Anyone replaced Old Propane tanks with Clear Ones?

[Bob Thompson]

When I went to Flying J to refill my propane tanks recently, the attendant told me the certification on my propane tanks had expired and I would either need to get them re-certified or I would need to buy new ones. The certification date stamped on my tanks began in 1996 and expired in 2008.
Since I'm considering replacing them, I'm wondering if there are clear 30# tanks available for RV's or are the clear ones not DOT certified. Thanks in advance.

[AIR-Quarius]

yes they do watch those things. So we bought a new tank for inside. I personally have never heard of a 'clear' propane tank. Am I reading right?

[CaddyGrn]

Oh, I want a "clear" propane tank! Are they made of transparent aluminum? Where do we see these?

[Boondocker]

Are you talking about the fiberglass (I think) tanks? Why would you want them? I guess you could see how full they are, other than that I dont see the appeal. I want to say they are DOT approved, not certain though.

[clancy_boy]

Lite Cylinder

Here is a link - looked at these myself - fully compatable and DOT approved.

[Homewrecker]

jeez, those clear propane tanks are fugly.

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by Homewrecker

jeez, those clear propane tanks are fugly.

I think you are more fond of them than I am

[jimmickle]

Bob,

It only costs about $10 to have them recertified. If they are aluminum, I certainly have them recert.

[markdoane]

The see-through tanks have been around for a few years, but don't seem to have caught on.

[InsideOut]

When we were at the ALQ Balloon Fiesta this last fall, in the Balloon Museum they had an exhibit that showed a dissected propane tank that the balloonists use. Coincidentally, it was a Worthington Aluminum tank very much like the ones we have - just a different size. I snapped these couple of shots with my phone so I could share what the "guts" look like...

Shari

[Bob Thompson]

The fiberglass tanks is what I had in mind. I like being able to tell how much propane remains with a quick glance at the tank. I've tried the strips you pour hot water on and the "Propane Watch" and was mostly uncusuccessful with both. Seems like I always run out Saturday evening in freezing weather.

[ArtStream]

Hi Bob,
Check out the reviews:
Toolmonger » Blog Archive » A Propane Tank With a Clear Difference

Michael

[Jammer]

The original intent of the fiberglass tanks was that they were supposed to be a) lighter and b) not prone to rusting. The industry developed them in hopes of fostering an indoor portable ventless heater market, which hasn't happened and doesn't seem to me like the height of wisdom from a fire safety standpoint. The clear tanks are DOT tanks and follow the same certification rules. I have not seen them in sizes larger than 20# but they may exist.

They are somewhat lighter than steel tanks, but not significantly so.

You might want to consider a good aluminum tank with a float gauge. They weigh only a little more (14 pounds instead of 12.8 pounds, empty) and last longer.

[TomR]

Our Story - Lite Cylinder

Seems like they have made some progress. FAQ says OK to -40 F...may not be low enough here in Two Harbors...record low temp for MN was not far from home...-60 F...just a few years ago. Would be nice for the grill.

Only -10 F today (-20 F yesterday)...winter just getting started.

Tom R