LP OPV Woes...

[ironfem200]

Well, my newly acquired 55' is going to need propane soon and I'm wondering just how complex (read: expensive) converting over to the new valve system will be. The tanks and regulator appear to be original (painted an aluminum color) and I don't know how to tell whether they are 20#, 40# or what-have-you tanks. Any wisdom is appreciated.
Anne-Marie

[dwightdi]

If they are the size you get to power your barbque then they are 20 lbs. They are the easiest things to stick with. Throw the old ones away and buy new ones (with the new opd valves)and get them refilled if you like the clean look. If you just want gas, go the exchange route. if you are into Aluminum, you can spend a couple hundred $ and buy the nice aluminum ones and then hand polish them to a mirror finish.

[wahoonc]

Ann-Marie,
Go to www.airstreamdreams.com and look up the LP tanks, it will give you the sizes and prices of the different sized aluminum tanks. Are you sure your tanks aren't aluminum? Try a magnet on them...If the are aluminum it might be worth the cost of converting them to OPD.

Aaron

[CanoeStream]

Welcome to the forums Anne-Marie!

A 1955 certainly may have aluminum tanks and they are very valuable. Also a significant step toward being authentic! For size of tank they take a different size OPD mod than a steel tank of the same poundage. Reply back on this thread after you check with a magnet.

I haven't dealt with this but have seen enough threads on the issue. It will involve recertifying the tanks since they've long since expired if they are original (inspection to state no significant damage, etc). Reply back in this same thread -- the Forums heat up with activity if you post by late afternoon Monday or Tuesday. I'm sure somebody will have dealt with this and help you. This could be a great find!

[Alden Miller]

Here's information about getting OPD valves to retrofit the older tanks. http://www.wbcci.org/documents/special_0603.pdf.

I did it for my tanks, cost about $40. If you call the number listed they can help you identify the tank sizes and what valve to order.

-Alden

[85MH325]

Hi, Anne-Marie! I just replaced the entire propane tank system on my '53 Flying Cloud. It's fairly easy to do (if you have a little mechanical aptitude, a drill, a pipe cutting tool, and flaring tool). You probably have 20lb steel tanks. It would be very unusual indeed to have aluminum tanks on a '55, but possible. If a magnet sticks, you've got the same ol' junky fifty year old steel tanks I had...

You can buy brand new OPD compliant tanks at Sam's Club for about $23 each (seasonally). They're as high as $50 each at RV stores. You can buy a new bracket system for about $25, and a new auto-switch LP regulator will run you about $40. The new hoses to fit on the OPD compliant tanks will run as much as $20 each, but you can get them on sale from CW sometimes for about $12, depending on length. You'll also need some fittings and a flexible LP hose from the regulator to the copper line on the trailer. Total parts costs: around $150 for an entirely new system.

Plan about four hours to remove the old equipment and install the new. Let me know if you need information that's more specific than this.

Roger

[ironfem200]

I made it up to the River where I have my airstream parked and did the magnet test. Rats. Just junky old steel tanks. I will begin searching for the parts for a brand new system; things are always more expensive here in the Bay Area...
Big thanks to everyone who posted on the subject!

Anne-Marie

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by ironfem200

I made it up to the River where I have my airstream parked and did the magnet test. Rats. Just junky old steel tanks. I will begin searching for the parts for a brand new system; things are always more expensive here in the Bay Area...
Big thanks to everyone who posted on the subject!
Anne-Marie

Ann-Marie,
If you opt for steel tanks as a replacement, you should be able to purchase new tanks for 79$ range..depending on size. All you need otherwise is the replaced gas lines..
ciao
53FC

[ironfem200]

Hi everyone. I found two 20# tanks at Sam's Club for 23 bucks each and now am looking at the regulator and lines and kind of scratching my head...now, these new tanks have outside and inside thread females and I'm wondering (without actually taking the old steel tanks off yet), whether the old male connector from the regulator will be compatible with the new tank female. If not, do I find the appropriate parts at a propane dealership? Where can I get instructions on the conversion?

I'm so new at this it's disgusting....
thanks!

[azflycaster]

I replaced the tank on my SOB trailer a few years back (sold the SOB this year). The inside threads are the same as on your old tank and your lines should screw in fine. Remember that the threads are reversed, NOT righty tighty, but righty loosey. The threads on the ouside are for the new hand tighten connections.

[SafeHarbor]

Hi, Anne-Marie,

Could you take a few photos of the front end of your trailer and post them to your gallery so we can see what you do have now?

Thanks,

Lamar

[ironfem200]

Hi, thanks. I've just posted some pictures under 'member photos'

[SafeHarbor]

Hi, Anne-Marie,

Thanks.

It looks like you have enough center threaded rod to go with #30 tanks rather than the twenties if you want. I think they look a little bit better, and it's the equivalent of having three #20s.

That regulator is old, and having had one blow apart and frost the front end of my Argosy (while I was lounging on the couch, of course), I suggest that you replace that, too.

Also, you'll want to get flex lines to go from the regulator to the tanks. They're easier to manipulate.

If you go to campingworld.com, you can find the regulator and replacement hoses.

I would also want to inspect the entire system before and immediately after applying gas pressure. I would also want to check each connection for leaks using soapy water.

If you're not comfortable with propane, of course, get somebody qualified to do this for you. Propane is one of the systems that can kill you.

Best regards,

Lamar @ Mapopolis Support