My Arctic Fox has (2) 40lb propane tanks that are now 12 years old and, although I haven't tried refilling after their 12th birthday, I'm fairly certain I'll be turned away. My understanding is that I can have them inspected/re-certified for another 5 years.It would cost a little over $300 to replace with new tanks. I don't know how much re-certification will cost because I can't find anyone who does this. Once I know the cost, I can decide between replace or re-certify.Does anyone know who performs tank re-certification in SoCal (Ventura County/San Fernando Valley areas)?

Many places recertify - its an inspection with a date written or etched on the tank. It's cheap - $20 or less. Best to find a propane supplier or a feed store (my local feed store does it). I have had all of my tanks recertified, they are that old...

Can't answer your question. But if you're a Costco member it's half that price. My local Costco used to stock the cylinders in the warehouse. But I don't recall seeing them on the floor in last year or so.Costco

Thermoguy wrote:Many places recertify - its an inspection with a date written or etched on the tank. It's cheap - $20 or less. Best to find a propane supplier or a feed store (my local feed store does it). I have had all of my tanks recertified, they are that old...It's a visual inspection, no big deal. My local propane dealer did it for free if we got a refill. Not all dealers do it but just call one and if they do not then they will tell you who does. Don't waste all that money on a new tank.

My local propane dealer is the one that did mine. When I went in for a fill I knew it needed recert. so I told them so. It cost me an extra 5 bucks. They really didn't look at the tank very closely. It seems to me that if they are not afraid to fill them you get the sticker and another 5 years.

Tank RecertificationCheck the tank date of manufacture.Check the tank for leaks.Check to make sure the tank has the required decals.Check the valve guard.Check the foot-ring.Check for dents & gouges.Check for rust.Replace the relief valve-This valve is set to release any excess pressure in the propane tank.

What's the real scoop on propane tank re-certification?

Njmurvin
Explorer
Jun 26, 2022
ol Bombero-JC wrote:
bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

The OP is in Simi Valley - looooong way to Oxnard !!....:E

(and -Yikes!-you're in Fresno ??)

With a little bit of effort *locally* you can find a *convenient* place to refill. About 3 miles from my home in Orange County, a local gas/diesel station refills tanks at a good price...:C
(they do a good business filling tanks - often several folks waiting!)

*NEVER* had the attendant that comes out to the giant supply tank - check the date on the 20# or 40# tank you want him to fill...:W

Como se dice...."gracias amigo!"...:W

~

I used to have a place that didn't check. That was before they became a tank exchange dealer. Now they check because it means more $$$$ for them if the tanks are expired.

I found a place in Sylmar. They wouldn't tell me over the phone how much they will charge. Said I had to take it to the dock and have a technician inspect it and he would tell me. They also refill there. It's looking more like I might just order a pair of new tanks from Camping World (oddly they seem to have the best price).
Njmurvin
Explorer
Jun 26, 2022
bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

I called them. They said the closest location that does the recertification is in Orange County (Placentia).
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Jun 26, 2022
bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

The OP is in Simi Valley - looooong way to Oxnard !!....:E

(and -Yikes!-you're in Fresno ??)

With a little bit of effort *locally* you can find a *convenient* place to refill. About 3 miles from my home in Orange County, a local gas/diesel station refills tanks at a good price...:C
(they do a good business filling tanks - often several folks waiting!)

*NEVER* had the attendant that comes out to the giant supply tank - check the date on the 20# or 40# tank you want him to fill...:W

Como se dice...."gracias amigo!"...:W

~
bobsallyh
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2022
One thing to keep in mind. If going to Canada, they don't accept US re-certification. The re-cert is good for 5 years and new US tanks now have a 10 year date until re-cert needs to be done.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jun 14, 2022
FlatBroke wrote:
Take it to blue rhino and trade it in for filled one. I traded for about the price of filling it.

The OP has a 40# and Blue Rhino only has 20#. Doug
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2022
Take it to blue rhino and trade it in for filled one. I traded for about the price of filling it.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Jun 14, 2022
Any propane dealer will do them, as for cost, my last one was free, as my Daughter works for one.
bob213
Explorer
Jun 14, 2022
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard
BFL13
Explorer II
Jun 14, 2022
No idea about there, but here the rule is 10 yrs. It is close to a wash
with 30 lbers to get new cylinders or get new vales (BTDT). Got to time your " when empty" and cost, because you lose whatever propane is in there when getting new valves.

No idea about 40 lbers. Was a guy with a bigger portable tank than a 30 (I thought) ahead of me last time which had the same filling set-up as the big tank in our C. Not sure what that was all about! With the big C type tanks there is no time limit rule.
Sjm9911
Explorer
Jun 14, 2022
By me in nj they wanted like 80 bucks for recertification. They do a pressure test. And thats for 5 years, not worth it. They did take my almost new looking tank and for 10 extra dollers gave me one that was beat to hell and would be food for the 5 years. So, depends on the place and if you can find one. To me it looks like they just look it over and slap a date sticker on it. And they probably do it that way. If you can get it dont for any of the above prices I would do it.