LPG Tanks

[dgrcan]

I am a new member from North of the Border, who is the proud owner of a 1989 Glendale Sterling, C Class RV (27 ft).
I have a question regarding LPG built in tanks. I have been informed that in Canada we cannot refill the onbard tank if we do not have a Safety Certificate. Apparently, the tanks need to be checked every 10 years. As mine is now 23 years old, I have been making enquries regarding this safety check and have been quoted $150.00 before they even start. Is this likely to turn into an expensive issue and is this certificate something that I would need to have if I was refilling the LPG tanks over the border?
Incidentally, I have owned the RV for 4 years, have not had any problems with the LPG (but have only refilled once - without a certificate).
I would be extremely grateful for any advice that members could give me.

[trackman]

If that is a real cost I would look into replacing the tanks. That would give you the needed inspection and peace of mind on the safety of the tanks for the next 10 years

[ahicks]

You're pretty sure that inpection is required?

In the states, what you say is true of the portable tanks that you remove to have filled, but not a permanently mounted tank like those found on motor homes. There is no inspection requirement on those? -Al

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by ahicks

In the states, what you say is true of the portable tanks that you remove to have filled, but not a permanently mounted tank like those found on motor homes. There is no inspection requirement on those? -Al

Correct in the US. No inspection on horizontal tanks, removable bottles, yes inspection required.

[wb7auk]

That 150.00 dollars seems a little high and as to getting a new horizontal tank now that
is about 5 or 6 times that amount.

[kenjh]

I have been quoted 1400 dollars for a new tank for my 87 Itasca ..the tank was pulled by the p/owner ..so I now use a 30 pounder when we set up ..I am still looking for a horizontal tank in my price range ..I have been told if I bring the tank in for inspection ..a new valve included will be less then 100 dollars for a 30 horizontal..

[windydaboo]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Correct in the US. No inspection on horizontal tanks, removable bottles, yes inspection required.

That is good to know. I had a Flying J tell me they wouldn't fill my tanks (I have 2) because they were over ten yrs old. After telling the guy that he is the first of over 50 fill ups to tell me this, he said he would do it this last time but to not come back. I agreed.

[wa8yxm]

Another thing: As others have said in the States for a MOUNTED tank, re-inspection is not needed.

HOWEVER: not all propane pumpers understand that and often a Pump Jockey will tell you "Oh it needs to be Recertified" even when it's not required.

Recommendation: Seek 2nd opinion.

[dgrcan]

Many thanks for all your replies. I am very pleased to have received all your inputs. It certainly seems that things are different in Canada with LPG tanks, especially since the Propane storage area blew up in Downsview 2 years ago. However, I have still only come up with one LPG specialist, in my area, who re-certifies horizontal tanks. Incidentally, my LPG is only used for the domestic side, i.e. cooking, fridge, etc, not for driving.

[ahicks]

What kind of shape does the tank appear to be in? Is it a big wad of rust, or does it appear to be in pretty good shape with a little surface rust here and there?

Have you considered dropping the tank yourself, maybe repainting it after doing a little surface prep, then taking just the tank in for inspection to keep your expenses down?

Because of your interest in this inspection, I'm assuming the tank is empty or reasonably low - not full?

[PeterS]

First I was considering a sand and paint job. After a few weeks of attempting to cut the bolt heads, first with a blade on a grinder, then a grinding wheel, finally I drilled them out, straight down, that worked. A coupe of smacks with a big hammer and it fell off. Even though these are ASME and probably usable, I'm chicken! So for $650. I can get a shiny new one ($425 if I drive to Il). Check out http://www.rvsurplus.net/catalog/dis...ategory_id=200 for new tanks

[dgrcan]

My tank looks in excellent condition, which is one reason why I am so irked at having to get it checked. However, safety always has to be paramount! My tank is getting low on gas which is why I am getting together all the info I can.
Thanks for your input.

[ahicks]

If you take the time to drop the tank and give it a little TLC, then take it in for inspection, the charges should be minimal I would think? Thinking about it, why guess? Call them?

[Papa_Jim]

There is a lot of confusion regarding the propane tanks on our coaches. Unfortunately most of that confusion is coming from the very places that are supposed to provide us with the propane.

In Canada, propane tanks are regulated by Transport Canada, which is a federal, not provincial agency.

In Canada, portable propane tanks are required to be re-certified every ten years. Vehicle propane tanks that are used for the vehicle engine power are required to be re-certified every five years.

In Canada, propane appliance tanks that are permanently mounted to vehicles or structures do not have to be re-certified, but they must be visually inspected every time they are filled to ensure they are acceptable for use.

The world is full of incompetent people that don't know their job. I had a propane jockey at a Flying J in the U.S.A. tried to make me sign a release freeing him from all and any problems that resulted from him filling my propane tank because he said it was too old and needed re-certification. When I refused to sign, he decided to fill it anyway. As he began to try to fill the tank, I realized he didn't know how to do it. So we moved on to another propane supplier.