RV Propane Refill Near Me

Finding an RV propane refill near me can be a bit challenging if you’re traveling and not near your usually propane refill stations. Luckily, there’s a ton of options for finding places to refill your RV propane tank.

In this article I cover:

• Where to find an RV propane refill near me
• Propane refill vs tank exchange programs
• Tips for finding cheap propane for RV near me

How To Find RV Propane Refill Near Me

It’s fairly easy to find RV propane refill locations nearby. Apps, like allstays and ioverlander are great for locating propane fueling stations.

iOverlander is my favorite as I find the reviews from previous customers to be very helpful. 

In addition to apps, the US Department of Energy website has a helpful location map for propane refills.

You can also search for RV propane refills through the location finders for major propane companies like Blue Rhino (locations), Ferrell Gas (locations), Suburban Propane (locations) and Amerigas (locations).

Business that typically offer RV propane refill nearby:

• Home Improvement Stores (Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware)
• RV Parks and Campgrounds
• Grocery Stores (Walmart, Target, Costco)

I’ll cover these options in more detail below, including how they work (refill or exchange).

To quickly locate options for RV propane refill nearby zoom into your location on this map, or enter your location in the search bar:

RV Propane Tank Refill Near Me – Where To Go

There are several options for RV propane tank refills nearby. These are some common places I have found that you can refill your van, motorhome or RV propane tank:

1. Gas Stations Offer RV Propane Tank Refill

Many gas stations offer propane. However, not all gas stations offer propane refills, and may only have an exchange program (more on the difference below!), so it’s important to call ahead and verify what is available.

Personally, I prefer to use the iOverlander app and read reviews vs calling (I can’t be the only one who hates automated voice answering systems??)

Some common gas stations with propane tank refill or exchange programs are:

• Shell
• Sonoco
• Chevron
• Sheetz
• Circle K
• Exxon
• Mobil
• BP
• Citgo

You should be able to find RV propane refill nearby at most gas station!

2. Home Improvement Stores Offer RV Propane Refill Or Exchanges

Home improvement stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Menards, Ace Hardware, Murdoch’s and Tractor Supply typically offer RV propane refills or exchanges as well.

These stores typically have propane filling stations in their parking lots.

Home Depot Propane Refill

Home Depot’s online locator is almost entirely useless (harsh, but true). You’re far better off using google maps to find local Home Depot’s and either calling the store to inquire about RV propane refills or quickly search through the online reviews to see what others say about that location.

Ace Hardware Propane Refill Locations

Ace Hardware typically has RV propane fill and exchange options. These are typically one of the easiest locations to get propane in my experience.

I find that the staff is generally more helpful and I like the “locals” friendly vibe. Search their store locator for nearby RV propane refill locations, click “store details” and check the “store services” section for Propane Refill or Exchange.

Tractor Supply Propane Refill Options

Tractor Supply offers RV propane refill by the gallon. Check their store locator and select “propane tank refill near me” or “propane tank exchange near me”.

P.S If you travel with a dog, Tractor Supply is also a great place for a dog bath. Me and my dog, Oscar, go here frequently. The cost is about $10 and they provide everything, including towels and shampoo.

3. RV Propane Filling Stations Nearby

Dedicated RV propane filling stations are designed specifically for RVs and larger rigs, and offer a variety of propane tank sizes. 

They are equipped with large propane tanks and heavy-duty pumps that can handle the volume and pressure of filling permanent (non-removable) RV propane tanks. 

These stations have the necessary safety features to ensure that the filling process is safe and efficient.

The best way to find these is to open google maps and search for “RV propane refill near me”. They are typically fewer options, so you may need to drive a short distance but if you have an under-mounted propane tank this is the fastest way to refill.

4. RV Parks and Campgrounds With Propane Refill

Some RV parks and campgrounds offer RV propane refills as part of their amenities. This can be a convenient option if you plan on staying at a particular location for an extended period of time. 

However, not all RV parks and campgrounds offer RV propane refills, so it’s important to check before arriving.

5. Grocery Stores That Offer Propane Refills Or Exchanges

Most grocery stores offer propane tank exchange programs, but very few offer refill services.

Some common stores include:

• Walmart
• Costco
• Lowes
• Food Lion
• Target
• Wegmans

You can find an RV propane refill near you at just about any grocery store!

6. Propane Delivery Services

Some propane delivery services can come directly to your RV and refill your propane tank.

This can be a convenient option, but it may be more expensive than going to a dedicated RV propane filling station or gas station.

Cynch will deliver RV propane tanks to your door! If you have an empty propane tank you can leave it out for an exchange and the delivery person will pick it up when they drop off your new propane tank. You can schedule a delivery on their website.

Alternatively, you can purchase a tank for delivery if you do not already have a propane tank to exchange.

7. Other Locations That Provide RV Propane Refills

Other companies offer RV propane refill or tank exchange services, where you can exchange your empty propane tank for a full one.

These services are available at various locations such as:

• Costco
• U-Haul
• BJ’s
• Local hardware stores.

Just about every U-Haul has propane fill stations. However, they’re almost always more expensive than other options. If you can, plan ahead and find a less expensive alternative to refill your RV propane tank.

8. Propane Supply Companies

Some of the larger propane suppliers in the US allow you to schedule an appointment to stop by and get your RV propane tank refilled. 

Blue Rhino Propane Refill Locations

Blue Rhino offers propane tank exchanges or purchases at any of their locations, including local retailers.

If you have an empty propane tank (any brand, it doesn’t have to be a Blue Rhino propane tank) you can bring it to the local retailer, leave it outside (don’t bring it in the store!), and then see the cashier for a full tank.

If you don’t have a tank to return, just head straight to the cashier for more information on how to purchase one.

Popular local retailers that carry Blue Rhino include Walmart, Lowes, Walgreens, Ace Hardware and True Value Hardware.

Ferrell Gas Propane Refill Locations

Ferrell Gas is a large-scale propane provider for homes, businesses and agriculture.

By selecting “Grill/RV Propane Cylinder Service Near Me” on their online location map you can find which of their national business centers offer RV propane refills on-site. It’s best to call ahead and be sure they’re available.

Suburban Propane Refill Stations

Suburban Propane is another large operation propane provider for residential and businesses. 

Enter your city, state or zip code into their RV propane location finder for a list of nearby facilities that can refill your van or RV propane tank. 

Their website will show you all their locations, so make sure the ‘RV propane refill near me’ box is ticked, otherwise you may end up at a location that doesn’t offer propane refills.

Amerigas Propane

Amerigas is another massive propane company. They have a large network of resellers, including Home Depot, which makes it easy to find a local propane refill nearby. 

You’re able to purchase a new propane tank, or exchange any brand or size propane tank at any of their locations. 

From their online location map you can filter for “RV propane refill near me” or “24/7 self serve propane refill near me” and a list of local retailers is provided.

Popular retailers in the Amerigas network include Home Depot, Dollar General, and Walmart.

RV Propane Refill Vs Tank Exchange

Propane Refills: 30% less expensive
Propane Exchange: easier to find, available 24/7

My biggest money saving tip is to try and refill your RV propane tank instead of exchanging it. When you exchange it for a new (full) tank you’re forfeiting some unused propane in your old tank. Instead, if you refill the tank you’re only paying for what’s been added.

Many locations can refill your existing tank, but it requires equipment and trained staff so it’s not something that all RV propane refill stations offer. At a minimum, you will always be able to exchange your tank or buy a new one, even if refilling services aren’t offered.

The primary benefit to refilling a propane tank is that it’s less expensive than an exchange. An RV propane refill near me is typically 30% less expensive per pound of propane than an exchange, which can save you a few dollars at each refuel.

A propane tank exchange is when you bring your empty or near empty tank and exchange it for a full tank. The benefits to exchanges are that they’re quicker, and generally more available because the store does not need to staff a propane specialist for refills.

Additionally, some stores use automated lockers so that you’re able to exchange your tank after hours and without a store clerk. Of course, there’s a convenience fee for this, which is about 30% more than if you’d gone to an RV propane refilling station nearby.

RV Propane Tank Purchase And Exchange Programs

Let’s talk about the difference between a purchase program and an exchange program for RV propane refills.

RV Propane Purchase Program

A propane tank purchase program allows you to purchase a new propane tank for your van or RV. They typically have a range of propane tank sizes to fit your needs. 

Once you purchase the tank, you own it and can refill or exchange it at any RV propane refill station or exchange locations.

RV Propane Exchange Program

In a propane tank exchange program, you can exchange your empty propane tank for a full one at a participating location. 

Exchange tanks are typically available for standard propane tank sizes, and you pay a fee to exchange your empty RV propane tank for a full one. 

Finding RV Propane Refill Near Me While Traveling

Some popular places to RV propane refill nearby while traveling are truck stops.

Truck stops are popular because they’re generally right off the highway, easy to access, and designed to be quick in-and-out stops with all the conveniences you need to refuel and get back to your adventure quickly.

Popular truck stops for refilling an RV propane tank include:

• Love’s Travel Stops
• Travel Center of American
• Pilot Flying J Truck Stops

Additionally, there are a few RV propane refilling station directories which can be extremely helpful while traveling.

LPG Stations has a worldwide directory that you can search by finding RV propane refill stations nearby or along your route.

Propane Education & Research Council has a great US directory of locations for RV propane refills nearby. Just enter your zip code for a quick list of propane stations in your area.

RV Propane Refill Cost and Availability

Propane prices can vary depending on location and time of year, so it’s a good idea to research prices in advance and plan accordingly.

Some RV parks and campgrounds offer propane as part of their amenities, so it’s worth checking with those locations before heading to an RV propane filling station.

FAQs – RV Propane Refill Near Me

Are camper propane tanks refillable?

Absolutely, camper propane tanks are refillable, and it’s a pretty straightforward process. RV propane refills are common in campgrounds and many gas stations.

Remember, handling propane requires caution. Always follow safety guidelines and instructions provided at the RV propane refill station. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask the attendant for assistance.

Can you refill Coleman camping propane?

Technically, yes you can refill Coleman camping propane. However, it’s not recommended to refill these tanks because of serious safety concerns.

First, Coleman camping propane tanks are designed for single use, which means they’re not intended to be refilled or to withstand the pressure changes of constant emptying and refilling.

Second, refilling Coleman camping propane is against the manufacturers recommendations and voids the warranty in addition to potential legal risks for liability if something goes wrong.

Does Lowes refill propane?

No, Lowes does not refill propane tanks. They will exchange tanks, meaning you can bring your empty and, instead of refilling it, they’ll provide you with a full propane tank to take home.

When Should I Refill My RV Propane Tank?

Consider refilling your RV propane tank before it runs empty. When your propane tank has about 2 lbs of propane left it’s time to start considering a tank refill.

Is It Better To Refill Or Exchange A Propane Tank?

It’s always better to refill RV propane tanks. In an exchange, you forfeit any unused propane remaining. Whereas, in a refill you only pay for what is added and you can keep the amount that was unused in the tank prior.

Propane exchanges are quick and convenient, so if you’re willing to pay a little more for efficiency then an exchange may be worth it.

Can Propane Tanks Be Too Old To Refill?

Yes. Any propane tank older than 12 years is not permitted to be refilled under federal law.

Can Propane Freeze?

Technically, yes, propane can freeze. However, the freezing point of propane is -306.4°F (-188 °C).

The coldest recorded temperature on Earth was -128.6°F (-89.2°C), so I don’t think you have much to worry about as long as you stay within orbit.

Why do propane costs fluctuate so much?

There are two primary reasons why propane costs fluctuate: the cost of crude oil and demand.

As a primary component of propane, crude oil prices have a big impact on the cost of propane. When crude oil prices go up, propane costs soon follow.

The second factor in propane costs is supply and demand. Generally, in the wintertime when more people are using propane to heat their vans, RVs and homes, the price of propane increases. During the summer, when less people are relying on propane, the price comes back down.

Propane Safety Tips

Be aware of the smell of propane. Propane smells like rotten eggs.

If you smell propane, immediately move outside to fresh air and call 911. If possible to do so safely, vent the location of the leak.

Always keep propane tanks stored in an upright position and in a vented location. Propane gas is heavier than air so it will sink to the lowest point.

If you’re carrying a propane tank in your van or RV make sure the ventilation is at the low point of your locker.

Install propane gas detectors in each room or space within your van or RV. Make sure your propane gas detectors are installed below the height of your bed. Because propane sinks, if your detector is above head-level while you sleep the detector will not sound prior to you breathing in the leaked propane.