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GWinger · 09-04-2012, 06:01 AM

I have an older (1988) truck camper with two 20# horizontal tanks. Quite often I get grief from LP suppliers when I need them filled. This is a two-fold question...

One, the tanks have 'round' handles, an indication that they are NOT the newer anti-overfill valves. Read once that the horz tanks are 'exempt' from this requirement. Most LP dealers are not aware of this but fill the tanks anyway. Anyone know for sure?

My second question concerns the proper tank position when filling,... vertical or horizontal? I understand when USING the tanks that they MUST be in the HORIZONTAL POSITION because of the tube inside the tank being at the top above the liquid during use. But during 'filling', is that little bleeder valve allow pressure to escape at the valve? Or does it have a tube to the top of the tank while in the horz position also?
Thanks
GWinger

wa8yxm · 09-04-2012, 09:13 AM

The issue of the pump jockies giving you grief I can't comment on but if they are removable tanks as opposed to bolted in place. That is the deciding factor, not upright or lying down.

As to filling them.. They fill in the same position they are used in.

GWinger · 09-05-2012, 06:45 AM

Yes, they are removable.
The bleed screw on the valve has a tube in it then? So the tank HAS to be filled while in the horz position?
GWinger

elkhornsun · 09-05-2012, 06:09 PM

No the tanks can be filled while vertical - no difference. You can replace only the valve assembly to meet the new requirements and not the entire tank.

devildog1971 · 09-06-2012, 12:21 AM

those tanks have to be reinspected i can not remember if it is every 5, 7 or 10 years you go to a propane distributor in our area there are many, a lot of homes have propane gas for furnaces or hot water heaters, the first time the guy just took the info and put the recertification sticker on the next time it cost ten dollars to put the valve in the tanks the places that sell propane as a secondary market usually do not know what you are talking about when you ask them

GWinger · 09-07-2012, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

No the tanks can be filled while vertical - no difference. You can replace only the valve assembly to meet the new requirements and not the entire tank.

There are no OPD valves for horz tanks. And to be filled properly they MUST be in the horz position to be able to get the 80% fill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by devildog1971

those tanks have to be reinspected i can not remember if it is every 5, 7 or 10 years you go to a propane distributor in our area there are many, a lot of homes have propane gas for furnaces or hot water heaters, the first time the guy just took the info and put the recertification sticker on the next time it cost ten dollars to put the valve in the tanks the places that sell propane as a secondary market usually do not know what you are talking about when you ask them

The question has nothing to to with the 're-inspection' requirement.
The re-inspection isn't the problem. If the propane dealer is aware of the exemption of horz tanks for the OPD valve, that is. You are right, some or most propane dealers don't properly train their employees that deal with the public.
GWinger

elkhornsun · 09-11-2012, 05:36 PM

I have two horizontal tanks with my Lance camper and I fill them at the local store and they are filled while sitting vertically on the ground and the necessary amount of propane goes into the tank which I can determine by watching the fuel gauge on the big tank. Must be magic.

elkhornsun · 09-11-2012, 07:10 PM

By the way my factory installed horizontal LPG tanks have triangular valve handles that are stamped OPD. The OPD valves with their floats to cut-off the fill at 80% will only work if the tank is vertical. while it is being filled. Filling the tank with it horizontal defeats the purpose of the float. Think of a toilet tank flapper valve working with the tank lying on its back as the tank is filled with water - in this position it will never shut off.

GWinger · 09-14-2012, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhornsun

By the way my factory installed horizontal LPG tanks have triangular valve handles that are stamped OPD. The OPD valves with their floats to cut-off the fill at 80% will only work if the tank is vertical. while it is being filled. Filling the tank with it horizontal defeats the purpose of the float. Think of a toilet tank flapper valve working with the tank lying on its back as the tank is filled with water - in this position it will never shut off.

In your case scenario, Right you are.
I have the older non-OPD valves on my horz tanks. OPD's for them weren't available back when the OPD law was made. Perhaps now they will change it again to include horz tanks.
GWinger