Save $$$ Refill Propane Cylinders its Easy

[Tankdriver100]

I just used a brand new 20# tank to fill a couple of one pound tanks.

Freezing the one pounder works to lower the contents of the empty, below atmospheric pressure, which is fine.

Try moving your set up closer the edge of the tailgate so you can tip it and the one lb. tank is at a 45 degree angle and filling is greater because the air pocket in the 1 # tanks moves right up near the top.

[edpleasure]

No longer works. Manufacturers are putting a float valve in the BBQ propane tanks, when they are upside down, they will not allow propane to escape. If you want to do this, you will have to use some other tank than a 17 pound tank (BBQ Grill size)

[wildernessinnovation]

@edpleasure Thanks, I don't know when they did this, I have a tank less than 2 years old and it works. Anyone can check their tank by tipping it upside down and briefly open the valve if propane comes out, it should work....Be careful of course, and do it outside...This is value added to older tanks now...

[krazedgunner]

omg its perry the peecock

[thaolover]

I just purchased an adapter to my 20 gallon propane tank...I tried using this weekend on the lake but wasn't successful...is it because the 20 gallon tank too cold or is there something else that I'm not doing correctly...

[wildernessinnovation]

@thaolover Since with this method we are not using a pump, we use temperature differential as the means to get a good fill. The large tank should be warmer than the small cylinders. Tank temperature room temp 70 - 80 deg F (don't heat it or put in sun) the cylinders can be put in refrigerator or freezer to cool. Leave connected a couple minutes.

[mrbr549]

We used to refill 100 lb. tanks for use in the oilfield from a bulk tank every few days, and I can only imagine how much it would have cost to buy new ones each time. The only problem I ever had refilling was not getting a connection tight enough and the resultant leak then gave me an instant frostbitten finger.

Thanks for the great info!

[landlockedviking]

the problem for us up here, if I understand the law right is that refilled small cylinders are illegal to transport :( , but I don't know how they could ever tell.

[wildernessinnovation]

@landlockedviking Hey my lips are sealed, who would know, haha? Uhhh, I don't advocate breaking the law. There is nothing you do that would indicate they were refilled, I do check mine for leaks. Thanks for watching!!

[AKAtheA]

The tanks should be weighted before and after to make sure there isn't too much propane... overfilling could be bad once the tank gets hot...

[wildernessinnovation]

@AKAtheA That may be a good idea, however in all the years I've done it, not once have they ever overfilled, in fact most of the time they are just a tad under, even with the tank outside in 90 degrees and the cylinders fresh out of the freezer. Probably not a bad practice I suppose though, I weigh mine just for kicks, haha. Thanks a lot for the alert, and for watching our videos!!

[theboonerhunter]

Thanks, good to know.

[SP330Y]

great advice BUT safety warning, only fill to 87% full as you need to leave room for expansion,even the large butane bottles that he filled it up from are 87% full.Dont know how you would kno it was 87% full but thats what the reccomened level is.

[undergroundbasement]

I've got almost 60 of those green mini bottles and 5 of the 20 lb tanks. I always bought the green mini bottles by the 4-pack until I realized how much space they took up, the refill adapter saves a lot. I never had a mini bottle leak but i did have one bottle that had the head pressed into the bottle, that one i threw away.I've got a few things that run off propane,a mr. buddy heater,zodi extreme shower,coleman portable oven and catalytic heater.I'm thinking about buying a spare refill adapter

[wildernessinnovation]

@undergroundbasement Thanks man, I've only had one leaker myself, I just connected it to my stove adapter so it wouldn't leak, then I threw it out when empty...Take care

[Doggorunning]

VERY awsome video!

[wingman115]

Great Tip!

[revsalinas]

Yes this works on the new and old bottles. I have noticed you can get the refill adapter from Harbor Freight. online or in the stores, its rather costly, about $ 25.00.

[wildernessinnovation]

@revsalinas Check around at various hunting supply stores, I've seen them for around $18, even at $25, it doesn't take long to recover the cost. Thanks!!

[Texasmongoose1]

I noticed some comments about tanks and new valves. The tanks so far in south central us are working just as showed in the video. If the new tanks ever come along this method is so good that someone will make an adapter for such. I did find that the add on fitting that is made with this check valve that if it senses a large flow beyond usage like a line burst it shuts off but this fitting unscrews and is sold separately but, if it has that on it then it will not work to charge the bottle.

[joshuasmonk]

whare would i go to get the adapter so that i can do it to

[wildernessinnovation]

@joshuasmonk Most any store that carries propane stoves and grills will have it, camping, hunting or outdoors store.

[darren107]

scary .. u should have gloves on ....

[WolvertSky]

that is awesome, your the man Peacock

[mesutt159]

Great Videos I have been watching for an hour now. Great information. Thanks!

[mesutt159]

I have been told that the new tank valves won't let you fill them I am from NY.  I have not tried to do it but only going on what I was told. Because of the new safety valve they are putting in them. Have you found this to be true?

[wildernessinnovation]

@mesutt159 I'm using a tank set up for wrenchless connections with large coarse threads on the outside of the valve, the valve still has threads in the inside for the filling adapter. I have not seen anything yet that would not work with the adapter.

[cswamp1]

I just tried to fill 8 completely empty 1lb tanks and followed your instructions to the T and can't get them more than half full? 0.6 LBS on 5 of them and 0.5 LBS on the other 3. any suggestions?

[wildernessinnovation]

@cswamp1 The important thing is a difference in temperature between the 1 pound cylinders and the tank, since you can't pump to fill, it is the pressure in the tank and it being warmer than the cylinders. Normally I get the refills to 0.8 lbs to 1.1 lbs. There is the occasional cylinder that for some unknown reason just won't fill up. Other than that I don't know, I've been doing it for decades with only the occasional problem. Hope that helps.

[cswamp1]

@wildernessinnovation well i left my 1lb cylinders in the freezer over night at -10 and the 20 lb tank was around 72 so I'm guessing maybe i left the cylinders in the freezer 2 long or its the brand of tank? Anyway thanks for your time.

[wildernessinnovation]

@cswamp1 I don't know, that should work fine, sometimes I've left mine in the freezer for several days before getting around to filling them...You are tipping your big tank over I suppose. Never had this problem, nor heard of it either...Sorry

[volumedealer1]

@cswamp1 Where can you get the adapter/converter Perry? Is there anything I should google?

[biggdaddy2001]

@cswamp1 u need to depress the little valve on the little tank un till u see liquid comming out of the little valve make shure the little valve on the small tank is up while filling and have the large tank tipped at a 45 degree angle

[syllylou77]

Another guy says Harbor Freight sells the adapters. Thanks for the video. Yours was the easiest one to follow.

[artiefun]

Most amazing in your demonstration on how to refill these little propane bottles. Thank you for sharing that, as you can save a lot of money in the long run.

[tommysixgunner]

how many times can you do that, where did you get the conversion fitting

[survivalratezero]

Well done, detailed vid! Thanks for the reminder on how to do this, it's been several years since I've done this.

[wildernessinnovation]

@survivalratezero Glad you liked the video and it was useful to you, keep watching!! Have a great day

[MrBen1160]

thank you Perry

[apaulanarius]

where does someone buy the adapter fitting to transfer the gas?

[wildernessinnovation]

@apaulanarius most camping hunting stores that sell propane stoves carry them, or you can look on the internet.

[wildernessinnovation]

@poodooyou1 I will fill 10 to 15 of the small cylinders, then just use the big tank like normal till it's gone, which is a good bit.

[vida130]

This is a great tip I am have a propane fireplace that I love. and a gas grill that I love these are due to the fact that my house is all electric so need alternatives. I have a camp stove that uses those little green propane tanks. what do you think about propane generators?

[wildernessinnovation]

@vida130 My preference would be gasoline powered generators, unless you are doing a large home sized installation, then you would need to consider a lot of options, ie. gas, diesel, natural gas, propane, etc.

[IamTeHe]

I have a question, because i airsoft i use propane as a cheaper alt. for green gas. I was wondering with my empty propane tank(Mini one) can i push down the needle and put alot of silicone oil in it then refill it? Thanks

[wildernessinnovation]

@IamTeHe Not sure about that, sorry

[stopglobalswarming]

Staton Inc sells a friction drive bicycle engine kit by Lehrman that runs on green bottles.

[wildernessinnovation]

@stopglobalswarming Nice idea, thanks, have to check it out

[FlierDude77]

It should also be mentioned that it is fully legal to refill the disposable containers, but it is not legal to "transport or to sell"... so in other words, personal use only, which for anyone not trying to make "easy money" it will not affect, but just so people know the rules that go along with this process...

P.S. ... I do refill my own tanks also and it is a lot cheaper and easier than getting new ones...and that is a very informative video...

[wildernessinnovation]

@FlierDude77 Sure do appreciate your comment. You can't go starting your own propane business with this method, haha. Thanks a lot for the comment!! Have a great day.

[davidgriffin14]

DUDE, THIS IS AWESOME! I NEVER KNEW ABOUT THIS. THANX. WELL, I GUESS YOU DO LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY.

[wildernessinnovation]

@davidgriffin14 Thanks a lot for your comment, I have a pretty good collection of canisters that I keep filled and ready. I know I am always learning something. It seems like you can learn something from everyone.

[coilsinamotor]

iv alwayed ondered what is that little valve thing on the side of the tank

[moammo360]

Cool thanks for the very well explained filling technique!

[ericx777]

Is there an online source for the adapter?

[wildernessinnovation]

@ericx777 yes there are many. Most camping/hunting stores will have them, any place that carries propane stove supplies. YT won't allow links in comments..So just search for "Mr Heater propane tank refill adapter" and you will have sources on Amazon and others to get it

I bought my latest one at Sportsman's Warehouse.

[souleeze]

@wildernessinnovation I have a 500 gallon propane tank that I would like to get an adapter and hose to be able to transfer from the big 500 gal tank to fill a smaller 100 pound cylinder ..are hoses available for that if so where could i find it?

[Bornmong]

what happens when your popane bottle leaks after filling it? is there a way to fix the leak or do you have to throw it away? thanks.

[wildernessinnovation]

@Bornmong I've only had one do that, I just connected it to my stove, so it wouldn't leak, and I marked it "bad" on the bottle so I would throw it away when used up. I try to keep the caps on the bottles so dirt doesn't get in there, which is what may have happened. Leave the bottle in an open area to drain if you don't have a way of stopping it.

[TheGarrettDressler]

*Farts while watching

[bearpatch1]

Mr. Perry great video 7/7* also how many can you refill out of a 20lb. bottle.

thanks,---JC

[wildernessinnovation]

@bearpatch1 Each cylinder you fill holds about a pound of propane. You won't fill 20 though, as the big tank gets more empty the filling doesn't go as quickly. I may fill 10 to 15 out of a tank. I can still use the big tank for BBQ for a little while yet. The main deal is we are not using a pump to fill with, just pressure differential between the 2 tanks, and when they start equalizing it's not worth doing. Thanks again.

[bearpatch1]

@wildernessinnovation , Perry i thank you for the fine video and info, also very kind

of you to comment back . this system will be a fine addition to being prepared.

i thank you again for your time and dedication, thanks,---JC

[pedalpusher101]

Great one Perry. I was going to make a video on refilling but never got around to it. I glad that you did. And a lot better than I would have done, I might add. thumbs up

[wildernessinnovation]

@pedalpusher101 Thanks for the comments.

[1620416204]

Great tip Perry........Thanks for sharing!! I will be doing this from now on!!!!!! 10/10*s

Tom

[great769]

Perry You Are The Man that is so easy I never thought , thanks.

[cdltpx]

Great tip that one made it to my favorites. There are fittings that you can hook the large bottle to a coleman stove too. But the small cylenders are perfect for fishing for flounder. Too bad we will have to go to California to go fishing.