Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

Homerr

Commander
Joined
Mar 4, 2002
Messages
2,294
Just curious.... Why are propane tanks listed as 30# or 50# etc... ?<br /><br />I just bought a 50# can, and if you do the math: 4.24 # per gallon = 11.79 gallons.<br /><br />Wouldn't it just be easier to call it out by the gallons? <br /><br />Would make a whole-lotta sense to me!<br /><br />H.
 

ndemge

Commander
Joined
Jul 15, 2002
Messages
2,644
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

Not sure, but my assumption is because you fill a propane bottle by weight. Notice on the side "Tare Weight" listed....<br /><br />OPD valves prevent over-filling, before, you could put more that you should into a bottle.
 

one more cast

Captain
Joined
May 6, 2002
Messages
3,143
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

I have a 320 gallon LP tank and buy my LP by the gallon.
 

Dunaruna

Admiral
Joined
May 2, 2003
Messages
6,027
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

This is my take on L.P.G. (I used to install it for a living). In autos its measured per volume, in small bottles (BBQ etc) its weighed. It is far cheaper to buy it per volume compared to the same amount of propane weighed, its liquid - no reason to weigh it other than to charge more IMO.<br /><br />Aldo
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

Because in the small tank part of it is gaseous and part liquid.<br /><br />When I buy it for The Hideout it is measured in gallons as it goes through the pump.
 

Terry H

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 25, 2001
Messages
1,862
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

I buy propane by the gallon...havn't bought any lately, but I bet it's gonna cost more than it did last winter...just a thought :)
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,757
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

I JUST PAID FOR 1000 gallons, should be enough to last me the next 11-12 months, i hope.<br />Got it for $1.10 a gallon.
 

kenimpzoom

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2002
Messages
4,807
Re: Propane tanks: Why are they listed by pounds instead of gallons?

Ask Hank Hill. <br /><br />He sells propane and propane accesories.<br /><br />None of those ******* gases like butane.<br /><br /> :D <br /><br />Ken
 
Top