''Siphoning'' Propane?

[Overland Hadley]

Somewhere I read something about filling the small camper propane tank by connecting it a larger bulk tank.

We recently started using a propane stove, and we have two 100lb portable tanks for the oven. If I am correct I can connect my 15lb camper tank to the 100lb tank and the propane will ''siphon'' over to the smaller tank.

Do I need any special fittings, or just hook the two tanks to each other? Can I overfill my little tank doing this?

Only reason that I am considering going this route is that there is no good option for filling my camper tank within 130 miles of me. So getting my little camper tank filled is a major pain.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Tuna]

If you connect the 2 tanks and turn them both on you'll be able to get some in you small bottle but not full,you'll hear them and what there doing is equalizing the pressure.Propane is a liguid and all work off of vapor not the liquid(big no no) Using a 100# to a 5gal. bottle you'll probably get it half full before they equalize. If you get the copper tube that hooks to the valve(pig tail}just hook each end to each tank valve,when the noise stops turn both tanks off and disconect pig tail.

 

[Silvertip47]

I recently checked into this at my propane dealer. I wanted to be able to fill my 20# tanks from a larger tank with no pump. He said I need a minimum of a 250 gallon tank with bottom exit.

But he can't get any. All on back order. Seems the doomsday survivalists have got them all sewed up!!!

 

[Desert Rancher]

I do it all the time. Fill a 1-1/2 gallon tank from a 5 gallon. I have a hose with 2 male fittings on it. Hang the big tank upside down, open both valves and open the vent screw until vapor comes out. Remember, LPG is a liquid and that is what you are transferring.

I verify how full it is on a bathroom scale, using this:
http://metrology.burtini.ca/calc_lpg.html

This does work and it works quite well.

~DR

 

[Overland Hadley]

I do it all the time. Fill a 1-1/2 gallon tank from a 5 gallon. I have a hose with 2 male fittings on it. Hang the big tank upside down, open both valves and open the vent screw until vapor comes out. Remember, LPG is a liquid and that is what you are transferring.

I verify how full it is on a bathroom scale, using this:
http://metrology.burtini.ca/calc_lpg.html

This does work and it works quite well.

~DR


Thanks for the info Desert Rancher!