Propane tank refinishing

luvrbus · October 02, 2014, 12:28:28 PM

I would clean it up, paint it and not concern myself

your switch is on the way first class mail was the cheapest way to send it 3 bucks

pennuja · October 02, 2014, 12:39:30 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 02, 2014, 12:28:28 PM
I would clean it up, paint it and not concern myself your switch is on the way first class mail was the cheapest way to send it 3 bucks

Thanks your the best!

eagle19952 · October 02, 2014, 02:09:34 PM

Ps I would clean it up too...and not worry on it either, I'm just addressing your concerns..

There are 2 types of propane storage vessels, an ASME TANK and the DOT CYLINDER. NFPA pamphlet 58 states that the DOT CYLINDER needs to be recertified after 12 years from the manufacturing date. Depending on the certifying method used, they are recertified every 5,7,12 years thereafter. The recertification involves an inspection and testing of the cylinder to confirm that the cylinder is still safe and legal to remain in service.

ASME TANKS that are found on an RV do not get recertified. They should have the relief valve replaced every 10 years and should follow the same standards established by the Department of Transportation.

Notice the wording here - they go to great lengths to call the BBQ tanks a CYLINDER and the ASME cylinders a TANK.

So... is it time to re-certify that propane tank/cylinder on your RV??? The answer is MAYBE if you have a travel trailer and definitely NO if you have a motor home. It couldn't hurt, but it is not a requirement on an rv with an ASME TANK, I would have the relief valve replaced after 10 years and the flexible hose connection replaced after 15 years.

http://phmsa.dot.gov/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_0AC374C72CE4B82CD55A384509C1A22E6EDA1000/filename/requal_propane_cylinders.pdf

uncle ned · October 02, 2014, 02:19:54 PM

Mine is in the same place. It has been in the coach for over 20 years. never a problem and it has been painted with silver paint several times.

It is used for heat ,cooking and the refg.

uncle ned

luvrbus · October 02, 2014, 02:25:33 PM

Donald has some good info but those are not a series 4 tank 240 psi tank they are rated 650 psi to 800 psi @ 100 degrees

bevans6 · October 02, 2014, 02:36:17 PM

If I could upgrade it to current standards for a reasonable price I probably would. I tend to upgrade everything...

At the same time my understanding is the same as has been stated - permanent tanks in motorhomes aren't subject to automatic rebuilding/recertification every however many years. But they are subject to inspection every time they get filled, and who know when someone is going to call you on it. I personally would at the very least pull that tank, media blast it and spray paint it with a quality paint and system, the idea being to make it look like it was owned by someone who was proud of it. I think that is exactly what you think, too. Wire wheel or abrasives won't cut it, it needs to be fairly aggressively media blasted. That might mean fully emptying it and filling it with a noble gas like argon, and that is something that I think you may need a qualified guy to do.

Brian

Beesme · October 02, 2014, 03:51:10 PM

I've been around lots of tanks . Clean it up . Put your $ elsewhere and your ahead of the game ... Plus it fits...

luvrbus · October 02, 2014, 04:03:01 PM

You can buy any valve on the tank if needed and install it yourself no questions asked I just replaced a relief valve 9 bucks from Mesa Pipe and Supply here in the valley

pennuja · October 02, 2014, 04:31:48 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 02, 2014, 04:03:01 PM
You can buy any valve on the tank if needed and install it yourself no questions asked I just replaced a relief valve 9 bucks from Mesa Pipe and Supply here in the valley

This definitely sounds like the way to go, I will remove it clean it up and at least replace the release valve. I would also like to mount the regulator in a better way.

Once I have done all of that I will ask my propane guy to fill it.

Thanks!

digesterman · October 02, 2014, 04:42:33 PM

It's probably better than anything you could buy new today, I agree paint it, fill it, use it.

chessie4905 · October 02, 2014, 04:43:49 PM

Pull it out and take to a Suburban propane location. They should be able to tell you what you can and can't do with/to it. If it is ok, I'd sand blast it.

eagle19952 · October 02, 2014, 05:50:15 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on October 02, 2014, 04:43:49 PM
Pull it out and take to a Suburban propane location. They should be able to tell you what you can and can't do with/to it. If it is ok, I'd sand blast it.

i would hesitate to do that...with it laying on the ground in there yard i am sure you will leave with your wallet $400.00 lighter....

Dave5Cs · October 02, 2014, 06:06:45 PM

If you leave it in the Bus add a second hookup off a "T" with a separate shut off so that if you stay anywhere for awhile and you run out of Propane you can have the propane company bring you a 50 to 100 gallon tank and then you will have the hookup right there with their tank and your system. You shut off your tank and open the second shutoff. You won't have to pull up stakes and go get your on board tank filled.
I just pulled my 25 gallon tank out and put in 4, 20lb LP tanks (BBQ) on slides. If one or two empty I pull it and fill it when I get time and just switch to one of the others.

Dave5Cs

luvrbus · October 02, 2014, 06:27:21 PM

He may not to be able to remove tank till he finds out if the generator is vapor fuel or not it has 2 valves

TomC · October 02, 2014, 10:00:42 PM

My Manchester chassis tank is over 20 years old and never had anyone refuse to fill it. Chassis mounts are not regulated like portables. Repaint it nicely and will look pretty. I would add a solenoid cut off valve-I have one and keep the propane off until I need it for my furnace or stove only. Good Luck, TomC