Community Forums

rgevans871 · 03-26-2010, 10:19 AM

I recently read a post on RV.net that indicated an individual had been refused filling of his motor home propane tank because there wasn't a sticker on it saying it had been inspected. He claimed that only propane cylinders required periodic inspection. I read somewhere on the web that cylinders are good for 12 years from the date of mfg. before needing inspection.

Has anyone had their propane cylinders inspected and if so, where do you get this done? What was the cost of that inspection? My cylinders are either close to 12 years old or older. I haven't been refused filling of them yet, in fact most people filling them don't even look at the information stamped on the collar of the cylinder.

Ron.

450Donn · 03-26-2010, 11:07 AM

Been a few years, but around here t a gas appliance store did it for me. Seem to remember it cost around 10 dollars. But as I said that was a long time ago. Basically All they do is look for rust and do a pressure check. Then they stamp a recertification date on the tank. Next time the tank is empty, take it in and have it done.

wa8yxm · 03-27-2010, 10:23 AM

There are two kinds of propane cylinders.. The ones you can take off and lug to the filling station need occasional re-approval (And it's not a sticker, they stamp it in the metal) and any propane wholesaler should be able to do this inspection (most can)

The other kind is the kind bolted to the frame on a motor home.. These do not need re-inspection though several re-fill technicians failed to read that page in the manual and will refuse you for not haveing it inspected.

When this happens. Report the kid to his boss

Others, I'm sure, can find and post the proper law for you to hand the boss.

powderman · 03-29-2010, 10:39 AM

Actually the permanent mounted ones are called tanks which are CGMA certified and don't require recertification, and portable cylinders that are DOT certified and require retesting at what I believe are 10 year intervals. My understanding is any permanent tank should be refilled without problem as long as it shows no visible reason why it isn't safe.

SwampTrash · 04-13-2010, 07:45 PM

Never knew that! Thanks for the info.

wa8yxm · 04-14-2010, 09:45 AM

I will add... Many times I have listened to sales types who were ask a question to which I know the answer (I am a licensed Ham Radio operator over 40 years, and a certified Electronics Technician for most of those 40 years, though I don't work in the business)

And the answers were....... Most amusing.

Sometimes (Depending on the situtation) I would take the customer aside and explain the facts.. But usually.. I'm too busy laughing, or rather trying not to laugh out loud in the sales idiot's face.

This applies to the kids at propane pumps too.. Some of them know their job.. Many don't

Had a fun one the other day: Went to local hardware store, checked my budget and told them I needed FOUR GALLONS of propane. no more

He filled the tank (21+)

Now the cashier clearly heard me tell the technician FOUR GALLONS

So,, I'm obligated to pay for four gallons..

Being A nice guy I paid for the 4, and came back a few days later and paid half of the rest (I ask the manager what kind of a discount he was offering on the rest and he said half, So I said OK,,,, I'd have been ok with 25% too)

What can I say.. Sometimes.. It works out for you.