Filling older propane tanks

[JohnM13]

Has anyone had any issues filling the propane tanks that are permanently mounted to the frame of your RV? Is there a time limit on how long these tanks are good for? Thanks.

[sibe]

I guess it depends on the place you go to get it filled..

3 places I go to have no issue, BUT my local RV place said they would fill it once for me and then I should get the tank upgraded..

My Propane guy said just come up anytime and we will fill or when we fill the house remind my driver to top off RV..
MY guy said he would change the valve for me if I needed...about $75...

I have heard of places that wont do old tanks..technically not legal.

[twinboat]

There is no regulations on mounted propane tanks.

Portable propane cylinders have expiration dates.

If it looks like a pile of rust, the shop has the option to not fill it, its their store.

[Gary RVRoamer]

As twinboat stated, there are no refill date restrictions on ASME-spec permanently mounted tanks. The DOT spec portable bottles do have an expiration date and require periodic recertification.


There is no reason or requirement to "replace a valve" on ASME permanent tanks - they had overfill protection and other safety features for decades before the DOT bottles.



Propane refillers are supposed to reject filling any tank that appears to be damaged, whether by accident or excess corrosion. It's a judgement call on their part to do so.

[twinboat]

You'll list a 2019 Tiffin RV in your info page, doesn't seem that old to me.

[ArtJoyce]

Originally Posted by twinboat

There is no regulations on mounted propane tanks.

Portable propane cylinders have expiration dates.

If it looks like a pile of rust, the shop has the option to not fill it, its their store.

+2. If it's pre OPD valve something like 2000 and before. You should make a label "No OPD Valve"

[Old-Biscuit]

Originally Posted by JohnM13

Has anyone had any issues filling the propane tanks that are permanently mounted to the frame of your RV? Is there a time limit on how long these tanks are good for? Thanks.

Damage, fire, heavy rusting are the only restrictions

No recertifications/requalifying requirements

All permanent propane tanks (MHs) have OPD--Fill Vlaves since 1998

[JohnM13]

Thanks for the input everyone. I think that answers my questions

[JohnM13]

Originally Posted by twinboat

You'll list a 2019 Tiffin RV in your info page, doesn't seem that old to me.

I wasn’t asking specifically about my current RV. I’ve been looking at some bigger/older units and that’s what raised the question

[KanzKran]

I don’t go there for propane, but supposedly U-Haul is being careful about tank age and recertification stamps, which is the correct protocol for DOT tanks. Some have been turned away even though they have ASME tanks, though, from what I’ve read here and on other sites.

Probably because it cost them big when a tank let go, though I don’t know if it was a DOT or ASME tank; the article doesn’t say, and food trucks can have either, or even both.

https://apnews.com/article/28a8843f0...9d81c540d01d60

[twinboat]

U Haul takes a picture of my mounted RV tank and then fills it.

[Soppy]

I have no problems filling the propane tank on my 93 motorhome.

[Country Road]

Originally Posted by Soppy

I have no problems filling the propane tank on my 93 motorhome.

According to my propane dealer, the info given here is correct. Small propane tanks have certifications they have to follow.

However, as mentioned concerning tanks that are damaged, rusty, etc., or even one that appears ok, it would be wise if buying an aged RV to perhaps let a propane professional inspect it and that you abide by that person’s judgment. The service they perform will likely be no charge. Your life or life of others could depend on it. But of course, this is only my opinion.

[Fast E]

I have learned 'LOVES' truck stops will not fill a propane tank based on age of unit.