What, if anything, do I need to know about larger, but still portable, LPG/propane tanks?

[Tim]

I picked up a dual fuel generator a while back and plan to run it exclusively with propane. I used it camping this weekend and killed a 20# grill tank after 2 nights, ~12-15 hours of use. So, I want to put back a couple larger tanks for the house in case of extended power outages. I'm not connecting to the whole house (yet), just running drop cords to the fridge, router and TV.

Is there anything I need to pay attention to when looking at ~100# tanks?

 

[Friday]

The only real drawback is weight. (well of course cost $$ now that the energy enemies occupy the white house)
They get really damn heavy. We have two that we use with portable propane blast heaters and they suck so much gas that any tank smaller than 100lbs. will ice up. It takes 2 young bucks to hump them around.
At the very minimum you will absolutely need a hand truck, along with help getting it on and off the pickup. They're beastly.
Since the generator seems to run off of 20lb tanks and not have issues, I would suggest considering 2 50lb tanks rather than the 100lb. Those you can handle by yourself and transport is much easier also.

 

[JimP42]

The first time I took a 100lb tank to get filled I used my RAV4. Evidently anything or 20 (or maybe 30) isn’t legal for them to fill if carried in an enclosed vehicle. Had to bring it back in the truck.

 

[Friday]

I should add that you can buy your own large tank, the kind that you put in the yard.
I have my own 325lb submarine looking tank, and you can buy a fat 250 that stands upright like a great big 100lb.
Of course, then you need a propane guy to come fill them up.

 

[noway2]

I’m no expert in tanks, but one of the factors I would look into is certification for refill. I believe most smaller tanks come with a 10 year cert., and then after that it’s five years. Don’t know about more larger, permanent ones.

 

[hp468]

I should add that you can buy your own large tank, the kind that you put in the yard.
I have my own 325lb submarine looking tank, and you can buy a fat 250 that stands upright like a great big 100lb.
Of course, then you need a propane guy to come fill them up.

Travel under the cover of darkness when transporting yard tanks.

I’m no expert in tanks, but one of the factors I would look into is certification for refill. I believe most smaller tanks come with a 10 year cert., and then after that it’s five years. Don’t know about more larger, permanent ones.

Yard tanks don’t age out from my understanding. They don’t carry a DOT rating like the small ones do.

 

[J R Green]

I have a large tank for the same purpose. The one thing I found was the larger tank uses a different thread pattern than the generator hose takes.

I ordered an adaptor and problem solved.

 

[GoWolfpack]

I should add that you can buy your own large tank, the kind that you put in the yard.
I have my own 325lb submarine looking tank, and you can buy a fat 250 that stands upright like a great big 100lb.
Of course, then you need a propane guy to come fill them up.

I own a 100 gallon tank that cost me $700. Bigger than that they get astronomically expensive.

Travel under the cover of darkness when transporting yard tanks.


Yard tanks don’t age out from my understanding. They don’t carry a DOT rating like the small ones do.

Darkness won't help much when it comes to filling. It's against DOT regulations to transport full tanks bigger than 100 lbs without permitting and placards and all that stuff that @1075tech knows all about; you won't just pull up to a tractor supply and get 250 gallons of propane unless the people working there are really clueless and then, do you want them filling your tanks?

I believe bigger tanks are certified when they're filled and eventually the supplier will take them out when they're not safe anymore.

I have a large tank for the same purpose. The one thing I found was the larger tank uses a different thread pattern than the generator hose takes.

I ordered an adaptor and problem solved.

The large tank only has reverse threads inside the nozzle. The generator was probably made to attach to the larger standard threads on the outside of grill tanks. Those threads exist on grill tanks also.

 

[1075tech]

Is there anything I need to pay attention to when looking at ~100# tanks?

Unless you spend bigger $$ to get ASME "100#" cylinders, DOT cylinders have to be "requalified" within 12 years of date of manufacture. This can be a visual inspection by a DOT qualified entity and will be good for 5 years. Be mindful of dates if you're buying off craigslist or marketplace, etc. It's against code to fill cylinders that are out of date. Ask U-Haul about their $160M settlement. Most 100# cylinders that you can buy at Home Depot, Tractor Supply, etc., are not set-up for truck refill, although they can be retrofitted. Also, they have to be transported in the upright position.

The first time I took a 100lb tank to get filled I used my RAV4. Evidently anything or 20 (or maybe 30) isn’t legal for them to fill if carried in an enclosed vehicle. Had to bring it back in the truck.

DOT regulations - in an enclosed vehicle where the cargo space is open to the passenger compartment - max is 90# of propane with no more than 45# in any one container.

I’m no expert in tanks, but one of the factors I would look into is certification for refill. I believe most smaller tanks come with a 10 year cert., and then after that it’s five years. Don’t know about more larger, permanent ones.

12 years from date of manufacture on any DOT cylinder. Largest of these (in common use) is a 420. Essentially a 100 gallon cylinder. Full weight is close to 700#. Visual re-inspection on any DOT cylinder is good for 5 years. You have to apply for and receive a RIN from PHMSA (DOT). Most larger companies just send them out to be hydrotested and re-valved, giving them another 12 years.

The large tank only has reverse threads inside the nozzle. The generator was probably made to attach to the larger standard threads on the outside of grill tanks. Those threads exist on grill tanks also.

40# and smaller cylinders have both the POL threads (internal, left-handed thread) and the QCC Type 1 (typical grill connection) threads. 60# and larger generally only have the POL. You can get adapters for these.

@Tim , what connection do you have on your generator? Is there a regulator on the hose?

 

[hp468]

Darkness won't help much when it comes to filling. It's against DOT regulations to transport full tanks bigger than 100 lbs without permitting and placards and all that stuff that @1075tech knows all about; you won't just pull up to a tractor supply and get 250 gallons of propane unless the people working there are really clueless and then, do you want them filling your tanks?

I believe bigger tanks are certified when they're filled and eventually the supplier will take them out when they're not safe anymore.

You mean to tell me that Tractor Supply will not fill my 500 gallon yard tank?!

Being as my humor didn't convey well, I'll add the following disclaimer:

If someone should happen across a cheap yard tank, contact a propane company or other licensed/permitted entity to transport it for you. Shits dangerous.

If you want to buy a yard tank, call around prior to purchasing and see who in your area will fill owner tanks. Some companies wont do it.

 

[1075tech]

You mean to tell me that Tractor Supply will not fill my 500 gallon yard tank?!

Being as my humor didn't convey well, I'll add the following disclaimer:

If someone should happen across a cheap yard tank, contact a propane company or other licensed/permitted entity to transport it for you. Shits dangerous.

If you want to buy a yard tank, call around prior to purchasing and see who in your area will fill owner tanks. Some companies wont do it.

I'm always amused by some of the things I see for sale. If you're buying a tank that has a company name on it, ask the seller for their proof of ownership. Can't tell you how many times I've seen Suburban tanks for sale. Suburban won't sell a tank.

 

[BlackGun]

@Tim. I live 2 minutes from a propane refilling station. Propane had dropped in price in October but the guys who come out to homes are still charging the prior prices. I suggest for certs, cost, and direct hook up you lean towards more 40# tanks. Not as fun as one bigger tank with less swaps but it gives you more options. Taking tanks to filling stations gives you a wider selection in pricing.

I have natural gas and I installed a hookup for a generator. I will not be retrofitting my generator because making electricity with natural gas and propane cost more than petro.

 

[Cowboy]

@BlackGun is right 4 weeks ago I paid $98.00 to fill 2 40 gal tanks. Sunday I paid $73.00.

 

[hp468]

I'm always amused by some of the things I see for sale. If you're buying a tank that has a company name on it, ask the seller for their proof of ownership. Can't tell you how many times I've seen Suburban tanks for sale. Suburban won't sell a tank.

Not to mention, your likely SOL trying to get the thing filled with a company's markings on it (around here you are anyway).

 

[BlackGun]

Not just for Tim but everyone.
There are places at advertise a lower flat rate for a #20 tank fill. There is no law that protects you against what is actually cost per pound. They can easy put less in the tank and the cost be much higher per pound. We have one locally that does a lot of business and the prices look cheaper but they are actually higher. A filler station owner called the state but they told him there is nothing illegal about it. Price is a fill and doesn’t reflect a volume price.

 

[GoWolfpack]

You mean to tell me that Tractor Supply will not fill my 500 gallon yard tank?!

Being as my humor didn't convey well, I'll add the following disclaimer:

If someone should happen across a cheap yard tank, contact a propane company or other licensed/permitted entity to transport it for you. Shits dangerous.

If you want to buy a yard tank, call around prior to purchasing and see who in your area will fill owner tanks. Some companies wont do it.

I know you were trying for humor, but I would hate for some poor dummy to take you seriously and get themselves in big trouble.

I had some trouble getting a tank filled this summer and it's a little raw still.

 

[hp468]

I know you were trying for humor, but I would hate for some poor dummy to take you seriously and get themselves in big trouble.

Yea I tend to forget most people are stupid, the smart/resourceful folk don't need to be told how to get things done.

Not just for Tim but everyone.
There are places at advertise a lower flat rate for a #20 tank fill. There is no law that protects you against what is actually cost per pound. They can easy put less in the tank and the cost be much higher per pound. We have one locally that does a lot of business and the prices look cheaper but they are actually higher. A filler station owner called the state but they told him there is nothing illegal about it. Price is a fill and doesn’t reflect a volume price.

A local company does half price fills (limited to 2) a couple times a year. I make a point to chat with the fella filling the tanks, ask questions, and keep an eye on the scale. Never been shorted by those folks.

 

[Tim]

@Tim , what connection do you have on your generator? Is there a regulator on the hose?

There is a regulator on the hose. I'll need to get some specs on that I suppose.

I'm leaning towards the 50# tanks for convenience all around. My goal is to have a generator that I can get up and running quickly with zero fuel concerns (old gas, untreated gas, gummy carb....). Then, if the outage is more that a typical couple hours, I can fall back to the gas powered generators I already have.

Thank you all for the info!

 

[noway2]

If you have a larger tank, you might be able to get a discount in pricing if you buy over a certain quantity. The company my parents buy from gives them a discount if they buy 200 or more gallons in one filling.

Edit to add, remember that "full" is actually 80% of nameplate capacity.

 

[1075tech]

There is a regulator on the hose. I'll need to get some specs on that I suppose.

I'm leaning towards the 50# tanks for convenience all around. My goal is to have a generator that I can get up and running quickly with zero fuel concerns (old gas, untreated gas, gummy carb....). Then, if the outage is more that a typical couple hours, I can fall back to the gas powered generators I already have.

Thank you all for the info!

You're welcome.

Manchester Tank 40 lb Steel Type 1 Empty LP Tank - Ace Hardware

The Manchester Tank propane cylinder conforms to DOT and NFPA-58 specifications and is triple tested with dry pneumatic air and steel shot blasted prior to painting. The Manchester Tank propane cylinder has powder coat paint for maximum rust protection. Every Manchester Tank propane cylinder...

www.acehardware.com

Manchester is USA made if that matters to you. You can get Flame King (Asian made) a little cheaper. Keep in mind that a new cylinder will likely come with a vacuum on it. DO NOT OPEN the valve. If you lose the vacuum, you'll have to get it purged.

Small cylinders have gotten so expensive, and last year, hard to get, that the company we use to refurbish/repair our tanks started refurbishing 20# cylinders.

 

[BlackGun]

You're welcome.

Manchester Tank 40 lb Steel Type 1 Empty LP Tank - Ace Hardware

The Manchester Tank propane cylinder conforms to DOT and NFPA-58 specifications and is triple tested with dry pneumatic air and steel shot blasted prior to painting. The Manchester Tank propane cylinder has powder coat paint for maximum rust protection. Every Manchester Tank propane cylinder...

www.acehardware.com

Manchester is USA made if that matters to you. You can get Flame King (Asian made) a little cheaper. Keep in mind that a new cylinder will likely come with a vacuum on it. DO NOT OPEN the valve. If you lose the vacuum, you'll have to get it purged.

Small cylinders have gotten so expensive, and last year, hard to get, that the company we use to refurbish/repair our tanks started refurbishing 20# cylinders.

Last years tank cost was up 50% at most places. In the summer they came back down. Flame King camp stove size were nowhere. I bought all 4 Northern Tool had this summer and a filling adapter for Buddy heater use. Summer is a great time to buy and fill of course.

 

[1075tech]

500 and 1000 gallon tanks now cost us more wholesale than what we were able to sell them for at a good profit just 2 years ago. They've more than doubled in price. I'm not sure I want to know what a new 30k would cost.

 

[1075tech]

You can turn the smaller ones into lamps

 

[GoWolfpack]

500 and 1000 gallon tanks now cost us more wholesale than what we were able to sell them for at a good profit just 2 years ago. They've more than doubled in price. I'm not sure I want to know what a new 30k would cost.

Guess I should have brought a bigger one back in 2020.

 

[LeeMajors]

500 and 1000 gallon tanks now cost us more wholesale than what we were able to sell them for at a good profit just 2 years ago. They've more than doubled in price. I'm not sure I want to know what a new 30k would cost.

Any idea of where to buy decommissioned 500 gallon tanks for smoker projects?

 

[1075tech]

Any idea of where to buy decommissioned 500 gallon tanks for smoker projects?

We have several locations near you. Not sure if they have any junk laying around or not. I can ask around.

Maybe the refurbisher we use. He's usually got stuff that comes in that's no good. But he's up in NEPA.

 

[LeeMajors]

We have several locations near you. Not sure if they have any junk laying around or not. I can ask around.

Maybe the refurbisher we use. He's usually got stuff that comes in that's no good. But he's up in NEPA.

I'll make the trip if I can bring enough bacon to make it worthwhile

 

[Red Marley]

Not just for Tim but everyone.
There are places at advertise a lower flat rate for a #20 tank fill. There is no law that protects you against what is actually cost per pound. They can easy put less in the tank and the cost be much higher per pound. We have one locally that does a lot of business and the prices look cheaper but they are actually higher. A filler station owner called the state but they told him there is nothing illegal about it. Price is a fill and doesn’t reflect a volume price.