Old propane tanks in Class B RV - how to change out?

Francesca Knowles wrote:

thedanimal wrote:
They look fine, however I was "informed" that (at least in Colorado) tanks older than 12 years need to be replaced and was under that assumption.

I'm pretty sure those rules are for portable cylinders under a certain size. I doubt that they cover permanent onboard tanks.

If you have any doubts, check with a reputable propane company or your State DOT.

That would be correct except in the case that these tanks ARE NOT permanent. If the OPs, tanks are mounted as a removable tank (IE not bolted to the underside), NOT hard plumbed in and do not use a permanent "filler" the tanks FALL UNDER the OPD REQUIREMENTS.

I am guessing that the OP HAS TWO removable horizontal 20lb tanks and therefore WILL need to replace.

I ran into this same issue with a 1981 Terry trailer which had two 30 lb horizontal tanks (these tanks lay down).

Got one refilled before the OPD reg went into affect, didn't realize the other tank was empty so I squeaked a couple of years out of it.

Once the tanks were empty my options was to try and find a propane place that could get the proper valve with a dip tube for horizontal tanks (dip tube is special made which when in the tank, points to the top of the tank to get vapors) and then pay to have tank certified. Most places did not want to even touch it, said the valve was going to cost MORE than a new upright tank and then toss in the cert cost.

I was lucky to have plenty of tongue space to mount new 30 lb upright tanks, had to buy two new tanks ($30 each at the time), a new tank tray with mounting hardware and a new cover.

Excellent! Thanks for the guidance on this one Gents.

12 year rule is for portable tanks only. Not frame mounted tanks.

thedanimal wrote:
They look fine, however I was "informed" that (at least in Colorado) tanks older than 12 years need to be replaced and was under that assumption.

I'm pretty sure those rules are for portable cylinders under a certain size. I doubt that they cover permanent onboard tanks.

If you have any doubts, check with a reputable propane company or your State DOT.

They look fine, however I was "informed" that (at least in Colorado) tanks older than 12 years need to be replaced and was under that assumption.

I just read that if they don't have an overfill prevention device they need to be replaced. Is there a way to tell if they do from the exterior? Or perhaps new fittings include this?

Why do they need to be changed out?
Valves gauges and fitting can be replaced on them.
Tanks can be sanded and repainted.

Is there a problem with them you did not mention?