Refilling 1 pound propane bottles?

[ShallowGal]

Has anyone done this?

 

 

On a RV Facebook group, someone asked what to do with old 1# propane bottles. Other than using them for target practice,  several folks responded that they refill theirs. Duke & I did not know this was possible, so I googled & found the YouTube video posted above. Would love to hear your thoughts. We're still leery.

 

Facebook group is called rvtipsandhelpfulhints

[Overland]

I’ve never done it myself, though I might try.  I like this guy’s setup better, seems much easier and safer - https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-completely-refill-a-1lb-disposable-propan/

[topgun2]

Been there done that.  The cost of the adapter, available at Walmart, is about $17.  The process is fairly simple, but, unless you release the air that replaces the propane as it gets used you can only get a tank about 1/2 full.  Unless, you also blead off that air by pulling on the little safety valve on the one pound tank.  Here is where I ran into problems.  On about every third or forth tank the safety valve would not reseat.  This caused ALL of the propane that I had just put into it to leak back out that little valve.  Perhaps this should not be too much of a surprise in that those valves are not manufactured  to be operated in such a manner.

 

Given that a half full tank is not of much use to me, I basically gave up on the refilling.  However, I do still carry the adapter with me on trips so that in the event I run out of full little bottles I can refill one or two (1/2 full that is) until I can get to a store that doesn't charge $6 or $7 apiece for them.

 

Bill

 

p.s.  some camping areas do recycle these little bottles - I've done this several times in Yellowstone.

 

p.s.s. if you decide that you want to try refilling these one pound bottles - by all means be very careful!

[SeaDawg]

We did that years ago. I remember  putting on bottle in the garage fridge... maybe the 20 pounder? Not sure.

 

We don't bother anymore. Don't use one pounders...

 

Sherry

[STEVEnBETTY]

I do refill mine, although it's not recommended, like bill says, the bottle has to be completely empty and I'll only refill mine 2 or 3 times before disposal.

 

Steve