LP Tank / Out Of Date?

[CaptMark]

Now ending my first week of coach ownership, these forums have been incredible as I've got more questions than answers...

As I go through my coach system by system, I'm running into all kinds of things.

The LP tank installed in the coach is factory original and has a stamped date on it of 1997. It's my understanding that it's out of date as the legal requirement is 12 years.

The 42 gallon tank looks like it would be a royal pain to take out and replace as well.

Questions… Will fill-stations fill it regardless of the date? (do they really check?)


If not, is it possible to get it checked and re-certified without pulling it out??

Lastly, I’ve seen several kits online where I can transfer LPG from grill size tanks (25lb) to the main tank in the coach. How much does that really transfer?


Thanks, any thoughts / comments would be greatly appreciated.


Mark
1997 Tropi-Cal 235
South Florida

[jcthorne]

Permanently installed ASME tanks used in most motorhomes do not require recertification like DOT Cylinders. See NFPA 58 for the full rules but the two have very different requirements.

[BigV]

They don't require recertification but that does not mean ignore them.

I'm going to pull my 20yr old tank out and clean the rust and repaint. I'll probably have it checked out at the same time. The only place around me that does them is Camping World. At least that is what my Cenex guy told me.

[dsbike]

Not sure about refilling your large tank from the small 20lb 0r 30lb tanks, I don't think this is possible. However you can get a "T" that will install between your tank & regulator that will allow you to add a portable tank. I only have one bottle opened at a time. I use both 20lb & 100lb tanks when needed. This past winter we used the 100lb tank for heat. Due to the extreme cold we were in, the 20lb tank would not maintain enough pressure to operate our systems. Below freezing the tank would only supply fuel if completely full, also since we used a 100lb tank every 11-12 days the small tanks just wouldn't have kept up anyway. Now in temps above 40' we have used the 20lb tanks & have had no problems using all the fuel & running our heater, stove, Hot water tank.
Hope this answers your question.
To Jcthorne & BigV, thanks for the recertification requirements, I had wondered about that but never asked.

[wa8yxm]

Key word "Coach" Trailers which have tanks you can easily remove and haul to the refill station need perodic recertification

Motor homes with tanks bolted firmly to the frame that are not so easily removed,, Do not.

DO, however, inspect the tank, and if the tanks looks like it has, shall we say "Seen better days" you might find a Prpane wholesale place and have their techinicans take a peek at it.. Sometimes all that's needed is a coat of Acme Rust Control paint.. Sometimes.. time for a new tank but to be honest... I don't think you'll have the rig that long (As in the motor home will need replacement BEFORE the tank)

[popsuscdds]

Capt Mark,
Yesterday I was wandering the same thing so it drove our rig to a local bulk supplier. She said that tanks that are attached to motor homes don't require certifying. Goodie!
Have fun!
Milt

[CaptMark]

Totally Correct. Since it's the ASME tank, the driver had no problem filling it. Came to the house, filled the motor home as well as a half dozen grill tanks that I had. $4.25 a gallon. No delivery charge, no other fees.

Worked out perfectly.

Any thoughts on how long a full LPG tank will run my refrigerator / freezer if I leave the motorhome unplugged for a while?

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMark Any thoughts on how long a full LPG tank will run my refrigerator / freezer if I leave the motorhome unplugged for a while?

I don't think it's a good idea to leave propane on for an extended time with no one to keep an eye on it. A line, fitting or fridge coil could leak and start a fire. I would recommend to leave fridge empty and open until ready to use.
But in answer to your question, a full tank of propane will last quite a long time if only using it to run the fridge, I would think many months.