Propane filling stations require tanks to be filled sitting on the ground

[taylor.coyote]

We are occasionally  experiencing propane refill stations requiring the tanks to be on the ground (not on trailer) to fill. Additionally the staff has not been allowed to help remove / replace the tanks. I have some physical disabilities and lifting 30lb tanks is difficult.  

Is this a regulation that is loosely followed?

Are other people being required  to fill tanks on the ground ?

Is anyone using alumiunum tanks that are much lighter to lift off the trailer?

if using Alu tanks, any recomecdations on brand/tank model ?

 

 

 

[topgun2]

According to AI:

"No, propane tanks are not required to be on the ground to be refilled; in fact, for safety and stability, above-ground tanks must be placed on a solid, level surface, like a concrete slab. While some tanks are buried underground, the key requirement for refilling is accessibility for the delivery truck, not a specific placement on the ground. 

 

Above-ground tanks

• Placement: 

  Must be placed on a stable, level surface like a concrete slab or compacted granite to prevent instability from water runoff. 

   
• Accessibility: 

  The tank needs to be easy to access, with the propane truck able to get within about 80 feet. 

   
• Safety: 

  The area should be well-ventilated and clear of obstructions like trees, shrubbery, or power lines that could cause damage or block access. "

   

  I suspect that what you are running into are local dealer (or even national chain store) standard practices that are designed to lessen the loads that workers have to carry/lift combined with their not wanting to be held liable for damages to RV's and/or other structures due to troubles getting tanks in/out of reasonably confined spaces.  As we all know, propane tanks are not light and getting them in/out of our Ollies is not the easiest task regardless of the tanks being full or empty.  Frankly, I insist on taking these tanks in/out all by myself because I don't want damage done to my Oliver by someone that simply isn't as careful.

   

  There have been a number of discussions here on the Forum over the years about aluminum/fiberglass tanks and I'm certain that at least one owner has them.

  Good luck!

  Bill

[jd1923]

9 hours ago, taylor.coyote said:

Are other people being required  to fill tanks on the ground?

Yes, I buy at our local Ford dealership. A few years ago, they changed their rules where they would not fill LP tanks on RVs or trailers directly.

The answer I got was it was causing accidents in RVs backing out of the small lot and the fact that large rigs were blocking deliveries to their parts department and traffic to their showroom.

So at home I back up our truck on an angle to get as close as possible, stand up on the tailgate so I can lift the tank(s) straight up. Easier to do so for those of us without truck caps. I tie the tanks in the rear of the bed.

Aluminum tanks will not reduce weight significantly, expect they’re some lighter when empty and they’re very expensive.

If you’re not able to lift your tanks, you could replace them with 20# tanks. Or you could add a hoist:

https://a.co/d/8f4i9gl

I’ve got this item on my long list. I also have a very heavy fire ring in the front Oliver basket. Much heavier due to the steel surround I built and for the solid lava rocks. It would be great to hoist this item to my tailgate where I could get a good grab on it!

@Ronbrink has a crane hoist mounted to the front of his Oliver to unload his van (see his Van post in Towing). I’m not sure if his is positioned to also lift the LP tanks. I would mount mine rear of my open truck bed, close enough to reach the LP tanks and being truck mounted I could use it to load the truck when not towing too.

Edited October 13 by jd1923

[Ronbrink]

15 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

@Ronbrink has a crane hoist mounted to the front of his Oliver to unload his van (see his Van post in Towing). I’m not sure if his is positioned to also lift the LP tanks. I would mount mine rear of my open truck bed, close enough to reach the LP tanks.

Yep!

[Steve and MA]

We travel with a lightweight work platform.  It comes in handy for many things, including easier access to the 30 lb propane tanks. They're not nearly as difficult to remove and replace using the platform as they would be if I were standing on the ground

[Ronbrink]

Taken minutes ago, more heavy lifting assist; fully loaded Dometic CFX 75DZ fridge/freezer hoisted and positioned into the Savana.

 

[Mike and Carol]

7 hours ago, Steve and MA said:

We travel with a lightweight work platform.  It comes in handy for many things, including easier access to the 30 lb propane tanks. They're not nearly as difficult to remove and replace using the platform as they would be if I were standing on the ground

I use the same thing.  It gets me high enough that I can lift the 30 pounder up over the fiberglass.

Edited October 14 by Mike and Carol

[taylor.coyote]

Thanks for all these great solutions. The hoist is amazing but standing on the tailgate per JD1923 or a platform per Steve and Ma should get the Jobe done.  We also travel with very stable platform that folds supper flat (Little Giant Jumbo) to reach gear on top of the truck.  Never considered getting higher  to make it easier to lift over the housing.  

very wel done

 

 

[jd1923]

2 hours ago, taylor.coyote said:

We also travel with very stable platform that folds supper flat (Little Giant Jumbo) to reach gear on top of the truck.

Thank you Taylor, now you helped me!

I really like the design of this Jumbo Step and had not seen it before. I have a platform like Steve’s but this one with steps to climb up and the railing gives you something to hold onto.

Not cheap, Amazon has them for $170. But they had one “Like New” for $123 and I just got it! 😎

Edited October 14 by jd1923

[Steph and Dud B]

At home I use a small platform. In the field I turn off the fridge and lower the nose of the trailer way down to make it easier.

[taylor.coyote]

Thanks for all these great solutions. The hoist is amazing but standing on the tailgate per JD1923 or a platform per Steve and Ma should get the Jobe done.  We also travel with very stable platform that folds supper flat (Little Giant Jumbo) to reach gear on top of the truck.  Never considered getting higher  to make it easier to lift over the housing.  

very wel done

 

 

[taylor.coyote]

JD 1923, I purchased this direct from Little Giant factory direct sale for about $130 at the time. the other Little giant item that I love is the plank to walk between two ladders. they make a few sizes. I can  walk the whole length of my f250 and about halfway the length of the trailer while easily accessing the roof. great for waxing your rigs. these are spendy but I purchased mine direct during a sale for around $150..  I'm on their promo list and get sale offers..

[jd1923]

8 hours ago, taylor.coyote said:

JD 1923, I purchased this direct from Little Giant factory direct sale for about $130 at the time. the other Little giant item that I love is the plank to walk between two ladders.

For a working platform, I went with MetalTech last year when @Ronbrink showed it in his Atmos A/C install. At the time, The Home Depot had them on a Special Buy for only $160 ($298 today). Little Giant came up at the time but to buy the minimum of 2 ladders and one plank it added up to a lot more. With two sets, it will make installing a new A/C (this task coming soon!), replacing solar panels, washing/waxing the top... a simple matter. But thanks again, I know we're going to love the Jumbo Step!

I bought MetalTech two sets, the attached tool shelf and outriggers for greater stability. I like how this scaffold can stay setup in my garage and rolled out quickly to the Oliver when needed. No carrying and building of the scaffold each time, but you need the floor space to do so (see pics)!

I'm forgetting who today, but another Oliver forum brought this product to my our attention earlier this year. Chris uses it often too since on the passenger side of the bed we have a tools box full of Lodge Cast Iron and other outdoor cooking tools. Perhaps less useful for most of you who have truck caps. I also use it working in the engine compartment:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Q8TWI?ref=fed_asin_title

[taylor.coyote]

JD 1923, I purchased this direct from Little Giant factory direct sale for about $130 at the time. the other Little giant item that I love is the plank to walk between two ladders. they make a few sizes. I can  walk the whole length of my f250 and about halfway the length of the trailer while easily accessing the roof. great for waxing your rigs. these are spendy but I purchased mine direct during a sale for around $150..  I'm on their promo list and get sale offers..

[taylor.coyote]

You don't mess around. That's a nice piece of hardware. Very Well done!!   We are already ladder rich and only needed the platform to create scaffolding . 

[bugeyedriver]

Another option is to lower the front of the trailer, which makes it easier to leverage the tank out of the nose cone without resorting to a platform.   The Wonder Egg was born with 30 pound tanks, even though lowering the font helped some, it was still a hassle.  For the last 12 years, I've used 20 pounders and don't believe I'll go back.  I have reliable pressure gauges and bluetooth monitoring systems to keep me informed on their status.