Community Forums

wanderso · 06-15-2014, 08:46 AM

Ok - everyone raise your hands that get your propane system inspected by a certified tech every 2 years, replace your detector every 5 years, and replace portable cylinders every 10 years. Same question for annual inspection and servicing of your furnace, fridge and other major appliances..

Good article below on overall maintenance and safety.
.
Propane System Maintenance and Propane Safety When Using an RV

Fridge
RV Refrigerator Service and Maintenance

Furnace
The RV Doctor: RV Heating System Maintenance

An item of interest is that I don't find any info on a date/age consideration for replacing ASME horizontal mounted RV propane tanks apart from obvious significant rust beyond surface rust or consideration for replacing a regulator. For example, would a good rule of thumb be to replace regulators on a 5 year schedule at the same time as the propane leak detector, on a 10 year schedule to match the CO2 detector schedule, or just wait for it to fail at an unfortunate moment and keep a spare on hand?

mel s · 06-15-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wanderso

Ok - everyone raise your hands that get your propane system inspected by a certified tech every 2 years, replace your detector every 5 years, and replace portable cylinders every 10 years. Same question for annual inspection and servicing of your furnace, fridge and other major appliances..
An item of interest is that I don't find any info on a date/age consideration for replacing ASME horizontal mounted RV propane tanks apart from obvious significant rust beyond surface rust or consideration for replacing a regulator. For example, would a good rule of thumb be to replace regulators on a 5 year schedule at the same time as the propane leak detector, on a 10 year schedule to match the CO2 detector schedule, or just wait for it to fail at an unfortunate moment and keep a spare on hand?

wanderso
IMO you worry to much.
Mel
'96 Safari, 132k miles

wa8yxm · 06-15-2014, 11:21 AM

I do my own inspections annually.. Trust me more than many certified ... Folks.. Not always sure what certifications they have based on the work they have done.

jesilvas · 06-15-2014, 07:26 PM

I am certified by the Railroad Commission of Texas (it's by state, not national) to fill DOT cylinders and ASME tanks, and perform work on LP RV systems.
I'd have to pull out the handbook again, but DOT cylinders don't need to be replaced, but need to have a proper certification on them and a working valve. The cylinder is up to me to be put back into service or not.
ASME tanks do not have an "age out" date, just inspection as stated with good valves and attachments as well.
Detectors need to be replaced per manufacturer rules. LP every 5-7 years, I would replace CO detectors at the same time. (Some are 2 in 1.)

I would suggest doing a pressure and leak test every year. You test pressure of the regulator with no load on it (gas appliances not running), and then with a load. There is a range that it should be in. Then it should hold 8 in/H2O for at least 3mins, I test for 15mins. Then you can find when you need to replace or adjust the regulator, and then of course you'll see if the appliances work or not.