How Much Does U-Haul Propane Refill Cost in 2024 (Ways to Save)

U-Haul is one of the country’s truck rental companies. Aside from renting trucks, we know that they also refill and sell propane. With so numerous store locations across the US, you would not have a hard time finding one of their locations.

As of 2024, the cost of a propane refill at U-Haul can vary depending on the location. Generally, you’ll find that refilling a tank at U-Haul is priced between approximately $3.00 and $4.00 per gallon. This range is in line with typical market rates for propane refills. However, prices may differ at each location, so it’s recommended to check the specific rates at the center nearest to you for the most accurate pricing.

It’s important to note that opting for a propane refill, as opposed to a propane tank exchange (commonly offered at various retail locations), can be more cost-effective. This is because when you refill your tank, you pay only for the propane you receive, which can fully utilize the capacity of your tank. In contrast, tank exchange programs typically involve a flat fee for a pre-filled tank, which may not be filled to its maximum capacity, potentially resulting in a higher per-gallon cost.

This company offers propane refill services at many of its locations across the United States. The cost of propane refill at U-Haul is on average of $3.65 per gallon + tax. This price includes the cost of the propane itself as well as a service fee.

When you’re considering how to refill your propane tank, it’s important to factor in the cost as well as the convenience of the location. If you’re able to find a station that’s close by and has a competitive price, that’s usually the best option. However, if you’re planning a long road trip, you may want to consider a station that’s a little out of the way but has lower prices.

How to Refill at U-Haul

Find the nearest U-Haul station in your location. This retailer has a large number of locations across the country, so you won’t be having a hard time finding a station in your area. To locate a station, click this page. Once you’ve arrived on the page, input your zip or city, and the results will list down U-Haul stations in that area.

Verify if your tank is qualified for refill. The are some reasons why your tank may not accepted for refill. If it is already expired, then the attendant won’t accept it. Check the date stamp on the collar if it is due for retest. The other reason is if your tank is heavily rusted/corroded and damaged. If your tank is corroded or damaged, if your tank is tank damaged, it is risky to use, it would be practical and safe to purchase a new one.

Go to the nearest U-Haul location. Once you arrive at the location, bring your tank to the designated refilling area; it is either at the back or front of the U-Haul store. Notify the attending worker, and tell him that you want to refill your tank. As SOP, this certified person will physically inspect your tank which could take several minutes. If all goes well, he brings it to the filling station.

Pay the refill. Some U-Haul refilling stations have pay-at-the-pump, which is somewhat like a McDonald’s drive-thru. It is convenient to bring your tank for the refill to a station that has this “drive-thru”, you don’t have to leave your car, and the attendant will tend to your needs.

Bring your tank home. When transporting the newly-filled tank or tanks, position them upright, and secure them with a strap to make them stable during transport. Transporting full tanks is dangerous, ensure that things are set to keep them safe for transport.

The 20-lb Propane Tank U-Haul Sells

If you’re planning to buy online a 20-lb propane tank, the company will ship it to you empty, well, for a safety reason. It can be filled with gas at any nearest U-Haul location. I have done buying online before, I bought a 20-lb tank from this retailer. They shipped it securely without ding or scratch on the tank.

The 20-lb has with relatively good paint finish and has a dimension of 17.8” tall, and 12.3” in diameter which is similar to other popular brands in the market nowadays.

The U-Haul’s propane tanks being sold are POL x QCC1 adapter-ready. So if you have such an adapter, you can connect it to the tank’s threading/fitting to allow old-style connection to adapt to modern. Other brands of propane tanks don’t have such a feature.

When you buy a tank from this company, you’ll be getting an already purged cylinder and ready for filling and certified for 10 years. The tank has a 1-year warranty. If you want to avail the warranty, you need to reach out to customer service to accept your request.

The tank I bought has already an OPD valve, U-Haul doesn’t sell tanks without OPD anymore to comply with DOT regulations. If you don’t know what an OPD valve is. This valve prevents overfilling, as its name says “overfilling prevention device”. During refill when the capacity reaches to 80%, the OPD valve activates stopping the flow of gas from continuing to fill the tank.

Ways to Save Money

Here’s an article: 12 Ways to Save Money on Propane When Refilling

Saving money on propane refills can be achieved through specific strategies that are not generic or obvious. Here are some targeted tips:

1. Loyalty Programs and Memberships: Some propane suppliers offer loyalty programs or special discounts to members. Joining these programs can provide access to lower prices, exclusive deals, or points that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.
2. Seasonal Promotions: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and special offers, especially during off-peak seasons. Suppliers may offer discounts during times of lower demand.
3. Subscription Services: Some propane companies offer subscription services where you can pay a flat monthly fee for a certain amount of propane. This can be more cost-effective than per-transaction pricing, especially if you use propane consistently.
4. Ask for Price Matching: If you find a lower price at another supplier, ask if your regular provider will match it. Some companies have price-match policies to retain loyal customers.
5. Efficient Usage and Maintenance: Use propane efficiently by maintaining your appliances and using them wisely. Proper maintenance can reduce the amount of propane you use, thereby saving money.
6. Government Rebates or Energy Efficiency Programs: Check if there are any government rebates or programs that offer incentives for using energy-efficient appliances, which can indirectly reduce your costs.

By employing these specific strategies, you can save money on propane refills beyond the usual generic advice. Remember to compare these options based on your individual needs and usage patterns for the best savings.

Location-Specific Pricing Variations at U-Haul for Propane Refills

1. Different Prices at Different Locations: The amount you pay for propane at U-Haul can change depending on where you are. This is because each U-Haul location might set its own prices. So, the cost for the same amount of propane might be higher in one city and lower in another. It’s a good idea to check the prices at your local U-Haul center or call ahead if you’re planning to visit a different location.
2. How Local and State Rules Affect Prices: The place where a U-Haul is located can have its own rules and taxes about selling propane. For example, some states or cities might have extra taxes on propane, or there might be specific rules that affect how businesses can sell propane. These rules can make propane more expensive in some areas. U-Haul, like any other business, has to follow these local and state regulations, which can lead to differences in pricing from one place to another.

In essence, when you’re looking at propane refill costs at different U-Haul locations, it’s important to remember that these two factors – individual location pricing strategies and the local government’s rules and taxes – play a significant role in how much you’ll pay. This is why you might notice that the price for refilling your propane tank can vary quite a bit depending on where you are.

Refill Don’t Exchange

The average homeowner will spend about $900 a year refilling small tanks, but that amount can be reduced by refilling rather than exchanging tanks.

The cost of an exchange tank can range from $ 4 to $5 per gallon, while the cost of a refill is only about $2-$4 per gallon, depending on some factors. That means you could save up to $400 a year by refilling your tank.

There are other benefits to refilling as well. For example, when you go to a filling station, you’ll notice that you get more propane because the tanks become heavier, you don’t get the same experience when exchanging.

Refilling your tank is often cheaper than exchanging it because you only pay for the amount you fill, not the entire tank. This means you get more value for your money.

Additionally, refilling your tank allows you to keep using the same tank, which can be more convenient and environmentally friendly. It avoids the need to exchange tanks frequently, reduces waste, and supports the recycling of resources. With refill services widely available at many locations, it’s both an accessible and practical choice for users.

Tthere are additional aspects to consider:

• Quality Control: When you refill your own tank, you maintain control over its condition and quality. Exchange programs may give you a different tank that could be older or in worse condition, potentially affecting its performance and lifespan.
• Customization to Usage: Refilling allows you to tailor the amount of propane you purchase to your actual needs. This can be particularly beneficial if you don’t use propane frequently and don’t need a full tank every time.
• Supporting Local Businesses: Often, propane refill stations are run by local businesses. By choosing to refill your tank, you might be supporting a local business in your community.

Ask for Discounts

As the cost of living continues to rise, many families are searching for ways to save money. One way to do this is by finding discounts on propane prices. Local companies sometimes offer discounts for senior citizens and for large orders. Discounts for seniors and veterans are often available because these groups are on a fixed income. Many companies understand this and want to help their customers save money.

Large fill orders usually receive a discount because the customer is buying in bulk. This saves the company money on shipping and handling costs. If you or someone you know falls into one of these categories, be sure to ask your local propane company about any available discounts. You may be surprised at how much you can save.

Participate in Co-Op Membership

When you participate in a propane co-op, you can take advantage of the group’s negotiating power to get lower prices on propane from suppliers. The co-op can use its members’ combined buying power to get discounts on propane, which can save you money on your bill. In addition, the co-op can negotiate for special rates with suppliers that are not available to individual customers.

The annual co-op membership usually ranges between $40-$50 but you can recuperate this amount from discount you get especially if you consume large amount of propane gas per year.

Make a Proper Delivery Schedule

If you’re thinking about scheduling a propane delivery, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Don’t schedule a delivery during inclement weather, after-hours, weekends or holidays as the company usually charges additional fees during these circumstances.

So it is best to plan ahead and schedule your delivery during regular business hours. Finally, be sure to have your tank filled before the start of winter so you’re not left scrambling when the cold weather hits. And finally, remember that propane is a flammable gas, so always take precautions when handling and storing it.

Consider Getting a Bigger Tank

It is no secret that propane is a very efficient fuel source. In fact, many homeowners are now using propane to heat their homes and cook their meals. However, what many people don’t realize is that having a bigger tank can actually save them money.

Here’s how it works: when you have a smaller tank, you are constantly having to refill it. This means that you are paying for the propane more often than you need to. However, when you have a larger tank, you can go longer between fill-ups. This means that you will save money on the propane itself, as well as on the cost of having it delivered.

If you have a propane-powered appliance, it’s important to have a full tank so you can avoid running out of propane. A bigger tank can save you money by allowing you to buy in bulk and avoid the need for frequent refills. When you’re shopping for a tank, keep in mind the size of your appliances and how much propane they use.

So, if you’re thinking about switching to propane or upgrading your current tank, be sure to consider a larger size. It may cost a bit more upfront, but it will definitely save you money in the long run.

Negotiate a Fixed Rate

If you’re a propane user, it’s important to know that you can negotiate a fixed rate for your propane service. This can be especially helpful if you live in an area where propane prices fluctuate.

To negotiate a fixed rate for propane, start by calling your company and asking if they offer fixed-rate pricing. If they do, ask for more information about how the program works. Be sure to ask about any fees or minimum purchase requirements.

If your company doesn’t offer fixed rates, don’t worry – there are other options. You can try contacting another company in your area to see if they offer fixed rates. Or, you can look into buying a propane price protection plan from a third-party provider.

No matter what route you choose, be sure to do your research and compare prices before making a decision. And remember, always ask questions so that you understand the terms and conditions of any agreement before signing on the dotted line.

Why U-Haul is a Good Choice for Propane Refills

1. Convenient Locations and Flexible Hours: The store has a lot of stores, so there’s probably one close to you. They’re open early and close late, which means you can refill your tank at a time that works for you, even if it’s outside regular business hours.
2. Consistent Quality and Reliable Service: When you go to their store for propane, you can expect high-quality propane every time. They are known for providing dependable service, so you can be confident that your propane refill experience will be smooth and hassle-free.

Conclusion

U-Haul propane refill cost can range anywhere from $3.65 per gallon on average. However, the price may vary depending on the location and availability of propane. Therefore, it is always best to call ahead to confirm pricing. Overall, it is relatively inexpensive to refill your propane tank at U-Haul, and they offer a wide range of sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your needs.

For those regularly using propane, U-Haul’s services could be an excellent way to manage costs while ensuring a reliable supply. Keeping in mind factors like regional price variations and the benefits of refilling over exchanging, customers can make informed decisions that best suit their needs and budget.