Refilling a 1lb propane bottle from a 20lb tank

Garry B · #1 11-12-2011, 02:24 PM

http://youtu.be/xKCYIOnxwkg
This looks like a no-brainier. Anyone doing this? Does it work well? Flaws? Safety issues?

Can't believe it but wifey is looking through the Cabela's catalogue and is encouraging me to buy a heater with these 1lb bottles. She said you 'need' this. I was surprised. I'd like to buy the new Mr. Heater that uses two bottles. That would burn through the fuel pretty fast so refilling bottles would be great.

Propane Bottle Refill Kit
http://www.harborfreight.com/propane...kit-45989.html
Can we buy something like this in Canada?

Model No: MH18B - Big Buddy
http://www.mrheater.com/product.aspx?catid=41&id=116

Princess Auto carries this model for $189.99 but is online now for $149.00 till tomorrow. Their part number is 8172462.

Paul C · #2 11-12-2011, 02:41 PM

Email to you.

ishootbambi · #3 11-12-2011, 03:03 PM

i bought an adapter as bass pro about a year and a half ago. best 23 bucks i ever spent. easily paid for itself already.

calgarygringo · #4 11-12-2011, 03:34 PM

I have the big buddy as well and last year I bought a bunch of bottles to empty for this season. slingshotz has one and got me on to it. You can't buy them around here so I picked one up at Cabelas in Phoenix when I was there in Sept. Didn't get a chance to try it yet but I am heading down there again tomorrow for a couple weeks and after I get back I will be filling and hopefully some ice around here to fish. Shoot Slingshotz a pm and I am sure he can tell you how well it works.

slingshotz · #5 11-12-2011, 04:05 PM

Works awesome, I've refilled a few dozen bottles and have had no issues. Just follow the directions and wear gloves as the propane can be cold when you screw the bottle. I hate the waste of the use once, throw away 1lb bottles.

I keep collecting bottles that everyone chucks away, I can easily keep heated for a week now

I think Kingfisher might have gotten one too now, I sent him the link last year but I'm not sure if he bought one or now. I got my shipped from Cabelas in the US I think.

deanmc · #6 11-12-2011, 05:13 PM

I tried it and ended up just buying a hose and adapter for a 20 lb bottle. Hard to get them completely full and had one leak inside the tent afterwards. Decided not exploding was worth carrying the 20 lb around.

just_dave · #7 11-12-2011, 06:24 PM

5lb refillable tanks are available.

cribfisher · #8 11-12-2011, 11:57 PM

I don't know the regulations in canada, but in the us it is legal to refill the 1 lb bottles but against transportation laws to transport the bottle once you have done so, making it kind of pointless for most uses.

Kim473 · #9 11-13-2011, 04:36 AM

Just buy the proper hose and a small say 5 lb tank or even a 10 lb at princess auto. I use a twenty lb tank. Never worry about running out. Providing you have the room to haul it. Speeking of which, I need to modify my heater for cooking on it. Thx for the reminder.

AdamJ · #10 11-13-2011, 10:48 AM

the original. http://maccoupler.com/
this is what I have been using recently. works great
If you're going to use the 1lbers for your buddy heater, might want to install the filter in between the coupler and the tank because your 20lber will not be filtered. there have been issues with non-filtered propane plugging up the buddy heaters.

Perchfisher · #11 11-13-2011, 10:54 AM

If you run from a bottle I suggest that you also use the filter that's used also. Had one get plugged up and never could get it to work again. Use a filter now and been trouble free for the last 2 years.

Kim473 · #12 11-13-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamJ

the original. http://maccoupler.com/
this is what I have been using recently. works great
If you're going to use the 1lbers for your buddy heater, might want to install the filter in between the coupler and the tank because your 20lber will not be filtered. there have been issues with non-filtered propane plugging up the buddy heaters.

Can get all at princess auto. Hose, filter, and tank. I use the tank that I use for the turkey frier. Just had to buy the hose and filter.

Garry B · #13 11-13-2011, 03:31 PM

A lot of good advice and ideas. Thanks all!

Paul C · #14 11-13-2011, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cribfisher

I don't know the regulations in canada, but in the us it is legal to refill the 1 lb bottles but against transportation laws to transport the bottle once you have done so, making it kind of pointless for most uses.

You are very correct. Using and /or transporting these devices. Your insurance is void using this device. Propane regs are covered under B149.2 for propane appliances.

edmontonfishing · #15 11-15-2011, 02:39 PM

http://www.cabelas.ca/index.cfm?page...=1253&ID=32096

Does this one work? Save you waiting time

Jiffy10 · #16 11-15-2011, 04:11 PM

I have a little buddy and for the 5 or 6 times I go out in the
winter I just buy a couple of bottles and get over it. To me
the $10 on propane is part of the Gig.

its part of planning properly .... seems we are always trying to save $5
on the silly stuff . I simply cant be bothered for the safety reason.
Dont want these leaking for saftey sakes but then heres the kicker ..
You're out of propane for the day. Poor excuse to ruin a day of ice fishing because your out of a $5 bottle of propane . My neighbour fills his for
the lanterns while camping etc.
Not sure if I want to take the chance of a leaker in an enclosed area.

Good work for those who fill their own and have had success.

Save your beer can money for the Cylinders and be safe.

just an opinion....... see you out on the ice.

edmontonfishing · #17 11-16-2011, 08:04 PM

Went to Cabelas edmonton today. The 1lb propane is on sale for $2.99 now. I found the 20lb propane to 1lb heater adapter, $34.99 in there.