The RIGHT way to refill little green propane bottles and SAVE $$
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- čas přidán 15. 04. 2020
- Here’s a list of the equipment used in the video:
Flame King DOT certified refill set-up as displayed in video: amzn.to/40M2lm5
Extra refillable tanks amzn.to/49Hgnts
Propane filter to use when filling: amzn.to/2VeWOo4
The adapter used in the previous video is found here: • NOT The best way to Re...
Stand-alone refill adaptor: amzn.to/2VuVVGS
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Federal law prohibits transportation if refilled-penalty up to $500,000 fine and 5 years imprisonment (49 U.S.C. 5124)
Shut up 🙄
how would they know unless you tell them.
@@extractionexpert2908 post it all over the internet.. also the bottle say do not refill under penalty of law. Don't be stupid and cheap
Federal law prohibits alot of things....But there not paying my fuel costs, they raise them instead.
prove beyond a reasonable doubt that my tanks are refilled ....... ill wait :) ............
2-18-‘24. Thanx. Exactly what I was looking for! I also appreciate the tactical instructions w/o a bunch of yakty yak! & that buddy heater is why I looked for a vid.
Yes Jamie, hubby and I look for these green bottles while camping. People throw them away all the time. He taught me and it is so easy. There are tricks to it.
Ironically, they're not really legal to throw away in the trash without cutting a hole in it(or at least removing the valve) to show that the tank is completely vented
There is a « snorkel » tube inside the flame king that is connected to the allen wrench operated valve. When you see liquid going out of th hole, it is full (with 20% space on top for expansion/safety).
Flame king setup is a very nice and well thought out piece of equipment. Very happy I went this way, I have saved a lot of $. Nice video!
Thanks a lot Jamie! In my opinion, Flame King is the way to go. Stay safe and the bus wheels mudless (lol)!
great video letting ppl understand the price that are paying for those small green bottles vise the cost of propane
Here’s a list of the equipment used in the video:
Flame King Refillable 1 lb Empty Propane Cylinder Tank - with Refill Kit: amzn.to/2ymmPsq
Extra refillable tanks amzn.to/3sQPPRV
Propane filter to use when filling: amzn.to/2VeWOo4
Hemostats to pull valve stem while refilling: amzn.to/2VfeUGu
Adapter used in previous video found here:
Stand alone refill adaptor: amzn.to/2VuVVGS
No,no better way,new to the nomadic life. Love it. Ty so much for ur time and effort.
I find it awesome. One of your first videos i watched was on refilling the green bottles. This is the new improved version. Ive been thinking about using a filter due to having to clean out a few regulators and buddy heaters. They seam to collect the odorant in low spots and with the tank upside down you get more than you should in the small tanks
Another money saving tip ! Thanks for keeping us’ins informed. Keep sippin that LP.
Thanks Jamie! I can never figure out where to find these pieces.I know what I want and need but I never know what they're called. You've made it so much easier for me to have the listings. 👍👍
I’m going to shock u. I’m from Canada and to buy one 1lb tank is $8 dollars at Walmart. That’s the cheapest place to buy them. Thank you for this video. You’re going to save me tons of cash. 🙏
Always a way around! Thanks for showing us this.
A little micro hand drill set might clamp down on that valve just right and not scar it up and next time you do it, take the can that you're filling up and put it in the freezer first. It will almost create a negative pressure inside the canister to pull in the propane
Excellent vlog thanks for sharing your insights. Many blessings
Good idea and you can save a lot of money, plus not have to throw away the bottles. Does anyone know what ever happened to Lee with the Fantastic Van Build ? He had the best van build and was the smartest engineer I have seen on CZcams dealing with van builds. Thank you.
Lee Blake, www.gedigan.org His website is still not live, unfortunately. He certainly was a master at van building. I hope he's doing okay. 🤓
great idea thanks 4 sharing.. be safe out there.
thank you for sharing I'm going to show my customers this video 😃😃
It's not just about saving money it's also about recycling and not having to throw good containers away and like you said if you live in a small town they may be sold out when you need them that's happened to me many times I wish I would have known they could have been refilled then
The little green bottles are .125 or 1/8th of a gallon so for refill cost start with the cost of 1 gal of propane and then divide it by 8 or multiply it by .125. So if you paid $2.00 for a gal of propane your refill cost is about $.25 cents per bottle. Now if you compare the cost of a new green bottle that’s anywhere from $3.50 to $6.00 with the cost of refilling them its 14-25 times more expensive to buy new ones rather than refill them.
a gallon of propane is 4 pounds, and each bottle is a pound of propane. math pls
In Canada they're $10.99 each right now. Ridiculous. FLAME KING is definitely the best alternative for me.
@MrPaxio Yeah the green bottles will hold a full pound but your only suppose to fill them 75% so it would be 3/4 of a pound do the math.
Great demo.
My local Menard's in IN, carries this Flame King refill kit and the refill tanks
The Schrader valve is the Achilles heel of 1lb bottles. I've found it's best to leave em alone and purge thru the top to release air.
After further experience, I would agree.
"...purge thru the top to release air."
As if there's "air" in the tank...
@@daryllect6659 Do you realize some gases are heavier/denser than others? Which would cause them to separate?
How do you do that?
What do you mean by “…purge thru the top to release air..”?
A good information trying to refill bottles right now. I think I'm out of got lucky on this I had several neighbors give me some I got like 50 bottles for around yourself like empty.
Thanks Jamie. I got some good info out of this video.
Jamie..you are a gem..cheers!
With the "Orona-Cay Irus-Vay" thing now limiting our availability of certain goods, the small green bottles of gas might not be _available,_ so this video is even more pertinent.
Didn’t know you could refill those... thanks Jamie...
Been using flame king for three years now . Love them !
Why do we always end with "now" at the end of describing a length of time?
chris Subleski 😂😂😂. Idk. BUT I hate it when people start their sentences (more so their answers to a question) with the word SO. Gosh that’s irritating as fuck.
The valve on the Flame King tank is designed to begin spitting liquid fuel when the tank is 80% full if it’s upright.
I avoid using the pressure release valve because they weaken with the method you used. I turn off the 20 pounder, disconnect the 1 pounder, after filling noise subsides. Then, use a small screw driver or Allen wrench to press the center pin, to release air pressure from the 1 pound tank. It works well. I think I've watched ten videos on this subject through the years. Everyone has their own method, including cooling the tank.
Great idea. I used the green ones when camping with my motorcycle.
Exact video I was looking for. I bought the flame king set and several of their 1 lb tanks because it's a great product. Sizable investment at first though. Kit with 1 bottle was around $45 and each extra bottle is $20. Will pay off in time though. I also have 17 "green bottles" that I didnt want to just throw out. I will more than likely recycle them after 4 or 5 refills though. I have never considered the filter though. Thank you for this video. I didnt want to be the one who had to make it for those of us looking to do this very same thing. Upload a video? Make/edit a video? I'm good, I can watch videos...life's not bad. Thankx again.
Good vedio. Thank you ☺
I've already bought the flame King setup. I haven't used it yet. It came with one refillable bottle. I ordered 4 additional bottles when I ordered it.
Good to have this setup just to be able to hook yourself or random people up w a day or two worth of fuel if you're far away from town.
Yeah, Zak-a-Roo, I mostly use this setup to hook people up that need a little prop. Stay safe buddy!
Good information
The valve in the big cylinder goes down a fair way into the cylinder so you can only fit them to 80%. This will stop any impurities in the cylinder from going down the pipe. Assuming you let it settle before starting. I would assume the small cylinder has the same feature so it wouldn’t matter if it was upright
I'm always learning, Andrew.
Outstanding....I think the filter gets rid of oils ?? Great idea to have it Thanks for a great video sir.
You can get a full charge by burping the small bottles with a punch or drill bit for 4-5 seconds. do it with the bottle upright, depress the valve inside the threaded nipple, then fill again with the large tank. DO THIS OUTSIDE WITH NO IGNITION SOURCES NEARBY🔥, DO NOT MESS WITH THE VALVE ON THE BOTTLE ITSELF, it's a safety blow off valve that works opposite of the main valve. only do it 2 times, and weigh the bottle. it should be between 15-16 oz net, if its a little over, bleed it down with your punch.
I use these 1lb bottles with a big buddy propane furnace, and it's nice to get a full bottle run without having to get out of a nice warm sleeping bag :o)
Im going camping by myself tomorrow. Can i borrow you to set up my "instant" tent, fly thingy, and refill my bottles 😂
The filter is not for refilling, but for many cheap extension hoses that leech out oil when exposed to high pressure propane. They now make a buddy extension hose that does not require the filter.
I love the video. I can tell you catch grief from trolls or negative nancy folks. ❤
Dont worry i will troll tf outta them 😘 😂
Thank you!
9:28 You are one of the few if not one of the only people who show how to line them up or even bring it up.
I need that filler 🛠🇨🇦🛠🇨🇦🛠👍👍
Thanks - great review.
Thanks, Renee. lol, It actually came across as a review, didn't it. Flame King is probably loving me, right about now. No affiliation. Stay safe!
Enigmatic Nomadics I have the little crap valves. You made this look easy. Have the product in my cart. Thanks again. Ps the two filter idea was good. ...
The dot is not checking for refilled green bottles. Fill few leave big tank and device home unless big tank is on your camper
The new Propane tanks have a float valve that prevents flow if the tank is upside down.
Ahh don't tell me that. I'm about to get a refill tank soon. Thanks for the heads up
Thanks!!
Definitely a NO SMOKING zone. Lol
I thought he said he was going to get to the point quickly. WTF? This guy carries on and on.
Absolutely correct! Next time I'll cut the time in half AND make a short.
Lo. You guys are funny. Normally I don’t like long winded but this was enjoyable. Thanks man
Remember that once you use the filter this way, you should never use it on the heater. If you do, all the impurities you caught in it will come out into the heater because initially you use it in the opposite flow direction that it is intended. You, could mark it as such so you don't plug up your heater orifice.
Great idea! Have two and label them!
Are you sure about this? Not trying to bust your chops; just trying to understand why before I order another filter and dedicate it to this refill kit. I use the Buddy Heater filter when connecting their heater to a bulk tank. Propane flows from bulk tank --> filter --> heater. With the Flame King adapter kit, propane flows in the same way; bulk tank --> filter --> 1# tank. What an I missing?
@@lcar9871 Think about it. When you're filling the small tank it flows to the small tank(female to male), now put the filter on the heater and the flow is the opposite way (male to female), pushing the debris back out of the filter and into the heater.
He used a filter so is it still a concern?
@@jessegilbert7575 If I were to do it I'd use two separate filters and mark them with the direction of gas flow. One for filling and another for heater use to avoid back flushing already filtered out debris into the heater.
I have the SHINESTAR small adaptor to fill the Green 1Lbs but have yet to try it!
I love when you say I've never tried this as you make an instructional video
If you depress the valve on the top with a small Allen key you don’t have to worry about the little pull valve.
Anybody else glaze over before 2 minutes in? A boyfriend laughed at me one time when i explained to him (just half-joking, ok quite sincerely) something was a 'man'-job.
I'm probably going to need an IN-PERSON tutorial for this.... i still laugh that I was scared of my juicer when I got it the first time. I do fill the water and oil in my truck regularly tho (after an in person demo by a man-type 😀).
It is interesting there are videos warning of dire consequences of refilling regular 1 lb tanks, but have you ever heard or seen a report of someone getting injured or one of them exploding under normal use and circumstances? I have not, and neither has anyone I have asked nor have I seen any evidence.
You KNOW I tried to research 1lb tank explosions ALL OVER the web, CL.
I see a few propane tanks, but not one single green tank, unless it was being visibly abused? At a booth or something. Very astute observation!
Cheapest I found the Coleman tanks is 7 dollars near me. I use the Mr heater daily and rely on refilling or else I would freeze
Same price today. I paid 22 for 4
What's that song say, Jamie?
"God didn't make little green bottles, and it don't rain in Indianapolis in the summertime...."
I think you might want to put the pressure release on the lower side when you tilt the tank in order to not fill it all the way? With the release at the top, it looks like you're actually allowing it to fill all the way to the very top.
Do what makes you comfortable. Technically, weigh it to label specs. Stay safe!
@@enigmaticnomadics Thanks for the video.
By Federal law bottles are only filled to 80% capacity. The flame king bottles do this automatically if you follow the refill instructions.
Thanks. I seen one guy he just let out all the air. Then turned the valve. No bleeding.????
Did you have to cut the plastic washer to be flat so the filter would fit?
I bought a cable that goes from the big tank to the little tank.
Hey Jamie, have you ever made a video for newbies on how to find good campsites, preferably dry camping? It’s tough starting out and wanting to go to a state that I know nothing about and where should I go?? A little daunting at times. Do you have any advice?
Hehehe huh bub. Love it.
Filter is mounted on heater,filter after it go through rubber hose from tank. Impurities from the hose?
I think you’re confused around the overpressure valve location and it’s inner workings. Both implements have a tube that goes down from the top of the bottle such that the liquid level reaches that tube (which is about an inch below the top of the bottle). That is where the extra venting happens if needed - tilting the bottle screws up where that liquid level interfaces with the bottom of that tube. Ideally the level of the liquid propane should be at the bottom of that tube when the tank is upright. This is in either case Coleman or Flame King. I can almost guarantee the way you had the Coleman tilted when filling that you had overfilled it once liquid propane started spewing out of the over press valve. Lastly there’s no way you would be able to hold these tanks and determine by feel ‘yeah that’s a good fill’! It is absolutely imperative that you weigh the bottle. The Coleman tanks should never be filled more than 29 1/2 oz total. This can only be done with a digital scale venting may be necessary to make that happenGreat video.
I like to put them in the freezer for a hour or so before i fill them it fills much faster
Some folks like to go that route. If you notice, my ambient temperature green bottle develops frost on the outside of it almost instantly, so I don't see the point. 2 minutes to fill at ambient temp? I can afford that. Stay safe Jim and Liz. Hope to see you out on the trail sometime.
I'm thinking that using the filter is wasting fuel... I just purge the tank using the small adapter while the bottle is inverted.
It kicks out moisture and small debris.... Just be sure you give it 1 min to settle before the Purge....
I dunno I could be wrong but if liquid is coming out I would be careful because it could be filled above 80% which is a problem. I don't think you need a fuel filter either and should be weighing it so it is no more than 16 oz.
Lot's of work... I think using a hose connected to the 20lb tank is easier.
Like you say though... many ways to skin a cat.
Thanks for the video!
Thanks Pen. The main thing is that we’re out there living life! Cheers!
just hang it off the end of the table. how much does the flame king cost? To make the green bottles last longer and to fill them up, rather than pulling on the needle, remove green bottle, use the appropriate size screw driver or whatever, holding at an angle, depress center valve stem. It is illegal to refill and transport so only refill what you will use while stationary.
Never tried pressing the stem Doug. Sounds like a two-handed job, more for the Snozzle. Always great to learn more ways to do something. Truth be told, I just refill the green bottles for friends, here and there. I use the factory refillables as backups for my propane stove of when I'm lending out a heater to someone in need. Stay safe buddy!
@@enigmaticnomadics sorry I was unclear. For releasing air pressure when filling I take the bottle off and press down lightly in the center main valve. I do this because the release valve does not last long when you use it to release air, as you know,
Yes you can refill the "Coleman" type bottles. Also tell the people that if you get caught transporting them you can be fined $250,000.00 and get 10 years in jail, it says so right on the bottle. I have the Flame King kit and several of their bottles, DOT approved for refilling and transportation. Also much safer, why put your freedom and life in danger with the "Coleman" bottles. Also it is much easier to attach the Flame King valve to the 20lb bottle before putting it on the stand.
I’d love to find even ONE example of someone getting a fine and/or jail time over that… I feel like you’d have to inform the cops of the law you’re breaking so they can arrest you lol
the tobacco police breaks out a tape measure: oh, 18 feet away from the building, eh?
I have about 18 one pound tanks. Some I have refilled, some are brand new full bottles. There is no way to tell the difference by looking at them. In my 60 years of camping and using one pound bottles no one has ever asked me if I refilled any of the bottles. If a park ranger, or cop, asks you if the bottles are refilled, just say no. Or say nothing. You have the right not to incriminate youself. Hey Chet, has anyone ever been charged with this "crime"? I realize I am replying to a 2 year old post. I couldn't help myself. Happy camping!
i just fill them and when it wont take any more let the excess air out of the top with a nail or small screwdriver until the gas starts coming out and refill again.Because if i use the one the whole that you are using I have found that they leak gas some times.
That method takes a little more time but definitely saves the valve, Mak! I only refill the disposables a couple so I prefer the method shown. Whatever works. The main thing is that we are out having an adventure!
You pulled the valve out? I push it in and seems to accomplish the same thing. I fill a little then let some pressure off and repeat until full.
Maybe that’s my next update! I’ll try it out!
Don’t touch the little valve. Use something to press in the main center valve.
On the Flame King, that release valve is way high up, so what happened to the need for the air gap for expansion?
And can you refill from an almost empty bulk tank if pressure gets so low?
We’d have to ask the engineers about that flame king design. I believe the donor tank relies more on temperature in relation to it’s pressure.
Stuff I hear you correctly the Coleman green tanks are not refillable like lifetime but the flame King are
Do the flame king bottles last longer?
I hate writing negative stuff but this video is the reason why refilling tanks is prohibited.
1. When you refilled the 1lb tank, you tilted it at an angle with the valve being at the highest point. That way you can accidentally (depending on tilt angle) let in more than 80%. And the limit of 80% is not some arbitrary number. It has a lot to do with the thermal expansion coefficient. Anything more than 80% full and in warm summer months, in a closed car, you could have the release valve open and fill your car/van with propane. Open the door, make a spark and bye bye.
2. They are called 1lb tanks for a reason. They can safely hold only 1lb or 450g of propane. Only weight should be the determining factor. And empty tank is around 370g so a totally full tank should be no more than 800g.
3. There is no need to mess up the emergency release valve with pliers. You make it weaker, you risk that it will open before it needs to or it might be leaking a bit of propane all the time. A totally empty 1lb tank will easily accept 450g over the course of around 1 minute or a bit more. But you need to make sure the tank is empty so you need to press the valve in the middle. It is designed to be pressed numerous times, each time you screw-unscrew it from your stove. That way you do not release propane all over yourself and do not risk an explosion over your face in case there is a tiny spark. For example from your polyester shirt.
4. No need to worry about releasing pressure after refilling or during refilling. Propane is not artificially pressurized but it creates pressure itself. So no matter if the tank is 1lb or 200 gallons, the pressure is the same and will equalize. If you have air in the tank, you will simply fill it a little slower but it will always have the same pressure corresponding to the physical characteristics of propane (around 100-150psi in normal temps).
5. Safe refilling is doable but the steps are different.
- make sure tank is empty by pressing on the valve nipple in the middle of the tank
- connect 1lb tank to upside-down 20lb tank
- open valve and wait 1min.
- remove tank and CHECK WEIGHT. CANNOT EXCEED 800g.
- if close to 800g, let it be, you are good.
- if really low (500-600g), refill again until getting close to 800g.
- ALWAYS WEIGH THE TANKS.
- Always weigh the tanks.
- Did I already say to always weigh the tanks?
Transporting refilled tanks is illegal so do not do it.
Where were you when I was filming this! Thanks for the great information. Periodically, I do a search for green bottles exploding. I don't even clarify whether or not they were refilled.
There are thousands of these brass fill valves sold every year.
And I still can't find one instance, not even ONE, mind you, of an explosion occurring.
I don't teach using the schrader valve anymore and agree with using the valve at the top.
What I really do now is preach the gospel of using the Flame King products, of which I have no affiliation.
Thanks for taking your time to teach us.
@@enigmaticnomadics Propane is not super dangerous. In some cases it's actually less dangerous than gasoline because it evaporates quickly and doesn't flow, while gasoline both flows (like over your garage floor if you puncture your tank while working on your car) and also the vapors are similar to propane. One spark and done.
Usually there are very few accidents related to propane tanks per year but..... but the small tanks used to be $1.5 and some time ago and now around $5. This encourages more people to try to save money and at the same time there are more videos about it. Most of them don't mention the most important thing: propane in those tanks is refilled by weight.
That being said we might start having issues once more persons refill tanks to the brim and stay in the desert boondocking.
Pulling valves manually, over flow " Full" spray, with a 1# bottle,. I don't have any of that, with my little refill connector i bought from Amazon
Groovy.
Does the white stem in the fill valve impede in anyway the green 1lb cylinders from screwing on tightly?
No, they seem to screw in just like anything else.
My flame king refiller says it only works with their bottles , i nerver tryed other bottles i just thought the little peice that notches to the small bottle did that , i will have to check
I use it on the regular throw away bottles regularly. You’ll be fine.👍🏻👊🙏
The price in 2022 has doubled since this video was made.
Do i need a regulator on my refill hose when refilling?
I'm trying to figure out how you got that filter (or any non Flame King bottle) to fit on that fill adapter. The Flame King fill kit has a plastic extrusion where you thread the bottle (or in this case the oil filter) to prevent you from filling anything other than a Flame King bottle. You even show this in the video and mention to line it up? Sincerely, I'd love to know.
I would say to go ahead and revisit the situation bearing in mind that the flame king bottles are not a proprietary size or tread pitch as they must fit the same fittings as the green bottles.
@@enigmaticnomadics Actually, the internal face of the Flame King bottle connection is proprietary. At least the newer ones are. All disposable propane bottles have a tapered inlet. The Flame King bottles have a straight wall inlet. The straight wall inlet allows for clearance for the plastic tab on the filler valve. Disposable bottles will not fit on the current Flame King fill adapter.
Where is the location of that forest you are at displaying your propane bottle?
He's in the Dixie National Forest if he's talking about being near Bryce canyon or Moab
you can weigh the empty cylinder and weigh the full cyl. and if its more than 1 lb. press the valve on top that you fill thru to let some gas out until you have 1 lb.
A fellow can pay about 9 bucks for a bottle, or 5 on sale. Get the stuff to refill yer empties, just don't get caught will a van full of leaky bottles. Ain't worth the fine.
@@robertshorthill6836 If you do decide to reuse empties, keep a soapy spray bottle handy to test the seal. 👊🏼
Nifty idea the filter you know but the truth be known is if the tank is Rusty on the inside it's worthless and they won't fil it
The epa do not like releasing propane to atmospear
What is that "stand" you used ? Great video
It came with the Flame King kit. Nice, but not necessary.
I thought I heard you say Enigmatic Pneumatics. {:-)
I like it!
What happens if you don't have the 20 pound tank upside down
bought one at menards the other day for 5.86.
Those filters are to catch oil breakdown from hoses, should not really help with all metal set up.
Thanks, I didn’t know.👍🏻👊
Cant you just connect the heater to the 20lb tank? I'm kind of new to this, so just asking.
You could make your own adapter to do that. You need a standard gas fitting to thread into the tank valve. You need a gas fitting that fits the heater. You also need a piece of copper tubing or a flex hose that you can attach the two fittings to. Put it all together, use it to hook the tank to the heater and you're good to go. Folks at the hardware store or home center can help you figure out which fittings you'll need, provided they can figure out which fitting the heater requires. Tank fittings are standard.
Jamie, the pressure in the 20# tank depends only on the ambient temperature, not the volume of propane in this tank.
Thanks, Yves!