The proper way of filling by weight is multiplying the W.C. (water capacity) by .42 then adding the T.W. and the weight of the filling hose to set the scale accordingly. An emptied 20lb tank should fill with 4.2 gallons of propane.
By that math the tank when full should weigh 37.692 lbs when full, and it came out to 41.5 lbs so even though I wasn't really sure what all the stamps meant this confirms that the tank was significantly over filled, thank you.
@@Krankie_V Tractor Supply fills by gallons and with that method, which is on a label under the door of the pump cover (DOT) Is the proper and safe way of filling. On a 20lb tank the scale is set to 45lb based on that method and based on w.c and t.w. of tank, which may differ on different 20lb tanks. The 45lb setting is all base on tank size, W.C, t.w. and hose weight by the DOT. If the scale is set to 20lb it will be undefiled. Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing the point that they may over fill if they just let the pump stop, but this is the correct way of doing it
@@TheMenice65 well they don't do it the correct way here and that's the point I'm making with this video. They set the tanks on the scale but clearly are not using the scale as the dude out two tanks on it at the same time and clearly overfilled one of them because he's just letting it go until the OPD stops it. At another location I've seen them fill by volume using the fill indicator screw on the valve assembly, but not at this place. I just want them to be corrected so they will fill tanks safely to minimize the risk to customers.
I recently had my 30 pound tank filled, when I got home it was dark so I let it set outside because I smelled propane. This morning I used soapy water to check the on off valve and the part that I hook up to my appliance but no leak, then I saw frost on the pressure relief valve area so I drizzled the soapy water on the pressure relief valve and it blew big bubbles. I remember the guy who filled the tank said it weighed 60 pounds and so I looked up what it should weigh an everything I can find states it should weigh about 55 pounds. My question is if it weighed 60 pounds then does that mean that they overfilled it and if so do you think that it will stop leaking once the excess has leaked out?
I go to a local propane supplier, thats all they do. I've talked to them, they know what they are doing. Tractor supply is good for one thing, to help keep prices down. And another thing, those exchange tank places the new tanks are always underfilled, BUT IT IS A GOOD WAY TO GET A NEW TANK FOR YOUR OLD ONE.
It is not possible to alter the pressure that is released other than the ambient temperature. There would be Zero residual effect to overfilling those tanks. The overfill devices are often not 100% but filling with the 80% bleeder is illegal in most states. You should always fill by weight.
It's not really about the pressure, it's about the fact that actual liquid propane came out the valve because it was so over full. This resulted in my heater shooting large flames which could obviously start a fire. It's worth noting that a tank overfilled in the cold like this one was, then brought to a warmer temp, such as being stored in a shed during the summer, can actually result in a dangerously high pressure as the liquid in the tank takes up more volume than it's supposed to. The pressure will only self regulate based on temperature if there's enough space in the bottle. I hope you get what I mean, because I'm not great at putting it into words that everyone understands the way I do.
The OPD valve can be defective, but that does not necessarily mean that the tank is overfilled. You multiply the WC (Water Capacity) x .42 to get the propane capacity and then add the TW (Tare Weight). It does seem that the first one was overfilled and they should be using the scale during filling to prevent overfill. The bleeder valve should not be used as a primary or secondary means to determine when the tank is full because it is not full proof either. A tank can be overfilled and not necessarily be dangerous because you still have vapor space. If it is overfilled and overpressurized then the relief valve that is on the back of the OPD will open up and release the excess propane.
Fully agreed. I'd rather they used the fill indicator than not using anything at all though. The over filled tank allowed liquid propane into my heater which let out huge flames. It was super unsafe. I used the full indicator to bleed off some excess propane outside, and then the heater worked normally.
@kevinwiens4804 it is one of those tank top heaters which is designed to connect directly to the tank valve. It works fine when the tank isn't jammed full of liquid propane beyond design capacity.
I think the floats on the valve assembly can get jammed in the down position. It might be a good idea to half fill a tank, then roll it on it side slowly a couple of times. I have a new tank from Tractor Supply, and the same thing happened. It wasn’t them that filled it though, and the float, as you mentioned, suppose to keep from over filling it. Thanks for the video though! BTW, I put a hose from this to an empty tank, flipped this one over, and put some in the empty tank. Takes a while to transfer but I lose no propane.
That's not a bad idea if you have a hose and an empty tank available! At the time, I did not have another tank to bleed it off into, so I had to let it out into the air.
I recently had my 30 pound tank filled, when I got home it was dark so I let it set outside because I smelled propane. This morning I used soapy water to check the on off valve and the part that I hook up to my appliance but no leak, then I saw frost on the pressure relief valve area so I drizzled the soapy water on the pressure relief valve and it blew big bubbles. I remember the guy who filled the tank said it weighed 60 pounds and so I looked up what it should weigh an everything I can find states it should weigh about 55 pounds. My question is if it weighed 60 pounds then does that mean that they overfilled it and if so do you think that it will stop leaking once the excess has leaked out?
Old school automotive shop near me sells LP and I watched the old timer has an antique balance scale he sets the tank on and watches the scale as he fills the tanks... must have the scale adjusted to the tare weight of the tank I'll have to ask him how he does it sometime
Maybe those tubes fall off sometimes? My Blue Rhino one I just got won't keep good flow. Research has showed that the reason may be because it's overfilled?
Not sure, I had a lot of flow when it was over full, but it was also letting liquid out instead of just gas, which made my heater expel large flames. Low flow is usually a problem with the regulator on the appliance.
Come on, who doesn't like fireballs... That's some sketchy shiz, there's a bleeder on the tanks for a reason! Don't know if you have a Cal-Ranch up there, they are pretty close to a TSC but the one here gives you a bulk discount over 20 gallons and they fill them safely. I just go when I have 4-5 empties, think it ends up being $1.50/gal.
A safely filled tank should only be filled to 80% capacity to allow for expansion and the bleed screw spews propane when reached. Now I’ve had a 20lb tank filled from last year to 19.5 lbs in my hit shed and it’s never vented. Today I bought a brand new 30lb and doing the weights is at 33lbs so I put it into the shed and a few hours later I went in there to check something and I smelled propane and it was the new 30lb tank venting from the pressure relief valve so I watered it down with cold water and it stopped so it seems to be overfilled and venting due to over fill or the 30lb is just a bigger tank and maybe that’s normal when the temps rise outside but either way the tank seems to be just fine and I’ve moved it to a cooler location and it hasn’t vented.
@@Krankie_V yeah I’m about to refill my small 1 pounders which are also a flame king refillable so that takes care of the over filled part for me luckily
Ha, they’re retail employees. They’re expected to know everything about small engines, lawn mowers, every kind of animal feed,every kind of animal pharmaceutical product, home maintenance, landscaping, etc…most of them are just kids that needed an income. You know, like every other retail employee in the world. It is k mart with horse feed.
retired from propane...both of those tanks are fine from what I see...i do avise you to remove the sleeves...they draw in moisture and premuturely ruin your tank leave the DOT 1s on of course
@@Krankie_V your tanks have OPD's on them...should be impossble to overfill....maybe your scale is bad idk...but yes use the bleeder valve IN AN OUTDOOR SAFE PLACE if concerned
Same deal at Love’s travel stops. My handle got stuck shut because it was pumped so full. The guy told me he was trained 3 different times and each time he was taught different. He said one of the guys f-d up and had a propane tank shoot clear over the power lines and across the road into a different property. I should’ve taken that as a warning to find a real propane dealer. Half the time their propane is either empty or it’s a woman that doesn’t want to come outside in the cold, or a man who complains about doing his job. Pathetic
Wow! That's insane. I always go to a dedicated propane supply now. I'll only go elsewhere if it is an emergency. However, I keep enough spare tanks around that emergencies don't really happen.
Its ridiculous when you buy brand new tanks from your gas company and take them to get them filled up so it will be done right and they over fill them. It's happened to me several times, had to load it back up and drive across town with a overfilled tank just so they can release the propane with their tool, only way to get it out. It's dangerous over filing them, it will shoot out flames and the valve and metal freezes up, and can explode.
Yes! My propane heater shot big flames out from the the tank being over full. I let the excess propane out myself by opening the fill indicator on the valve assembly. Such a waste, and talk about a fire hazard. Yikes.
@@Krankie_VI know what you mean. I use my tanks for a portable heater. Needless to say it wasn't TSC, but our local gas company. I finally took my business somewhere else. But no matter where I go, they seem to think they can't be overfilled and it's very annoying.
@@lisatibbs6875 I've started going to a local propane supplier who does nothing but propane. They fill the tanks safely. The only issue is their limited schedule. I have to plan in advance and can only make it there on a Saturday morning.
@@Krankie_V I was told that they overfilled someone's tank and it burned the down now they only let certain ones fill up the tanks now. I'm still not using them anymore, they went up on the price and after overfilling mine several times I'm done. I use Ace hardware.
Yep, there is one not far away. I go to them when possible. However due to my schedule and theirs, the only time I can make it to them is Saturday mornings.
Ah yes, just ignore the problem which puts people in danger, and they're magically safe all of a sudden. Brilliant logic! With that extremely high level of smarts, you should be like, a college professor or something. Absolutely genius.
@@Krankie_V how about you don't get over dramatic? There is large safety factor built in to these tanks. When you said you weren't really sure you where exactly right.
@@thepitpatrol it was spewing liquid propane and the heater shooting large flames. That's very unsafe. I know the tank wasn't going to explode but the liquid coming out the valve is a big problem.
It is actually not possible to overfill your tank unless your tank has a problem w the OPD. They can only be filled to 80% capacity to leave room for expansion in heat.
That's the point. There is an issue with the OPD. It's a safety device, not a metering device and it should be treated as such. The tank has had this issue since new but the people at this store who sold it to me are too damn clueless to understand any of this. The first time they overfilled it, the tank was spitting liquid out the valve even when upright and this caused my tank top heater to spit large flames which is obviously not safe. I had to bleed off some of the excess propane from the fill indicator valve before I could safely use the tank.
You are incorrect. Technically if they never touch the screw on the side it doesn't activate the safety feature, I know because I just had a tank overfilled and its a new tank and they put 5.7 gallons in a 20lb tank. the rated amount is 4.7 gallons of propane.
Question, sounds like the consensus is they should fill by weight, how then do they fill those large permanent onsite tanks people have and avoid overfilling since they can’t weigh them? And whatever mechanism that is, why can’t they use that on the smaller tanks?
That's a very good question. I wouldn't mind knowing the answer myself. I've got to believe the large stationary tanks have some sort of indicator for the liquid level in the tank, and they only fill to a predetermined volume which allows plenty of room for thermal expansion.
The Overfill Protection Device is a safety feature, and not a means of measurement. These people are just pumping in as much propane as the OPD will allow. It's a mechanical device that isn't 100% reliable, and sometimes they allow in more propane than the tank is rated to safely store. To safely fill the tank, a scale should be used to ensure only a safe level of propane is filled into the tank.
@@Krankie_V I've seen some fill until it spirts where they use the screwdriver to shut it off, then close the valve. I worry about that. TXRRC has "issues" with Tractor Supply, BTW.
@starhopper457 using the screwdriver method isn't considered best practice, but it's better than just cramming in as much as you can and depending on the OPD to cut it off.
Yep I mentioned that in the video. A proper fill can be achieved with a scale as well. The guy set my tanks on the scale to fill them but he didn't actually use the scale. Very unprofessional and definitely not safe.
@@Krankie_V Temperature outdoors affects the scale settings, very few people account for that while filling. The calculations are set to be where ATM is considered 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 39.5 pounds is the average weight of a full tank. Just be happy they aren't ripping you off. You are getting every dollar's worth out of them, half of the exchange services fill them to 50% capacity and charge you more...you can't make a video complaining about something you have no experience doing or know the proper procedure yourself.
Also, when it is colder outside, companies are relying on the scale to tell them when its full. You can fill a cylinder up more when its colder because the LPG is denser. The reason you had it expand on you is because you moved the cylinder from what I am assuming to be a cold environment into a warmer one, which caused the drastic increase in pressure in the cylinder. Doesn't mean it was overfilled, just means they filled it to where the tank told them it needed to be filled.
@@Cubsfan3493 it's overfilled because it has 23 pounds of propane in a tank that's only designed to hold 20. They didn't even use the scale. They just hooked the hose up and let it go until the OPD stopped it. Clearly the OPD in this tank isn't calibrated quite right and allows a bit of an overfill. Since tsc charges by the gallon, they are never ripping you off. However an improper fill is far more dangerous than getting cheated out of a bit of fuel. I've discussed this with a friend who has been filling propane for 20 years and also with the folks at another place which sells nothing but propane and all agree the tank is being improperly filled.
Please do not do this. The tube attached to the bleeder can also fail, break off, or bend up over time. The ONLY safe way to fill a propane tank every time is to use a scale.
@@Cranburry69420 so what if I'm not? It doesn't change the fact that it was done incorrectly by someone who is supposedly "certified" and still hasn't got a clue how to do it right.
@@Cranburry69420 you're the stupid one here if you believe that. The scale doesn't lie. The tank is nearly 4 pounds overfilled as proven by the scale. That's 19% more than the tank is meant to hold. Tell me how that happened then if it's so impossible.
While you can never be too careful when it comes to using propane, why don't you talk to the store manager and watch and talk to the guy or the gal at Tractor Supply Company while they are doing the filling, and tell them you would like your tank to be 80% filled? Problem solved...Next be sure you "certify your tanks" to be sure they are able to handle the rated load...again Problem solved it's your responsibility as well as theirs..you can make a difference by sharing this knowledge.
I'm pretty sure The maximum liquid level indicator is usually used for 100 lb tanks they use a different system for 20lb tanks That said this is not safe I'm deeply angered by hearing this.
I was a little surprised and angry when my catalytic heater started emitting 3 foot tall flames due to liquid propane coming out of the valve. This is just one of many examples of how safety features can make us less safe if people don't treat them properly. It reminds me of all the fools driving down the highway at dusk with only daytime running lights on and no tail lamps. That system sure made us safer. Thanks, government.
The propane pump automatically stops the flow when the tanks are full.. it makes a very specific sound If you’re concerned about them overfilling, that size tank is between 4.7 and 5 when they’re completely empty
The pump does not automatically stop. People who think that are why this happened. They are relying on the OPD device in the tank instead of using safe proper filling techniques. Clearly the OPD in this tank is allowing too much propane into the tank before cutting off. It's meant to be a safety measure only, not a fill indicator.
If the pump stops running, it's been over filled, likely grossly. I've had folks show up with valves that won't open to release propane as they were over filled. Had to hook them up to the machine and bleed it off with the pump off.
I love it when people act like they know what they are talking about but obviously don’t. Do you know how many gallons they put in the tank? Do you know the ACTUAL signs of an overfilled tank? Clearly not.
Correct, the overfill protective device is a bit out of whack. My point is that the device is a safety feature and shouldn't be used as a metering device. The tank should still be filled by weight or at least by volume, but not by waiting for the overfill valve to cut it off.
@@Krankie_V the valves don't work that way there would be something wrong with the heater. When we fill tanks we only go to 80% I fill mine to 95 as it is perfectly safe in cold weather.
@@douglasneat9147 I don't know how many times you need to be told that the tank was overfilled before you understand. Obviously the OPD didn't do its job. I took the tank outside and bled off a couple pounds of propane with the fill indicator valve on the side. After that the heater never spat flames again. The problem was the over filled tank, not the heater.
You’re complaining because you got too much product for what you paid for? Try being intelligent if you have issue, and just ask them to fill it to 15lbs, instead of 20lbs. YOU are in charge of your own safety…stop trying to blame it on others. That’s rather pathetic, dude.
You must be a little slow. They charge for every drop they put in the tank. I'm complaining because they filled it to an unsafe level due to bad training and incompetence. They can't fill it to 15 pounds when they aren't competent enough to use a scale in the first place.
The proper way of filling by weight is multiplying the W.C. (water capacity) by .42 then adding the T.W. and the weight of the filling hose to set the scale accordingly. An emptied 20lb tank should fill with 4.2 gallons of propane.
By that math the tank when full should weigh 37.692 lbs when full, and it came out to 41.5 lbs so even though I wasn't really sure what all the stamps meant this confirms that the tank was significantly over filled, thank you.
@@Krankie_V Tractor Supply fills by gallons and with that method, which is on a label under the door of the pump cover (DOT) Is the proper and safe way of filling. On a 20lb tank the scale is set to 45lb based on that method and based on w.c and t.w. of tank, which may differ on different 20lb tanks. The 45lb setting is all base on tank size, W.C, t.w. and hose weight by the DOT. If the scale is set to 20lb it will be undefiled. Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing the point that they may over fill if they just let the pump stop, but this is the correct way of doing it
@@TheMenice65 well they don't do it the correct way here and that's the point I'm making with this video. They set the tanks on the scale but clearly are not using the scale as the dude out two tanks on it at the same time and clearly overfilled one of them because he's just letting it go until the OPD stops it.
At another location I've seen them fill by volume using the fill indicator screw on the valve assembly, but not at this place. I just want them to be corrected so they will fill tanks safely to minimize the risk to customers.
@Krankie_V filling till the opd stops flow is not over filling, unless it malfunctions. Opd stops flow at 80 percent capacity.
I recently had my 30 pound tank filled, when I got home it was dark so I let it set outside because I smelled propane. This morning I used soapy water to check the on off valve and the part that I hook up to my appliance but no leak, then I saw frost on the pressure relief valve area so I drizzled the soapy water on the pressure relief valve and it blew big bubbles. I remember the guy who filled the tank said it weighed 60 pounds and so I looked up what it should weigh an everything I can find states it should weigh about 55 pounds. My question is if it weighed 60 pounds then does that mean that they overfilled it and if so do you think that it will stop leaking once the excess has leaked out?
I go to a local propane supplier, thats all they do. I've talked to them, they know what they are doing. Tractor supply is good for one thing, to help keep prices down. And another thing, those exchange tank places the new tanks are always underfilled, BUT IT IS A GOOD WAY TO GET A NEW TANK FOR YOUR OLD ONE.
It is not possible to alter the pressure that is released other than the ambient temperature. There would be Zero residual effect to overfilling those tanks. The overfill devices are often not 100% but filling with the 80% bleeder is illegal in most states. You should always fill by weight.
It's not really about the pressure, it's about the fact that actual liquid propane came out the valve because it was so over full. This resulted in my heater shooting large flames which could obviously start a fire.
It's worth noting that a tank overfilled in the cold like this one was, then brought to a warmer temp, such as being stored in a shed during the summer, can actually result in a dangerously high pressure as the liquid in the tank takes up more volume than it's supposed to. The pressure will only self regulate based on temperature if there's enough space in the bottle.
I hope you get what I mean, because I'm not great at putting it into words that everyone understands the way I do.
The OPD valve can be defective, but that does not necessarily mean that the tank is overfilled. You multiply the WC (Water Capacity) x .42 to get the propane capacity and then add the TW (Tare Weight). It does seem that the first one was overfilled and they should be using the scale during filling to prevent overfill. The bleeder valve should not be used as a primary or secondary means to determine when the tank is full because it is not full proof either. A tank can be overfilled and not necessarily be dangerous because you still have vapor space. If it is overfilled and overpressurized then the relief valve that is on the back of the OPD will open up and release the excess propane.
Fully agreed. I'd rather they used the fill indicator than not using anything at all though. The over filled tank allowed liquid propane into my heater which let out huge flames. It was super unsafe. I used the full indicator to bleed off some excess propane outside, and then the heater worked normally.
Sounds to me like you need a regulator on your heater line?@@Krankie_V
@kevinwiens4804 it is one of those tank top heaters which is designed to connect directly to the tank valve. It works fine when the tank isn't jammed full of liquid propane beyond design capacity.
I think the floats on the valve assembly can get jammed in the down position. It might be a good idea to half fill a tank, then roll it on it side slowly a couple of times. I have a new tank from Tractor Supply, and the same thing happened. It wasn’t them that filled it though, and the float, as you mentioned, suppose to keep from over filling it. Thanks for the video though!
BTW, I put a hose from this to an empty tank, flipped this one over, and put some in the empty tank. Takes a while to transfer but I lose no propane.
That's not a bad idea if you have a hose and an empty tank available! At the time, I did not have another tank to bleed it off into, so I had to let it out into the air.
I recently had my 30 pound tank filled, when I got home it was dark so I let it set outside because I smelled propane. This morning I used soapy water to check the on off valve and the part that I hook up to my appliance but no leak, then I saw frost on the pressure relief valve area so I drizzled the soapy water on the pressure relief valve and it blew big bubbles. I remember the guy who filled the tank said it weighed 60 pounds and so I looked up what it should weigh an everything I can find states it should weigh about 55 pounds. My question is if it weighed 60 pounds then does that mean that they overfilled it and if so do you think that it will stop leaking once the excess has leaked out?
Old school automotive shop near me sells LP and I watched the old timer has an antique balance scale he sets the tank on and watches the scale as he fills the tanks... must have the scale adjusted to the tare weight of the tank I'll have to ask him how he does it sometime
Probably has the scale adjusted to the gross weight of a full tank so when it gets to balance, it's full
Maybe those tubes fall off sometimes? My Blue Rhino one I just got won't keep good flow. Research has showed that the reason may be because it's overfilled?
Not sure, I had a lot of flow when it was over full, but it was also letting liquid out instead of just gas, which made my heater expel large flames. Low flow is usually a problem with the regulator on the appliance.
Come on, who doesn't like fireballs... That's some sketchy shiz, there's a bleeder on the tanks for a reason! Don't know if you have a Cal-Ranch up there, they are pretty close to a TSC but the one here gives you a bulk discount over 20 gallons and they fill them safely. I just go when I have 4-5 empties, think it ends up being $1.50/gal.
The price is something like 3.49 a gallon lately. It's almost twice as expensive as last year. Fireballs are fun.... Outdoors!
Hank won’t like that
You're commenting you have a grip ,yet you state, you're not sure about the stamps lol.
A safely filled tank should only be filled to 80% capacity to allow for expansion and the bleed screw spews propane when reached. Now I’ve had a 20lb tank filled from last year to 19.5 lbs in my hit shed and it’s never vented. Today I bought a brand new 30lb and doing the weights is at 33lbs so I put it into the shed and a few hours later I went in there to check something and I smelled propane and it was the new 30lb tank venting from the pressure relief valve so I watered it down with cold water and it stopped so it seems to be overfilled and venting due to over fill or the 30lb is just a bigger tank and maybe that’s normal when the temps rise outside but either way the tank seems to be just fine and I’ve moved it to a cooler location and it hasn’t vented.
I'm pretty sure venting isn't normal if the tank is filled properly. If the 30 lbs tank is netting 33 lbs gas, it's over filled.
@@Krankie_V yeah I’m about to refill my small 1 pounders which are also a flame king refillable so that takes care of the over filled part for me luckily
One adds 20#'s to that tare weight of 17.7 Go to a place that uses a scale. You'll see how much in gallons was filled too.
Had the same problem. Your fix solved it. These people are so badly trained.
He didn't fix anything though
Ha, they’re retail employees. They’re expected to know everything about small engines, lawn mowers, every kind of animal feed,every kind of animal pharmaceutical product, home maintenance, landscaping, etc…most of them are just kids that needed an income. You know, like every other retail employee in the world. It is k mart with horse feed.
retired from propane...both of those tanks are fine from what I see...i do avise you to remove the sleeves...they draw in moisture and premuturely ruin your tank leave the DOT 1s on of course
How is an over-filled tank "fine"? It was multiple pounds over the weight limit when TSC filled it.
I have removed the wraps to prevent rust.
@@Krankie_V your tanks have OPD's on them...should be impossble to overfill....maybe your scale is bad idk...but yes use the bleeder valve IN AN OUTDOOR SAFE PLACE if concerned
I always filled tans by weight myself. 17 plus 20 add 2 for the hose/nozzle in this case
@@jDoe-cf8ek my scale is fine. It's clear that the OPD is shutting it off too late.
@@Krankie_V thye filler should b filling by weight so wouldn't even b na issue..tho if tru nees to b replaced
Wc is water capacity not weight charge
Report them to the Local Fire Marshal, if Thayer doing Dangerous things with the Refill of your Tank.
Same deal at Love’s travel stops.
My handle got stuck shut because it was pumped so full.
The guy told me he was trained 3 different times and each time he was taught different. He said one of the guys f-d up and had a propane tank shoot clear over the power lines and across the road into a different property. I should’ve taken that as a warning to find a real propane dealer.
Half the time their propane is either empty or it’s a woman that doesn’t want to come outside in the cold, or a man who complains about doing his job. Pathetic
Wow! That's insane. I always go to a dedicated propane supply now. I'll only go elsewhere if it is an emergency. However, I keep enough spare tanks around that emergencies don't really happen.
Its ridiculous when you buy brand new tanks from your gas company and take them to get them filled up so it will be done right and they over fill them. It's happened to me several times, had to load it back up and drive across town with a overfilled tank just so they can release the propane with their tool, only way to get it out. It's dangerous over filing them, it will shoot out flames and the valve and metal freezes up, and can explode.
Yes! My propane heater shot big flames out from the the tank being over full. I let the excess propane out myself by opening the fill indicator on the valve assembly. Such a waste, and talk about a fire hazard. Yikes.
@@Krankie_VI know what you mean. I use my tanks for a portable heater. Needless to say it wasn't TSC, but our local gas company. I finally took my business somewhere else. But no matter where I go, they seem to think they can't be overfilled and it's very annoying.
@@lisatibbs6875 I've started going to a local propane supplier who does nothing but propane. They fill the tanks safely. The only issue is their limited schedule. I have to plan in advance and can only make it there on a Saturday morning.
@@Krankie_V I was told that they overfilled someone's tank and it burned the down now they only let certain ones fill up the tanks now. I'm still not using them anymore, they went up on the price and after overfilling mine several times I'm done. I use Ace hardware.
Find a propane dealer where they pay more than the minimum and have people trained in propane. You'll probably pay more too! ~ Brian.
Yep, there is one not far away. I go to them when possible. However due to my schedule and theirs, the only time I can make it to them is Saturday mornings.
If you don’t like the way they fill your tanks, find a new dispensing station. Problem solved!
Ah yes, just ignore the problem which puts people in danger, and they're magically safe all of a sudden. Brilliant logic! With that extremely high level of smarts, you should be like, a college professor or something. Absolutely genius.
@@Krankie_V how about you don't get over dramatic? There is large safety factor built in to these tanks. When you said you weren't really sure you where exactly right.
@@thepitpatrol it was spewing liquid propane and the heater shooting large flames. That's very unsafe. I know the tank wasn't going to explode but the liquid coming out the valve is a big problem.
Mine has been filled 2 time by tractor supply both time over filled
Completely filled 47.6 and minus 20% (9.52) should be approx 38.08 pounds. That is what i'm coming out as the weight, correct me if i'm wrong??
Yes, approximately 20lbs plus the tare weight = 37.7 lbs.
The problem is the regulatory is bad
It is actually not possible to overfill your tank unless your tank has a problem w the OPD. They can only be filled to 80% capacity to leave room for expansion in heat.
That's the point. There is an issue with the OPD. It's a safety device, not a metering device and it should be treated as such. The tank has had this issue since new but the people at this store who sold it to me are too damn clueless to understand any of this.
The first time they overfilled it, the tank was spitting liquid out the valve even when upright and this caused my tank top heater to spit large flames which is obviously not safe. I had to bleed off some of the excess propane from the fill indicator valve before I could safely use the tank.
You are incorrect. Technically if they never touch the screw on the side it doesn't activate the safety feature, I know because I just had a tank overfilled and its a new tank and they put 5.7 gallons in a 20lb tank. the rated amount is 4.7 gallons of propane.
Same issue.. Im not a propane guy but almost blew up my garage and same situation from local store.
As a TC worker.. goodluck lolol
Question, sounds like the consensus is they should fill by weight, how then do they fill those large permanent onsite tanks people have and avoid overfilling since they can’t weigh them? And whatever mechanism that is, why can’t they use that on the smaller tanks?
That's a very good question. I wouldn't mind knowing the answer myself. I've got to believe the large stationary tanks have some sort of indicator for the liquid level in the tank, and they only fill to a predetermined volume which allows plenty of room for thermal expansion.
Mine uses a meter.
How exactly can a tank be overilled?
The Overfill Protection Device is a safety feature, and not a means of measurement. These people are just pumping in as much propane as the OPD will allow. It's a mechanical device that isn't 100% reliable, and sometimes they allow in more propane than the tank is rated to safely store.
To safely fill the tank, a scale should be used to ensure only a safe level of propane is filled into the tank.
@@Krankie_V I've seen some fill until it spirts where they use the screwdriver to shut it off, then close the valve. I worry about that. TXRRC has "issues" with Tractor Supply, BTW.
@starhopper457 using the screwdriver method isn't considered best practice, but it's better than just cramming in as much as you can and depending on the OPD to cut it off.
two plus 20 lb gives you your total so that tank should be 37
Fill by opening the bleeder and stop when full liquid appears, not that hard
Yep I mentioned that in the video. A proper fill can be achieved with a scale as well. The guy set my tanks on the scale to fill them but he didn't actually use the scale. Very unprofessional and definitely not safe.
@@Krankie_V Temperature outdoors affects the scale settings, very few people account for that while filling. The calculations are set to be where ATM is considered 60 degrees Fahrenheit. 39.5 pounds is the average weight of a full tank. Just be happy they aren't ripping you off. You are getting every dollar's worth out of them, half of the exchange services fill them to 50% capacity and charge you more...you can't make a video complaining about something you have no experience doing or know the proper procedure yourself.
Also, when it is colder outside, companies are relying on the scale to tell them when its full. You can fill a cylinder up more when its colder because the LPG is denser. The reason you had it expand on you is because you moved the cylinder from what I am assuming to be a cold environment into a warmer one, which caused the drastic increase in pressure in the cylinder. Doesn't mean it was overfilled, just means they filled it to where the tank told them it needed to be filled.
@@Cubsfan3493 it's overfilled because it has 23 pounds of propane in a tank that's only designed to hold 20. They didn't even use the scale. They just hooked the hose up and let it go until the OPD stopped it. Clearly the OPD in this tank isn't calibrated quite right and allows a bit of an overfill. Since tsc charges by the gallon, they are never ripping you off. However an improper fill is far more dangerous than getting cheated out of a bit of fuel. I've discussed this with a friend who has been filling propane for 20 years and also with the folks at another place which sells nothing but propane and all agree the tank is being improperly filled.
Please do not do this. The tube attached to the bleeder can also fail, break off, or bend up over time. The ONLY safe way to fill a propane tank every time is to use a scale.
You do know tractor supply has an overfill protection system right? Are you certified to fill it?
You clearly don't have a clue what you're talking about. The OPD is built into the tank and has nothing to do with the equipment found at TSC.
@@Krankie_V but you still didn't answer my question, are you certified to fill it?
@@Cranburry69420 so what if I'm not? It doesn't change the fact that it was done incorrectly by someone who is supposedly "certified" and still hasn't got a clue how to do it right.
@@Krankie_V man those hoses and tanks they use are made to know when propane is full bruh. SMH ya can't fix stupid people lmao
@@Cranburry69420 you're the stupid one here if you believe that. The scale doesn't lie. The tank is nearly 4 pounds overfilled as proven by the scale. That's 19% more than the tank is meant to hold. Tell me how that happened then if it's so impossible.
hay most undert fill
Underfilled might feel like a ripoff, but over filled is just plain dangerous.
While you can never be too careful when it comes to using propane, why don't you talk to the store manager and watch and talk to the guy or the gal at Tractor Supply Company while they are doing the filling, and tell them you would like your tank to be 80% filled? Problem solved...Next be sure you "certify your tanks" to be sure they are able to handle the rated load...again Problem solved it's your responsibility as well as theirs..you can make a difference by sharing this knowledge.
I have asked them to fill it properly. They get all worked up as if it's some huge imposition just to do their job correctly.
I'm pretty sure The maximum liquid level indicator is usually used for 100 lb tanks they use a different system for 20lb tanks
That said this is not safe I'm deeply angered by hearing this.
I was a little surprised and angry when my catalytic heater started emitting 3 foot tall flames due to liquid propane coming out of the valve.
This is just one of many examples of how safety features can make us less safe if people don't treat them properly. It reminds me of all the fools driving down the highway at dusk with only daytime running lights on and no tail lamps. That system sure made us safer. Thanks, government.
Tanks are filled to 80percent
The propane pump automatically stops the flow when the tanks are full.. it makes a very specific sound
If you’re concerned about them overfilling, that size tank is between 4.7 and 5 when they’re completely empty
The pump does not automatically stop. People who think that are why this happened. They are relying on the OPD device in the tank instead of using safe proper filling techniques. Clearly the OPD in this tank is allowing too much propane into the tank before cutting off. It's meant to be a safety measure only, not a fill indicator.
If the pump stops running, it's been over filled, likely grossly. I've had folks show up with valves that won't open to release propane as they were over filled. Had to hook them up to the machine and bleed it off with the pump off.
I love it when people act like they know what they are talking about but obviously don’t. Do you know how many gallons they put in the tank? Do you know the ACTUAL signs of an overfilled tank? Clearly not.
It's clearly over weight and it spewed liquid. What more do you need? Or do you just enjoy making stupid know-it-all comments?
Defective tank? It shouldn't be possible to overfill.....
Correct, the overfill protective device is a bit out of whack. My point is that the device is a safety feature and shouldn't be used as a metering device. The tank should still be filled by weight or at least by volume, but not by waiting for the overfill valve to cut it off.
Over fill 😅😅😅
That’s BS it is safe.
A heater being fed liquid propane from an overfilled tank and spitting 3 foot tall flames is safe? Could have fooled me.
@@Krankie_V the valves don't work that way there would be something wrong with the heater. When we fill tanks we only go to 80% I fill mine to 95 as it is perfectly safe in cold weather.
@@douglasneat9147 I don't know how many times you need to be told that the tank was overfilled before you understand. Obviously the OPD didn't do its job.
I took the tank outside and bled off a couple pounds of propane with the fill indicator valve on the side. After that the heater never spat flames again. The problem was the over filled tank, not the heater.
@@Krankie_V The proper OPD is a burst dic and that is pretty much fail-safe
You’re complaining because you got too much product for what you paid for?
Try being intelligent if you have issue, and just ask them to fill it to 15lbs, instead of 20lbs.
YOU are in charge of your own safety…stop trying to blame it on others. That’s rather pathetic, dude.
You must be a little slow. They charge for every drop they put in the tank. I'm complaining because they filled it to an unsafe level due to bad training and incompetence. They can't fill it to 15 pounds when they aren't competent enough to use a scale in the first place.
don't complain, people get screwed everyday buying Rhino tanks that are only 3/4 full
NO they advertise 15 lbs and that is EXACLY what you get
@@joey24698 the average person exchanging the tanks haven't got a clue
@@seymourwrasse3321 I'm sure that's true