Replacing propane tank?

LP tanks are rather expense. Maybe you could you could find a good used one.
The valve packing can be replaced, but the tank needs to be empty. Go to a propane supplier.
If there are no rust pits, but just surface rust, you could just clean it up and paint it.

Dusty

If they are that old, I suggest buying some new tanks and avoid having a dangerous situation. I know they aren't cheap, but a malfunction of the propane system could be a lot more costly.

And, the suggestion for looking for a couple of used tanks in good condition could reduce the cost.

I know in some states, a tank in poor condition can be refused for refilling.

I think I would take the C by a propane dealer/supplier and have them check the tank to see what needs to be done or if you need a complete replacement tank. JMHO

johntank wrote:
I think I would take the C by a propane dealer/supplier and have them check the tank to see what needs to be done or if you need a complete replacement tank. JMHO

This seems like very good advice to me, as well. If you can just replace the valve (or not—they aren't really designed to be left in positions between fully open and fully closed) and paint the tank and be safe, there's no need to do anything more. Maybe they would recommend inspecting the interior of it or something along those lines; I'm not a propane specialist by a very long stretch.

You do have to have the tank empty to replace the valve, but then again you need to empty the tank to replace the tank, so there's not much difference there.

Many propane tanks are in safe regular use that are older than 25 years old.

johntank wrote:
I think I would take the C by a propane dealer/supplier and have them check the tank to see what needs to be done or if you need a complete replacement tank. JMHO

I agree.

The valve can definitely be fixed.

The tank may only have cosmetic rust and be sound. The real way to tell is to pressure test it, which a propane supplier should be able to do.

On a new (from my POV) coach like that, you should not have to replace the LP tank. It was built to ASTM code and should not need to be inspected or replaced. Mine has been painted and that is all. The valves do leak a lot in mid-position when old. I could neither located a repair kit or an individual willing to repair the valve, but I could purchase a replacement ea$ily.

If you go the "replace the valve" route, be real ready. They screw those babes in there.

Matt

I have not read about many propane tanks being replaced.

Other than getting the hoses out of the way, there can be the issue with the tank mounts being rusty as well, so it may take some prep/fab work to make sure a new tank can be installed without existing rust being an issue down the line.

Is the tank permanently attached or is the tank removable?

I'd have to go under and look and see if it is replaceable. I assume it is bolted in place.

The tank is quite rusty. My propane source has commented on it before but he's kind of a back-country place (it's an old gas station) so he fills it up anyway.

Do "propane service places" do this kind of work or should my RV place do this kind of work?

Steve

maillemaker wrote:
I'd have to go under and look and see if it is replaceable. I assume it is bolted in place.

The tank is quite rusty. My propane source has commented on it before but he's kind of a back-country place (it's an old gas station) so he fills it up anyway.

Do "propane service places" do this kind of work or should my RV place do this kind of work?

Steve

It's a permanent tank if its attached to the frame somehow and filled in place, whether held on with bolts or welded brackets or whatever. The other option is BBQ-style portables (of various sizes) which are removed from the RV for refilling.

Go to a propane distributor/service center, the kind of place that sells and services tanks for residential use and not just a hardware store or gas station that sells propane on the side. Most RV repair places would not be equipped or qualified to do this sort of work (just as they would not rebuild a transmission).