Hole in LP tank

Hoo Dad · 06-05-2011, 06:40 PM

I kept getting a whiff of propane from one of my tanks. I checked every connection numerous times and could not find a leak. I finally removed the tank today and found a small hole in the top of the tank. Since my 5er is fairly new, 2011 8285 WS, hopefully I can get a free replacement. Upon inspection I noticed the tank was manufactured in China. Has anyone else had a problem with their tanks and if so what did you do.

Nigels · 06-05-2011, 07:11 PM

Good job you found it, IMO they should simply replace it straight away without question. What isn't made in China these days?

Gadget63 · 06-05-2011, 07:47 PM

Off topic I know, but if you search the web, there are still a lot of american made goods... you just gotta hunt for them... but is it just me or anything you buy made in china you have to buy twice because it always breaks?

jimh · 06-05-2011, 08:59 PM

are u able to stop the lead? if u have a spare propane tank, u can ice down the tank ur wanting to move propane to, connect a hose between them and the propane will move to the cold tank. you won't be able to get it all, but u should be able to get it as long as there is liquid in there. the hose has to be capable of taking the pressure.
on this day and this hour, it may be easier to try and stop the leak.

crocus · 06-05-2011, 10:03 PM

Just take the tank back to the dealer where you got the camper.
They will fall all over themselves to replace it for free, as that is a HUGE safety issue. If the safety people ever heard that they put a faulty tank in your camper, they would be in deep doo-doo.
I know because we had a similar problem.

Nigels · 06-05-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gadget63

Off topic I know, but if you search the web, there are still a lot of american made goods... you just gotta hunt for them... but is it just me or anything you buy made in china you have to buy twice because it always breaks?

I bought some chopsticks once..... they were actually okay....but yes I had to buy two of them..you're right about having to buy twice

Hoo Dad · 06-06-2011, 04:39 PM

As a follow up, yes my dealer will replace the tank. He requested pictures for Forest River warranty. I'm also going to argue for the tank to be filled free. I Probably won't have to argue as my dealer (so far) has been good to work with.

The_Stuff · 06-06-2011, 06:15 PM

im surprised it got safety approval.

4Rasnicks · 06-09-2011, 06:53 AM

This is very interesting for me. I have had a similar issue with mine. Everytime I open the door to the tank I smell propane. Not too much, just a little. I have checked hoses, regulators, et. Its 2011 8281SS. How did you check the tank? Soapy water? Where was the leak at? Thanks.

crocus · 06-09-2011, 07:55 AM

I had a brand new tank with a faulty valve. It was one of the new style. Funny, I NEVER had a problem with the old-style valves, and some of them are decades old.
Yup, the government shoving these new "safer" products down our throats is really looking out for us!
NOT!

Hoo Dad · 06-09-2011, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Rasnicks

This is very interesting for me. I have had a similar issue with mine. Everytime I open the door to the tank I smell propane. Not too much, just a little. I have checked hoses, regulators, et. Its 2011 8281SS. How did you check the tank? Soapy water? Where was the leak at? Thanks.

I actually got lucky that I found it. I unhooked the tank and set it on the ground. I applied so much soapy water to the valve stem it flowed across the top of the tank and it was then that I noticed a very small pin hole in the top of the tank approximately 1/2" out from the weld where the valve is threaded into the tank.

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