1. Need a propane tank? If you buy a used tank beware of the date of manufacture. Its stamped on the collar. It's a 2 digit number (month) ... a symbol... And a 2 digit number (year). Tanks are good for 12 years from date of manufacture (unless stamped otherwise, sometimes 10 years). If the tank is out of date, it can not be refilled by a propane dealer like Suburban or Bosman.
2. If you get a tank from a company like Blue Rhino (typically in the white cages in front if stores) the 20 lb tank is only 75% full, 15 lbs. So right away you're not getting full capacity, and paying more for 15 lbs than you would for a 20 lb refill ( a propane dealer that refills your tank while you wait) ... Generally $20 exchange vs $15 refill.
3. The catch... an out if date tank (your tank) cannot be legally refill by a propane dealer like Suburban. But Blue Rhino can refill exchange tanks that are out of date because at that point , technically they own the tank, and it's legal to inspect and refill the tank, their tank. So many exchange tanks are several years old and quite a few are actually out of date. Consider this, first the tank is only 75% full, then you're paying more for 15 lbs vs 20 lbs, and finally, the tank is old and possibly out of date. BUT it's a convenience that you pay for, exchange is quick and easy and usually nearby.
4. Options: need a tank... buy a used on cheap ($10) ... do a tank exchange at Blue Rhino, BUT look for a good date, usually there's a newer tank (1-2 years old, sometimes brand new) on the rack. Note, the newer tanks are usually in the back or bottom shelves...older tanks are right up front. So pick a tank with a newer date, you can see the difference easy too... older tanks have been repainted over several times. You now have a new or newer tank that you can have refill at Suburban, you get more for your money, and have a safer newer tank.
5. But then again, perhaps this isn't that import to you. Exchange with Blue Rhino is easy and convenient.
