What to do with a rusty leaking partially filled propane tank

[NY_Dutch]

They changed to 15lbs at least a year ago if not longer.
As far as the 17lbs. that's more than the 80% mark. Maybe they were rounding up.

For a 20 lb LP cylinder, 20 lbs is the 80% fill. The water capacity of 20 lb LP cylinder is about 5.76 gallons. 80% of that is about 4.6 gallons, or about 20 lbs. Numbers vary slightly with temperature.

 

[John From Detroit]

Guess it's time to pull out the scale and see if I'm getting ripped off! Maybe it's regional or vendor-based... think I remember hearing something like that also...

I seem to recall reading a sign at one of the exchange places that actually told the same thing as I was reading on the net but.. Well I moved into this apartment in 2020 as I recall. and have not used propane since.

 

[Domo]

That's true, but a full 20# bottle holds 4.11 gallons at 80%. 16.44lbs.
Rhino only fills to a 15lbs.

Correct - that's why I mentioned the thread has prompted me to pull out the bathroom scale to see what we're actually paying for the convenience of easy exchange vs. refill.

As and aside, I saw a video of someone measuring the output from a fuel pump. Supposed to be 1,000 ml and was shy by a bunch... despite calibration stickers.

 

[Domo]

From the Blue Rhino website FAQ:

"Inflationary pressures, including the volatile costs of steel, diesel fuel, and propane, have had a significant impact on the cylinder exchange industry. In 2008, to help control these rising costs, Blue Rhino followed the example of other consumer products companies with a product content change. We reduced the amount of propane in our tanks from 17 pounds to 15 pounds.

To ensure our consumers are properly notified, Blue Rhino clearly marks the amount of propane contained in our tanks, right on the package. Blue Rhino also notes the amount of propane contained in our tanks on our display signs."

Shrinkflation!

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

As Blue Rhino stated in 2008, they reduced their tank fills from 17# to 15#. If I recall correctly, they never lowered the price for less propane, and at that time, they did not notify the public that they were now only getting maybe at best, 15# of propane.

Once I have a decent tank from my favorite exchange place, I will then take them to either U-Haul or Tractor Supply and get them re-filled for about half the price the exchange places want, including Walmart.

 

[gwinger]

As Blue Rhino stated in 2008, they reduced their tank fills from 17# to 15#. If I recall correctly, they never lowered the price for less propane, and at that time, they did not notify the public that they were now only getting maybe at best, 15# of propane.

Once I have a decent tank from my favorite exchange place, I will then take them to either U-Haul or Tractor Supply and get them re-filled for about half the price the exchange places want, including Walmart.

If you do that, check the date code on the tank. Some of their tanks are close to expiration. That may be OK if you are going to keep exchanging them, but a propane supplier and campground will not fill an expired tank
Personally, I would just buy a 'new' tank.
I have had problems with some Rhino tanks. Old beat up tanks and valves that are hard to open and close.

 

[Lou Schneider]

As Blue Rhino stated in 2008, they reduced their tank fills from 17# to 15#. If I recall correctly, they never lowered the price for less propane, and at that time, they did not notify the public that they were now only getting maybe at best, 15# of propane.

Technically they did provide notice of the change via labels placed on the tanks and on the side of their kiosks stating the amount of propane in each tank.

 

[Qwe]

The bigger volume tanks, permanently mounted to an RV's frame, can be just as susceptible. I experiencd this with a used 2016 Class C. Dealer purchased, I noticed a percistant propane smell next to it. The tank valve was definitely turned off. It was parked on the street and not noticeable unless you were on the sidewalk. After a week maybe I crawled underneath looking for a loose hose fiting etc. Nothing. So I soapy water checked the tank itself and sure enough there was a pinhole leak in a weld seam.
Short story later the dealer freaked out and immediately parked it in the "back 40". I believe they were worried I was gonna report this to the authorities as there's laws protecting the customer from such oversights. They promised to replace the tank and the entire propane distribution system at no charge, so I left it at that.
I had the option of parking the unit in an enclosed shop after delivery too. It had an older furnace in the corner, the ones with a steady pilot flame. I wonder to this day how that would have turned out.

 

[mevman]

Last fall I came across a forgotten rusty old propane tank that has sat out behind my garage for years.
I emptied it using my barbecue grill which burned for hours before the tank finally emptied, and was safely disposed of.
Thinking back on that I wondered what should I do if I had an old propane tank that was rusted to the point where it started leaking thru a rusted pinhole?

All responses, serious, sarcastic or with humor would be accepted, respected and appreciated.
Safe travels and all the best.

Exchange at your local cage exchange. The price for exchange cylinders is built in regardless of condition.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Hey ME, welcome to the Forum. Nice, you got right in the conversation too!