INCREASING lpg capacity ?

[LandYacht35dies]

Are older tanks worth the effort or the expense? Does anyone actually check dates of manufacture ? Best to just buy new ? Best deals ?

[Dutch_12078]

KD4UPL wrote:
There's no need to buy a new cylinder unless you need additional tanks. If one of yours needs re certification you can exchange it at a Blue Rhino or other exchange place and get a newer one. I don't use those places regularly because they charge more for a tank that isn't full but they are nice if you need to "upgrade" to a newer tank.
I've suggested this before and had people jump all over me that it is somehow unethical or stealing or fraud or something. If you check out the websites of the big exchange companies they are quite fine with the practice and fully expect it as part of their business model.

Not jumping on you, but have you ever seen a cylinder exchange that handles the 30 and 40 lb cylinders many towable RV's use? I haven't...

[KD4UPL]

There's no need to buy a new cylinder unless you need additional tanks. If one of yours needs re certification you can exchange it at a Blue Rhino or other exchange place and get a newer one. I don't use those places regularly because they charge more for a tank that isn't full but they are nice if you need to "upgrade" to a newer tank.
I've suggested this before and had people jump all over me that it is somehow unethical or stealing or fraud or something. If you check out the websites of the big exchange companies they are quite fine with the practice and fully expect it as part of their business model.

[2oldman]

Tom_M wrote:
Just did a search at Costco.com and the only thing listed was a 5-lb cylinder.

Hmm.. that's a 5 gallon container, and weighs a lot more than 5lb. Typo?

[opnspaces]

I just looked online and you're right, they only list the 5 pound cylinder. That's a real shame. My local Costco has had the cylinders for years, even the larger 30 pounders for a while. Maybe they got out of the game, or maybe it's too early in the season. But I would think online would be available year round.

[Lwiddis]

Does it matter if attendants check your propane tanks? An RVer should replace and/or have inspected his/her tanks as regulated whether or not you’ll be…caught.

[Tom_M1]

Just did a search at Costco.com and the only thing listed was a 5-lb cylinder.

[opnspaces]

Are you talking the installed tank in your Class A? Or are you talking about propane cylinders like what powers most of the home barbecue's?

All I know about tanks is what I read on this forum. Supposedly there is not date code and they are just inspected for damage then filled.

Portable cylinders like for a barbecue or the larger one on the tongues of trailers on the other hand do have a date code and are supposed to be inspected/replaced after a set amount of years. If you need to replace one of these cylinders I think Costco has the best deal. Take the 20 lb barbecue cylinder that Costco sells. Theirs has an actual float gauge that will tell you how much propane is left before you start cooking.

[CA_Traveler]

Do a bottle tank exchange but first check that the tank has at least 6 more years. A 2016 tank would have 6 more years per my understanding that the certification is good for 12 years.

Then fill where you get the best price.

[Dutch_12078]

Permanently installed ASME tanks used on RV's don't need periodic inspections in the US like the portable DOT cylinders do. They are supposed to get a cursory visual before being refilled though. My experience has been about 50-50 on attendants checking the dates on DOT cylinders.

[LandYacht35dies]

Bottles yes !

But permanent main tanks mounted in RVs ?

[HappyKayakers]

When I was dispensing propane I ALWAYS checked manufacture/certification dates. Now I thank dispensers who check the dates on my bottles.