Replies

1. 
   rwj47 | Jun 29, 2004 07:36am | #1

   I bought my own used tank just to keep from being tied to one supplier as they are the only one who may fill the tank.   I just asked the propane route delivery person if he knew of any used tanks and he told me about a farmer that had two.  I bought both and kept the best one, sold the other and made $100 profit.  I live in Kansas so I don't know if you have any regulations in your area so I would be sure to check with a propane company or two about owning your own tank but understand it is to their advantage to supply you with their tank.  Propane tanks don't have a life span of years but more of condition.  I've seen a lot of really old 50 to 60 year old tanks that have been well maintained that are still in use on farms here.  My experience was that I had to rebuild my tank by sand blasting and installing a new fill valve, and pressure release valve.  The valves were about $200 but I will never have to replace them again,  the sand blasting cost me about $120 and $60 in primer and top coat paint.  Added to the cost of the tank $250 I have about $630 in the tank but new ones cost about a grand for a 500 gallon tank.  If I wasn't so picky about the looks I could of done without the new paint job,  but it won't require painting for quite some time.  In buying a Used propane tank make sure that it is a propane tank and not a butane tank as there is a difference and I'm told you don't want a butane tank for use with propane.  Also be sure to check the bottom of the tank for corrosion,  as the moisture will run around to the bottom and hang there and cause pits.  Some times tanks are just set on the ground and this also causes rust pits.  Always keep a tank up off the ground and provide space for air to circulate under it.  Surface rust on a tank can be sandblasted off and the tank repainted, it's the pits that go deep into the metal that will render a tank scrap metal, so buyer beware and check closely.  Also check the fill valve and shutoff valve as these are expensive to replace.  If the tank is in use and has gas in it then most likely there is not water in the inside rusting the tank out from the inside.  Lastly all tanks have a manufactures ID plate that will tell you when it was made, metal thickness, capacity,  etc.  Most installations now use the two regulator system,  a ten pound regulator at the tank and a ten ounce regulator at the entry to the house.  Most used tanks in good shape around here sell for around $1 per gallon of capacity.  I wasn't so lucky and had to rebuild mine but it looks new now.  I'd start calling all the propane suppliers in your area and check for used tanks and also keep an eye on the rural auctions.  Tanks are tricky to move,  most propane companies will move them for nominal fee.  Good luck !

2. 
   TomT226 | Jun 29, 2004 02:18pm | #2

   I've got a 1950's era tank, that used to be filled with butane, but now propane. I replaced the regulator and safety valve.  Make sure the information plate is legible so any new supplier can get the info off of it.

3. 
   Sphere | Jun 29, 2004 02:23pm | #3

   hey..I got one I wuz gonna cut up for a woodstove..got a good wood stove to trade?

   it's a biggun, and still good. I have another from my LP supplier. Only need one for the cooking and dryer, heat is GONNA be wood.

   Lemme know, yer only a few hours away.

    

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

4. 
   IMERC | Jun 29, 2004 02:34pm | #4

   Used is fine..

   Make sure it hasn't got any large rust blisters or deep pits or seals have ben "gooped" over with something... Change the regulator and fill valve.... Should be good to go...

   Used tanks are about a dollar a gallon or so...

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....

                                                                      WOW!!!   What a Ride!
   

5. 
   TRice | Jun 29, 2004 03:08pm | #5

   Something to consider. I bought a new, 500 gal LP tank. Paid about $650, as I recall, but I traded in an above ground tank for one that I could bury. Didn't particularly like the eyesore. If you plan to buy, you may want to consider it. Because propane is gaseous if it leaks out, not really a ground contamination concern and a standard, single-wall steel tank is all that is required.

1. 
   JohnSprung | Jun 29, 2004 08:57pm | #9

   The considerations for if it leaks are that propane is heavier than air, and will go downhill in still air.  If there's a breeze, it goes where the wind takes it, and it gets diluted with air faster.  If you're not on flat land, it's generally safer to put it downhill from the house.  On flat land, put it downwind.

   -- J.S.

1. 
   Sphere | Jun 29, 2004 11:57pm | #10

   propane is heavier than air

   Well, NOW ya tell me...this damn zeppelin has been really giving me fits...{G} 

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

1. 
   donpapenburg | Jun 30, 2004 04:47am | #11

   Ihave two 1000 tanks on a slab  . used NH3 tanks  change to brass valves . Valves are cheaper than a load of gas . if you buy used change the valves and regulator ,and figure it into the price you pay.

   I paid 900 for my 1000s plus they had a running gear under them . so Iended up with two trailers with the deal.

1. 
   rez | Jun 30, 2004 07:29am | #12

   Thanks to all for the assist.

   Think I'll take a drive in the country and stretch the neck for unused tanks.

6. 
   Jeff | Jun 29, 2004 03:35pm | #6

   Rez

   In our area, the propane supplier loans you the tank free.

   You simply pay for the fillings.

   You only need to purchase a tank if you plan to bury it.

   Also, local suppliers won't fill anyone's tank but their own for liability reasons.

   If you buy a very large tank, and want to buy from a supplier, you end up on your own for all costs.

   I know a few years ago, when my furnace stopped working, the fuel supplier's installer came to check it for me (I'd already checked it and couldn't find a problem.)

   He took the whole furnace apart, cleaned it, checked it, everything and couldn't find a problem.  Then kind of gave a funny look and said "did I have fuel?"

   My answer was that his company came once a month to top the tank and there was no reason to be out (it was summer time.)

   Sure enough, they had somehow forgotton to fill me for a while. I had a free cleaning and tune-up due to their error.

   So, the short answer is, check with your local companies and see who will supply the tank for free.

   Jeff

1. 
   jackplane | Jun 29, 2004 06:11pm | #7

   I'd get it pressure tested to be safe.Years ago my house in California blew up because of a small leak in a five-gallon propane tank that had a small leak. Peace of mind is everything.

2. 
   WorkshopJon | Jun 29, 2004 08:56pm | #8

   "Also, local suppliers won't fill anyone's tank but their own for liability reasons."

   Jeff,

   My supplier took the competitors tanks on an exchange basis.  ie they were probably repainted, logo's and all.

   Jon