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rockcutter · 09-11-2006, 07:14 PM

Does any law exist saying that propane tanks must be updated inorder to get them refilled? I haven't encountered any problem geting them refilled.

Condoluminum · 09-11-2006, 07:38 PM

The laws are federal regulations, not state law... Come from US DOT... All states supposed to follow...

The first law (applicable to RV type upright propane tanks..) requires the new "OPD" tank valves to be installed. These have rough triangular valve handles, and a float internally to keep the tanks from being over-filled. NO propane supplier is supposed to refill tanks now without these new valves installed.. (and Worthington Aluminum tanks used on lots of airstreams require a special model of the valve, not stocked by everyone...). The new valves use different refill fittings, and are hard to miss if they're not installed.

The second requires a form of pressure and integrity testing every 5 to 7 years, and the date stamped on the tank with metal stamps. Same theory, propane dealers not supposed to refill without recent date stamp.. Far fewer propane shops abide by that one, but if you need propane and that dealer won't refill your tanks, it could be a bad day.. Aluminum tanks don't suffer same rust problems that can affect steel tanks, but same rules apply.

Neither regulation carries criminal penalties or fines.. Just a potential restriction on ability to refill..

John McG

Waynon · 09-11-2006, 07:39 PM

In both TX and LA the tanks have to be upgraded in order to be re-filled. In TX it was first required just to have the valves upgraded, then there had to be an inspection stamped on it. Had one of them done for about 45, then when the other was empty had it done under the new rule for about the same amount, but had to pay AGAIN to have the other one stamped.

It is a law for them to be upgraded and inspected with the date stamped in order to be refilled, at least in these two states.

Waynon

wahoonc · 09-11-2006, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockcutter

Does any law exist saying that propane tanks must be updated inorder to get them refilled? I haven't encountered any problem geting them refilled.

I think it depends on the area. IIRC the OPD requirement was NFPA(I think that is the one) code and then local jurisdictions picked up on it. Also from what I understand the aluminum tanks don't necessarily have to have the OPD if they are over a certain size. But they do have to have current certification. My tanks were recertified, and get refilled by the same place that does our company tanks. No OPD's on them...yet. Or it may be a matter of the person filling your tanks is ignorant/doesn't care about the law.

Aaron

dwightdi · 09-11-2006, 08:46 PM

Personal friend of mine, who works at a propane company, says tanks from 10 lbs. to 40 pounds need to have the new OPD valve. I have done all mine, except a commercial 43 pound aluminum tank, which he claims is over the size requiring OPD valve.

eubank · 09-11-2006, 09:37 PM

Here is a link to help you out with OPD valves in the US:

OPD valves

On recertification, it's required in the US at 12 years after the original date of manufacture, as stamped on the collar of the bottle. If the bottle has already been recertified -- and assuming the common, visual recertification -- then a second stamped date must appear on the collar:

E [date] -- visual recertification, good for 5 more years

Lynn

Chopper · 09-14-2006, 07:10 PM

Hi all,

The picture is of my newly acquired old '74Argy26 undergoing a renewal. Are the propane tanks original and therefore in need of replacement?

Thanks!

Janets Husband · 09-14-2006, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopper

Hi all,

The picture is of my newly acquired old '74Argy26 undergoing a renewal. Are the propane tanks original and therefore in need of replacement?

Thanks!

They look like Aluminum tanks, They are worth having the valves updated and the tanks tested.

**azflycaster** · 09-14-2006, 10:14 PM

You can tell by the valve knobs that they do not have the OPD upgrade. The knobs on upgraded tanks are triangle not round. Test them with a magnet to see if they are steel or aluminum. I would upgrade them if aluminum, replace if they are steel. BTW, I paid around $300 for 2 30# aluminum tanks (with shipping) this year.

kramynot2000 · 09-15-2006, 05:47 AM

I just got my aluminun 30# tanks back. The cost to recertify and put new valves was only $45 each so that definitely seems to be the cheaper way to go.

Chopper · 09-20-2006, 10:56 PM

(there's a plastic tank manufacturer up here named "Tanks a Lot")

Anyways, I didn't know that aluminum ones were so pricey. Thanks for the tip on just getting the OPD valves! I'll do that soon. But these tanks do have propane in them, so the PO must have had them filled somehow, or the propane's been in there for a long time. Or maybe the rules are different up here in Canada?

Cheers!

scottanlily · 09-20-2006, 11:55 PM

Hello chopper ,yes those tanks appear to be aluminum ,and worth the refit
of the new valves for sure.It is possible that someone had a friend somewhere refill those tanks under cover so to speak ,but no matter .Go ahead and use the propane thats in the tanks if they are pretty full ,no need
to waste it .Its not unsafe to use them as they are so when empty then the valves and refill can be done.

Scott of scottanlily

Chopper · 09-25-2006, 03:21 PM

Thanks,

The propane shop that will change the valves with OPD valves confirmed too that they are about $250 a pop.

But I'll strip them of the house paint that they're covered in!

Cheers!

wahoonc · 09-25-2006, 03:39 PM

Chopper,
Go ahead and use the LP up, I don't think it goes bad...at least the 100# tank that I found in the barn was still good. And the last time that tank was certified was 1957

and the last time anybody around there used that style of tank was back in the early 60's for the old cook stove.

Aaron

Ganglin · 10-13-2006, 07:58 PM

We have original Worthington tanks - made here in Columbus Ohio. Our 71 was purchased in July - one tank had been recertified in 06/04 with new OPD - the other original. Bought a new OPD for the other and tried to replace myself - didn't have the right tool to tighten it enough.

Took both to a SOB RV dealer for refill - they tightened the the new valve for free and filled both tanks. Advised us to take the recertification number engraved on the first tank and engrave it with a Dremmel in the second and "you'll be good for another 10 years". "Certification is required every 12 years". "These are Worthington aluminum tanks - you'll not have any problems with them" was the advise.

Took the tanks back to the campground where we have her parked for now. Neighbor stopped by and said those are odd tanks - look like aluminum. I had one of those but it cost so much to change the valve we just switched to a new steel tank. Smiled and went back to work.......

Squishey · 10-28-2006, 06:39 AM

I receintly got my 87 32' excella, the propane tanks were updated, would any know where I can get the outside sensors to monitor the LP gas level in the tanks from the control panel??

Squishey · 10-28-2006, 06:40 AM

And would that same sensor run the outside temperature gauge also on the control panel??

SafeHarbor · 10-28-2006, 07:45 PM

Hi, Squishey,

Last year the A/S dealer near Grand Rapids MI parts guy told me that I could order the tanks and probes from Airstream that would work with the panel on my '79 -- for five hundred dollars each.

I said, "Thank you."

Lamar

On edit, that's "Grand Rapids," not "Grand Rabids."

rickandsandi · 03-24-2007, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chopper

Hi all,

The picture is of my newly acquired old '74Argy26 undergoing a renewal. Are the propane tanks original and therefore in need of replacement?

Thanks!

Oh yea! Aluminum all the way. My two new 30# came the other day. Paid big buck for the Worthingtons but worth every penny. Once you polish them up don't forget to lock them up. Changing the valves is really worth it.

steptex · 04-11-2007, 06:41 PM

So far I have been told in Texas and New Mexico at various propane dealers that there isn't a new OPD valve that will fit the horizontal aluminum tanks. They just want to slap a sticker on it saying it is safe, but my valve threads are wearing down anyway and I need to replace them. Right now I am at American RV part located at Anthony, Texas. Does anybody know of a propane dealer in West Texas or Southern New Mexico that could replace them for me? I am getting tired of the run around. Thanks,

Stephen