I want to warn everone about using Blue Rhino brand 20# propane tanks. I made the mistake of buying my first tank at a local Wal Mart thinking I saved $5 to $6 over other brands available locally.
After I purchased it, I noticed when I got home it wasn't even 20#, but 17#! I chewed myself out and then when to the net. Everything seems to be 'downsized' in the current situation and I wanted to see how long this had been going on.
First, I found out 17# is normal. Then I got educated at a forum at this link:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bbq/msg031613123088.html
Not only is this normal, but Blue Rhino has fixed it so only THEY can refill the tanks. It does no good to try and have it refilled at a local propane dealer or your own bulk tank. 
This just sucks swamp water and I'm taking it back tomorrow for a refund and then buy a another brand. This time with my eyes wide open!
Nuff Said...
In the world of journalism this would be called a retraction. But on here...I'm just going to call it...."OH CRAP!"
After reading the postings to my topic I decided to dig a little deeper and find that I owe Blue Rhino a big apology. The problems I read about on the internet were for 20 pound propane tanks that did not have the now mandated 'Overfill Protection Device' or OPD. This was made law by the Federal Government under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code 58-2.3.1.5. The code simply says that these propane tanks can no longer be refilled without OPD's to protect against overfilling and becoming a fire hazard.
After studying several sites on the net including reading down lower on the first one I copied here, Blue Rhino was taking the non-OPD tanks and upgrading them. I then talked to my local propane dealer and he told me that he refills Blue Rhinos all the time and the problem was with the non-OPD tanks and not Blue Rhino. If anything Blue Rhino was doing a service by taking the old tanks and giving you complaint tanks.
As for the 17 pounds of propane. The OPD does take up room in the tank it self, but my dealer told me that you were never getting 20 pounds anyway when the old tanks were filled. Law even before the new codes limited filled propane to 80% of capacity due to expansion from heating. Propane weights 4.3 pounds per gallon. 5 gallons equals 21.5 pounds. 80% is .... 17.2 pounds. The OPD now displaces 0.2 pounds of propane..that leaves...you guessed it, 17 pounds
So Blue Rhino is giving you the straight poop. You get the maximum you can get. If any other say they are 20 pounds, they are just pulling your chain.
I apologize to Blue Rhino and can tell everyone now they are good eggs and can be trusted..and they seem to be in most Wal Marts...so that means they are everywhere!
For those who may have old tanks, you can tell by the shape of the valve knob.
If it's Round or Star shape...They are old style and you can swap them for OPD ones.
If the valve knob is Triangular...they are ok and have the OPD installed.
I hope the .gif pics I downloaded from Blue Rhino FAQ site attached to this so you can see the shapes I'm talking about. If not go to
http://ww2.bluerhino.com/br/Help/FreqeuntlyAskedQuestions/index.html#1 and see for yourself.
Sorry folks...I jumped the gun. Good to have people looking over my shoulder and tell me when I might be wrong. Thanks...
Ben...
nuff said...
[attachment deleted by admin]
