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Bea_PA's avatar
Bea_PA
Explorer
Nov 08, 2015

Manchester 18 gal propane tank valve failure

I bought a Winnebago 24 V Chalet(access) several months ago and just discovered that the tank will not shut off. The only thing we didn't check on our full day PDI inspection. Never heard of a valve failure and we have owned 5 previous rigs plus a rig he had and myself. I suspect it may have been bad from the factory and no one noticed. Two dealers told me the entire tank needs replaced and my propane dealer knows of no one who works on the tanks. I will call Manchester tomorrow, thought we could just have the valve done. Has anyone ever had or heard of this problem? Thx
Class C
  • 2_many_2's avatar
    2_many_2
    Explorer III
    Nov 11, 2015
    leeper wrote:
    I had a new tank from Camping World with a bad valve. I could not refill it the first time a year later. Good old Camping World would not take it back because it was a year old. I don't buy tanks at Camping World anymore! Cost more to replace valve than a new tank. Purging, remove valve, buy valve, recertify after valve replacement so it can legally be refilled, and for safe usage. Go ahead and do your own and hope it does not leak, boom!


    Sorry you had a poor experience, I have heard several scare tactic descriptions some like you are purveying.

    The facts are if you can figure out to empty the tank, remove the faulty valve and screw in a new valve with some LP approved pipe joint compound, that is all there is to it. IMO your concerns are invalid.

    In my experience all those comments about the tank that has to be replaced or safety inspected is a just an excuse for a service facility to run up the bill or scare you off.

    Of course if you are replacing a 30 year old tank valve, it would probably be advised that you have some common sense about the overall condition of the system.

    Good luck.
  • leeper's avatar
    leeper
    Explorer
    Nov 10, 2015
    I had a new tank from Camping World with a bad valve. I could not refill it the first time a year later. Good old Camping World would not take it back because it was a year old. I don't buy tanks at Camping World anymore! Cost more to replace valve than a new tank. Purging, remove valve, buy valve, recertify after valve replacement so it can legally be refilled, and for safe usage. Go ahead and do your own and hope it does not leak, boom!
  • Bea_PA's avatar
    Bea_PA
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2015
    I found a propane dealer who will look at it in the spring, I'm sure part and labor would be less than my warranty deductible.
  • tatest's avatar
    tatest
    Explorer II
    Nov 09, 2015
    The valve can be replaced,the part is fairly inexpensive. The problem is evacuating the tank to replace the valve. I think you've encountered a propane dealer who simply does not want to take on the job.
  • pauldub's avatar
    pauldub
    Explorer
    Nov 09, 2015
    Find a propane dealer with a bunch of big tanks on their lot and ask them.
  • 2_many_2's avatar
    2_many_2
    Explorer III
    Nov 09, 2015
    The valve can be replaced on any LP tank, the part is under $30. Anyone that tells you it can not be replaced is just not right. I have replaced them myself, and had them replaced by Propane vendors.

    I have seen and heard stories of quotes to replace the tanks and valves for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, all of them were a rip off.

    Keep looking for an honest LP dealer.

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