Older Propane Tanks

[70GTO]

A good friend of mine stopped by yesterday with a "new to him" 1989 model Class C. It looks like the propane tank on his rig is not removable. The tank lays horizontal & has a different filling connections than your usual removable portable 20 or 30 pound cylinders. We are wondering if a place that fills propane cylinders will even fill it! I'd appreciate suggestions or experience's that any of you have had with this type of set-up.
Thanks in advance, Bruce

[Stim]

FYI- I had one the they refused to fill because when open the shut off valve leaked around the stem with soapy water.
It only leaked when partially open.
There was a packing nut there and I just tightened a little to stop the leak!

[STBRetired]

We have 3 Propane Dealers in the area and all 3 will fill motorhomes. Only issue is that you usually need to call ahead to make sure someone is there that can operate the filling equipment. Google "Propane Dealer" or "Propane Distributor". One side benefit: price is cheaper per gallon than the portable cylinders.

[BFL13]

Only problem around here is finding a place that has the equipment to fill it. It requires "local knowledge" where you can get it done. Goodness knows how tourists ever find one around here. I see there is a thread about that in the States somewhere in another forum too.

Might eventually be forced to get one of those adapters and carry a cylinder to fill the tank (mine takes about two and a half 30lbs worth), assuming there will always be a place to get a cylinder refilled.

[turbojimmy]

My ASME tank is 34-years old and I've never had anyone balk at filling it. I think I might paint it this year for cosmetic purposes, but it's physically sound. As others have mentioned, different rules apply to permanently mounted tanks but you'll always come across a know-it-all at a fill-er-up station or on the Interwebs that argues otherwise.

[70GTO]

Thanks Fella's, Great information! Never have dealt with a tank like this before. Bruce

[Old-Biscuit]

Mounted TANKS (Motorhomes) are ASME/NFPA Jurisdiction and have NO inspection requirements
Replacement is needed if damaged by extreme rust, accident, fire
*It is recommended that relief valve be replaced after 10 years


Portable CYLINDERS are DOT Jurisdiction and have to be inspected/re-certified 12 years after date of mfg.
Re-cert can be a 'visual' inspection good for 5 yrs. then re-cert again

[gkainz]

google "RV Propane tank versus cylinder" for information.

Here's a sample link https://rvshare.com/blog/the-ultimate-rv-propane-tank-guide-read-this-before-fixing-or-buying/

Bottom line is a tank is permanently mounted to the vehicle, typically found in Class A, B and C RVs, and subject to different rules than a removable cylinder, typically found in RV trailers.

Greg

[sammytoo]

It's an ASME tank, not meant to be removed and if in good condition any supplier that does motorhomes will fill it.