Depending on your RV, there are several things that run on propane. In most cases, propane is used for heating and cooking in an RV. Moreover, it’s likely that your RV’s fridge, generator, and water heater also run on propane.
Therefore, it’s essential to have a tank full when you’re on the road. If you’re on a longer trip, your tank will need replacement or refill based on its type. Below we discuss places to get a refill for your RV’s propane tank.
Difference Between Permanent Tanks and Removable Tanks
Propane tanks may be removable or fixed. If you own a motorhome, it will most likely have a permanent propane tank. On the other hand, towable RVs, like a fifth wheel, contain removable tanks.
Like a car, if the tank is permanently affixed in the RV, you’ll have to take your vehicle to the site of the refill. Sometimes, this may be problematic considering the huge sizes of RVs and narrower paths of smaller towns.
Before you take your RV for a refill to any station, make sure to check Google Maps. It will let you know if your vehicle can fit in the road space. Moreover, it’s best to call and confirm before going over to any refill station as they may have limitations for accommodation.
A removable tank can be popped out of the RV and taken to the refill site, leaving the vehicle behind at the campground.
Where Can You Find Propane For Removable Tanks?
Fortunately, if you’re traveling down a specified path, it won’t be hard for you to find a refill station for your RV’s propane tank.
Costco Propane Refill
If you have a Costco membership, you can use their refill stations. So, you can go refill your tank and pick up the groceries at the same time.
First off, locate your nearest Costco refill station and take your tank there. Wait for the attendant to refill the tank. Take your receipt and go inside the Costco store. If you need to pick up any groceries, do that too.
Finally, pay for other items along with your propane tank receipt at the counter.
Retail Stores
Some retail stores, such as Tractor Supply and ACE Hardware, also fill propane. Still, it’s better to call ahead of time to make sure they have propane and a skilled employee who can refill the tank.
ACE Hardware has a Store Locator on their website where you can enter your location, zip code, or state. Look for nearby stores that have a propane symbol next to them as they’ll refill your propane tanks.
Campsites
It’s probable that your campsite might have a propane refilling station. However, if it doesn’t, then you can book a campground with a propane station at your next destination.
Some campsites may sell you propane even if you’re not living there. Here are some apps to find campsites near you:
- The Dyrt: The app lists more than 42,000 campgrounds across the US, including private campsites, state parks, and national parks. It’s available for iOS and Android.
- Campendium: The app, only available on iOS, has a vast database of campgrounds in all states. Since it has many filtering features, you can look for a campsite with an RV filling station.
Where To Get A Refill For Permanent Propane Tanks?
For permanently affixed tanks, you’ll need to go to a designated propane refill station that can accommodate the size of your RV. We have listed some options below. If none of these options below are available near your area, call the local campgrounds and speak to someone knowledgeable at the campground and ask where the closest refill station is. The high schooler at the front desk may not know the answer but the owner or maintenance person on site very well may.
Travel Stops
Travel stops, such as Love’s and Flying J, are the most suitable and convenient options for refilling your propane tank. They have ample space, so it’s easier to fit and maneuver an RV of any size.
At some travel stops, you have to go to the counter and tell them to refill your tank, while at others, you just have to press a button, and someone will come out to tend to you. It’s as simple as that.
Amerigas
Amerigas is a company offering commercial and residential propane. You can find their resellers dispersed all over the country, providing refills and exchanges for propane tanks.
To find the nearest Amerigas refill station, search for your area on the company’s website’s Locations page. If your location is on, you can also search for phrases like ‘tank refill near me’ or ‘tank exchange near me.’
You’ll be directed to the nearest exchange or filling stations, such as Shell, Walmart, Costco, Chevron, Home Depot, CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Amerigas also offers a 24-hour program to ensure that you’re never out of propane. All you have to do is find the nearest kiosk, choose to ‘exchange or ‘purchase a 20lb tank and pay with your card.
Depending on the option you’ve chosen, a door will open. Simply put your tank inside. If you’re exchanging it, a new tank will come out in return. On the other hand, if you’re there for a refill, your tank will come out filled.
Ferrellgas
Ferrellgas also provides propane refill services across the US. Search for your location by name or zip code on their website, and you’ll see the nearest stations.
However, there are two shortcomings of Ferrellgas as compared to Amerigas:
- Their refill stations are only operational during business hours, unlike Amerigas’s 24-hour program.
- They don’t show the prices on their website, so you might be in for a surprise when you reach the refill station.
U-Haul Propane Stations
U-Haul also has propane refill stations all over the country, but they’re infamously expensive, so you need to bear this in mind. However, if you have no other choice, you might have to pay a few extra bucks.
Click on ‘Propane cylinder refill’ on the U-Haul website to see a list of locations where they offer propane refills.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of places where you can go to refill or exchange your propane tanks. While the latter is an expensive option, it’s sometimes the only option you have.
In both cases, it’s always wise to call or check the refill station’s operational timings on their website beforehand.
