RV Propane Re-certification Inquiry (sent to TSSA)

[BadBoy]

Hi, I am looking for information in regards to propane certification for motorhomes. I am looking at purchasing a 1997 Class-A motorhome and have been looking into getting it certified and etested etc. I spoke with an RV dealer about getting this done in addition to a Pre-Deliver Inspection of all of the systems.

They then told me that if the propane tank is older than 5 years old they would be required by law to completely remove the propane tank (as opposed to a simple visual and valve inspection). They would then need to refinish the tank, and then reinstall it and check for any leaks. This would come at a significant cost of $1100. They said this law was passed as of 2008 for any motorhome with a built in propane tank. This particular tank is built in/installed under the RV and is protected by framing. There is however access to valves etc.

Can you please tell me what is required? I'm sure a proper certification sticker is in order but can any propane dealer look at the tank, perhaps even check a valve etc and issue the sticker or is $1100 worth of service really required? I certainly don't doubt that a proper check should be done however I worry that some unscrupulous RV dealers may be taking advantage of a somewhat foggy law. (sorry, I couldnt think of a more appropriate word than foggy lol)

Thanks very much, hope you can clear this up for me.
Jason
Kingston, Ontario

[wa8yxm]

Portable Propane tanks need to be re-certified from time to time

The tanks bolted to the frame of a motor home are NOT protables and thus not covered by that law.. it is not an exemption, they simply are not covered by that law, they are covered by different laws which do not require re-certification.

I'm not sure of the alphabet soup so I won't post it but they are different laws.

[RustyJC]

Ummmm.....the original poster is in Canada, so Canadian laws would apply. I have no idea what Canada requires.

Rusty

[a k]

$1100???

[Lorna]

Call your local propane company. That is who is responsible to re-certify LP tanks. Why do you listen to dealers?

[RV LYONS]

$1100.00 is that the dealers price or from the tank certifier????

[Gary RVRoamer]

Canada has a lot of propane powered vehicles and some fairly strict rules for vehicle tank certification. Not sure if they apply to motorhome tanks that are not for motor fuel purposes. It is my understanding that in Canada a 10 year old vehicle tank has to be re-valved, but do not have an official source for that.

Will be interesting to see what the TSSA response is.

[WilleyB]

Awhile back the prov. of Ontario was debating such an issue in their legislature. I read this on RV Net or a thread here. It's quite possible they have passed such a law which involves re certification of the Manchester tanks or equiv makes of tanks mounted on all vehicles. This new law stems from an improper filling of a tank by a person not trained to do so. The resultant explosion and fire was the catalyst for the new law. My own opinion is it's a make work project with a windfall of sales tax (Goods & Services) revenue. Ontario is the only province so far with such a law. Anyone planning on camping in Ontario would be wise to have one of those attachments where you can Tee in standard propane cylinder. Guess I'll have to get one myself
Yep! I did save the link for the device from that thread

Extend-A-Stay

Cheers
Willey

[WilleyB]

Here is a link to a discussion prior to a law in Ont. being put into effect. It would seem that Saskatchewan also has a mounted tank certification but one RV'er in Sask. paid only $75 for his certification. Re-certification is required every 5 years. Guess they don't want the tourist business.

Re Ontario Re-certification
http://www.rv.net/cforum/Index.cfm/f...d/24152622.cfm.
Cheers
Willey

[WilleyB]

New propane rules hurt businesses: association

This get's more interesting by the minute. I can see this ill conceived mess being sidelined before summer. 1400 propane stations to close down because of an estimated cost to prepare a a risk and safety management plan a requirement of the new law. A fuel distribution company based in St. Thomas, Ont., says he has plans to close down 71 of his company’s 75 propane refill facilities.
Those RV's in Ontario will likely have to cross the borders to get propane, this is not a good thing if it is let stand.
There's a lot more available on Google searches
Cheers
Willey