Community Forums

aandbr · 11-24-2014, 08:45 AM

Our 2000 Damon Challenger has a 105 lb/ 25 gal horizontal propane tank, that is outdated (needs to be re-certified). It seems to be rusted on the underside. I am having the hardest time trying to find a replacement anywhere on line or locally here in Houston TX.
I am thinking of probably getting a smaller one (11.2 gal) at PPL motors for $411.00. I know that we would have to re-fill more often but at least that one is available now.

Any thoughts or ideas would be welcome. Budget is a problem at the moment.

Art

wa8yxm · 11-24-2014, 09:26 AM

No, it does not need to be re-certified. This type of tank is covered under a different set of rules and does not need re-certification, HOWEVER if the pump jockey notices major issues with the tank they may refuse to refill

If the rust is light, Gently remove and re-paint, If it is deep and pitted, Then the tank needs to be replaced.

But since this tank is mounted, not portable, it does not need re-certification.

Many threads on this, Some of them include the actual chapter and verse of law that applies (Section and sub section).

But that type of tank does not need re-certification.

wb7auk · 11-24-2014, 09:37 AM

I agree and if you need to replace it there are a lot of used tanks out there for a
whole lot less than what you were thinking of.

dadej · 11-24-2014, 02:00 PM

Sounds like someone is getting a little picky. I used propane as motor fuel for years in a truck with a tank mounted under my van.It was subject to salt and was completely rusted. These tanks are not just 1/8 inch thick.Many motor fuel tanks are mounted out in the elements. I think you need to find a different fuel supplier, possibly one in a rural area that is a little more reasonable.

wa8yxm · 11-24-2014, 04:13 PM

The problem is that portable tanks like my 20 pounder, need to be certified when new and re-certified every so often..

But the Horizontal tank bolted to my frame.. Does not need re-cert, it falls under DIFFERENT rules..

I am going to hazard a guess.. Some wet behind the ears pump jockey who only studied half the pump jockey manual told him it needs to be re-certified... Of course if he had studied the other half of the book.. he would have gone ahead and filled it,

Because that 2nd set or fules, the one that frame mounted tanks must adhear to.. DOES NOT REQURIRE RECERTIFICATION. (Unless there is damage (physical, visible) to the tank or the brass is off-color.. and a specific color at that, I will not tell you what causes that but in that case the rig will be used and you do not want to live in it).

spritz · 11-24-2014, 06:43 PM

I was told mine needed to be replaced a few weeks ago by someone that didn't know the rules. I started looking until I read these reviews and now have the itch at getting a larger tank and found this one to replace my 20 gallon tank. If your interested. This is what I am looking at.
I have asked on this site if anyone has herd of the manufacture, but haven't seen anything yet.
$330.00
Tim

aandbr · 11-25-2014, 11:47 AM

After a close examination of the tank, it seems to be only surface rust. I will steel brush it and then spray it with Rustoleum White paint. That should do the trick. I will also put a new Service Valve and Regulator.

Art

98FPA · 11-25-2014, 12:20 PM

Here is a link to the Manchester propane tank site. Manchester Tank: RV Products

My tank was made by Manchester with a date code of 1997. It is a 24 gallon, with a Cat. # 6829 stamped on it. My tank measured 14" OD x approx. 36" long. I just purchased my 1998 MH in August 2013, I had the tank filled in September 2013 by a wholesale propane supplier - no questions at all. I know Manchester is a primary manufacturer of propane tanks.

Vickie 4369 · 11-25-2014, 01:30 PM

I replaced my 25 gal with a 50 gal

spritz · 11-25-2014, 04:55 PM

Boy 50 gallons that would be nice.

aandbr, Thanks I just have a hard time finding places that can fill the old tank. so Far in 4 years I have only found 3 places that can fill it. Everybody that dispenses propane don't have the correct hook ups. Now with the new tank the filler is higher on the tank.
I could also repaint it. I am not sure how we will do this winter in AZ as far as getting it filled.

Happy Holidays,
Tim

Gary RVRoamer · 11-25-2014, 05:09 PM

Just for the record, there are horizontal-mount portable tanks that follow DOT specs and do require re-certification every 13 years. Most motorhomes do not have that kind of tank, but I caution those here not to jump to conclusions.

That said, it is highly likely this Damon has an ASME-spec tank and does not require periodic certification. However, any propane tech who sees an actual defect is supposed to refuse to refill a tank, whether DOT or ASME spec. This sometimes leads poorly trained techs to make a bad call. Usually their supervisor can straighten it out, but sometimes its easier to just go somewhere else.

wa8yxm · 11-25-2014, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aandbr

After a close examination of the tank, it seems to be only surface rust. I will steel brush it and then spray it with Rustoleum White paint. That should do the trick. I will also put a new Service Valve and Regulator.

Art

IS something wrong with the Service valve? IS it leaking?

And is the regulator regulating?

If they are working, Why replace them.. Obviously if they have failed they need replacement. But you made no reference to valve failure that I recall, less I missed it.

It is not necessary to upgrade to the new ACME type connectors for this type of tank, you may continue to use the POL fittings, and in fact should, since you never disconnect (less you are installing an Extend-a-stay type adapter and then only one time) they are not a problem.

aandbr · 11-26-2014, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

IS something wrong with the Service valve? IS it leaking?

And is the regulator regulating?

If they are working, Why replace them.. Obviously if they have failed they need replacement. But you made no reference to valve failure that I recall, less I missed it.

It is not necessary to upgrade to the new ACME type connectors for this type of tank, you may continue to use the POL fittings, and in fact should, since you never disconnect (less you are installing an Extend-a-stay type adapter and then only one time) they are not a problem.

Testing it after a partial fill, I discovered low flames on stove top (indicating low pressure) regulator may be adjusted. Also discover leak from Service Valve. (lost all propane in tank) So if I`m going to replace the Valve I may as well replace Regulator while I`m at it??

Gary RVRoamer · 11-27-2014, 07:45 AM

An inline LP regulator is not expensive, so yes, I would replace it as well if there is any doubt at all.

It's a standard LP regulator, not unique to an RV, so you don't need to pay RV store prices for one.