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02-06-2014, 05:03 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 384
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Rust on the Propane Tank
We're ready to make an offer on a 2002 Dutch Star. While we were doing our once-over before submitting our offer, I noticed that there are rust patches on the propane tank. Just a few - one about 15 square inches and a few other small spots. The salesman (who I know and trust from a different hobby we share) told me that this amount of rust is typical in a coach this age, and that it is not as pronounced as the tank in his MH. Yes I know and trust him, but he IS, after all, a salesman.
He said that the body shop could clear the rust and spot paint the tank. One concern I have is that there may be rust where I can't see and they can't easily paint. Another is that the little BBQ-type tanks have to be inspected every few years and re-stamped, so shouldn't there be something similar for stationary tanks?
Your thoughts and experiences will, as always, be greatly appreciated.
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02-06-2014, 05:12 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DW Driver -Winter Englewood FL, Summer Willingboro NJ
Posts: 1,362
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just a little paint and some elbo grease
Quote:
Originally Posted by ProjectPro
We're ready to make an offer on a 2002 Dutch Star. While we were doing our once-over before submitting our offer, I noticed that there are rust patches on the propane tank. Just a few - one about 15 square inches and a few other small spots. The salesman (who I know and trust from a different hobby we share) told me that this amount of rust is typical in a coach this age, and that it is not as pronounced as the tank in his MH. Yes I know and trust him, but he IS, after all, a salesman.
He said that the body shop could clear the rust and spot paint the tank. One concern I have is that there may be rust where I can't see and they can't easily paint. Another is that the little BBQ-type tanks have to be inspected every few years and re-stamped, so shouldn't there be something similar for stationary tanks?
Your thoughts and experiences will, as always, be greatly appreciated.
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No one is going to be looking for the year or inspection at the filling station. If it is damaged or very rusty they may refuse to fill it. My tank was rusty on the 1999 Winne but they suggest I get a wire brush, sand it and paint it.
I look good now and every year I spray a little more nice grey paint on it.
__________________
La Dagobago
99 36 FL Winne Chieftain 5.9 ISB Turbo Cummins DP, 24' box with HD Sporty Hobby of 1970's Suzuki dirt bike restoration. Visit my blog.
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02-06-2014, 05:18 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,278
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If it's surface rust I wouldn't worry about it. Have the dealer fix the rust. If it's heavily pitted I would request a new tank be installed. Also, look around the bottom of the coach really good. A lot of folk drive them in winter times with salt on the ground and the bottom of the coach ends up with lots of cancer.
__________________
USAF Veteran
2014 Forest River Georgetown 351DS
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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02-06-2014, 05:19 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Apex, NC
Posts: 1,857
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The built-in ASME tanks don't need to be re certified. The portable DOT marked tanks are supposed to be re certified every so many years. A little surface rust on the tank would not concern me.
__________________
2010 Winnebago Journey Express 34Y
2010 Freightliner XCS (mfd 9/'09)
'07 Saturn Vue V6
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02-06-2014, 05:55 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Summer - WA, Winter - AZ
Posts: 169
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While it's not likely, it is possible the unit was in a flood. Look it over, especially under, and in all the basement compartments. Pay special attention to any exposed screw heads, metal parts, and metal trim to see if there is any rusting on them.
If the rust is superficial and only on the propane tank, I don't think I would worry much. The tank can be wire brushed, sanded, repainted, and still be in good condition.
Good luck.
__________________
Rocky, Anniey, and Joy (Our Toy Poodle)
2006 Bounder Diesel 38L
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02-06-2014, 06:00 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: AB
Posts: 7,587
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChasA
The built-in ASME tanks don't need to be re certified. The portable DOT marked tanks are supposed to be re certified every so many years. A little surface rust on the tank would not concern me.
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Agree.
Mine has some surface rust also which could be sanded and repainted but IMHO, it is not an issue.
__________________
2019 Unity LTV CB, pushed by a 2013 Honda CRV, BlueOx Baseplate, Aventa Bar & Patriot Brake
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02-06-2014, 06:19 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,278
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rockbit
While it's not likely, it is possible the unit was in a flood. Look it over, especially under, and in all the basement compartments. Pay special attention to any exposed screw heads, metal parts, and metal trim to see if there is any rusting on them.
If the rust is superficial and only on the propane tank, I don't think I would worry much. The tank can be wire brushed, sanded, repainted, and still be in good condition.
Good luck.
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You bring up a good point. We bought our first RV, which was a pop-up camper without even thinking about it. We just looked it over really well and bought it. Our next RV, a TT, was brand new, and the same for our Class A. If you were to buy a used TT, 5th, etc. is there a carfax available. That should tell you if it's ever been in a flood, salvaged, etc. Right?
__________________
USAF Veteran
2014 Forest River Georgetown 351DS
2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Toad
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02-06-2014, 07:06 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Full Timing
Posts: 751
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChasA
The built-in ASME tanks don't need to be re certified. The portable DOT marked tanks are supposed to be re certified every so many years. A little surface rust on the tank would not concern me.
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This  .
__________________
Mike
2003 Alpine Coach 40MDTS - 400HP Cummins ISL
Can Am Spyder Roadster
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02-07-2014, 06:43 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 384
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RV Checks
I bought a report from RVChecks.com. I don't know if it is different from Carfax, but it seems to have relevant information. It has only be titled once, does not have any liens, no flood claims, no total loss, etc.
I think I will make the brushing and spot painting a condition of sale.
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02-07-2014, 06:54 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Florida Cooters Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: florida west coast
Posts: 231
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little rust shouldnt hurt, but i was told by my household lp guy, that tanks (sm grill size). have a date on them, an are not suppose to be filled i think it was 10 yrs past that date. not sure if tanks on a rv carry same.
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Winnebago Owners Group ,Itasca 2000 DP
National Member of the Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club,PC Guru
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02-07-2014, 10:48 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,023
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There is rust, Rust and RUST!!!
The first is surface ruse.. You can almost wipe it off.. Then re-paint with a good rust control paint such as ACME or Sherman Williams.
(OK so I used to work for Acme Quality Paints, division of Sherman Williams and am thus biased).
IF it's a bit worse. .You can "Rust Convert" it (Naval Jelly?) then see above.
if it's RUST! you have a problem.
Alas, I can't tell which it is from here but I suspect the first (rust) .
__________________
Home is where I park it!
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02-07-2014, 01:43 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 125
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChasA
The built-in ASME tanks don't need to be re certified. The portable DOT marked tanks are supposed to be re certified every so many years. A little surface rust on the tank would not concern me.
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Unless he is in Canada. Here tanks require a re-certification every 5 years for frame mounted ASME tanks.
And if the tank is rusted to the point that it is pitted, then be careful.
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02-07-2014, 03:34 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 472
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How exactly do you get an RV frame mounted tank re-certified? I would assume it needs to be removed and a hydrostatic and or interior visual inspection completed. Ive never heard of one being removed and inspected. Anyone had this done???
Just looked it up and found this answer.
"The rules for this type of propane container (horizontally permanently installed) are governed by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). ASME tanks are not required to be re-certified since they are permanently installed. But DOT/TC cylinders, both vertical and horizontal, because they can be removed, transported and filled independently, do qualify for periodic re-certification. "
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02-07-2014, 03:55 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SW FL
Posts: 24,279
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Quote:
Originally Posted by forest
Unless he is in Canada. Here tanks require a re-certification every 5 years for frame mounted ASME tanks.
And if the tank is rusted to the point that it is pitted, then be careful.
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My tank was 11 years old and it was never re-certified or ever asked for one when refilling the tank.
__________________
Chuck in SW FL
Digital 2021 Cornerstone "B"
A "Digital" 2019 Cornerstone "B" Traded
A "Classic" 2014 Anthem 42 RBQ---Sold
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