Propane tank recertification experience

[dks]

Had my 2003 Roadtrek propane leak tested the other day and it passed. I went to fill up the propane and the attendant looked at the sticker on the windshield and said he couldn't fill the tank since it expired in 2011. I had never had anyone check that before, but, the owner did fill the tank after he found out that the propane was used for RV appliances and not used to fuel the vehicle.

So I called the RV facility where I had the leak test done and asked if they issue the sticker for tank recertification. They didn't but, referred me to a propane facility that did. Long story short, it appears that there is a recertification required and that an auto stop valve will need to he installed if you don't have one.

So if you have an older Roadtrek be aware that you may have future expenses in installation/recertification of your propane tanks. This will vary depending where you live. My experience is in Ontario.

[Admin]

This one is getting too far off topic
Sorry folks

Admin

[wny_pat1]

VE3ESN wrote:


Ontario's regulations may be stricter than some other jurisdictions because of the Toronto Propane Explosion .

Toronto lost one off duty firefighter to a heart attack. Other jurisdictions also have had deadly propane explosions too. Buffalo, NY had a propane explosion in 1983. Five firefighters and two civilians were killed in the blast, and it left many dozens more injured.

[rockhillmanor]

Good thing the USA doesn't base required propane tank inspections on how many propane bottle company's explode!

Florida explosion of 53,000 20-pound cylinders of propane at the facility -- more than a million pounds in all at a Blue Rhino facility.

[VE3ESN]

In Ontario, we've had the experience where one facility told us they couldn't fill our Roadtrek tank (but of course could certify it at considerable cost). Another place that caters to taxis and other commercial vehicles filled the tank with no problem after determining that the vehicle didn't run on propane.

Ontario's regulations may be stricter than some other jurisdictions because of the Toronto Propane Explosion .

[path1]

If it looks bad on class A,B, C sand and paint to look good.

[ol__grouch]

I was trying to find a new sending unit for my chassis propane tank for the furnace and stove in my '89. I asked about the certification and the parts guy said it's different than a portable tank. I asked because my tank is so old, we can't find a new sending unit and I may have to get a new gauge. When I said it was 25 years old, he said it didn't matter. As long as it isn't rusted or dented, no problems.

[Beverley_Ken]

Your propane supplier employee needs to read the regs again.
Ontario propane cylinder/tank recertificatio, scroll down to the paragraph above 'Propane Cylinder Markings' "Propane tanks that are permanently mounted to structures or vehicles do not have to be recertified, but they must be visually inspected every time they are filled to ensure that they are acceptable for use. Automotive tanks used for motor fuel must be inspected and recertified every 5 years at a government approved facility"
This is for Ontario.

Beverley and Ken

[rockhillmanor]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Here we go again......

Propane cylinders have a re-certification/re-qualifying requirement. 12 yrs from date of mfg. stamped on collar.

Propane

tanks

.......NO!

And if a propane vendor doesn't know the difference then they are NOT qualified to fill a coke bottle let alone a pressurized vessel

I've NEVER had my propane TANK on my MH certified and have no problem getting it filled.

[Old-Biscuit]

Here we go again......

Propane cylinders have a re-certification/re-qualifying requirement. 12 yrs from date of mfg. stamped on collar.

Propane tanks.......NO!

And if a propane vendor doesn't know the difference then they are NOT qualified to fill a coke bottle let alone a pressurized vessel

[Oasisbob]

I once got burned by doing a propane tank exchange. I got an expired tank in exchange for a newer one. So I did one more exchange and never went back.

[eubank]

This may be the key: Rules for Canada are not the same as the rules in the US.

dks wrote:
... My experience is in Ontario.

More generally, the rules in the US are hardly uniform. There are 50 different sets of rules. Many simply default to the recommendations by the National Fire Protection Assn, Pub 58, but not all do.

Lynn

[GaryKH]

Islandman wrote:
I'm not aware of any certification required for the permanently mounted tanks on a motorhome, only for portable removable tanks such as those on a tent trailer, etc. However a person should do whatever necessary to keep their permanent tank free from surface rust and make sure the valve is in good shape, if in doubt get it checked at a bulk propane supplier facility.

This is my understanding also. The 10 year bit only refers to the portable tanks. Having said that, last week when i went to turn the propane on (my big permanent tank), it leaked gas initially via the valve. I phoned the place that rebuilds tanks & the fellow told me that there is packing in the valves & that it needs to be opened & closed frequently in order to keep the packing in good condition. This means over the winter. I've never had this happen before. I opened & closed the valve a few times & it's ok now.

[Islandman]

I'm not aware of any certification required for the permanently mounted tanks on a motorhome, only for portable removable tanks such as those on a tent trailer, etc. However a person should do whatever necessary to keep their permanent tank free from surface rust and make sure the valve is in good shape, if in doubt get it checked at a bulk propane supplier facility.

[Dick_B]

This is not only the situation with Roadtrek. I recently had the same experience where a supplier said it was the last time he could fill the tank since it was 10 years old. Later in the year I took the tanks to an LPG supplier who recertified them by stamping the carrying handle and filled the tanks. No charge for the recert.