Buying bulk propane in the summer?

[MUD DAWG]

Propane is about 15% cheaper now than the average of the last 2 years. I wanted to go ahead and refill my 500 gallon tank now instead of Sept/October when the prices typically go back up. It's only used to heat the house in the winter.

My only question is with the really hot summer we're having, what are the chances the tank pressure will rise so much that the pressure relief valve will let propane out? I know the tanks are only filled 80% for this exact reason. But does that mean with 80% fill, it'll never off gas? The tank is covered by trees, but it's been a real hot summer so far.


Thanks in advance

 

[Buckgnarly]

It will NEVER gas off 20%. My tanks (2x 120g and 1 500g) actually never change more than 5% either way with 100+F changes. Buy it now while cheap!

 

[MUD DAWG]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah about 5% change is what I've seen on my gauge as well from noon to midnight. Is there an automatic shut off at 80% or is it up to the driver to make sure it doesn't fill pass 80?

The smaller 100 lb tanks I take to the gas station are weighed like the smaller BBQ ones.

 

[vavet]

Our propane supplier allows us to pre buy our propane inn the summer for the lower rate. They don’t fill our tank, but we pay for it and they deliver it as needed through the winter.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Thanks for the quick reply. Yeah about 5% change is what I've seen on my gauge as well from noon to midnight. Is there an automatic shut off at 80% or is it up to the driver to make sure it doesn't fill pass 80?

The smaller 100 lb tanks I take to the gas station are weighed like the smaller BBQ ones.

As stated above, I do the prebuy at low prices program my local supplier offers, look into it.
As for the over 80%, I have a crappy driveway that I hate to sand, and my propane guy has delivered over 80% in the dead of Winter that has worked out just fine when temps drop and my usage dictates. Can he control or should he do that?....I have no clue, but I don't care!

 

[Dagny]

Filled both of mine last week for 94

 

[MUD DAWG]

My supplier also offers a pre-buy option, but I don't think it makes sense for me. I only use about 1.5 tanks a year. Prices aren't set until August, and only good Oct 1 - March 31. With me getting a full tank in the summer, and a top up in the winter, it seems to be working out.

 

[McFarmer]

With the late planting season I believe propane prices will only increase, there may be a large demand on the farm. Sometimes it’s to the point of rationing supply.

 

[HorseinAround]

Tanks can be filled to 85%. A weak pressure relief valve can still cause the tank to pop off even if it’s filled correctly.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[finn]

Best price last year was with the pre buy program, in September.

Topping off the tanks in July cost me an additional $.25/gallon over the September pre buy program rate.

 

[oldgoaly]

They should take your money and deliver it later.
Edit: I did have a tank pop-off of course I was welding about 75' away guess which way the slight breeze was blowing!

 

[finn]

They should take your money and deliver it later.
Edit: I did have a tank pop-off of course I was welding about 75' away guess which way the slight breeze was blowing!

Pre buy price isn’t established until September with my supplier.