Wondering if there are hints/suggestions for finding places to refill the propane when traveling?
TIA,
Kit
In the Midwest, look for Ace Hardware stores. That's where I found it on my trip to Maryland from Idaho and back. I Googled to find the nearest Ace Hardware and then I'd call to make sure they had propane.
I use U Haul here in my So Cal neighborhood. U-Haul rentals: Find moving & self-storage locations (https://www.uhaul.com/Locations/US_and_Canada/)
I’m not certain that every U Haul has propane but the three around my town do. You may want to call the one near you to verify that they can accommodate your needs.
Kent
I try to use Pilot/Flying J locations on the highway.
Rich
‘03 MB in NC
I use Google with the search term "RV Propane near me". I then use Google maps satellite view to see if the location is easy for me to get into and out of (with or without my toad). I also check the reviews if the location.
My last propane fill was at Tractor Supply (not all of their locations have propane).
I have also used Google to find dump stations.
This site may help:
Propane Fuel Stations - Locations, Maps and More (https://find.mapmuse.com/interest/propane)
The Allstays app lists propane fill locations, and major propane suppliers, e.g., Amerigas, Suburban, Ferrellgas, Delta Energy, etc., have dealer/supplier locations on their websites.
As others have said, doing a web search for fill locations where you happen to be usually works, as does asking a local for suggestions.
YMMV; I use propane dealers/suppliers for fills, not gas stations, U-Hauls, or other sources. Over the years, I've had three potentially dangerous experiences at non-dealer/supplier sources with untrained, inexperienced LPG fillers who had no idea what they were were doing and obviously were clueless about the volatility of LPG, including one guy who approached the fill tanks with a cigarette in his mouth. I don't say that getting a propane fill at a dealer/supplier is a guarantee that it will be done safely and correctly, only that I believe that one's chances of not getting blown apart are better at a supplier.
As I said, YMMV.
BTW, to locate dump stations, Allstays or Sanidumps: RV Dumps, Sani Station, Dump Points comprehensive directory (http://www.sanidumps.com) work well; Sanidumps' website is awkward, steppy to use, and poorly designed, but it is updated from user input. (Not so their app; use the website.)
Local Equipment Rental stores and RV parks.
Local Equipment Rental stores seem to be able to deal with tank connection issues.
Chain stores seem to have exact procedures, and employees only seem to know DOT rules and not ASME rules.
The Costco in Henderson, NV has propane and they fill motorhomes as well as bottles. It's the only thing the guy does, so I assume he's well-versed in dispensing propane. It's the only Costco I've seen with a propane fill station, but there may be others.
The Costco in Henderson, NV has propane and they fill motorhomes as well as bottles. It's the only thing the guy does, so I assume he's well-versed in dispensing propane. It's the only Costco I've seen with a propane fill station, but there may be others.
There are two Costco stores in Bakersfield. I know at least one of them has propane. Not sure about the other one.
What works for me:
(Taking iPhone out of pocket to wake it)
Me: "Hey Siri, where's the nearest propane dealer?"
Siri: "The closest one is <address>. It's open today from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Do you want that one?"
Me: "Yes, please."
Siri: "OK, getting directions to <address>."
Me: "Thank you."
Note: I always say "please" and "thank you" to my AI assistant. I know it doesn't understand me now, but someday it will, so I figure I might as well get into the habit. (Or maybe I just read too much science fiction. ;-)
Seriously: your smartphone can do more than you probably realize. So ask Siri, or Google, or Alexa. You may be surprised at how useful these virtual assistants have become.
Many campgrounds also sell propane on-site. That is where we have bought most of our supplies, doesn't require a separate stop.
Bob
What works for me:
(Taking iPhone out of pocket to wake it)
Me: "Hey Siri, where's the nearest propane dealer?"
Siri: "The closest one is <address>. It's open today from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Do you want that one?"
Me: "Yes, please."
Siri: "OK, getting directions to <address>."
Me: "Thank you."
Note: I always say "please" and "thank you" to my AI assistant. I know it doesn't understand now, but someday it will, so I figure I might as well get into the habit. (Or maybe I just read too much science fiction. ;-)
Seriously: your smartphone can do more than you probably realize. So ask Siri, or Google, or Alexa. You may be surprised at how useful these virtual assistants have become.
Great suggestion, Andy! I just learned (from my better half) that I can ask Siri to turn my phone flashlight on and off. Who knew?
One evening while camping with friends, we had a ball asking questions of Siri. I asked "What is the composition of a booger."
Siri's answers kept us laughing.
OK.
Off topic once again.
Merry Christmas to everyone on the Forum.
Harold
Haven't had to fill the propane up since we bought ours this past summer. I have a U-Haul right down the street so I'll have to see if this provide this service. How much does it typically cost on average? I hope they have someone competent that can fill it that works there (some sketchy peeps in my neck of the woods)
"How much does it typically cost on average?"
----
There is no 'typical cost'; LPG costs, like gas and diesel, vary widely, and are seldom steady or consistent. Call local suppliers to get the prices.
Or, try: Find cheapest heating fuel oil and propane prices in your area | fuelwonk (https://fuelwonk.com/) Some suppliers' prices are listed, others require calling.
We lean towards Costco. Better prices typically, very skilled people (they do this all day long, often there is a line of a couple people).
I never gave it much thought. Until this current trip. Around central California it seems that every 4th gas station sells propane. They may be legacy systems from before the Blue Rhino market. It got cold heading to Raleigh NC and I used a lot. While at the State Fairgrounds I did a google search and found few with none too near. Ferlingas and Suburban were listed and a google map search found some problematical to get in to. I asked at the local Burkes Hardware by the fairgrounds; they sold it out back - I couldn't have gotten in with the tow. I looked at the Costco setups in Raleigh NC and Nashville TN and neither had a hose long enough to reach the LD.
Traveling I-85/ I-20/ I-10 to west of Beaumont TX but did not find anything. A couple of RV parks 'used to, but..." Some Love's & Pilot centers had propane tanks to exchange but not all. I finally found a stand-alone refueling company in Del Rio TX. I'll start looking again as soon as it hit 1/2.
Blue Rhino et al seem to have reshaped the environment for propane. You can trade your fairly new empty one for a full one that is 20 years old but 're-certified' with the rust spray painted over. How convenient :-X
Haven't had to fill the propane up since we bought ours this past summer. I have a U-Haul right down the street so I'll have to see if this provide this service. How much does it typically cost on average? I hope they have someone competent that can fill it that works there (some sketchy peeps in my neck of the woods)
It is sold by the gallon, and I think I pay in the $25-35 range each time I fill up.
Rich
'03 MB in NC
Merry Christmas!
Checkout the iOverlander app on the App Store and Google Play.
iOverlander | Find your next destination (http://ioverlander.com)
Great suggestion, Andy! I just learned (from my better half) that I can ask Siri to turn my phone flashlight on and off. Who knew?
(slightly OT) And for the Harry Potter enthusiasts "lumos" and "nox" with the google assistant turns the flashlight on and off
Merry Christmas!
To you and everybody else, too!
If anybody prefers Happy Holidays: Happy Holidays!
Checkout the iOverlander app on the App Store and Google Play.
That's an interesting website and application with some user comments from just days ago for places that are not on FreeCampsites.net or Campendium.com - which means that it is alive and kicking. It's a great addition to other similar websites and services!
For propane locations - Home | Propane.com (https://propane.com)
A caveat on propane location listings: quite a few supply sources listed on locator websites may provide only 'bottle exchanges' and not be able to fill the ASME tanks on an RV. Calling a listing to verify that the place is equipped to fill RV tanks will save a good deal of hassle.
Joan's caveat is a good one. Propane.com shoes Amerigas a mile from me in Las Cruces. Stopped by - they have the equipment but no staff to run it. She said Tractor Supply a few miles from here is selling a lot. I will stop by there and ground truth that I can get the rig & tow in there.
Wondering if there are hints/suggestions for finding places to refill the propane when traveling?
Hey Kit - we had this exact situation driving our new rig home from the mothership this past week. As RV newbies we relied heavily on the Allstays app to find gas, propane and campgrounds. Also used the KOA app to find campgrounds. I would not be without the Allstays app since you can filter your search for specific needs - such as campgrounds open all year - which we needed when we drove through Indiana, Ohio and PA. And we stopped at one highway truck stop cuz Allstays said it had propane - but no one was there to pump it when we stopped. So we called the next place we found on Allstays to see if someone was there to pump (a gas station in Oklahoma) - and it worked out.
Connie Goochee
Kevin Dolan