Over filled propane tank on my RV?

gmacklem · 10-27-2016, 06:32 PM

I had my propane tank filled on my RV last weekend. I brought it home from the storage lot tonight and smelled a bad smell but didn't know what it was. Then I heard a hissing and saw propane being vented underneath. The gauge on tank reads past the full mark. Last year when they filled it, they stopped at 3/4 full. They guy filling it didn't seem to know what he was doing and now I am worried about it. I plan to take it back to the dealer and ask them to look at it. Is it safe to move?

Ford Idaho · 10-27-2016, 06:42 PM

Light the stove and burn it off.

aceinspp · 10-27-2016, 06:53 PM

Most places that fill propane have an automatic shut off preventing over fill due to Fed Regulations. Your tank may have been subject to the sun causing expansion. Later RJD

kenandterry · 10-27-2016, 06:57 PM

Personally....if you are venting gas that much, the gauge reads past full, and you figure the guy didn't know what he was doing....I'd call 911 now.

If there's gas leaking into the air and meets up with any spark...it's not gonna be good.

Suit yourself....but that's my suggestion.

gmacklem · 10-27-2016, 07:06 PM

It has quit venting and I don't smell it now. But the gauge is beyond the full mark. I may drive it back to the dealer in the morning when the temp will be in the 50's vs. the 80s like it is now and should reduce the pressure maybe enough not to vent.

B47 · 10-27-2016, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Idaho

Light the stove and burn it off.

You apparently don't listen to those public service announcements where they tell you not to turn anything on nor light anything if you smell gas.

gmacklem · 10-28-2016, 08:12 AM

Got it to the RV lot and they have drained it to the proper level. Glad it is taken care of as exploding gasses make me nervous.

gasman6674 · 10-28-2016, 09:42 AM

Overfilling a modern (since 2001) Propane tank should not happen. The OPD valve (Overfill Protection Device) should have shut off. I recommend that once the tank is empty have the valve replace as they are not repairable. BTW gauges are usually plus or minus 5% that's why you don't fill by the gauge they should always open the bleeder on the valve, when it spits white its full.

325BH · 10-28-2016, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gasman6674

Overfilling a modern (since 2001) Propane tank should not happen. The OPD valve (Overfill Protection Device) should have shut off. I recommend that once the tank is empty have the valve replace as they are not repairable. BTW gauges are usually plus or minus 5% that's why you don't fill by the gauge they should always open the bleeder on the valve, when it spits white its full.

Totally agree.

A couple of years ago I had two 100lb tanks filled (they don't use OPD). The idiot that filled them relied on his pump to stop (which occurs when pressure builds and no more liquid can be forced into the tank) rather than the bleeders. (I watched him do this but didn't think to question it. Only later did I realize what had been done wrong.) First warm day that came along, I had propane blowing off in my garage. I had to move the tanks outside and crack the valve so I could drain the tanks some.

mtnlvr · 10-28-2016, 01:43 PM

When I had my PDI at delivery, the tech instructing me said to never fill the tank over 80 %. I always mention that amount when filling up just in case they don't know that. (I've had a couple of people filling my tank who were really novices.)

**wmtire** · 10-28-2016, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnlvr

When I had my PDI at delivery, the tech instructing me said to never fill the tank over 80 %. I always mention that amount when filling up just in case they don't know that. (I've had a couple of people filling my tank who were really novices.)

Just to clarify, that's 80% of the cylinders water capacity (gallons), not propane capacity(pounds).

This discussion better explains this often confused terminology. as many people falsely believe that the 80% is propane capacity (which it isn't). A 20 lb propane cylinder holds 20 lbs of propane (not 16 lbs). With the proper 20 lbs of propane, there is still the 20% expansion room in the cylinder as it's already factored in correctly.

Posts #10, #13, and #27 here

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...tml#post292346

Springerdad · 10-28-2016, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnlvr

(I've had a couple of people filling my tank who were really novices.)

That's a very scary thought all in itself.

MOODMAN · 10-28-2016, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmacklem

Got it to the RV lot and they have drained it to the proper level. Glad it is taken care of as exploding gasses make me nervous.

Exploding gasses make me DEAD!

campingbaba · 10-28-2016, 08:18 PM

If the outside temp is in the 80s take a water hose and soak down the tank with water and that will lower the temp of the propane and stop the expansion . Call 911 and don't make any sparks

spock123 · 10-29-2016, 07:08 PM

I had a 20lb tank that I couldn't shut off the valve, no gas would come out unless the tank was hooked up. I finally used all the gas and I took the tank to one of those places that trade the empty tank for a full one. Now I have a tank that I can get filled and the valve works.

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Boso · 10-31-2016, 06:04 PM

Looks gas is heavier than air and doesn't go up it goes down and 80% is the full mark on lp 80 degrees would not expand enough to cause the regulator to vent if filled to 80% and the tank size doesn't matter. At 80% its has room for expansion.

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