Blue Rhino Tanks Light?

[Jim Stoltz]

The frame-mounted tank on my rig is empty so I've been heating it when I need to with 20-lb cylinders. I have Blue Rhino tanks and have been swapping them out at the local Lowe's. 

Today, however, it was more convenient to have the local gas station refill one of the Blue Rhino tanks. When that guy handed it to me after filling it, it was very noticeably heavier than anything I've picked up at Lowe's on an exchange. 

Just an observation at this point, but I'm going to see how long this refill last versus the Blue Rhino exchange.

[david craft]

The only time to exchange is when you got a bad valve, or an out of date tank. Refilling should always be cheaper....

[Rich Thomas]

Ditto on Davids info, I feel like I've had a few low tanks on exchange as well so I have mine filled local.

[Lakota Wolf]

Its always cheaper to REFILL then to swap. BTW. a service station that does the blue rhino tank swap says the tanks are only filled half to two thirds. (profit maker for the stores). I have a 80 lb (36 inch tall tank), which by the way does NOT hold 80 lbs. Its more like 2 full blue rhino bbq tanks full. I just refilled at seed and feed store, and was $11.47. I had to ask the guy twice if he was sure that was correct. (In California it was costing me around $30  plus, each fill). I drove away with a smile so big, my ears was hurting.. LOL.

I'm fortunate to only have to fill my tank about every 4 to 6 months.

[Brian Lindsey]

All propane tanks are supposed to have their empty weight stamped on them.  If in doubt put it on the bathroom scale and see what you really have.  I usually weigh my tank I'm running off of before a trip, even though I try to run off of one and always have a full second tank.  My grill runs off the trailer tanks and it always seems to run out right in the middle of cooking supper.  Of course my concern for supper is the reason propane tanks are the only thing I weigh on that scale!

[Richard W. Cobbs]

A "20 pound" propane tank generally weighs 17 pounds empty (has empty weight stamped on collar).  It is designed to hold 20 pounds of propane with room for expansion to account for temperature changes.  A full tank containing 4.7 gallons of propane should weigh 37 pounds.  This is usually what you will get from an honest re-filler.  With the Blue Rhino tank, you pay for convenience.  From the Blue Rhino web site:

How much propane does Blue Rhino put in its tanks?

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.

[Jim Stoltz]

Wow. I never knew that. I'm refiling them from now on. Like I said, the weight difference between the refilled tank and the Blue Rhino exchange was very noticeable - more than 2 lbs. The gas station fill was the same cost. I'm never buying that Blue Rhino crap again.

[Lakota Wolf]

I love this site, I lernt sumpin new every day.... Thanks for the info on the weight of empty tanks and approx fill weight.