How To Fill a 100 Lb Propane Tank (Where to Fill and Weight)
Filling propane tanks is not easy. When you go to a propane dealer that does refills, it is not always easy to know when the propane tank is full. Most dealers use the overflow valve as the indicator to tell them the tank is full. This method may not work all the time.
There are only two ways to fill most propane tanks. Some only have 1 way and these ways are standard across the industry. That includes the 100-pound tanks. All you have to do is hook up the nozzle to the valve and start putting propane inside the tank.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about so you can fill your 100-pound propane tank correctly. The biggest issue is to make sure the tank does not get overfilled.
Filling 100 Lb Propane Tanks
Can You Fill a 100lb Propane Tank?
Yes, you can fill a 100-pound propane tank and you can even do it yourself if you are skilled enough to do it right. But the best way to have these tanks filled is to take them to the propane dealer and let them do it for you.
That way you will not have any liability if anything goes wrong. All you have to do is make sure the tank is still certified and that you have the correct valve on the tank.
This is a very good question as there are many snowbirds who are opting to go with 100-pound propane tanks these days. They are just getting tired of handling all the 20 and 30-pound tanks so frequently.
But if it is an approved tank, there should be no problem in getting it filled. The best way to fill it is to put the tank on the scale and watch the weight. Or if the state you are in goes by gallons, then you need to put just over 23 gallons into the tank.
You always want to make sure you are at 80% of capacity no matter the size of the propane tank.
How To Fill a 100 lb Propane Tank
There are a few steps involved even though this is a simple process. The first step would be to make sure the tank is still not past its certified date and it has an overfill protection device on it.
Step two will be to check the tare weight. This is stamped on the collar of the propane tank. The tare weight is the weight of the cylinder when it is empty. Then step three has you putting the tank on a scale.
You need to check the weight first to make sure the tank is empty. If the scale reads 22 pounds, then you know you have 2 pounds of propane left in the tank.
Step four is to take the empty tank to the propane dealer and let them fill the tank for you. Usually, these attendants are trained to connect the tanks and watch for anything that could go wrong.
If you are going to fill your smaller tank out of a personal larger one, there are different regulations governing that procedure. You should check with your city or state office that handles monitoring propane and its use.
Generally, you will need a connector hose and the correct valves on both the larger and smaller tanks. It is a bit risky to do it yourself.
Does Costco Fill 100 lb Propane Tanks?
It seems that Costco does fill 100-pound propane tanks. But you may find that only those Costcos with a tire service center have the ability to refill propane tanks.
They are advertised as being able to fill propane tanks ranging from 20 pounds up to 100 pounds. This seems to be a new policy that came into effect last year.
Of course, you have to have a Costco membership to be able to use this service. The procedure is for you to go to the refill center, ring the buzzer, and the attendant will come and take your tank.
However, they will give you a receipt for the tank that you can pay while you are doing your in-store shopping. After you pay, go back to the refill area and get your tank.
If you do not have a propane tank and need one, Costco has filled new tanks for sale. The last word we saw was that Costco does not participate in the exchange program
But like the refill station, you can check that information out when you contact your nearest Costco. Remember, if it doesn’t have a tire center, it probably won’t refill your empty tanks.
Where To Fill a 100 lb Propane Tank Near Me
We will give you a short list of companies that will refill your tank for you but it will be up to you to see if these companies are near you. Or if they still refill propane tanks.
Because of the volatility of propane some companies change their policies and stop selling refill propane. It is always best to call first to make sure they still do this work.
1. U-Haul- it is said that this is an excellent company to get your propane tank refilled
2. Amerigas- it is said that this company has over 48,000 locations that refill your tank. One will be near you.
3. Blue Rhino- is supposed to have an online process for ordering and payment.
4. Ferrell Gas- unfortunately, this company is for larger orders only. Your tank must be a minimum of 120 pounds to be filled at this outfit.
5. MFA Oil- their refilling is done by professionals who know everything about propane. Check to see how close they are to you.
There will be smaller local companies that offer this service as well. Those will pop up in a local search. Or talk to other RV owners as they would know of the good places near your camping spot.
Weight Of Filled 100 lb Propane Tank
There are two weight measurements you need to be aware of when using a 100-pound propane tank. The first weight measurement is when it is empty. These tanks weigh about 67 pounds with no propane inside.
The second weight measurement is when it is full. The overall weight of the tank will go up by 100 pounds approx. So you are looking at moving 167 to 170 pounds approx. When it is full.
We recommend that you get someone to help you transport the tank as 170 pounds is a lot of weight to place on your body when you may not be in shape. Just like other propane tanks, you have to watch the expiry date on the 100-pound options.
These tanks will probably have the same lifespan as the smaller tanks which means you only have about 10 to 12 years before you have to buy a new one. Buying new is as easy or easier as getting a refill.
How Many Gallons Of Propane Does It Take To Fill a 100 lb Tank?
One pound of propane equals 0.236 gallons when measured at 60 degrees F. So multiply those figures by 100 and you end up with 23.6 gallons of propane inside a 100-pound propane tank.
You can use that gallon figure no matter what size of propane tank you own. It is just simple math to get the total amount of gallons. For example, a 40-pound propane tank holds just over 9 gallons of propane.
A 20-pound propane tank holds 4.7 gallons approx. Once you have the figure for the gallons, it is not hard to figure out how much you will be paying in those states that use gallons and not pounds when filling your tank.
How Much Does It Cost To Refill a 100 lb Propane Tank?
To be honest, it will depend on the current propane cost per pound or gallon and where you buy your propane. Propane’s prices fluctuate as the gas prices do so it can change at any time.
To fill a 100-pound propane tank, it may cost you $37 or $100 approx. Depending on the current propane prices. It does not do any good to quote the price per gallon or per pound right now as those prices could change next week, tomorrow, or next month.
The demand for propane will also influence the price. If you are looking at getting a tank refilled in the middle of the snowbird season, then expect to pay even more money. The best time to fill your tanks, if you can, is prior to the high season when all the RV owners and snowbirds are on the road.
If you haven’t heard of the term snowbirds, those are the retired people who flee the cold provinces or states and move to the warmer states for the winter season.
The snowbirds are the reason why you are paying higher camping fees in Florida, California, etc., during those cooler winter months. It is also why you can’t get a reservation at some of the more popular resorts in those states.
Why Can't You Transport a 100 lb Propane Tank On Its Side?
One of the more logical reasons why you cannot transport a propane tank on its side is that it may leak. Even if you have checked and the valve is closed, it is best to secure it in an upright position.
The reason for doing that is because bumps and any jarring that takes place while on the road can loosen the valve. When you use your pick up truck to get the propane, make sure to secure the tank so that it will not tip over.
Plus, you are not to use your car, SUV, or other vehicles that have enclosed areas with lower roofs. The heat build-up inside these vehicles can cause the tank to explode.
Then when you put the tank in the bed of your truck or in a trailer, keep it out of direct sunlight. The sun can warm up the tank and create a very dangerous situation for you.
Those are the common sense reasons why you do not transport propane in a 100-pound tank on its side or in a sedan or SUV. The other reason is that some states, like California, have laws governing how the tank is to sit in a vehicle.
If the state laws are not enough, then the DOT has its own rules for transporting propane tanks. It is best to check the laws in the state you are in and also the DOT regulations to make sure you stay within the law.
Tips For Transporting a 100-Pound Propane Tank
1. Make sure to have strong straps or bungee cords to hold the tank in place. Ratchet straps may be the best option here
2. When on the road, try to avoid sudden stops and turns. Also watch out for bumps, holes, etc. All of these potential hazards can cause the tank to shift and create an unsafe situation.
3. When you arrive at your destination, remove the straps and make sure the valve is still turned off. Keep all flame, spark, or heat sources away from the tank at all times.
4. During transport, cover the tank with a tarp to keep the sun from hitting the tank. But make sure that the tarp does not cut off any ventilation
5. When you have a long drive, stop and check the tank from time to time to make sure it has not shifted, the valve has not opened, and the tank is not getting too hot.
Some Final Words
Using 100-pound propane tanks is not a problem and it is a great convenience. It cuts down the number of times you have to move those smaller tanks. But there are different rules in place governing the use and filling of these tanks.
Make sure you are aware of the rules and get your tanks filled at certified propane dealers.
