Thinking of replacing ASME propane tank

Have you checked with a propane dealer?

An ASME tank is made of thick steel. Unless it’s never been touched since it was made I highly doubt there been anything but some surface rust and peeling paint, certainly not enough to be of ANY concern.

What would be concerning is how much you’d pay to change that tank. LOL.

A typical tank of the size found in motorhomes is well over $1,000 for just the tank, if you’re replacing the tank you can be sure the nice man who has to certify the install is going to want a bunch of other parts changed too. Then there’s the labour on top.

An acquaintance of mine who’s kid is big into snowmobile racing added an ASME tank and a heater to their enclosed trailer. The bill was north of $3k by the time they were done.

A common 29.3 gallon (~100 lb) ASME propane tank is less than $400 at Home Depot. They're usually just bolted in and usually not particularly difficult to change. I've replace a couple for folks over the years, both due to accident damage. As said, as long as it's just surface rust, wire brushing/scraping along with a repaint is all that's needed.

I believe it is like this tank, 7.9 gallon:
https://www.rvautoparts.com/6814-Manchester-Tank-Propane-Tank-ASME-Permanent-Mount-Tank_p_34213.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2_2M1cni5gIVh4bACh2MCgD9EAQYASABEgIs4fD_BwE

I cannot reach the top 1/3 to scrape and paint as it is blocked by the bottom of the van. It has never had the info plate. I did replace the in tank gauge about 10 years ago. Last year I had a problem trying it in freezing weather before heading to Florida. Gas started leaking from the on/off valve. I forget what I did but that got resolved. This tank is now 23 years old and exposed to everything under the van.

I would be more concerned about the condition of the gasoline tank than the propane tank. The propane tank is MUCH heavier metal.

That being said, I would not worry about either one.

If you have to scrape and paint the tank every year or so, there is a whole lot more under the RV to be concern with besides the tank. Are you doing this as preventive maintenance just because or is the tank actually showing signs of peeling paint and rust?

My RV is over 25 years old and it only got a surface cleaning and repainting. The paint was the AeroSpray, which is a two part epoxy spray paint over epoxy primer. But if you want a cheaper way, just do a surface sanding and cover with Rustoleum's appliance spray epoxy paint.

Since the OP lives north of Detroit, one cannot compare rust damage to those that live in the desert SW. If the RV was driven on salted MI roads it is surprising that it still exists.

I would pull the tank then have it cleaned and inspected, if it is still serviceable then paint it properly.

Lynnmor wrote:
Since the OP lives north of Detroit, one cannot compare rust damage to those that live in the desert SW. If the RV was driven on salted MI roads it is surprising that it still exists.

I would pull the tank then have it cleaned and inspected, if it is still serviceable then paint it properly.

You are aware that RV's are mobile and one located in a snowbelt area could spend most of it's time in the south while an RV in the SW desert can easily travel to snow areas.

I stand by my opinion that if they have to scrape and paint their tank every year or so, they have a much bigger problem on their hand. The tank is normally well coated from the factory unlike many other parts located under the RV. If the tank has been rusting out so often it needs that type of maintenance, think about what all the uncoated metal parts under that RV looks like.

X2, Lynnmor.

My 500 gallon tank has been sitting outside since 1955.
Of course I don't spray salt water on it.