So I went to fill up our two 7 gallon propane tanks and the guy points out the date(04 02)stamped into the handle and says after 12 years they are expired. The guy still filled them because he said they appear to be in good shape but said it would be the last time unless I get them recertified. My question to you is if I just want to replace them where do I go? Do some places offer an exchange program for these larger rv tanks like they do for the smaller BBQ tanks? Online I saw Home Depot selling them for about $60. Is that about the going rate? Maybe its cheaper to have them retested but then they are only good for five more years. What do you fellow rvers do?

Assuming they appear to be in good shape otherwise: Listen to a guys once every few years say they are out of date but will fill them one last time (most won't even look)Now if they are rusted out or otherwise appear damaged, just buy a new one.

If they are older and still in perfect shape , they should not be refilling them if they do not have the OPD valve... Snippet from "propane 101" site -OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service..

Looks like Camping World has the 30 lb (7 gal) tanks for $68 each and Tractor Supply lists them for $70. I have not seen any place that exchanges the 7 gal tanks but if they exist, I'm not sure they would want your old tanks due to liability issues. I'd bite the bullet and replace the tanks but that's just me. I'd be more concerned with the corrosion level inside the tank that you can't see before being concerned with the outside appearance of the tank.

ford truck guy wrote:If they are older and still in perfect shape , they should not be refilling them if they do not have the OPD valve... Snippet from "propane 101" site -OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service..I believe all tanks manufactured after October 1998 are required to have the OPD. The OPs tanks should have the OPD but are now beyond their 12 year date which would mandate a safety inspection and recertification sticker. Inspection info here

When mine expired I found that it was cheaper to just replace them.Costco has a great price for new ones.I just dropped off the old ones at a local propane outfit. They said they would recycle them.

Expired Propane Tanks | Good Sam Community

larry_cad
Explorer II
Mar 24, 2015
There is a difference between propane "tank" and propane "cylinder". Cylinders are what we use to fuel our gas grill, etc. and what we can carry to the propane station in our hands. Tanks are permanently mounted, either to the ground or to our RV. Tanks have heavier construction and do not require a regular inspection as to cylinders.

For what it's worth, the various propane exchange services such as Blue Rhino don't do any inspection on your exchange, just drop it off and get a new cylinder.
downtheroad
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
When mine expired I found that it was cheaper to just replace them.
Costco has a great price for new ones.

I just dropped off the old ones at a local propane outfit. They said they would recycle them.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
ford truck guy wrote:
If they are older and still in perfect shape , they should not be refilling them if they do not have the OPD valve...

Snippet from "propane 101" site -
OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service..

I believe all tanks manufactured after October 1998 are required to have the OPD. The OPs tanks should have the OPD but are now beyond their 12 year date which would mandate a safety inspection and recertification sticker. Inspection info here
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Mar 24, 2015
Looks like Camping World has the 30 lb (7 gal) tanks for $68 each and Tractor Supply lists them for $70. I have not seen any place that exchanges the 7 gal tanks but if they exist, I'm not sure they would want your old tanks due to liability issues. I'd bite the bullet and replace the tanks but that's just me. I'd be more concerned with the corrosion level inside the tank that you can't see before being concerned with the outside appearance of the tank.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Mar 24, 2015
If they are older and still in perfect shape , they should not be refilling them if they do not have the OPD valve...

Snippet from "propane 101" site -
OPD stands for "overfilling prevention device" or "overfill protection device" and is required on all 4 to 40 pound DOT cylinders in vapor service..
valhalla360
Navigator
Mar 24, 2015
Assuming they appear to be in good shape otherwise: Listen to a guys once every few years say they are out of date but will fill them one last time (most won't even look)

Now if they are rusted out or otherwise appear damaged, just buy a new one.

Forum Discussion

Expired Propane Tanks

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Propane Tanks Expired

Propane tanks

Propane tank

propane tanks.

Propane Tanks