Viking Composite Propane Tanks

[CMHM]

Very interested to hear more about these Viking tanks. Can someone post photos of them on the Airstream. Did you have to make any modifications?

[drmox]

Originally Posted by RMNummi

I really like that idea... kinda James Bond/spy movie too..when being chased by the bad guys, just hit the release button and boom.

Instead of a release button, I was considering something more along the lines of a giant flamethrower.

[drmox]

Originally Posted by Tim A.

Probably not good idea! Safety in an accident comes first to mind (such as for those tailgaters). In addition, you can find a number of threads warning that the frame is not able to support much weight on the back end of an Airstream.

Tim

Oh wow, I suppose I could have made it more clear that I wasn't being serious, and that I was in fact joking.
Perhaps we need a good Just Joking emoticon.

[PeterDB]

Originally Posted by RMNummi

Did you have to purchase the new base for the tanks?

Yes. The Viking cylinder base diameter is larger than the steel tanks so a new base plate is required. It comes with a new hold-down mechanism as well that matches better to the wider and easier on the hands handles on top.

[RMNummi]

Where did you get yours? Brick and Mortar or Amazon?

R

[PeterDB]

Direct from Viking.

[RMNummi]

On it! Ordering this week. Really interested to head over to CAT scales and check tongue weight…. Those AGMs weighed a ton, Renogy’s replaced light as feathers. Now for the Propane Vikings….

[SWH]

Curious how it went with the Viking tanks? We ordered a Caravel 16RB, which has pretty high tongue weight (490 lbs) relative to weight of trailer (3500 lbs), so I’m also looking to shave weight from the tongue. It looks like the Viking replacement for the Caravel 16RB would be the 17 lb model as it looks like from Airstream specs the Caravel has 20 lb. (rather than 30 lb.) steel tanks.

[SWH]

Originally Posted by RMNummi

On it! Ordering this week. Really interested to head over to CAT scales and check tongue weight…. Those AGMs weighed a ton, Renogy’s replaced light as feathers. Now for the Propane Vikings….

In addition to your experience with the Viking tanks, curious about your satisfaction with the Renogy lithiums? I was planning to go with Battleborn since that’s what Airstream uses with their lithium package… did you consider both? Thanks.

[Daquenzer]

Why not just drive with one tank full the other empty? When you get to your destination you can fill the tank if needed. Seems much cheaper than the Viking tanks. I don’t think 40 extra pounds is going to “brake the bank.” Now if you don’t want to lug those big tanks around I can understand.

Here are the specs off the site:
Viking Cylinders Lightweight Composite Propane Tank is designed to replace heavy propane cylinders. It’s 50% lighter than steel and comes with a comfortable ergonomic handle that allows for stacking and easy carrying. The outer walls are translucent, allowing you to see exactly how much propane is left in the tank. Each cylinder has a wide, stable base that prevents it from tipping over. Rugged, noncorrosive 3-layer composite.Unlike steel and aluminum tanks, Viking Cylinders will not BLEVE in a fire. BLEVE is the technical abbreviation for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion. In layman’s terms this means the cylinder will not explode in a fire. Instead, the resin will burn off and the plastic liner and casing will melt. The LPG will then “breathe” through the cylinder wall and burn in a controlled manner.Specifications:– Propane Capacity: 22 lbs– Propane Volume at 60 F: 5.24 gallons– Butane Capacity: 26 lbs– Water Capacity: 53 lbs– Height: 22.5 inches– Diameter: 12 inches- Ship Weight/Unfilled Cylinder Weight: 13.5 lbsDOT Approved. Tanks come with an initial certification which lasts for 5 years. After this time period elapses, the tanks can then be re-certified for an additional 5 years of usage.

Price: 192.50.

[CMHM]

I filled my regular tanks at Uhaul this week and started chatting to the guy. I asked him about the composite tanks and he said they are not allowed to fill them up, and said I would hear the same at other gas stations and propane distributors.

I love the idea of these tanks but when you’re out camping there is usually just one spot to get propane and this is too risky if they refuse to fill them up.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by CMHM

I filled my regular tanks at Uhaul this week and started chatting to the guy. I asked him about the composite tanks and he said they are not allowed to fill them up, and said I would hear the same at other gas stations and propane distributors.

I love the idea of these tanks but when you’re out camping there is usually just one spot to get propane and this is too risky if they refuse to fill them up.

Did they say why they aren’t allowed to fill them? Not advocating, just wondering.

[waltb]

I have no problems filling my Viking composite tanks. They are certified, show them the certification that came with the tanks. Shouldn’t be a problem.

[CMHM]

He said “UHaul classified them as not safe”. He said he has to take a picture of each tank and expiration date and upload it in order to issue the receipt.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by CMHM

He said “UHaul classified them as not safe”. He said he has to take a picture of each tank and expiration date and upload it in order to issue the receipt.

Doesn’t quite make sense, because everything I have read is composite tanks are suppose to be safer. There was a recall in 2013 on composite tanks, but they weren’t on Viking tanks. I think there is some misinformation out there on these. Again, not advocating, because in my opinion they are too expensive for the amount of LP they hold.

[richard5933]

All it takes is one tech at one U-Haul location to have a serious problem filling the composite tanks for the company to just say 'no' to any future interactions with them. They have no obligation to handle customers' tanks and can set policies as they please.

When I had an old forklift at my shop I used to take its tanks to the U-Haul to be filled, and at some point they must have had an issue because they told me they could no longer fill them there and could only fill 'standard' vertical 20 & 30-lb tanks. Had to search out a proper propane dealer after that.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by richard5933

All it takes is one tech at one U-Haul location to have a serious problem filling the composite tanks for the company to just say 'no' to any future interactions with them. They have no obligation to handle customers' tanks and can set policies as they please.

When I had an old forklift at my shop I used to take its tanks to the U-Haul to be filled, and at some point they must have had an issue because they told me they could no longer fill them there and could only fill 'standard' vertical 20 & 30-lb tanks. Had to search out a proper propane dealer after that.

I can see that for UHaul, but what about all the other LP tank fillers? I can’t imagine one person at U-Haul having a problem will make all the others turn away business. Something doesn’t smell right.

[Jim Plyler]

Originally Posted by PeterDB

Yes. The Viking cylinder base diameter is larger than the steel tanks so a new base plate is required. It comes with a new hold-down mechanism as well that matches better to the wider and easier on the hands handles on top.

Did the airstream cover fit with your new base plate and cylinders? Thanks

[Silvr_Bullet]

Don’t want to name the retailer, not sure if they are still in business, but the saying went something like ( not reflective of the product ) ‘ We sell garbage but we stand behind it’ if you can’t assure yourself that you may not be able to fill it wherever, we’ll you can finish the sentence.☹️

[RMNummi]

Originally Posted by SWH

In addition to your experience with the Viking tanks, curious about your satisfaction with the Renogy lithiums? I was planning to go with Battleborn since that’s what Airstream uses with their lithium package… did you consider both? Thanks.

Inre: Renogy

Perfectly functioning. Only issue is they speak “Renogy” via communications port and absent an add on shunt won’t interactively communicate with other mfg’s devices for detailed info. If it wasn’t for Renogy perfectly fitting the old style short Airstream Battery box and BB not… I probably would have opted for BB.

R