Whenever I try to use the search function, I never seem to find exactly the answer that fits my needs. So again, new here, and trying to get things figured out.Just bought a 1994 Caribou and I don't believe that I will be able to get the propane bottles filled. My question is: can I just buy any rv propane bottles and make them work in the camper or do they need to be of a certain kind to work? Or should I still be able to get the old ones filled? They don't have the OPD valves. What have you guys with older campers done to solve this problem? They are sideways in the compartment (or they lay on their side, rather), so I don't know if they are special tanks so that they draw the gas out in a certain way.So basically, will any 30lb bottles work, or do they have to be designed to use on their side? And do I just replace the whole bottles, or can I retrofit the old bottles to be able to fill them?I think this is truck camper specific???

Yes, your cylinders are indeed different from the everyday vertical cylinders that one sees. They are specifically designed for use in a specific horizontal position. Replacing them with vertical cylinders will not be good for your short-term or long-term health. So the question is why you cannot get your original cylinders filled? Is it because they haven't been recertified? Rusted out or otherwise damaged? (Note that there is an exemption from the OPD requirement for certain older cylinders, namely, those manufactured before Oct. 1998, but these cylinders must have a label attached to explain the exemption.)Lynn

Your propane cylinders are 'horizontal' ones........designed to be used laying down'Vertical' cylinders can NOT be used laying down....must be standing upHas to do with relief valve and vapor draw designs.....neither can be in liquid.Remove them from camper.Take them to a Bulk Propane Dealer and have them recertified and purged/refilledOR buy new 'horizontal cylinders which are expensiveI have a horizontal cylinder on my recreational vehicle. Are OPD's available for that kind of service?The 2001 edition of NFPA 58 (the LP-Gas Code) recognizes that horizontally oriented cylinders that were manufactured prior to October 1, 1998, are unable to be retrofitted with the OPD's. As a result of this fact, the Code now exempts these cylinders from having to be retrofit with OPD valves. Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed.

Well, looks like all the bulk gas suppliers around me have closed down. Any other ideas???Can I replace the bottles? Does anyone make these that are designed for horizontal use?Kinda sucks if I have to do that because of the way they are mounted in the camper. Would have to come up with something new for holding them down.

Look further away. There must be a gas supplier somewhere within an hour or two driving that can inspect and certify the tanks.New tanks are probably going to cost you as much as you paid for the entire camper!The other option is to go grab your grill tank and see if it will fit in the compartment standing up.If there's any external compartment on the camper that will hold a 20lb grill tank, you can get rid of the 30lb tanks and make that area into storage. When you arrive at the campground, take the grill tank out, put it on the ground, and connect it to the camper. Unless you are VERY wasteful you will not go through a 20lb tank of propane in a single weekend during prime camping season.

Propane tanks in truck camper | Good Sam Community

dave17352
Explorer
Nov 22, 2015
In your travels you should run across a propane dealer that can recertfy your tanks. They don't have to be empty.
trailgranny50
Explorer
Nov 22, 2015
Glad you got the propane issue taken care of and are using your camper. We did old, really old, but the neatest thing was even tho some things needed fixed fairly soon it was never where we couldn't improvise and use it till I got everything needed and wanted was done, year and a half of one thing then move on to another Ana during that time we went about 11,000 miles. At deer camp right now.
getpower1
Explorer
Nov 21, 2015
I got lucky. Went down to the local gas station with my buddy and one of the dudes filled them up. So I should be good for quite a while. Can't imagine I'll use propane that fast, so at lest for maybe 6 months to a year I'm good.

Just one less thing I have to worry about. The less for me is better. Getting an older camper, then getting it setup and making sure that things work and don't leak has been quite a stress for me. We are using it this weekend for tonight only. Nice little test run not that far away to spend some time with her parents. Everything seems good so far. Kitchen faucet needs to be rebuilt and a couple of cracks in the roof when I washed it, but nothing too out of hand.
dave17352
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
I have the same type of bottles and had to get them re certified. I don't think you are trying hard enough! There has to be someone fairly close that can do this. It should take about 15 minutes for new stickers and a refill.
whizbang
Explorer II
Nov 19, 2015
I like mkirsch's idea. You should be able to fit one vertical tank in a space for two horizontal tanks. Just make sure the tank is held securely. With that vintage of camper, it's a good idea to replace the pressure regulator anyway.

Detach the double "Y" propane hose and regulator inside thew tank compartment and install a new single hose/regulator for your new vertical tank.
Leland1950
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
If push comes to shove, ebay under $200. These are all brand new not used.
mkirsch
Nomad II
Nov 19, 2015
TCinmydreams40yrs wrote:
Can't you just trade them in for another?
That's how it works here.

These are not 20lb "grill tanks" that you can just take to your local gas station and exchange.
69_Avion
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
I still use my original ASME horizontal tanks that came with my 1969 Avion.
My local LP supplier certified it with a DOT inspection sticker just to keep the uninformed from questioning the "certification" of the tanks when I'm on the road. So far, it has worked.
TomP40
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
Can't you just trade them in for another?
That's how it works here.
fishing2
Explorer
Nov 19, 2015
My Elkhorn has 20lb horizontal tanks not 30lb.I don't know what size you have so if you buy new ones be sure they're the right size.
Happy camping
Dennis

Forum Discussion

Propane tanks in truck camper

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Propane tanks

Propane Tanks Expired

Propane Tank

Old propane tanks on new RVs

Propane tanks