Propane Tank re-certification

[WI TWO]

I am having trouble finding anyone that will re-certify our LP tank on the 2007 Dynasty.. Most won't fill it without that certification. Maybe by pass it and use a 20Lb canister?

Suggestions welcome.

Thank you

[Dr4Film]

LPG tanks mounted in RV motor homes to my knowledge do not need to be recertification.

Does this person actually know the regulations for LPG tanks in motor homes?

[WI TWO]

Well it was from U-Haul and that person said they have to be re-cert every 10 years. We live in WI so maybe our regs are different, I really don't know. I guess I had better find out.

Thank you!

[Dr4Film]

Motorhome exceptions

The propane tanks mounted to motorhomes are made slightly different and not subject to the same inspection laws as portable DOT tanks. They are known as ASME tanks because the American Society of Mechanical Engineers approves them. These tanks do not require you to requalify them. 

Inspecting ASME tanks yourself is a definite RV maintenance task. You can also take your RV to a service location that provides propane LP inspection service. Many RV service locations offer LP system inspections. They will not only look at your tanks, but they will also inspect the entire propane system’s function, which is the next tip on the list.

[WI TWO]

What I have fund so far.

However, propane tanks require recertification after 12 years. If your tank is old, or if it's a larger tank that you haven't been swapping, you'll need to do a motorhome propane tank recertification. Jun 18, 2020

 

Do permanent RV propane tanks expire?

As of this writing, propane tanks must be requalified 12 years after the date of manufacture. You can find that date stamped onto the collar of the bottle. After the first 12 year period, tanks must at least get a visual inspection. Then they are suitable for another five years.

 

Then according to this article you are correct.

https://www.rvtravel.com/rver-asks-recertify-motorhome-lp-tanks/

 

I will call another LP service location and see what they say.

Thanks again.

[Scotty Hutto]

ASME certified propane tanks DO NOT have to be recertified.  DOT certified propane tanks do - regardless of whether it is a portable tank or permanent installation. Although the nomenclature can be confusing, your Monaco motorhome uses an ASME certified propane tank (Likely manufactured by Manchester Tank Company.) Because it is permanently mounted in your motorhome it is considered a "stationary" installation.

 

RV ASME Diameter sizes up to 20" - The Recreational Vehicle (RV) lifestyle relies on propane for cooking, heating, and refrigeration. We offer a range of ASME Vapor Propane Tanks.

-----

ASME Tanks.

•     No Recertification period required.
•     Slightly thicker steel.
•     Slightly heavier than a DOT tank of the same capacity.
•     Designed for stationary installation.  Not designed to be moved when containing propane.
•     Design & Standards are governed by American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (ASME).

DOT Tanks

•     Recertification period requirements are:  12 Years from date of Manufacturing, then every 5 Years.
•     Designed for Portable Applications.  Can be transported with propane, if done so according to Code.
•     Design & Standards governed by Department of Transportation (DOT).

You can research this further at: DOT & ASME Propane Tank Differences

I second @Dr4Film's recommendation above of periodic inspections...

PS - I have encountered the same issue with U-Haul in Woodstock, GA.  After politely explaining the difference, the gentleman doing the tank fills checked with the manager who confirmed my statement that my 19-year-old ASME tank did not need recertifications.  Having said that, they do have the right to refuse to fill it if they deem it "unsafe" for any reason..  It it's all rusty and corroded, I'd recommend cleaning it up before asking for a fill.

 

[96 EVO]

5 hours ago, Scotty Hutto said:

  Having said that, they do have the right to refuse to fill it if they deem it "unsafe" for any reason..  It it's all rusty and corroded, I'd recommend cleaning it up before asking for a fill.

 

And maybe even a fresh coat of paint if needed!

[Benjamin]

You may have better luck at "travel plazas" that fill LP tanks, than at Uhaul or a local establishment that typically fills portable BBQ tanks and 30# camper tanks. 

[cbr046]

Nobody would fill the ASME tank on my old Fleetwood because the outside was so rusty.  I could have painted it and make look like new, but I believed, even after reading the regulations, that it needed requalification.  Probably good I replaced it anyway. 

The motto is:  Keep it clean and no one will question it.

- bob

[WI TWO]

Thank you ALL for the feed back. Great info. I did end up finding a place close to me Bilferts Lumber (believe it or not) and they were less then the rest. My Tank looks good so it shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks again this was VERY helpful. Much appreciated.