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Topic: How Do You Find Propane on the Road? (Read 594 times) previous topic - next topic
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How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Wondering if there are hints/suggestions for finding places to refill the propane when traveling?

TIA,
Kit
2018 Mid-Bath Beatrix (bringer of joy)
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #1 –
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.
Judy Dewey
2003 26' RK
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #2 –
I use U Haul here in my So Cal neighborhood. U-Haul rentals: Find moving & self-storage locations

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
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #3 –
I try to use Pilot/Flying J locations on the highway.

Rich
‘03 MB in NC
2003 MB
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #4 –
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.

My wheels:
2003 MB
2012 Jeep Liberty
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #5 –
This site may help:

Propane Fuel Stations - Locations, Maps and More

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 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.)

2003 TK has a new home
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #6 –
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.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #7 –
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.
Linda Hylton
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Linda Hylton  - 
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.
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #9 –
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.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #10 –
Many campgrounds also sell propane on-site.  That is where we have bought most of our supplies, doesn't require a separate stop.

Bob
2011 MB
 
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
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?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #12 –
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.
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #13 –
OK.
Off topic once again.
Merry Christmas to everyone on the Forum.
Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #14 –
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)
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #15 –
"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  Some suppliers' prices are listed, others require calling.

2003 TK has a new home
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #16 –
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).
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #17 –
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
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
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
 
2003 MB
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #20 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
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
Linda B
Green 2021 RB
2022 Ford Maverick toad
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #21 –
Quote from: jrsl1982  - 
Merry Christmas!
To you and everybody else, too!

If anybody prefers Happy Holidays: Happy Holidays!

Quote from: jrsl1982  - 
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!

2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #23 –
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.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: How Do You Find Propane on the Road?
Reply #24 –
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.

Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE