Hi guys,
Our propane tank looks dangerously rusty. I have almost no experience with propane systems so I want to make sure it's safe before trying to use. First off is there a way to drain the propane tank so that I can safely work on it or just not be driving around with a hazard?
Are there service centers or specific RV places for refurbishing these?
Propane Tank replacement or certification?
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- Weekend Camper
- Posts: 56
- Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2016 7:26 am
- B190 Year: 0
- WBCCI: 0
- lido14co
- Seasoned Traveler
- Posts: 259
- Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 1:12 pm
- B190 Year: 1992
- WBCCI: 0
- Location: Los Osos, CA
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
There's a vent valve on the tank. Make sure the area is well ventilated and no open flames. As far as I know, Rv tanks don't have to be recertified. New tanks are pricey and your tank may just have surface rust. Can you smell gas?
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- Seasoned Traveler
- Posts: 199
- Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:00 am
- B190 Year: 1994
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
I found a great local Amerigas vendor that is my go-to resource for such expertise. They are not all helpful, so phone around until you find a good one. Good luck!
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Keystone
1994
B190 4x4
1994
B190 4x4
- skater
- Site Admin
- Posts: 2593
- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
- B190 Year: 1991
- WBCCI: 13270
- Location: Annapolis, MD
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
Oddly enough, tanks permanently mounted on motorhomes do not have to be recertified. The detachable bottles on trailers do, though.
As others said, call around to find someone who will be willing to test it for you. You might have to remove it.
As others said, call around to find someone who will be willing to test it for you. You might have to remove it.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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- Seasoned Traveler
- Posts: 199
- Joined: Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:00 am
- B190 Year: 1994
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
Hi all! I just replaced the 24-yr-old propane tank on my 1994. It was pretty rusty, and was often overfilled by attendants unfamiliar with our old-style tanks. The best match I found in a new tank is the Manchester 6814, which is 10”x32” and 7.9 gal. It’s a bolt-on replacement, and meets today’s ASME standards. I also bought a Manchester wired, snap-on 90-Ohm sending unit that connects to the monitor panel in the coach. Before he filled it with propane, the installer added about a cup of methanol, which takes care of any moisture that might be in the tank or in the propane. All in, parts, shipping and installation, was about $700. We are ready for winter camping now! I have a pdf of the tank drawing from Manchester. PM me if you’d like it.
Keystone
Keystone
- Kentuckian
- Seasoned Traveler
- Posts: 346
- Joined: Sun Sep 30, 2012 3:52 pm
- B190 Year: 1993
- WBCCI: 0
- Location: Kentucky, USA
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
Thanks, Keystone! That is helpful information.
1993 Airstream B190
- skater
- Site Admin
- Posts: 2593
- Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:00 am
- B190 Year: 1991
- WBCCI: 13270
- Location: Annapolis, MD
Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?
That looks great. Definitely a job I’ll do at some point.Keystone wrote:Hi all! I just replaced the 24-yr-old propane tank on my 1994. It was pretty rusty, and was often overfilled by attendants unfamiliar with our old-style tanks. The best match I found in a new tank is the Manchester 6814, which is 10”x32” and 7.9 gal. It’s a bolt-on replacement, and meets today’s ASME standards. I also bought a Manchester wired, snap-on 90-Ohm sending unit that connects to the monitor panel in the coach. Before he filled it with propane, the installer added about a cup of methanol, which takes care of any moisture that might be in the tank or in the propane. All in, parts, shipping and installation, was about $700. We are ready for winter camping now! I have a pdf of the tank drawing from Manchester. PM me if you’d like it.
Keystone
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer
WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit