Where to Refill Propane

You can refill a grill or RV tank at U-Haul, Tractor Supply, many hardware stores, RV centers, campgrounds and local propane dealers. The hard part isn’t finding propane; it’s finding a place that actually refills instead of only swapping tanks, and getting there when someone certified is on duty. Here’s how I’d find the right spot and what to bring so the trip isn’t wasted.

By Nathan Brooks · Reviewed Oct. 15, 2026 · Locations and safety guidance from U-Haul, Tractor Supply and propane suppliers

Quick answerThe most common places to refill a propane tank are U-Haul, Tractor Supply, hardware stores (many Ace and True Value stores), RV dealers and campgrounds and local propane companies. Refills are sold by the gallon, so you only pay for what goes in. Call ahead: not every location offers refills, and hours are often shorter than store hours.

Places that refill propane tanks

Where	Good to know
U-Haul	Many locations refill by the gallon, including RV tanks. U-Haul has a propane locator on its website.
Tractor Supply	Many stores refill by the gallon. Staff inspect the tank first and may refuse old or damaged ones.
Hardware stores	Many independent and Ace or True Value stores refill. Others only sell exchange tanks.
Local propane dealers	Often the lowest price per gallon, and they can also requalify old tanks. Hours are usually weekdays.
RV dealers and campgrounds	Handy on the road; can fill tanks mounted on an RV. Prices vary a lot.
Some gas stations and farm stores	Look for a large white propane tank with a filling station, usually in rural areas.

Many big-box and grocery stores only offer exchange (swap your tank for a pre-filled one). That’s convenient, but exchange tanks are usually filled to only 15 lb, so you often pay more for less. If you’re not sure which is cheaper for you, compare exchange vs. refill.

How to find a refill station near you

Search your map app for “propane refill,” not just “propane,” which also shows exchange cages.
Use store locators from U-Haul, Tractor Supply or your local hardware store and check that the location lists “refill.”
Call first and ask: Do you refill (not just exchange)? What’s the price per gallon? What are the refill hours? Is anyone certified on duty now? This one-minute call saves more wasted trips than anything else on this list.

What to bring

The tank, valve closed. Even an “empty” tank still holds some propane.
A tank that’s in date. Look for the manufacture date stamped on the collar (for example, 08-20). Most 20 lb tanks must be requalified 12 years after that date.
An OPD valve. The handwheel should be triangle-shaped. Tanks without an overfill prevention device can’t be refilled.
A way to carry it home upright, such as a milk crate or tank holder.

What it costs

You pay by the gallon. A full refill of a 20 lb tank is about 4.7 gallons, so multiply that by the posted price to know what an empty tank will cost. If your tank still has some propane left, you’ll pay less, which is one of the quiet advantages of refilling. Many places also have a minimum charge, so I wouldn’t top off a nearly full tank.

Refill cost check

Price per gallon at the refill station ($)

Exchange price near you ($)

Based on a 20 lb tank: a full refill adds about 4.7 gallons; most exchange tanks hold 15 lb (about 3.5 gallons).

Where to go first

If you have a local propane dealer nearby, start there. Propane is their main business, so they can quote a price per gallon and tell you if your tank needs requalifying. U-Haul and Tractor Supply are good second choices because they’re everywhere and list refill on their locators. Hardware stores vary a lot from one location to the next, so always call ahead there.

If you use propane for a generator or heat, keep a second full tank. Refill counters get busy before storms, and that’s the worst time to be standing in line. — Nathan Brooks

Carry it home safely

Keep the tank upright and secured so it can’t tip or roll.
Keep windows open a little and go straight home.
Never leave a tank in a hot car or closed trunk.
Store tanks outdoors, never in a house or garage.

Refill season tips

Before winter storms, refill stations get busy and some run short. Keep a spare tank full if you rely on propane for heat or a generator. How long a tank runs a generator.
Weekends often have the longest lines and fewest certified staff. Weekday mornings are easiest.
If your tank is expired, a propane dealer may be able to requalify it. Otherwise, exchange it; exchange cages usually accept old tanks.

Quick answers

Where can I refill a propane tank near me?

Try U-Haul, Tractor Supply, hardware stores, RV dealers, campgrounds and local propane companies. Search your map app for “propane refill” and call ahead to confirm hours and price.

Is it cheaper to refill or exchange a propane tank?

Refilling is usually cheaper per gallon, and it fills your 20 lb tank completely, while exchange tanks usually hold 15 lb. Use the calculator above with your local prices.

Can I refill an expired propane tank?

No. A tank past its requalification date can’t be refilled until it’s requalified. You can usually exchange it instead.

Can I refill a propane tank at a gas station?

Some gas stations, especially in rural areas, have a propane filling station. Most city gas stations only sell exchange tanks.

Keep saving

Propane exchange vs. refill →Which one costs less Propane tank sizes →Which size you need and how long it lasts Propane prices →Home heating and grill tanks How to save on gas →12 proven ways, with real numbers

Sources

U-Haul propane locations · Tractor Supply propane refill · AmeriGas: transporting propane tanks · Propane Education & Research Council

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