Most people have some type of gas grill that operates on normal, everyday 20 lb. prone tanks. When the power goes out the gas grill suddenly becomes very important. Spare tanks are a great thing to have on hand, in quantity. Problem is to buy a new tank, and have it filled – you’re spending upwards of $50.
Here’s a way to stock up on propane tanks and spend a little less:
Used propane tanks can be found at yard sales, Craigslist, and on Facebook Marketplace. Prices as low as $5 each are not uncommon. Grab a few used propane tanks and then tank them to your local Walmart or propane service location and get them exchanged/filled.
It’s important to know that propane tanks have to be recertified every 12 years. This means if you go buy a used tank and it is older than 12 years there is a good chance when you go take it to get filled they’ll reject the tank. If that occurs just take the tank to a grocery store – or Walmart – and exchange it for a newer tank. It is still cheaper than buying a brand new tank and getting it filled.
I’ve brought up exchanging old out-of-date tanks before and been attacked by “Karen’s” who call this being dishonest and stealing. Let me go ahead throw this out there: An old tank received by the propane exchange company will simply be recertified, painted or wrapped, and then used. No big deal.
If you are curious – here’s how to read the manufacture date of the tank:
- Locate the raised collar at the top of the propane tank.
- Find the “MFG DATE.” located along the collar.
- The first two numbers represent the manufacturing month, while the second to numbers is the year.
So there you have. I’ve bought numerous tanks off Facebook Marketplace used and have built a very good supply.
Happy grill’n!!!
Rourke
For those of us that live in a more rural setting, though I suppose you could have it in the city as well if you wanted to, LP Gas replaces Natural gas usually. The big white tanks / bottles seom people have in their yards. You can have as many as you want or can afford.. buried or above ground.. normally above ground. So we have extended but not limitless heating and hot water, as we use a demand water system.. we only heat what we use. You can also install in the above ground version what is called a “WET leg”. LP is a liquid fuel and a wet leg comes off the bottom of the tank, and can be used to recharge smaller tanks. A useful thing possibly.
This year I finally cut over from electric stove to gas LP. So I can cook indoor no matter what. An option might be an LP cook top. Be very careful about indoor LP operations. Needs well ventilated areas and a mistake could cause a fire or an explosion.. not good.
Be safe this holiday .. I’ll be on the road moving one of our mom’s in with us that needs a little help
GG58
I do keep a couple tanks filled but not even sure why anymore. I installed the large solar power system back in 2010 and mostly cook in electric smokers or my stick burner. The electric range cooks the veggies. As for hot water I went to solar thermal in 2012 and have an 85 gallon tank of 170* water at all times courtesy of the sun.
John, thanks in the info on used tanks. My L.P. has guy is about four miles away and I think I will look into bigger tanks for my generator.
Good article and with useful information about used/old tanks at yard sales. I keep five tanks filled and rotate through them, never being with less than four full tanks in reserve. Solar or not – it’s still a good idea to have a backup plan. You can drag a tank just about anywhere. Solar – not so much.
Re: Capt turbo post.
No one should be using an electric range/oven off a solar powered home. That’s asinine. Give the electric range/oven away and get a gas range/oven and convert it the LPG and be done with it. Your thinking should ALWAYS be looking at reducing consumption of your fuels– because one day you’ll need to conserve them or you’ll run out of those precious fuels. When minimizing is possible — always move in that direction ahead of time.
— 40 years off-grid with survival in mind…
PS: the rest of your home power system sounds great.