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drumz's avatar
drumz
Explorer
Sep 13, 2017

Do all motorhome propane tanks refill the same way?

After a horrible motorhome propane refilling experience at Tractor Supply, I was told I have an "Odd tank" on my 2012 ford/ thor majestic. I told them "all motorhomes are the same", they said "that's your opinion", I said "no that's a fact". My 1990 ford had the same exact tank.

They claim they've refilled motorhomes before. They said "we've even done those big bus types here". I said I don't see how since you don't have the right size fitting the fit my tank.

When I found a propane dealer to refuel at, I asked that guy. He said he's been refilling motorhomes for 30 years, and they're all the same. The other place "just didn't know what they were doing", he said.
  • There ARE different fittings on propane tanks but any place selling propane should have the adapters to fit. I've seen two different adapters hanging on the fill station walls. I know the tank fittings now are somewhat larger than they were years ago. Any place that sells propane should train their employees but I've repeatedly encountered clerks who tell me "this is my first time filling an RV". SMH.
  • I've had some bad experiences, even one propane person who totally gave up. 2006 horizontal tank under the RV, difficult to reach, they cannot seem to get the fitting to attach correctly. Experienced employees at places which fill a lot of RV's are your best bet.
  • I had an old '83 Tioga that the propane tank was clocked a little too far around and the fill connector pointed a little too far up - caused the propane guys to hold their face just right before they could get their adapter to line up and thread on. Many times I had to tell a tech "keep playing with it - it WILL go on".
  • There are 2 filler valves

    * 1 1/4" NPT threaded style---used on LARGE BULK tanks (Less common)

    * 3/4" NPT threaded style-----used on MH tanks etc (Standard size)

    BOTH have the SAME 1 3/4" ACME thread connection









    There are Several fill valve adapters
  • drumz wrote:
    After a horrible motorhome propane refilling experience at Tractor Supply, I was told I have an "Odd tank" on my 2012 ford/ thor majestic. I told them "all motorhomes are the same", they said "that's your opinion", I said "no that's a fact". My 1990 ford had the same exact tank.

    They claim they've refilled motorhomes before. They said "we've even done those big bus types here". I said I don't see how since you don't have the right size fitting the fit my tank.

    When I found a propane dealer to refuel at, I asked that guy. He said he's been refilling motorhomes for 30 years, and they're all the same. The other place "just didn't know what they were doing", he said.


    The teenager who is making minimum wage at a volume retailer is not the best source of information. If you had a brain tumor, you probably would go see a neurosurgeon, not a chiropractor. Its the same with filling your propane tank. Go to a specialist...a propane dealer.
  • Had this same nonsense many times. Many times the place I have asked to fill my tank simply says "the guy who knows how to do it is not here now" It is amazing and disapointing the level of incompetense that exists around this simple but important activity. (almost as bad as my spelling) No answers here, just share your agrivation.
  • fourthclassC wrote:
    Had this same nonsense many times. Many times the place I have asked to fill my tank simply says "the guy who knows how to do it is not here now" It is amazing and disapointing the level of incompetense that exists around this simple but important activity. (almost as bad as my spelling) No answers here, just share your agrivation.


    Yes but you could use spell check the propane guy does not have any background help
  • darsben1 wrote:

    Yes but you could use spell check the propane guy does not have any background help


    Not quite, he has the entire world wide web at his disposal and it's probably in his pants pocket.
  • pauldub wrote:
    darsben1 wrote:

    Yes but you could use spell check the propane guy does not have any background help


    Not quite, he has the entire world wide web at his disposal and it's probably in his pants pocket.


    That hasn't been my experience. Usually they are talking on the phone or surfing the net while filling my tank!

    Chum lee