Cal U-Rent is the largest retailer of propane in the tri-counties region of Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Volume sales translate into more competitive pricing. We do not change our prices as often as they do in gas stations. We allow the normal fluctuations of wholesale pricing to occur without reacting to them.

Since we are open every day including Sundays and most holidays, you can get your barbeque tank or motor home serviced at almost any time. We fill most service needs from our two 1100-gallon vertical tanks. Our drive thru area is sufficient for even the largest of recreation vehicles. Each of our Customer Service Representatives is fully qualified and has received training and has passed rigid safety requirements.

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Open 7 Days
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Easter and 4th of July
7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day

PROPANE RENTALS, SALES & SERVICE:

PROPANE TANK RENTALS:
Cal U-Rent rents tanks that are 5 Gallon, 8 Gallon, 15 Gallon and 25 Gallons in size.

PURCHASE OF BBQ TANKS:
Cal U-Rent offers sale of the 5 Gallon (20 pound) propane tank at competitive prices.

PROPANE ACCESSORY SALES:
The following items are available in our showroom for purchase: pressure regulators, igniters, POL valves, connector & regulator hoses.

CAL U-RENT EQUIPMENT POWERED BY PROPANE:
HEATERS: Space, Radiant, 8’ Patio (mushroom)
TORCH: Asphalt
BBQs: Felco Towable (6 foot) - Outdoor
FORKLIFTS: Mitsubishi Industrial (indoor) 16’ (5000#S) & 20’ (6000#S)

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PROPANE:

PROPANE AS A POWER SOURCE: Propane is composed of petroleum distillates and natural gas. It is stored in its’ liquid state and becomes gaseous when released from the pressure of its’ containment tank. Propane provides more power than natural gas.

PROPANE SAFETY: When transporting your barbeque tank, never leave it inside a locked vehicle that is exposed to the sun for any length of time. A thermal-pressure relief valve will activate when the temperature of the tank reaches a certain level. The relief valve will exhaust propane vapor to reduce the pressure inside the cylinder. Since propane is heavier than air, it will pool in a low-lying place in your car. You cannot see the vapors but they are dangerous and capable of flashing when exposed to a source of ignition. Butane is NOT propane. Butane is stored in a containment vessel that is of less pressure (PSI) than propane. It is very dangerous to store propane in a butane tank, since it requires greater pressure to store propane.

In the event that propane is leaking from your tank or barbeque, immediately shut off the source of supply and then investigate. DO NOT attempt to do any repairs to a propane tank yourself. Allow a certified expert at Cal U-Rent or any other service center to do the work for you.

In the event that propane is ignited when it is leaking, immediately shut off the source of propane supply and then attempt to put out the fire. DO NOT attempt to extinguish any petroleum- based fire with water. Propane is considered a petroleum- based fuel. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher or a CO2 fire extinguisher to put out any petroleum- based fire. When operating any fire extinguisher against any fire, aim the spray at the base of the fire and not the flames themselves. In the case of any vaporous fire (such as burning propane), the key is to shut off the source first and then take care of anything that might have been ignited by the source.

Propane tanks can explode if heated sufficiently in a fire. If you have a fire and a propane tank is involved, rapidly get away to a safe distance and then contact the local Fire Department.

DETECTING LEAKS: In its’ natural state, propane is an odorless gas. A foul smell has been added to it so that you can detect any leak. If you suspect a leak in any propane tank system (including lines and connections) put soapy water on the suspect area and see if it bubbles. A good idea to reduce chances of any leak at your line connection to the tank is to coat the threads with Vaseline prior to connection. Remember that the threading is reverse and you must go in a counter-clockwise direction when tightening the line to the tank.

CONDITION OF YOUR TANK: Do not use any tank that has been dented or is rusted severely. Light rust is usually ok but be sure to check with Cal U-Rent or any other certified representative to get clearance.

AGE OF YOUR TANK: Any propane storage tank is only certified by the government for 12 years from date of manufacture. The age (month & year) is found on the upright housing protecting your tank valves. If it is older than twelve years, it must either be disposed of or recertified. Cal U-Rent or any other supplier is required by law to refuse to fill any tank that is 12 years old or older. We are subject to a Federal fine if we do. Cal U-Rent does not recommend recertification. A recertification is only good for five more years and costs to have it done. A new tank is good for 12 years and is the better choice.

OPD VALVES: All tanks are required by government to be equipped with OPD (Overflow Protection Device) Valves. Cal U-Rent cannot fill tanks that are not equipped with this device.

TANK WEIGHING DEVICES: Any device designed to tell you how much propane is left in your tank is probably not cost-effective. They usually cost almost as much as another tank. We recommend that you always have a full spare tank that is located in storage. That way, when you run out during a BBQ, you will only have to hook up your spare tank and not ruin your BBQ. Be sure that you refill your empty tank at the earliest possible date.

TANK OPERATION: As an added safety measure, always shut the tank valve off as well as the BBQ shut off valve when not in use. If the burner is not operating properly, check for any obstructions at the burner or in the line. Sometimes small spiders construct webs inside the lines. They may be cleaned using small cleanout brushes that may be purchased from Zender’s Patio & Fireside.

STORAGE OF TANKS: Since propane is heavier than air, while natural gas is lighter than air, be sure to store your tanks in a cool, shady location with plenty of ventilation.

PAINTING OF TANKS: White is the best color for anything should be cooled. White reflects the most sunlight and heat. DO NOT paint your tank black or you will have a much greater chance of the thermal-pressure relief valve venting. Remember, the hotter the tank, the greater the pressure.

DISPOSAL OF TANKS: Empty propane tanks can be disposed of free of charge at Waste Management-GI Rubbish located between Simi Valley and Moorpark. Hours are: 8:00 to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. City of Thousand Oaks can also help with disposal. Call 805-449-7283

Directions from Thousand Oaks: 23 Freeway north to the Olsen Road off ramp. Turn right on Olsen---Turn left on Easy Street---drive around bend. GI Rubbish is located at 195 West Los Angeles Avenue. Easy street turns into LA Avenue in front of GI Rubbish. After you go around bend, there will be an ice skating rink on the right side. Just past the rink is GI Rubbish and is in a white building with green stripes.

Directions from Simi Valley or Moorpark: Take 23 Freeway to 118 Freeway and take Madera Avenue (South). Turn right on Easy Street and follow the directions above. Telephone: 805-522-9400.