Propane tanks on 5th wheel

Old-Biscuit wrote:
If NEW then you need to make sure that they have been properly purged before 1st fill.

If new I would think they'd come already filled.

IS this a NEW 5th wheel or USED ???

If NEW then you need to make sure that they have been properly purged before 1st fill.

Many times the propane 'cylinders' are shipped filled with compressed air.
Air and propane do not mix well inside the cylinders and must be purged with LIQUID propane 4x-5x before filling with vapor.
Just filling with vapor will not purge the air out and then you will have issues with popping inside cylinders, regulators failing, propane flow issues etc.

IF NEW then dealer should have them already purged/filled for you PDI
so inquire that they were properly purged first.

And YES.....
Whenever getting the propane cylinders filled you must remove them from the storage compartment on 5th wheel. They need to be inspected/date checked before being filled by the propane vendor

I've had them filled every way but never in the trailer. Weighed, by gallons on the pump meter and just on the ground with the valve opened. The ones on the ground I was always charged a flat rate for a 30# fill.

Any more I take them to the propane distributor and have them pressure check the tank, they always seem to find a weak valve or questionable seal so I feel good about the condition of the fittings.

I opt to use one tank at a time just so I know I have a backup, would not want to have both run out at the same time.

Plus I keep a spare in the shed so if one goes or feels light I can change it out before we go on a trip.

Always remove. Takes a couple minutes and you don't have to drag the entire trailer to the fill station. Some places where I live wont even fill them unless removed

Out west it's old school (seriously?) volume. No weighing. Quartzsite Pit stop will fill them on the truck bed.

bpounds wrote:
I remove them and haul them down there in my truck. I am certain they would not touch them in my trailer.

Interesting difference in how they fill them. I have often read about them filling based on weight. I have never, in over 50 years in CA, seen a scale used. Even before the OPD devices became standard. They open the relief needle valve, and fill until they see liquid (frosty gas). Then quickly slap their valve off, and close my needle valve. I pay per gallon. No weight is ever involved.

I've had 10, 20, and 30# tanks over the years.

May be a state thing, I dunno?

That's an OLD SCHOOL way.. Around my parts, some do that, mostly the smaller mom and pop places.. but the larger places all weigh

I know they won't fill them sitting on my tailgate either. Has to be sitting on the ground. They have a little stand that some guys use, but it still is grounded. I always assumed that was based on concern over static potential.

bpounds wrote:

Interesting difference in how they fill them. I have often read about them filling based on weight. I have never, in over 50 years in CA, seen a scale used. Even before the OPD devices became standard. They open the relief needle valve, and fill until they see liquid (frosty gas). Then quickly slap their valve off, and close my needle valve.

I've had 10, 20, and 30# tanks over the years.

May be a state thing, I dunno?

They always weigh them here in Minnesota.. Never seen the method you mentioned above.:h Must be a state thing

I remove them and haul them down there in my truck. I am certain they would not touch them in my trailer.

Interesting difference in how they fill them. I have often read about them filling based on weight. I have never, in over 50 years in CA, seen a scale used. Even before the OPD devices became standard. They open the relief needle valve, and fill until they see liquid (frosty gas). Then quickly slap their valve off, and close my needle valve. I pay per gallon. No weight is ever involved.

I've had 10, 20, and 30# tanks over the years.

May be a state thing, I dunno?