Propane Tank replacement or certification?

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Sector9surf
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Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by Sector9surf »

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?
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lido14co
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by lido14co »

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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Keystone
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by Keystone »

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
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skater
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by skater »

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.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
Keystone
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by Keystone »

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
FECEF4DD-4022-4993-B5F2-6914710B031D.jpeg
FECEF4DD-4022-4993-B5F2-6914710B031D.jpeg (948.49 KiB) Viewed 11350 times
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Kentuckian
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by Kentuckian »

Thanks, Keystone! That is helpful information.
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skater
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Re: Propane Tank replacement or certification?

Post by skater »

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
FECEF4DD-4022-4993-B5F2-6914710B031D.jpeg
That looks great. Definitely a job I’ll do at some point.
1991 Airstream B190 - bought, 2005; sold, 2011; bought 2017
1995 Airstream Excella 30' trailer

WBCCI #13270, Washington, DC Unit
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