Sunday, July 19, 2009

I Knew That...

...the propane tank exchanges that are popping up at gas stations, grocery stores and just about everywhere else were more expensive than getting a tank filled by a propane supplier, but I didn't realise just how much more expensive.

We started exchanging tanks for the convenience. Turning in a tank or two while at the hardware or grocery store just meant one less trip to the propane fill station. It was not long before I noticed that our 20 lb. tanks were being labeled as 17.5 lb. tanks. A bit irritating but the price of fuel was going up and this kept the exchange price the same (basically $20 to $22 depending on where you went). Last month V exchanged a couple of tanks and came home with 15 lb tanks. I was pissed. I went back to Lowe's to find that they were only filling tanks to 15 pounds now.

That was it for me. No more tank exchanges, no matter the convenience.

Yesterday I went to Godfrey Propane to fill a 20 lb tank and my backup 13 lb tank. Guess what, they filled the 20 lb tank to 20 pounds for $15.00. That is 5 more pounds of gas for $5.00 less than at Lowe's. Lowe's propane = $1.33/pound. Godfrey's Propane = $.75/pound, and you will get a full tank at Godfrey's.

Exchanging propane tanks = one bad idea for you, one great idea for the folks who came up with the idea.

12 comments:

Old NFO said...

Yeah, seen the same thing back here... sigh... there is ALWAYS somebody that will make a profit off us if we let them.

Crucis said...

I had a propage grill for about a year and gave it to my daughter. Went back to charcoal and I'm MUCH happier now.

John R said...

I have a wood burning pit, a charcoal grill and a propane grill. Since I grill pretty much every evening from Spring thru Fall, the propane is convenient.

Anonymous said...

This is much the same concept as the disappearing can of tuna and bar of soap.
First, it was 6 1/2 ounces for x price.
Then it was 6 ounces for the same price.
Now it's 5 1/2 ounces for the same price.
Soon it will be the magician's (or government's) trick of nothing for something.

B Woodman
III

pops1911 said...

Don't forget they won't fill sa tank unless it is within date - it is considered a pressure vessel & the regs require a proof test every 5 years (federal) or it can't be filled. That's why the exchange is appealing - no cost for the tank (except every time you swap it!!)

dw said...

ah yes, the convience factor. i too used to go to godfrey's. but since the only time i had was on saturday, a special trip was always required. then occasionaly i would get hit with the "your tank is out of date" news. so for the "convenience" of never having to worry about my tank, and getting it filled anytime after working hours, i do the exchange now. jr, you should look into getting a larger tank like my brother in law does (grills all of the time). less fillings and great price.

Ride Fast said...

That comes about as close as one can to fraud without actually crossing the line.

"I grill pretty much every evening from Spring thru Fall"

Oh man, how come I never have a neighbor like you? Dang!

Anonymous said...

I've found a local rental place the does propane refills. I had my standard tank refilled, for WAAYY less then the price of an exchange.

B Woodman
III

godzizza said...

I don't believe you got hit with the out of date speech. Godfrey's will requalify your cylinder free of charge. I have never been hit with any problems there and they are very courteous and helpful.

John R said...

I was just back there today with another of my tanks.

They are good people.

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