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**jcanavera** · 03-06-2022, 08:19 AM

I've seen many fill stations where the person filling automatically sets the weight without looking at the coller of the tank to check the weight. Because I always watch the fill I stop them and remind them I am using aluminum tanks. They typically then look at the coller and make the proper adjustments. However I see more evidence these days where the operator will open the 80% valve and shut things down as soon as they see evidence of liquid. That assures me of getting a full tank and no overfill.

I've only have had an overfill once in my experience and that was beck in the 80's prior to the newer gas valve systems. That was with my SOB trailer and when camped at a state park I smelled propane and tracked it down to my tanks. The tank not in use was hissing and the sun had just moved to the front of the trailer and the heat on the tank kicked off the safety. From that point on I started personally watching each fill.

Jack

switz · 03-06-2022, 07:41 PM

The locals in AZ I use fill the the tanks standing vertical with a screw driver in hand holding a screw open. When it spits, they shut off the fill gas. I have heard them vent on a really hot day after being filled on a cool day.

DGEO · 03-09-2022, 09:40 AM

We’re full timing at an RV Resort and needed our propane tank refilled. There is a refill station on site, so I took my tank over and had it refilled. After hooking it back up, I went back inside our Airstream. When I came out the next morning, I could smell gas. I opened the cover and could hear gas quietly hissing. I leak tested the system. I showed a slight leak at the tank fitting to the tank I just refilled. I shut that tank off and disconnected it. The sound continued. I pulled the tank off the stand and found the hissing sound was coming from the tank. The park host was near and he told me the tank valve was faulty and told me where to take it to get repaired. I took the tank there in the bed of the truck, and they were closed (it was Sunday). I called around and found a place that could empty the tank. When I got there. I took the tank over to the guy working there. While he lifted it onto the scale, he remarked that it seemed heavy. The scale showed 77 lbs. the tare weight on the tank is 20.9 lbs, so with the 40 lbs of gas, the tank should be about 61 lbs when full. Our tank was 16 lbs over weight. He said it was probably the relief valve on the opposite side of the connector doing it’s job. He leak tested it and, sure enough, it was releasing gas. He bled it down to 61 lbs, leak tested the tank, and everything was fine. I replaced the hoses to both tanks, leak tested the system, and all is good.

Lesson learned. If they don’t weigh the tank when they refill it, I don’t refill there.

bartzstream2 · 03-09-2022, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam

Assuming you have the proper hose connections to use once in a lifetime, which I'll bet is almost no-one. Not that I condone releasing it to the atmosphere.

I have been snowbirding from MI to TN and AZ for 6-7 months for each of the past 14 years, plus plenty of other nearly local MI and ON camping for 10+ years prior to that.

EVERY propane seller I have ever dealt with vents the propane in their fill hose into the atmosphere after filling the tank. EVERY last one. I am surprised that the feds haven't stepped to force recapture of it, a la the vapor recapture setup I have seen at CA gas stations for gasoline.

Virtually NO propane seller looks at my tare weight and adjusts his scale accordingly, not does he use the scale to fill to the recommend weight. At least half of the time, they also do not open the bleed screw on the side of the valve while filling.

Ndcctrucks · 03-09-2022, 10:07 AM

From TravelRVLife.com
https://travelrvlife.com/rv-propane-tanks/

“Here are some simple steps for filling a DOT cylinder. Make sure to consult with a local employee or propane specialist if you have any trouble figuring out the refill station's set up. It's always better to ask than not know when it comes to propane.
STEP 1
Before you begin, perform a thorough inspection of the cylinder. Check for damage such as deep dents or areas that have heavy rust. Also, inspect the top of the tank for damage. While doing that, check the nozzle for any obstruction.

If you discover damage on your tank, consider buying a new tank. Damaged tanks can start leaking propane, which can be both costly and dangerous.
STEP 2
RV propane tanks should have a date stamped on the top of the tank along with other relevant information. If the tank is out of date by over 12 years, check with a local propane tank dealer for rates on exchanging tanks.
For example:

A tank stamped "01 20" would have expired in 2012. If the date has a letter after the date, you'll need to call your propane dealer to get the exact expiration date.
STEP 3
Located somewhere on the neck of your propane tank should be a bleeder valve that will relieve air pressure allowing the propane to flow freely into the tank. That will also allow a bit of propane to leak out of the bleeder port.

Consult your propane bottle's instruction manual for exact details on how to access your valve. But the idea is to turn the valve just enough for propane to escape the port.

Some valves may require a long flathead screwdriver to release.
Please note:

For your safety, you should always wear neoprene gloves to prevent frostbite burns from liquid propane exposure on your skin. Rubber does not stop propane from burning you, but neoprene will work. Also, you want to make sure the neoprene gloves are loose enough to shake off in one swing, just in case you come into contact with the liquid propane.
STEP 4
First, screw the refill hose to your tank. Make sure the seal is tight.
Next, loosen the main valve on your propane tank to allow propane to flow into the container.

Then, release the valve on the propane hose (see instructions at the refill station or ask an associate).

Last, open the bleeder valve just a bit to allow the release of propane via the bleed port.
STEP 5
You'll know the tank is full when a small stream of propane comes out of the bleed port (it will look like steam).

Turn off the propane refill hose valve. Then close the bleeder valve before closing the main valve on your tank.

Before disconnecting the hose, be sure to open the bleeder valve on it to relieve pressure.

Some refill stations may have a pressure redistribution system that doesn't require a bleeder valve.

Finally, turn off the hose and close its bleeder valve before disconnecting and safely returning it to where it belongs.
STEP 6
Last, you want to reinspect your bottle for any signs of leakage around the dispensing valve area.

Once your inspection is complete, re-attach your tank to its proper storage location on your RV.“

So, some venting of raw propane to the atmosphere is part of normal servicing. While unburned propane is an air pollutant, I personally would rather release some raw gas than release a huge toxic cloud when my trailer burns to the ground!

Good thread here!

Northsite · 03-09-2022, 10:22 AM

My Arctic Fox has 40 lb. tanks. My first refill was at an Ace. The untrained operator was filling it as the tank stood on the slab. The yard boss saw the operation and stopped everything. He put the tank on the scale and it was slightly over at 75 lb, but still being filled. He told me to always watch the tanks carefully when being filled. A tank holds 9.4 gallons and weighs 72 lb. They must be on the scale and the operator ready with screwdriver in hand, especially if it's not completely empty.

Backfortyjoe · 03-09-2022, 09:37 PM

Hi, my last fill the propane dealer told me the 30 lb tanks holds 7.25 gallons. That’s all they sell so I think he knew what he was saying. Even if it was overfilled there is a vent release to let the excess out.
No worries, much bigger fish to Fry as you go down the well traveled road. Good luck and enjoy!

Markhambryan · 03-10-2022, 12:27 AM

Propane is heavier than air. If it’s venting it will stay in low lying areas if there’s no wind. That one reason why they tell you to shut off your tanks when going thru tunnels. Just an FYI if anyone has any leaking out a tank you might want to keep this in mind.

NevadaGeo · 03-10-2022, 11:15 AM

I haven't seen anyone weigh anything. They fill up your tank and call the office how many gallons they put in the tanks. I've calculated my own tanks by weighing full and weighing empty.

trailerKat · 03-10-2022, 10:46 PM

To eubank:
Attended your talk today at the Region 11 rally in Casa Grande, AZ. Wonderful, learned so much! I was the gal who asked about operator training and license requirements and learned that they very by state, and AZ has no license requirement. Now I'll need to research what the requirements are in my home state. And I'll be watching each operator/filling person even more closely.

56ovalwindow · 03-11-2022, 07:57 PM

You can disconnect the line feeding the TT and then turn the tank so the valve faces away from the TT. Ensure you have a breeze, NO Ignition source nearby then crack open the valve a little bit. Do this until you’re comfortable with the amount of C3 you’ve released. I test large propane storage tanks on a regular basis and I must bleed all the lines until I’m sure I have a fresh sample.

AKNate · 03-11-2022, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56ovalwindow

You can disconnect the line feeding the TT and then turn the tank so the valve faces away from the TT. Ensure you have a breeze, NO Ignition source nearby then crack open the valve a little bit. Do this until you’re comfortable with the amount of C3 you’ve released. I test large propane storage tanks on a regular basis and I must bleed all the lines until I’m sure I have a fresh sample.

Large tanks are probably different, but the current ACME valves on RV (and bbq) tanks do not allow propane to vent without something connected. If you disconnect the hose and open the valve, nothing will come out.

thewarden · 03-12-2022, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56ovalwindow

You can disconnect the line feeding the TT and then turn the tank so the valve faces away from the TT. Ensure you have a breeze, NO Ignition source nearby then crack open the valve a little bit. Do this until you’re comfortable with the amount of C3 you’ve released. I test large propane storage tanks on a regular basis and I must bleed all the lines until I’m sure I have a fresh sample.

In most places this is illegal, and where it is not, it should be. Never purposely vent raw propane into the atmosphere.

switz · 03-13-2022, 03:08 PM

So how do you propose getting the excess out if the tank then? An over filled tank may or may not vent. An explosion does vent the tank….

tjdonahoe · 03-13-2022, 03:13 PM

It is fine ..it will last longer..

eubank · 03-13-2022, 03:38 PM

If is really kind of odd how LP (propane) regulation is handled even among states with filler licenses. In NM, for instance, these licences are handled through the state Construction Industries Division. In Texas, it's the Railroad Commission. Heaven knows where in other states.

Lynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailerKat

To eubank:
Attended your talk today at the Region 11 rally in Casa Grande, AZ. Wonderful, learned so much! I was the gal who asked about operator training and license requirements and learned that they very by state, and AZ has no license requirement. Now I'll need to research what the requirements are in my home state. And I'll be watching each operator/filling person even more closely.

thewarden · 03-14-2022, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

So how do you propose getting the excess out if the tank then? An over filled tank may or may not vent. An explosion does vent the tank….

Hook it up to a propane burning device and burn it off, hook it up to an empty tank and bleed the excess off into the empty tank, take it back to a propane refill station and have them bleed it off into another tank.

Do you really think blowing it off into the atmosphere is the only way to deal with the excess?

56ovalwindow · 03-14-2022, 10:18 AM

It purposely gets vented every time you have your tanks filled. Every single propane tank across this nation has a PSV attached to it to keep the tank from pressuring up. These almost always vent to the atmosphere. The little bit he would let out won’t make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. If his main valve won’t let the tank purge then use the purge bleeder the propane facilities use when filling your tank.

Mark of SJC · 03-17-2022, 03:07 PM

Awesome thread! I've learned a lot!

But here's a related stumper. We were camping in WA in December in the cold (no snow, but it was that cold). Had a fire pit hooked up to a standard LP tank used for BBQs. Opening the LP tank valve and lighting the fire in a few minutes the fire pit pressure regulator would frost over...then the entire hose would freeze...then no flow! The only way we could get it to flow was laying the tank on it's side. (Shaking the LP tank it would produce momentary flow...but for less than a minute).

From an earlier post, I would have thought that indicated it being over-filled, but this was a tank that Costco sells that has a gage on it...and we used it for consecutive nights. https://www.costco.com/5-lbs.-steel-...100734956.html

So what was happening? (and should we be concerned?)

eubank · 03-17-2022, 04:12 PM

propane goes from liquid to vapor at -44f at sea level air pressure. as pressure in the tank decreases, the liquid will vaporize less readily. by the same token, the pressure inside your hose may be such that it's getting really cold inside, causing water vapor to condense as frost on the outside. if there is any water vapor along with the propane vapor inside, it'll freeze, too.

you may need just to have the tank filled completely.

Lynn