel to your camping gear.
For your equipment that requires 1lb cylinders, you need to know the two types that are available.
When you buy a disposable 1 lb propane tank, it comes with the propane in the can and after you use all of it, you throw away the empty cylinder.
The other type of propane canister is a refillable 1 lb propane tank.
When you buy this type of tank, it is empty and you need to fill it with propane before you use it.
It is intended to be refilled as you empty the tank.
Refillable 1 lb propane tanks are quite a bit more expensive than the disposable 1 lb propane tanks which is one reason people choose to use the pre-filled tanks.
I want “5 Secrets To Successful Camping Trips” plus weekly camping tips & recipes.
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Dot 39 Cylinders Are Strictly Non
Although DOT 39 camping propane tanks are strictly nonrefillable, many people are successfully refilling small disposable cylinders. However, these tanks are DOT-regulated and you must follow certain rules and regulations when you fill them. Propane is highly flammable and improper refilling can lead to explosions and flash fires. In addition, it is highly dangerous to transport refilled cylinders.
When using a DOT-39 cylinder, a safety valve must be installed on the cylinders valve seat. This valve prevents the tank from being overfilled by allowing the liquid to expand due to a change in temperature. Additionally, if a pressure relief valve does open, the propane will be discharged and youll be left with a dead cylinder.
When filling a DOT-39 camping propane tank, you must follow certain safety regulations. First, you should never fill a tank that is less than a pound. You should only use DOT-39 camping propane tanks that are DOT-39 compliant. Always ensure that the tank you are using is not overly small too-small a cylinder will result in a leakage.
DOT-39 camping propane tanks are strictly non-refill-able due to the safety precautions required for them. They can be used for cooking, heating, and storing food and water. Propane is a lightweight gas that is easy to use. There are multiple sizes available, and you can choose between smaller and larger versions depending on your needs. This is especially important if youre backpacking.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint This Camping Season With Refillable Propane Tanks
Single-use propane tanks are a popular way for campers to power up their grills and other equipment — but after theyve been used, the tanks are considered hazardous waste. For your next camping trip or outdoor gathering, consider using a refillable tank to reduce your environmental impact.
Every year, Californians purchase four million single-use, one-pound disposable propane tanks, and retailers sell more than forty million nationwide. While the metal in these tanks is recyclable, the tanks cannot be accepted as trash or recycling due to the residual propane within them, which can explode. Propane camping tanks must be disposed at a household hazardous waste facility, such as the Hayward HHW at 2091 West Winton Ave. Drop-offs at the Hayward HHW are by appointment only, which can be scheduled on the StopWaste website, or by calling 1-800-606-6606.
Unlike their single-use counterparts, refillable camping propane tanks can be refilled with propane, can last for about ten years, and are more cost effective than buying disposable tanks before every trip.
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How To Score Free Propane
Heres the really cool part.
Since a lot of places charge by the gallon, sometimes they wont charge you to fill up a 5 lb tank! Yes, you read that right. Ive been to plenty of places where people wont bother charging for less than a gallon of propane. And Ive talked to many others who have had this same experience.
Free energy! How often can you get anything like that? Well, unless youre talking about using camping solar panels .
If cost is your ultimate concern, then going with a 5 lb tank is still a better idea in the long run.
Tools Needed To Refill Disposable Small Camping Bottles / 1 Lb Propane Tank Cylinders
Assuming you already have a disposable small propane camping bottle and a larger propane tank, you really only need one tool, a Propane Refill Adapter, to transfer propane from the larger tank into the small one. Here are the items we use when we refill our cylinders.
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Can You Refill Camping Propane Tanks
Your life would be much more difficult if you didnt have access to propane, which burns cleanly and efficiently. Also, to heat water and grill steaks, this versatile gas may be utilized to power a camper. Refillable propane cylinders represent the future of environmentally friendly propane use. The distinctions between disposable and refilled cylinders are explained here.
Camping Gear That Uses 1 Pound Propane Cylinders
Most people use 1 lb Propane Cylinders to provide energy for cooking food on their best camping grill stove.
We have used these cylinders with camping lights and other types of camping equipment too.
If you dont know which is the best propane lantern for your needs, check out our reviews of the top models.
Here are some other cool camp items you may want to use with your refilled disposable small propane bottles on your next camp trip.
We like using these tanks to power our propane heaters when tent camping in cold weather, see How To Heat A Tent Without Electricity for more tips.
We use our 1 lb propane tank with our camp torch to melt cheese in recipes like this yummy Camp Cast Iron Skillet Breakfast Nachos Recipe.
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Should You Refill 1 Lb Propane Tanks
There are people who refill the 1 lb tanks at home. And they do make products which can aide in doing so.
While I understand the drive to avoid excess trash, refilling most of the 1 lb tanks is outside of their intended usage and dangerous. They are created with a thin sidewall which can degrade over time. Why risk it when you can get a tank which is properly designed for reusing?
The 5 lb propane tanks are meant to be refilled. And since they use the same adapter as the 20 lb propane tanks, you can get them refilled anywhere that the 20 lb tanks can be filled.
If you prefer 1 lb propane tanks, then take a look at the truly refillable 1 lb propane tank from Flame King. However, these tanks are not cheap and you will most likely need multiple ones for any serious camping. Plus, why deal with multiple tanks when you can find one that will give you enough fuel?
Stock Up On Propane Cylinders At Camping World
Propane cylinders are a must-have for any RV trip, as your RV’s propane system can be considered the powerhouse of all your appliances. From heating water for showers and cooking to powering up your stove top or refrigerator, your RV’s amenities are only as good as the propane you brought along with you. Shop premium propane cylinders from Camping World today and enhance the comfort and experience of your next RV trip.
If you are looking for more from Propane and Propane Accessories, please check out our pages on: Propane Accessories, RV Propane Alarms & Detectors, and Propane Hoses & Adapters.
Enjoy free shipping on all orders over $99 or, for Good Sam members, orders over $69! Not a Good Sam member yet?
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Are Propane Tanks Pricy
The expense of propane tanks varies from place to place. Installing a propane tank can cost approximately $800 on average. But a refill will cost between 3$-5$ per gallon.
The size of the tank determines the price of the propane tank. Twenty pounds tank costs around 40$. One hundred gallons tank costs 500$. And 1000 gallons of the tank can cost up to 2500$.
For your better understanding, we include here a list of propane gas service provider companies and their price for the tanks.
- AmeriGas: $50
- Flame King: $30-$45
- Worthington: $50-$60
Therefore, the price of your propane tank depends on what extent you use them. For smaller use like camping, you can easily grab the 20 pounds tank. You can refill it with much lower costs too.
How Weve Helped The Planet Since We Started The Exchange Program :
Plus, we provide free propane refills to all Basementeers . Just bring in the empty refillable propane canister you purchased with us, and we’ll give you a full one, no waiting necessary – at any of our 11 locations. It’s that easy to say no to landfills and say yes to our planet!
The canister fits the same connections as a standard 16oz one, and is certified for 12 years. Free propane refills are for recreational use only.
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