LP Tank filling

[GSMI]

All of the LP filling stations require inspection of the tank certification stamps before filling, where have you found is best for filling onboard LP tanks mounted underneath and out site for inspection?

[Grumpy Grampa]

Take it to a propane company, Suburban, or Amer gas, they can certify for you.

[Grumpy Grampa]

If you are talking about the 80 gallon, tank under the motor home. I am no expert. But I have read they are thicker, and buildt more durable than the 8-10 gallon tanks. That is why they do not require inspection.

Good luck.

[GSMI]

Thank you I will do that

[EA37TS]

The tank should already have a manufactured/certification date stamped near the valve. It could be filled in with paint so look close.

If the tank is empty some places may want to purge it with Nitrogen before filling with LPG.

Did you buy the rig new without getting a full tank of LPG?

[GSMI]

It's a Thor Sequence class B unit with an undermount tank, I am just now emptying the tank that came full when I bought it and getting ready to fill it. I had a U Haul store give me a hard time about an external tank so I started looking around this tank that up under the frame and realized there isn't a way to see the markings.

I'll try a few places around SW Michigan including a propane automotive gas station.

[16ACE27]

ASME (Onboard) propane tanks do not require periodic certification like 5, 20 or 30 pound portable tanks do. You can fill your onboard tanks at many campgrounds, Camping World, many U-Haul dealers, Tractor Supply, and propane dealers like Suburban Propane. Some Truck stops like Pilot, FlyingJ, and LUVS also carry propane.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by GSMI

It's a Thor Sequence class B unit with an undermount tank, I am just now emptying the tank that came full when I bought it and getting ready to fill it. I had a U Haul store give me a hard time about an external tank so I started looking around this tank that up under the frame and realized there isn't a way to see the markings.

I'll try a few places around SW Michigan including a propane automotive gas station.

I was gonna stay on the sideline waiting on more information.

It is still not clear to me if this is new coach or how old?

I go to U Haul all the time and they have never asked what you state?

Is it possible to take a picture of the tank as to what they would see? No need to get under the bottom, because they are not gonna do that.

There would have to be something they see that makes them concerned? Is it rusted or something? No offense to anyone that works at U Haul and does propane, but I would not be surprised if they are only looking for a sticker that is required that may be missing? If so; just buy the sticker and stick it on.

If you have a Manchester tank they can arrange a pressure test if you have reason to believe it is defective. Not sure how long but the tanks can severely rust and thin the walls if not properly maintained. i.e. I repainted my tank at only 3 years old. It looked like crap. I transferred all of my stickers. I bet had I not transferred my stickers some U haul location may have denied to put propane in it?

Take a minute to get a picture and a tad bit more info may clear this up for you?

Here are some decals I refer to.

https://vanagonwestfaliaparts.com/pr...ane-tank-decal

[The Gritz Carlton]

You're dealing with a ground rat that doesn't know what he's talking about..he's been trained to check dates on ALL bottles that come in for refill. They (all pressure vessels) must be inspected and re-certified every 12 years. The date of the coach should be enough proof to the average...you just happened across an idiot.

[GSMI]

thanks all! Seems like I just need to find the right place. I appreciate the education.

[JimOIB]

Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton

You're dealing with a ground rat that doesn't know what he's talking about..he's been trained to check dates on ALL bottles that come in for refill. They (all pressure vessels) must be inspected and re-certified every 12 years. The date of the coach should be enough proof to the average...you just happened across an idiot.

The gas type, tank construction and governing agency, Compressed Gas Association (CGA) or Department of Transportation (DOT), determine the recertification/requalification date.

DOT has specific propane requalification and retesting guidelines - https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phms...pane_en_v3.pdf

ASME has no periodic requalififation unless you live in Canada then it is every 20 years.

I agree - ground rat not knowing what they were dealing with.

[dkoldman]

Originally Posted by GSMI

thanks all! Seems like I just need to find the right place. I appreciate the education.

I don't know or think you were at the wrong place? Maybe the wrong person, as The Gritz say a "Ground Rat" I use a U Haul location almost exclusively just like I do Wal Mart, Lowes, Home Depot etc.

I would be curious to learn what the next guy says, or learn how old your RV is and if you can get pictures of the tank? I am sure the Ground Rat saw something that freaked them out or was looking for a standard sticker they see all the time that was NOT there. Note: Until you get the confirmation I state, don't dismiss the Ground Rat entirely, a propane disaster is a terrible thing.

U hauls are always the most convenient for me and pricing is always published on their website. I go to 3 in my area off and on and they see me coming and take care of business. Once a attendant left the gas off. I freaked out one morning trying to use my hot water heater for a shower. But as rule; I watch them fill, but I don't go back in and check everything when they finish. Not that much to it. As long as my inside indicator says Full I am good to go.

[atreis]

Ace Hardware filled mine. The local Tractor Supply doesn't do RVs (surprisingly). Call around before heading out to save driving all over.

[Chateau_Nomad]

I agreed with dk here. NOT saying you do, but if a 20+ year old rig pulls in with a rusty LP tank with no discernable labels... ??

My go-to propane filling station is a local co-op where they deal with large rigs/tanks all the time. I personally get out and turn off my tank. When he's done filling, I turn it back on. Done.

[Bob Denman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc1URQgQWNo

[PreCambrian]

The odds of finding anyone that actually knows much about propane and propane tank filling and other requirements is very low. If you have an ASME tank the nameplate is supposed to be visible. Propane regulations that have been adopted by virtually every state is NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 58 - Liquified Petroleum Gas Code. https://catalog.nfpa.org/NFPA-58-Liq...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

ASME tanks need to be inspected either to NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) or API 510 standards. NBIC requires inspection at half the remaining life or 10 years, whichever is less.

If you cannot see any nameplate on your propane tank then it is a manufacturing error on the part of the motorhome manufacturer. It is possible, though not probable if you purchased your motorhome new, that you don't even have a code (ASME or DOT) compliant tank.

[k.maslowski@comcast.net]

Never had a problem. I just take it to a "Loves", "Flying J" truck stop.
Just call and check if they have Propane before going.

[Galobo]

Just curious, what is the year and make of your rv. If you have answered this my apologies .

[Johng]

I live in northern Michigan and everyone uses propane for heat (or wood). I had to scour all of these locations andn only found one capable of filing my class a motorhome. call propane companies until you find a location staffed and capable. most locations are not staffed.

[Pete'sMH]

Many campgrounds like KOAs can fill it.