On board propane tank

Flying J must have some sort of thing going on here because this has been reported by others for the past couple of years. There's a good thread discussing this at:

Bartmobile Forums

Well, that makes choosing where to get my tank filled a little easier. Scratch Flying J off the list.

Thanks for all the great advice. Phil

Doesn't surprise me. I once had one of these "experts" stop filling my tank because the gauge said full. The vent was open and was not purging gas. I tried explaining to him that the gauge is notoriously inaccurate. He stated that it was illegal for him to continue. His supervisor was also clueless.

Now I put tape over the gauge and label it inop.

I often hear stories of folks who are told they need to get their mounted tanks re-certified.

There are 3 things you need to know.

Portable tanks such as those on a trailer or used for a grill, NEED to be re-certified (DOT rules) every so often, the time between re-certs is dependent on the age of the tank so I do not worry about it and trust the pump jockey on those.

MOUNTED ASME tanks, such as those used on motor homes... Do not need to be recertified.. UNLESS....


If the tank, or valve or inlet or outlet is in such bad condition that the pump jockey is concerned.. He may to refuse to refill it till the tank is inspected by a certified inspector... Example, if the valve leaks. If there are cracks or discoloration of the brass (One of the chemicals used in Meth production (illegal) reacts with brass and discolors (And weakens) it) or other conditions or damage to the tank are bad enough to cause concern.

But if they say "It needs to be re-certified due to age".. that only applies to removable tanks you can take to the re-fill without an RV attached.

Pump jockeys are supposed to be certified.. At least in two states (SC and MI) I once listened to a test correction and review session for said jockies in mi.

This info comes from that session.

One of the questions ask was "What happens if you get the proper mix of Propane and air and there is a spark".. I chimed in (Since it was a review session) "You land two counties over".. After the laughter died, the instructor gave me some pleasure by saying "Exactly" then giving the proper answer "An explosion".

One of the questions ask was "What happens if you get the proper mix of Propane and air and there is a spark".. I chimed in (Since it was a review session) "You land two counties over".. After the laughter died, the instructor gave me some pleasure by saying "Exactly" then giving the proper answer "An explosion".


Exactly. At one of our state mandatory 8 hour LP safety training, the instructor asked what you do if you enter a dwelling saturated with LP/Natural gas. The correct answer is to leave and call the fire dept. Trying to open windows and open doors will allow the NON Combustable over saturated LP in the house to get to the correct combustable LP/Air mixture and the slightest spark from ANYTHING (ceiling fan motor/AC fan motor, even a wall switch) will ignite the LP and indeed blow up the house. Same holds true for an RV if completely saturated. 100% LP in a closed area will NOT ignite. Getting it to a safe level is a job for the Fire Dept. Doug

philandmargo wrote:
I have a 2000 Tiffin Zephyr. It has a 47.7 gallon (thats whats on the tank) propane tank. I had it filled yesterday but the technician at the Flying J said that because of its age that the tank needs to be recertified. They almost didn't fill the tank. They had to go to the manager to get permission. I've owned the rig going on 4 years now and have never had a problem with the tank or getting it filled. Does my tank need to be recertified and if so, where do I go to get this done? Any info and advice is greatly apprectiated. Phil

I went to my local propane dealer and asked them about propane tanks on RV's. If your propane tank on your coach is a stationary tank, installed by the factory it doesn't need recertification. I recommend that you fill your tank elsewhere if possible.

dougrainer wrote:

philandmargo wrote:
Many thanks. Yes it is frame mounted. It's not a portable tank. Phil

Report the LP station to the Texas Railroad Commission. They should NOT be certified to fill and service if they have ignorance on ASME tank issues and age requirements. Doug

Wish a could put a HUGE X2 on this statement.

This Flying J needs to have it's propane facility removed.
And lots of other Flying J's....they are idiots!

Go somewhere else and get it filled!!! A bunch of bull....

Does the tank look bad? Maybe scraping and repainting the tank, so it looks good, will help?

What if a customer comes in with a really bad looking tank? And, the station does not feel that it should be filled, that it might be bad? Should they have to fill ANY tank, no matter how bad it is?