Question on older propane tanks

I had a horizontal tank on an old '94 pop-up. Same scenario where a hardware store would not refill due to age.

A local propane shop did a re-cert at no cost and did so because it was in good shape. Because it was always inside the camper storage compartment it did not show the age, rust or other wear indicators of say a grill tank that is exposed to the elements and dripping grease.

I recently had a tank re-certified. It took 10 minutes and cost $10. I did not even know it was required until a gas station refused to fill it.

While they may not need OPD valves, they may need recertification. There will be a date stamped on the tank indicating when it is needing recertification. Done properly, this is a pressure burst test: they are filled with water or other liquid and pressurized to a proof pressure far above what propane will do. Liquid is used because if they burst during the test, it is undramatic compared to a compressed gas. Then the tank will be dried and stamped with a new certification date. It is usually around $20 - 30 for each tank. Not worth it for a cheap 20 lb vertical, but probably well worth it compared to new for horizontals.

Recent Exclusion of horizontal DOT tanks:
Owners of older RV's that use horizontal rather than vertical propane cylinders should read the following information:

The new OPD (Overfilling Prevention Device) valves will be required on 4 lb to 40 lb propane cylinders from 1 April 2002. However, the currently available new valves are designed only for vertical cylinders and cannot be used with horizontal cylinders. Therefore, horizontal cylinders manufactured prior to 1 October 1998 have been exempted from having OPD valves, provided they are so labeled. (Such cylinders manufactured after 1 October 1998 do already have OPD valves).

Since propane dealers do not seem always well-informed, it is suggested that RV owners with pre-1998 horizontal DOT tanks should print this article and carry it with them, in case a dealer balks at filling a cylinder without an OPD valve.

The relevant part of the document is on the second page:

Q: I have a horizontal cylinder on my recreational vehicle. Are OPD's available for that kind of service?

A: The 2001 edition of NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 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 (NFPA 5.7.3.5). Any such cylinder must have a label affixed to it to inform the user and the refiller that an OPD valve is not installed (NFPA 5.7.3.6)."



Reference:
NFPA 58
Chapter 5 LP-Gas Equipment and Appliances
5.7 Container Appurtenances and Regulators
5.7.3 Overfilling Prevention Devices
5.7.3.5 Exemptions
5.7.3.6 Labeling

Do a search on here for horizontal tank. They are exempt from the OPD and have a longer certification.

Tanks are exempt from OPD valves and certification.
Removable cylinders are not.

I have taken very old tanks to be re-certified. They pour some stuff in the tank and install a new valve. I asked what its for. the guy said its bull S&^!. Said it was suppose to remove moisture that is never there. These tanks are very thick,they don't need anything for at least 15 years. I guess somebody makes money off the deal. New tanks do look nice.

Our tc also has horizontal tanks!! They aged out and had to be re certified and new valves put in or buy new tanks. We decided to buy new tanks as we were sure we would keep the tc longer than the re-cert, tanks would last. Yes it was more expensive to buy new than a re-cert. but it can be done and is something all purchasers of older rv's should check.