Propane Tank Recertification
I have a Lance camper with two 20# removable horizontal propane tanks. I believe that these are the type of tank that requires recertification every 12 years or so. Is that correct? I am also tol...
Forum Discussion
NorCal Dan wrote:69 Avion wrote:NorCal Dan wrote:
Why would anyone not want to replace them after 12 years? Propane is very volatile and unforgiving. Replace the tank(s) and forget re-certification!
My tanks are 45 years old and are as good as the day they were made.
Why do you suppose they placed restrictions on DOT propane tanks and not ASME tanks?
There are many different scenarios to this problem and it's impossible to cover them all with a blanket statement. So I will say this...if I can remove all risk associated with an old propane tank for $100 then I prefer that option. I hate risking my life and the life of my wife and grand kids over a stupid $100 propane tank.
I wouldn't assume that the new tanks are better than the old ones. About the only way that they can go bad is if they are dented, rusted or corroded. The inspections are looking for those obvious issues. I would rather recertify a tank than buy a new one and I'm not putting my family at any more risk than with a new tank. For those of us who have aluminum tanks, it would get real expensive to replace those. Besides, some of my tanks are in a size that are no longer manufactured.
If old pressure vessels were a problem, the O2, CO2, Argon, etc tanks that were built during WWII wouldn't be used anymore. Keep in mind, they are at 3000 psi plus which is a lot more critical than a low pressure propane tank. These high pressure vessels are still in use today and will probably still be in use for at least another 100 years. Rust and corrosion or physical damage are the biggest enemy of these tanks.
If you have a rusted LP tank, I would buy a new one even if someone was to recertify it, if they aren't rusted, there is no problem having them recertified.
