Well, in 15 years of owning my '90 Westy, I've never had any problem finding a place
to fill it, or with the person doing the filling. If I'm going to get it filled near
home, I throw an old furniture pad in the van, and then put it on the ground for the
attendant to kneel on. And the first question I ask is, " have you ever filled one of
these before?". Then point out the vent valve.
But now I, and others, have somewhat solved the "how much is left" question by
installing a second tank. Use one 'till empty, switch to the other, and make a note to
fill the empty one when convenient. Yes, I know this is not for everyone.
When I recently finished installing my second tank, I took it to the local feed store
(first time) to get it filled. The attendant declined the pad, hooked up the hose and
asked ME to flip the switch. I know the tank was empty, but it only took 2.5 gallons.
I was expecting 3. This place also had no minimum charge.
Okay, I live in rural Arizona, and with all of the snowbirds coming here in the
winter, they need to get those propane tanks filled.
Jerry