Propane tanks

I suppose I can buy more tanks and modify mounting brackets, but what a hassle. And what can I do with all those old tanks. Most of them are in perfect shape, even with good original paint. It seems ridiculous that they are now just scrap metal. Or are the new valves available at a cost that is much less than buying a whole new tank?

I would like to know just what agency decided that all the old, reliable propane tanks are now too dangerous to use and why. I also would like to know just where they get their power to intimidate dealers into not filling the old tanks.

This law or set of laws could have an effect on the old vehicle hobby, whether it be tractors, trucks or cars or anything that uses petroleum fuel. If they can make perfectly good old tech propane tanks functionally unusable, could they also say that the existing fuel tank on an old vehicle can no longer be filled with fuel? I thought the Constitution prohibited ex post facto laws. It would be reasonable to prohibit the manufacture or sale of new tanks without the new valve, but making it illegal to fill the old tanks is going too far.

If anyone knows the answers to my questions, please post them. This just seems like another erosion of our liberties. I will be doing some research and will probably be contacting my congressman. This is a crock.

Thanks in advance.

The prohibition on refilling other tanks is a missunderstanding on your part I believe. Many areas prohibit refilling the tank of another company when that tank is owned by the other company. This would not affect people with RV's and such, but it does mean Suburban cannot refill the backyard tank of someone who is leasing a tank (and contract) from Rhino or such.

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Yep another rip off. My suppiler also told me about the new OPD valves and said he would not fill any tank without one. As he's stating this I'm reading the sign attached to his tank that the propane supplier put on.

Exempt tanks to the new OPD valves:
All welding tanks
All forklift tanks
All cylinders over 40lbs capicity

So I says how about this sign. He had never read it! Says he'll check with his supplier and let me know. Ya right!

What bugs me is the overfill device has been installed on the filling tanks for over a year so theres no way you can overfill any tank over 80% full.

So I get two 40# tanks revalved to the new OPD. Cost me $60 with tank certs. I ask the LP supplier why the new valves, He says it's to stop people from filling the small non-refillable tanks as the new OPD vlave will not allow liquid discharge. The OPD valve is a vapor only valve.

Another Problem with the OPD valve is it will not allow a vapor discharge without a connector installed. Another words you can not bled air off in the lines before hooking up the hose all the way to seat. The OPD will not leak LP with no hose attached and the tank valve wide open.

The LP supplier also said there will be a new law in 2003 that says a propane company can not fill any other suppliers tank. So I says, what about RV'ers traveling? He said unless you go to the same LP supplier in another state, they won't fill them!
Is this a law to stop RV living?

T_Bone

My understanding is that tanks can't be filled after 12 years unless you get them inspected, & then only good for 5 years at a time. Wasn't told what the inspection costs?

I have never seen a new valve for $10, here it is around $20. A new tank is under $30.

Combined, it's cheaper to toss the old & buy a new tank. Or trade in on the exchange places if you can - some don't take old tanks any more.

The new valve came about because so many places have opened up refill stations that lots of people who didn't know what they were doing were refilling tanks - if you fill the tank more than 80% full it can cause serious issues when the temperature changes. At this point the new valves only applies to smaller tanks.

My coop which fills the big 500 & 1000 gal tanks sent out a flier with new rules as well. Any tank that goes empty needs to be re-tested/inspected before filling, and a person must be there for this, and other new rules. They said the laws are tightening up on all that, plus their insurance co was requiring it for liablity coverage.

Yes, I have 2 12+ year old tanks that I could blow the dust off & they would look just like new. Filled to 80% they would work another 12 years. We live in a throw-away society, no one cares.

--->Paul

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