Forum Discussion

TheBeans's avatar
TheBeans
Explorer
Apr 16, 2016

Propane Tanks

I feel like a real idiot having to ask this, but there is a lot of "discussion" going on here about what size our propane tanks are!

DH says he thinks they are 5lbs. I think that's crazy....too small. I looked at the paperwork that came with our rig and it says: LPG 60
Does that tell me what I need to know? If it is, then is 60 the total amount---30 per tank? I even looked inside the tank cover but didn't see anything that would tell me.

And if you're curious, we need to know the correct size so that we can order a new cover for the tanks. The little plastic lid on the top of ours came off during transit and now the cover isn't a cover as much as it's a plastic surround!
  • Personally, I stopped using the 30 lb bottles and opted for two 20 lb bottles that I can exchange at any convenience store, gas station, CVS, Home Depot etc. I carry a third 20 lb bottle for my WeberQ 1200 that I converted to run off of the 20 lb bottle. We still have 60 lbs of propane with us. It costs a little more but the convenience is worth it. Just a thought.
  • coolmom42 wrote:
    Just FYI---what you have are propane CYLINDERS. They are not permanently attached to the RV, and are designed to be moved around and shipped in the commercial transportation system.

    A propane TANK is fixed to the RV and is generally not portable or intended be frequently removed.

    The distinction is important, because the inspection requirements are different.

    Cylinders need periodic inspections and recertification by a qualified US DOT-trained inspector. (These are pretty common, not hard to find.) DOT inspection requirements, and list of qualified inspectors.

    Tanks are manufactured to standards set by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and are not required to be re-certified. Of course it's a good idea to give your tank and valves a thorough look to check for excessive rust or damaged fittings.


    I'm sure these guys don't know as much about it as you do but... :B

    http://www.amerigas.com/exchange/consumer/
  • Just to add my 2-cents and further cloud the issue I submit the following: Cambridge Dictionary definitions- 1. Tank(noun)-container: a container that holds liquid or gas. 2. Cylinder: a hollow tube with long straight sides and two circular ends the same size. I guess it can go either way.
  • propane tank or cylinder...who cares what you call it ...a trailer has 2 of them on the front and a motorhome usally has one bolted to the frame somewhere.
    Don't get so technical...just enjoy the camping season...
  • DWolfrom wrote:
    coolmom42 wrote:
    Just FYI---what you have are propane CYLINDERS. They are not permanently attached to the RV, and are designed to be moved around and shipped in the commercial transportation system.

    A propane TANK is fixed to the RV and is generally not portable or intended be frequently removed.

    The distinction is important, because the inspection requirements are different.

    Cylinders need periodic inspections and recertification by a qualified US DOT-trained inspector. (These are pretty common, not hard to find.) DOT inspection requirements, and list of qualified inspectors.

    Tanks are manufactured to standards set by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and are not required to be re-certified. Of course it's a good idea to give your tank and valves a thorough look to check for excessive rust or damaged fittings.


    Thing is, myself and everyone else knew immediately what she was talking about...correct nomenclature or just plain 'ol common sense have a lot of the same qualities.


    But someone always has to be the smart one
  • Hannibal wrote:
    coolmom42 wrote:
    Just FYI---what you have are propane CYLINDERS. They are not permanently attached to the RV, and are designed to be moved around and shipped in the commercial transportation system.

    A propane TANK is fixed to the RV and is generally not portable or intended be frequently removed.

    The distinction is important, because the inspection requirements are different.

    Cylinders need periodic inspections and recertification by a qualified US DOT-trained inspector. (These are pretty common, not hard to find.) DOT inspection requirements, and list of qualified inspectors.

    Tanks are manufactured to standards set by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and are not required to be re-certified. Of course it's a good idea to give your tank and valves a thorough look to check for excessive rust or damaged fittings.


    I'm sure these guys don't know as much about it as you do but... :B

    http://www.amerigas.com/exchange/consumer/

    LOL I was there today, Had to get one of my 30's inspected and restamped
  • Bucky Badger wrote:
    Hannibal wrote:
    coolmom42 wrote:
    Just FYI---what you have are propane CYLINDERS. They are not permanently attached to the RV, and are designed to be moved around and shipped in the commercial transportation system.

    A propane TANK is fixed to the RV and is generally not portable or intended be frequently removed.

    The distinction is important, because the inspection requirements are different.

    Cylinders need periodic inspections and recertification by a qualified US DOT-trained inspector. (These are pretty common, not hard to find.) DOT inspection requirements, and list of qualified inspectors.

    Tanks are manufactured to standards set by ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and are not required to be re-certified. Of course it's a good idea to give your tank and valves a thorough look to check for excessive rust or damaged fittings.


    I'm sure these guys don't know as much about it as you do but... :B

    http://www.amerigas.com/exchange/consumer/

    LOL I was there today, Had to get one of my 30's inspected and restamped


    In my area all the exchange places are "Blue Rhino" . I've never seen an amerigas .