**new thread title**

I've got a 30lb tank that I need to refill (someday).
Curious to know what you guys use to measure how much lp you have left in the tank.
Reason I'm asking is because I've read more than a few places are not completely filling and calling it full, therefore ripping you off.

You can put a gauge on the top to show you a level, I have one on my 420lb (125gal) tank.

Mine is a little more robust, but here is a simple one.
https://www.amazon.com/DOZYANT-Indicato ... B007WH7S4A

That's what I had in mind.
Doing the hot water trick is fine for home but can't do that when getting it refilled.

Well, if you get it refilled then you pay by the gallon, so even if they don’t completely fill it then you aren’t getting ripped off.
Am I misunderstanding?

Ah so grasshopper but are they rounding up or down, by the gallon?

I get propane for forging, not BBQ... but I just pay what the readout says on the gage. Maybe its time to find a better place to get your tanks filled?

Yeah, it’s just like buying gasoline. If the meter says 3.4 gallons, you pay for 3.4 gallons.

You should be able to stand there and watch them fill it.

Why are you filling up small tanks when it's way easier to just do an exchange?

Gotcha.

Wifey likes the propane for her fish. Fast and keeps the smell outside.
I actually used this tank and the heating dual head for heating the garage in the winter.

A 30lb is bigger than the standard 20's. It lasts me a long time.

Exchanges only have 20lb tanks as far as I know.

And like others have said, you're likely not getting ripped off if they don't fill it since you pay for what they pump. The places I've been to go to 1/10 of a gallon I believe.

Buy two 20's and call it a day.

On most of the blacksmith forums I visit, Exchanges for tanks have a bad rep. More expensive, and its possible to get under-filled tanks in the exchange. I've also learned to shop around for prices. Sometimes you can find propane at lumber yards or supply stores instead of just the gas station. Often the convenience of the local gas station will be reflected in the price, where the trip down to the feed store or lumber yard can save you quite a bit.

There are two places by me that fill tanks. One Uhaul rental place which is always busy (20min wait) and a small gas station that has a "propane attendant" only on site til' 4pm M-F.

I always keep on tank on my BBQ and two spares just in case something unforeseen happens.

Similar here. Closest station only fills till 6. I have 2 BBQ sized tanks, 2 7lb tanks, and one BIG tank if I really needed to cook an elephant or something....