Refilling 5# propane tank?

[ZmOz]

Is it possible for me to refill my standard 5# propane tank using a 30# cylinder? What kind of adapter would I need to do this? Since the tank has a new OPD valve do I have to weigh it or anything to make sure it's not overfilled?<br /><br />I've tried searching google but all I find are government websites warning everyone they will die if they don't replace their tanks that don't have OPD valves.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Zm, try this!<br /><br /> http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=45989

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Yeah, that's for the little 1lb tanks. I wanna fill "the big white one" with the "bigger white one".

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Go to Home Depot. Get two fittings that will fit into the tanks (they will be in the tank section along with the regulators), a couple 3/8 female brass hose barbs (or whatever size/connection needed), and a 5 foot length of 3/8 hose (black fuel/oil will work..just make sure quality high burst pressure)<br /> Valves off, connect the transfer hose, valves open, bingo. You won't overfill...you can just feel the weight of the tank and shut it off when it feels good enough. And don't forget to shut off BOTH valves when done. I use a 5 full to a M/T, and get half and half. Now, and this is important. WEAR WELDERS OR THICK LEATHER GLOVES. EVEN WHEN THE VALVES ARE SHUT, THAT HOSE HAS PRESSURE AND PROPANE, AND PROPANE WILL FREEZE YOUR SKIN INSTANTLY. And ferchrissakes, no smoking or flame. Don't tell anyone I told ya this if ya blow yerself up...(and of course do this outside!)

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Also Zm, you want to freeze the receiving 5 lb tank before you fill and turn the donor tank upside down before you open the valve(s).

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Hit up a local parts store or any place that deals with hydraulic hose.... propane is usually at 124 psi. The tanks are designed for 250 psi so use the 124 as the absolute minimum for the connecting hose.<br /><br />Bob

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

Originally posted by Robby6950:<br /> Go to Home Depot. Get two fittings that will fit into the tanks (they will be in the tank section along with the regulators),

I looked at all the propane stuff in HD today, all the fittings they have that hook up to the tank are for BBQs and torches, with a tiny little pin hole for the propane to come out. That won't work will it? Is there a special name for the connectors that flow more?<br /><br />

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br /> Also Zm, you want to freeze the receiving 5 lb tank before you fill and turn the donor tank upside down before you open the valve(s).

There's barely enough room in my freezer for some hot pockets, a 5# propane tank definately won't fit. That's not really necessary is it? They don't freeze them when they refill at the gas station...

 

[Bondo]

Re: Refilling 5# propane tank?

I looked at all the propane stuff in HD today, all the fittings they have that hook up to the tank are for BBQs and torches, with a tiny little pin hole for the propane to come out. That won't work will it? Is there a special name for the connectors that flow more?<br />

You need the 2 brass pieces that are Directly connected to the Tank Valve,........<br />That's the Inner,+ Outer pieces that are Twisted into the tank valve,........<br />On the end opposite of the tank valve,... There's Usually 1/4" pipe threads,...... A Regulator is Screwed onto these threads,.. Usually made of Aluminum or Die-Cast metal........ The Little Holes are Usually on the Downstream-side of the Regulator,.............<br /><br />Take the Regulator Off,+ Attach your High Pressure Hose there.......<br /><br />You'll need 2..........<br />

They don't freeze them when they refill at the gas station...

Ayuh,......... Very True,.......... <br /><br />But,... Have you noticed,.. They have to Turn On a Pump,........<br />You're relying on the Pressure Differental,............. <br /><br />You want the Donor tank Hot,..... And the recieving tank Cold.....<br />And,.. Even Then,... About the Best you can do is 75%, If the donor tank is Full,+ Upside-Down, Before you Open the Valves,.............