Quick education needed on bringing old LP tanks into compliance, please

[Rog0525]

Sorry if this question is redundant but the threads I have sifted through are a bit confusing.
I now have 2 vintage AS trailers with original LP tanks. What exactly do I need to do to upgrade them to compliance, new tanks, new OPD valves or what? Most cost effective?
Thanks.
Rog

[trumpwer]

I just had my aluminum tanks refitted with new valves-$14 each

[53flyingcloud]

Rog0525

You just might be better off just buying new steel tanks if the originals are steel tanks. There is an inspection cycle involved that may preclude your retrofitting new valves on them. I believe this is 10 yrs, check the date stamped on your old tanks.
New tanks can be had for a price range around, say 60$ ( figure rounded off).
By all means, if the tanks involved are 'aluminum' tanks and, are in good condition, retrofit them with the new valve.
IMHO

ciao

[femuse]

Ok if you have steel tanks, but I have to disagree if they are aluminium. They are worth between $150 & $200.

If they have not been droped from a 3rd floor window or run over by a semi, they should last a life time.
Upgrading is easy & cheap. We had our 1971 & 1974 upgraded.

FIRST: Buy the right OPD valves.

make sure they are stamped on the shaft with following numbers:

20 aluminum 4.8
30 aluminum 5.8
40 aluminum 7.0

Most, if not all propane dealers & RV dealers have the OPD for steel tanks. Most don't know the difference.

THEN: your propane dealer will re-inspect the tanks for about $5 if he is not a thief. He will stamp a new date.

That's all there is to it. Cost of valve is about $25 [PM me if you cannot find them]

Steel tanks will rust and are heavy. So, keep your aluminium tanks !!!! You won't regret it.

finaly: avoid big dealers like Suburban propane. Find a small outfit.

and: if you have 20Lbs aluminium tanks, you are in luck:
OPD valves for 30Lbs steel tanks are the same than #20 aluminium.

[Rog0525]

The tanks are steel. A local RV shop has them for $60 each so that's the route I'll go for the '73 Tradewind I just bought yesterday, but the '57 Custom can do without for now since the PO discarded the furnace, water heater and fridge. The only appliance in it is the stove which I'll be replacing with a microwave if I keep the trailer.

Rog

[Rog0525]

The '57 Custom would be a handsome addition to your collection.
Make me an offer I can't refuse?

Rog