Many truck campers prefer to have their propane tanks refilled rather than exchanging them.
Refilling the propane is a better dollar value than exchanging them at a big box store or truck stop.
Generally, the exchanged tanks are filled with about 3.5 gallons of propane rather than the maximum 4.7 gallons, since the maximum limit is 20 lbs. As a result, a standard 20 lb. refilled tank will weigh 19.9 lb.
Standard truck camper propane tanks are filled to no more than 80% capacity. A valve at the top of the cylinder, called the “overfill protection device” (OPD), is required on all cylinders to prevent overfilling. The 20%Required is called “ullage” and allows for expansion during temperature swings, which play a significant role. The risk of overfilling is complicated because the liquid in the tank will expand in warmer weather, increasing the tank pressure from about 60 psi at 30 degrees F to about 200 psi at 100 degrees F. The tank may also cause the relief valve to open, spilling liquid propane onto the ground and causing damage, injury, and even a fire.
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webmaster@northeast-truckcampers.org. Thank you.