Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>
> "Pete C." > wrote in message
> > None necessary, excerpt from purported BR letter -
> >
> > " If you prefer to have a tank that can be filled by
> > anyone, take that tank back to any Blue Rhino retailer and exchange it
> > for one that does not have the triangular indention."
>
> This is my favorite line:
> "Some, but not all of our tanks have a special safety device that prevents
> the refill by anyone other than a Blue Rhino specialist. They are called TS2
> cylinders. The reason we designed them is simple. It's for the safety of our
> consumers!!"
>
> Sure it is. Profit from a closed customer base has nothing to do with it.
>
> >
> > The other advantage to
> > cylinder exchange is that you never have to pay for hydro testing, and
> > would not have had to pay to replace a non OPD valve.
>
> A new tank is $20. Three or four fill ups pays for the new tak compared to
> BR prices. They are good for something like 12 years before a hydro is
> needed so I'll just buy another at that time. Do as you like, but I hope
> you have the large size Vaseline jar.
> --
> Ed
> http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/

Well certainly the economics are more exaggerated when you're dealing
with $150-$300 high pressure tanks. As for cost differences between BR
and other places to fill, for me it's pretty negligible. I only use
propane for the cooktop of my dual-fuel stove and even with fairly
intensive cooking a tank lasts a good 8 months. All the BBQ and grilling
is with lump. I've got a number of options around for both exchange and
fills, and if the potential savings was more than the $10/yr or so it
might be worthwhile to shop around.

Pete C.