Community Forums

Shane D · 03-14-2025, 09:51 PM

Have a 42 gallon horizontal LP tank with a liquid outlet/valve for the gen and a vapor outlet/valve for the appliances in the coach.

Thought I had a leak in the fitting between the Vapor outlet and regulator....turns out after the LP guy (not an RV person) sprayed it down with soap water it is in the threads of the outlet valve. He was kind of surprised but said the repair wouldnt be difficult but didnt want to drain 30 gallons of LP to repair it since I was on the road at the time.

After sleeping on it Im wondering if something was so corrosive/caustic in the tank to eat at the threads etc should I just replace the tank itself or just get the repair done and maybe have an LP place recert the tank?

thanks

SafariBen · 03-14-2025, 10:28 PM

No, you're overthinking it. Fix the leak, no need to re certify permanent tanks. Test the rest of the system for leaks, at least I would (actually I removed my tank, but that's another story).

Arch Hoagland · 03-14-2025, 10:35 PM

How old is the coach?

Year. make and model always helps us help you.

Shane D · 03-14-2025, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

How old is the coach?

Year. make and model always helps us help you.

1999 Country Coach Intrigue 36'

from the desert and the dynomax chassis has no rust or issues.

LP tank is not perfect looking from the outside but better than expected given that it is exposed from below in a 100k driven coach that is 25 years old.

Im just worried what could create a leak thru the threads of the valve.

chboone · 03-14-2025, 11:13 PM

Find a a propane dealer that sets tank in the area your in. They would know best what do, probably try tightening first. If that doesn't work they can drain tank and reseal valve threads. As SafariBen said no need to replace tank.

dadej · 03-15-2025, 06:25 AM

It is most likely leaking around the stem packing nut. Find a propane company that delivers propane to houses. They normally have a service guy who can drain tank then replace the valve. No need to buy a new tank. I just had this done on my 1977 500 gallon tank.

thompsonlb · 03-15-2025, 04:26 PM

Had a similar issue when purchased on our 2008 Expedition. PO had the regulator removed so external tanks could be used during their Tennessee winter. I fixed myself when installing the new solenoid and regulator.

Good luck finding a any local LP company that will empty the tank. Even my guy that supplies my business would not do it for me. Ended up attaching a 30' host at a Tee I installed at the rear for grill connection attached to on of those weed torches attached to fence post away from the RV. Hated wasting the LP but it was better than letting the slow leak empty the tank.

d23haynes57 · 03-15-2025, 04:56 PM

What is the overall condition of the tank besides the valve? Any signs of rusting or pitting.
I had a vehicle mounted tank blow out a pin hole while being filled at a Flying J. Fire department response and all. They were ready to foam the van down. Luckily, I was able to convince them that everything inside was off and that we should wait for the tank to empty. Was about 2 hours for that little 3-gallon tank to empty.

twinboat · 03-15-2025, 05:42 PM

Most places flare off the propane. A flar is a tripod, 25 feet tall, with a hose to your tank. We carried one on our HazMat truck and seen them at UHauls.

chuckftboy · 03-15-2025, 05:43 PM

25 years old is not a reason to replace the tank when you just have some leaking threads. I think when you get a price to replace the tank verses repair, the choice will be much eaiser to make.

Tanks aren't cheap.

Dutch Star Don · 03-16-2025, 06:48 PM

Even if you wanted to replace the tank, I'm guessing you would have a hard time finding one. If you can't get someone to drain it, burn it off and do the repair.

Shane D · 03-19-2025, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Even if you wanted to replace the tank, I'm guessing you would have a hard time finding one. If you can't get someone to drain it, burn it off and do the repair.

good point...I tried doing a quick search and couldn't find a 42 gallon Manchester LP tank for RVs. The closest one in size was a flame king 29 gallon.

If I didnt have the LP generator i'd actually be fine with a much smaller tank.

d23haynes57 · 03-19-2025, 08:07 PM

These tanks are just not popular these days. It would likely be made to order. $$$
Manchester does that.

Ray,IN · 03-22-2025, 07:07 PM

When I had to replace my filling fitting due to leaking, I called my LP supplier for advice. I was advised to park my MH away from buildings, open the 80% filler valve and walk away.
I did that; it took 3 days for the 40G tank to empty. I then drove the MH to the LP suppliers store, where he removed the worn-out filler valve and installed the new valve. He said no tank purging was necessary, then filled my tank with LP.
He had to special order the new fill valve, as RV ASME LP tank fill valve are different than household ASME tank fill valves.