Anyone own their own propane tank?

rcaretti · Oct 23, 2008

I own my 500 gal buried tank. When we had the house built, the builder had a local supplier provide a tank, but they upcharge ~20 or 25 cents a gallon for those tanks that are provided and under contract. I ended up buying out my contract for $1250 - highway robbery I know, but I'll more than make it up with cheaper propane over time. I probaby use somewhere between 1200 and 1400 gallons a year.

You guys are getting a great deal on propane - I paid 2.89 a gallon and was thinking I'd be paying more. I watch the residential prices for my area at Heating Oil and Propane Update Someone here supplied this link some time ago.

smfcpacfp · Oct 24, 2008

scott_vt said:
Good Evenin smfcpacfp,
I own my own 330 gal. As others have allready said its worth it in the long run, and the good part is you can go shopping for the lowest propane rates in your area !

That is my thinking as well, but I can't seem to find anyone who sells them.

schmism · Oct 24, 2008

smfcpacfp said:
That is my thinking as well, but I can't seem to find anyone who sells them.

just about any propane dealer will sell you a new tank. some MIGHT sell a used tank.

on avg i find one a month on craigslist usually 500gal tanks for $300-$500

joes_427_vette · Oct 24, 2008

I own a 500 gal tank. Most recent price is $1.84 per gal. I can make it on one tank a year. Usually run low in March. When it is cold they put in 86% vs 80 % in the warmer months. Tank rentals run $50. a year at most places but they reserve the right to fill it at their convience. ( truck in the area and usually at peak price )

Bye the way... nice vette. I have 4 old ones ( that followed me home ) but the new prices are not in my immediate future. I didn't even get one out of the garage this summer. I'm spoiled by the new cars with A/C and soft suspensions.

deere755 · Oct 24, 2008

I contracted propane for 2.299 a gallon. I have heard that it has went down some but we are locked in to the contract. I am not sure if this is true or not. I am supposed to rent my tank but I never have recieved a bill in 7 years I have lived here. If I do I will be buying one.

Skyco · Oct 25, 2008

Ran into a weird deal in Estes Park Colorado about 5 years ago- was out there on a camping trip to the Rockies and ran out of propane in my little 20lb tank for the truck camper. This was in February so heat was critical

Went into town and the only propane supplier I found refused to fill my little tank because I couldn't prove I "owned" it

WTH? Never ran into that anywhere else, again remember this is a small tank normally used on gas grills/campers etc..
Talking with the guy their objection was the shrink wrapped label of some gas company back home. Being somewhat of a smart aleck I asked if he'd fill it if I peeled off the label..

He said yes. I did and he filled it. Again- WTH? Anyone ever heard of the likes of that?

scott_vt · Oct 25, 2008

Skyco said:
Anyone ever heard of the likes of that?

Good Afternoon Skyco,
Well not that particular anomily, but I have had propane suppliers refuse to fill my 20 lb bottles because it had the quick disconnect fitting on it !

It seems every few years they come up with another gazatch and associated rule to get rid of the old bottles out there !

schmism · Oct 25, 2008

scott_vt said:
Good Afternoon Skyco,
Well not that particular anomily, but I have had propane suppliers refuse to fill my 20 lb bottles because it had the quick disconnect fitting on it ! It seems every few years they come up with another gazatch and associated rule to get rid of the old bottles out there !

yep, thats when you swap them out at Home depot or lowes.

i pick up old ones with busted valves and stuff for free and take them there and swap out.

still looking for a wet tap setup for my tank so i can fill mine at home

CrazyQ · Oct 30, 2008

I own my 500 gallon tank. Unfortuantely we have a private bridge that my fuel supplier has recently refused to cross over to access the fuel delivery location. I don't really need a tank this big becuase it only runs the water heater, back up heat, and occassionally gas lights when the power goes out. I am considering trade/purchase of a couple 100 lb tanks so that I can take them to get filled myself. I dont know if it is an option or not but has anyone ever seen or considered a mobile 500 gallon tank (off road use only). If it was on a trailer I could haul it down near the bridge where the supplier can access it without crossing. Any ideas?