New buyers. Check your propane tank dates

[keegantimber]

Just Fwiw. Bought our toyhauler new in 2012. Recently took propane tanks to get filled. Found out they were expired which surprised me. Turns out our 2012 model had tanks which were built in 2007. Thankfully my dealer did offer an apology and credit towards new tanks.

[Skyliner]

Tires too, my China Bombs were 2 years old when purchased new on a previous trailer.

[rsdata]

Turns out our 2012 model had tanks which were built in 2007. Thankfully my dealer did offer an apology and credit towards new tanks.

You got a great dealer... I thought tanks were good for 12 years from date of mfg... making them out of date in 2019?

[FleckDreher]

DOT Propane tanks are good for 12 years from manufacture date stamped on tank collar, then they can be re-certified by a simple inspection and tagging. Rust pitting is fatal. Of course they must have OPD valves on them as well.
OPD = Overfill Protection Device

[spock123]

I have never looked. I don’t think the place where I have my tanks filled up at has checked. As a matter of fact no one has ever checked

[keegantimber]

Im in Canada. I was told 10 Yrs. ? Maybe rules are different over here ? Tanks looked new when purchased. In fact still look new.

[Flybob]

For some towables, Batteries and Propane Tanks are not provided by the factory, but installed by the dealer. In addition I have seen instances where a buyer is savvy enough to check dates in tires, batteries and tanks and insist they be replaced prior to purchase. In many cases this means switching the item from another unit on the lot. Always check tires, batteries and propane tanks.

[rsdata]

in recent years every place I have tanks filled has checked the dates...

[Chief T]

Hmmm, will check tomorrow. I know my tank for gas grill expired last year.

[Royston]

While I was sitting outside my RV sipping coffee a loud hissing started, I thought what the heck!! thinking airbags or tanks on the MH - then the smell of propane was overwhelming. Dashed round to the tank and turned it off then we all moved away for about 15 minutes to let the air clear.

Went back to check and found a small pinhole in the regulator on the pressure side. Went to camping world and got a new regulator for around $48.

All OK now but scary at the time, especially as we have dogs and could have been away for a couple of hours. Propane is ALWAYS turned off now when we leave the MH.

MH is a 2011 Berkshire 390RB, last propane inspection was Dec 2016

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by keegantimber

Im in Canada. I was told 10 Yrs. ? Maybe rules are different over here ? Tanks looked new when purchased. In fact still look new.

Yes, I believe the rules are different in Canada. We discussed it recently here in this thread link below, with some links to the Canadian regulations on it:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1779655

Here is the Canadian fact sheet on propane cylinders again, that does state 10 years as you were told:

https://propane.ca/wp-content/upload...ugust-2016.pdf

[A32Deuce]

I was told in January when I went to get my tanks filled that the year rule was changed to 10 years and I had to get my tanks recertified or get new. Since they were swap tanks went to Wally world and swapped for newer. He told me the same about the dates since he had talked to the supplier. Thats what I was told.

[allenb12]

My propane supplier goes by the good for date stamped on the tank. If 10 years then 10 years. 12 years then 12 years. I think the y charged me $10.00 to re-certify one.

[ddbck]

It only costs $2 to get them re-certified at Co-Op

[D W]

Originally Posted by A32Deuce

I was told in January when I went to get my tanks filled that the year rule was changed to 10 years and I had to get my tanks recertified or get new. Since they were swap tanks went to Wally world and swapped for newer. He told me the same about the dates since he had talked to the supplier. Thats what I was told.

Yes, the rule change to 10 year requalification was issued early last year. However, the powers that be at DOT didn't realize that their were thousands upon thousands of cylinders in circulation that had the 12 year requirement stamped into the valve guard. Caused a lot of confusion and DOT rescinded the 10 year directive. DOT published a letter confirming the change. The folks at my local Tractor Supply provided me a copy of the letter that was sent out to distributors. It's still in effect.

[Villagerjjm]

The law has changed... at least in Florida. Tanks are only good for 10 years, then must be re-certified.

[spock123]

Where I buy propane at there never look. I hardly ever buy any on the road. My hundred gallon tank is never checked, they just lift the top and pump more propane in. I’ll check my thirty pound tanks

[rjshiflet]

The place where I regularly fill up always checks the condition and the date - and I believe they offer $2 re-certification. I've never had mine re-certified, but have seen other people get it done while I'm waiting.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by spock123

Where I buy propane at there never look. I hardly ever buy any on the road. My hundred gallon tank is never checked, they just lift the top and pump more propane in. I’ll check my thirty pound tanks

Spock123, you kinda answered yourself with your post, which I highlighted in red and blue...noting the difference of terminology between gallons and pounds.

There are two basic categories of propane storage containers- DOT cylinders and ASME tanks.

Propane Cylinders for transportation are built to Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications and their capacity is expressed in pounds of water.

A popular example of a propane cylinder is one used the size used on barbeques known as a 20 pounds cylinder.

Propane Tanks for permanent installation are built to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) boiler and pressure vessel standards and their capacity is expressed in US Gallons. ASME tanks are built with a thicker steel. Most Motorhomes use ASME tanks.

DOT cylinders have to be recertified, ASME tanks do not.

https://www.eaglepropanesales.com/cylinders-vs-tanks

http://www.propane101.com/understandingpropanetanks.htm

Forest River Forums - Downloads - Propane Dispensing Training Manual

[kc8lvy]

Originally Posted by Villagerjjm

The law has changed... at least in Florida. Tanks are only good for 10 years, then must be re-certified.

Florida is 12 years also. I have a propane licence and they did change it to 10 years for a few months but it went back to 12. They sent us all a letter explaining it. Basically the are lots of tanks stamped 12 years and they had to abide by it. I let people know when they are getting close to the date and recertification is cheap. 20 lb you can always swap but 30 and 40 lb tanks you can't and are a $100 or so for new ones so I let them know get it recertified for a few bucks and it is good for another 5 years.
I have seen tanks that were about 5 years old that I rejected because of their shape and others that were out of date but looked brand new that I had to reject.
Remember it's all about safety.