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Tim_S · 11-14-2020, 01:43 PM

Hello All,

I have a 2005 25' International that has two 25.4 lb propane tanks. I went to get them refilled and found out they are too old, dated 05/04, I'm guessing May 2004. They are stamped "must be requalified within 12 years of manufactured date." Four Questions:

1) Is it better to just buy new tanks or get them requalified?
2) If requalified, anyone know where in Newport News, Virginia?
3) If buy replacements, anyone know where in Newport News, Virginia?
3) I don't see many mentions of 25.4 LB propane tanks online, I wonder if 30 LB tanks would fit in my existing case? There's no more width available in the silver sleeve, but could go a 3-4 inches taller.

Many thanks!

Tim

Ky76Argosy · 11-14-2020, 02:21 PM

I just use smaller tanks, and easier to manage, and just wondering is there a need for tanks instead of those you can just exchange? And carry an extra tank if need. Be Safe.

eubank · 11-14-2020, 03:10 PM

Your 30 lb cylinder doesn't look to be in bad shape, but an inspector will look for more than superficial rust and any bends in the collars, cracks in the welds. I'd suggest calling around to the various LP dealers (not just fillers, but full service shops) to ask what a recertification costs in your area. Some have a large fee; some have a nominal free; some will do it for free if you also have the cylinder filled there.

Your cylinder is a 30 lb, not a 25. Here's a little video to explain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOznN_MF8m8

Lynn

SSquared · 11-14-2020, 03:24 PM

The printing on your tank that says TW 25.4 is the "Tare" weight. That's what the tank weighs empty. I believe what you have there is a "thirty-pound" tank.

According to a web page I found, a 30 pound tank is 24 inches tall.
https://www.propane101.com/consumerpropanecylinders.htm

sheriff1 · 11-14-2020, 03:46 PM

Shop around 30lb tanks are available lots of places

Wayne&Sam · 11-14-2020, 03:55 PM

20lb tanks are easily exchangeable at many places like Home Depot. 3o lb , not so much. if you can live with 2 20lb tanks, exchange them. Otherwise buy new. IMHO.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 11-14-2020, 04:52 PM

Hi, my trailer is the same year as yours; I got my tanks recertified. Note: recertification in the USA is not good in Canada.

Tim_S · 11-14-2020, 05:46 PM

Thanks everyone! Good info

waninae39 · 11-14-2020, 05:54 PM

Its best to get a new tank IMHO.

also, when the tank is getting close to 10 years, go to a std.n that does swaps. ensure that the swapped tank is newer then yours. then you never run into this issue.

ALSO, each state/Province has different age limits on propane tanks

also, i never saw a 25 lb tank, the std is 20 lb , 30 lb and higher

JonDNC · 11-14-2020, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

20lb tanks are easily exchangeable at many places like Home Depot. 3o lb , not so much. if you can live with 2 20lb tanks, exchange them. Otherwise buy new. IMHO.

Just so you know when you do a tank exchange at xxx store those tanks are not filled to capacity in general and you pay a premium for the exchange.

Also a 30lb tank has 2ish more gallons of propane which can make a difference when running the furnace.

CBWELL · 11-14-2020, 06:05 PM

Just a note for ROBERTSUNRUS, the 30 lb aluminum tanks on my trailer could not be recertified in Canada because of the age of the tanks. If they are dated of mfg prior to 1993 they can be recertified in Canada. This is for aluminum tanks only to my knowledge.This is a rule that I was not aware of. I had to take my tanks back to US to get recertified. This certification is approved for Canada. I have never had problems getting them refilled, nor have I ever heard of a problem having tanks filled in Canada if the certification date is current. If the tanks do not have the new style excss flow valves in them they will not refill.

bobstock · 11-15-2020, 09:11 AM

I have 2.... 30lb. aluminum tanks with OPD and gauges. The tanks cost me $15.00 each to have certified after the 12 year expiration. Visually checked and a sticker installed valid for only 5 years. If I had steel tanks I would scrap and buy new ones.

Bob

Silvr_Bullet · 11-15-2020, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonDNC

Just so you know when you do a tank exchange at xxx store those tanks are not filled to capacity in general and you pay a premium for the exchange.

Also a 30lb tank has 2ish more gallons of propane which can make a difference when running the furnace.

How do you know this? Propane is always temperature corrected.

tjdonahoe · 11-15-2020, 09:58 AM

Recertification is simple..

Silvr_Bullet · 11-15-2020, 10:10 AM

Someone on the forum suggested that certification of propane tanks are not standard in the US, that’s false.

drbrick · 11-15-2020, 10:12 AM

Get them recertified and save yourself a bunch of money....

bibbs · 11-15-2020, 10:59 AM

For me, I like the convenience of the 20 lb tanks, they can be exchanged everywhere, or refilled, when I want to take the time, to have it done

rucos · 11-15-2020, 11:00 AM

here in Canada where I am on the west coast its cheaper to recertify 30lb tanks ....20lbs unfortunately are just better to go to costco and buy new. Trade a tank is expensive propane here compared refilling at costco.

JonDNC · 11-15-2020, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

How do you know this? Propane is always temperature corrected.

Google is your friend.

Capacity of a 20 lb tank is 4.5 Gallons
30 lb tank is 7 gallons
40 lb tank is 9.4 gallons

Silvr_Bullet · 11-15-2020, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonDNC

Google is your friend.

Capacity of a 20 lb tank is 4.5 Gallons
30 lb tank is 7 gallons
40 lb tank is 9.4 gallons

Weigh your tank after it’s filled subtract that weight of the empty tank from the filled tank,difference is the weight of the propane, as stated when tank is filled it’s not to 100% of the volume of the tank, so weight will vary.