byhamr
Colorado
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I stopped to get LPG tank filled on way out this weekend. It was the first time I got these filled. First the RV store guy told me my vintage 1988 tank needed recertificaiton and some sort of valve installed. I went down the road to an LPG shop and he took the tank off and filled it no big deal. So I'm curious what happened there. The one place wanted to do expensive valving and recert on the tank, but the LPG guy had no problem with my horizontal 30-pounder.
Second thing... the LPG guy advised not to tow with refrig running on propane. Something about a "J" tube inside the tank that could let liquid from tank into whole propane system if being used while going through the bouncing of towing. LPG dude said that if the ride is only 2-3 hours and started out cold, shut propane off and things would still be cold upon arrival and no risk of liquid from tank getting lose in my system.
I was wondering what the fine folks here thought of that advice. I am sure many tow with propane on but this guy pumps propane all day every day...
Thanks.
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Dick_B
Palos Heights, IL USA
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Believe it or not but this topic has been discussed previously as can be ascertained by a search of this Forum for descriptive words, like Propane, Traveling, Refer, etc.
You will find that lots of RVers travel with their propane ON. We don't but that's a personal preference. The fact that we don't read about a lot of RVs lost due to propane fires would indicate that it's safe. Of course, if only 1 out of 500 campers lose their rig due to a propane fire and you are the 1...
Dick_B
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Campinfan
Washtenaw County, Michigan
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We just towed over 700 miles in 2 days. Frig was on gas and no problem. Never had a problem. Some people say you have to be careful when refueling because you may have an open flame near the gas pumps. My frig has never been even close to the gas pumps when filling the TV.
________
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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most places will not fill the tanks with the old style valves, after 10 or 12 years the older tanks need reinspection not a big deal they look at them and stamp them, a 10 dollars please rip off.some people will fill anything but all tanks should have the new style valves you may have problems getting them filled again depending where you go.i traded in all my old 20 lb tanks to get the new style valves at lowes.most places wont trade in the old style for new any more.
1985 Class A Holiday Rambler Imperial 33 +1979 Class C Holiday Rambler Statesman 1000 = 24 ft
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rouleau
Taylorsville(Salt Lake City area), UT, USA
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We had the same problem with our horizontally mounted tanks on our truck camper.
Some places will not fill them because they do not have the OPD valves.
I have explained they cannot be modified or installed nor are they required.
They were passed the 10 years limit and I had them re-certified at a local propane dealer. He also affixed a large decal stating the OPD's are not required on these tanks.
This has solved that problem.
Bill
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JimInMA
Littleton, MA
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The National Fire Protection Assoc. has a circular on handling LP gas (Circular #58 I think!) that has been adopted by all 50 states and the Federal DOT.
IAW that circular all LP gas tanks less than 40lbs have to be reinspected after 12 years from date of manufacture (a few states cut that to 10 years). The reinspection/certification is good for 5 years after which it can be reinspected again.
I'm not sure on the status of the valve issue. At one point all tanks less than 40lbs had to have the new OPD valves to be refilled as of 1 April 2002. There was a problem with the OPD valves when they were used on horizontal tanks though so they were waivered. I'm not sure if the OPD valve issue has been resolved and if that waiver has been lifted or not.
Some added info: http://www.npga.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=534
As for traveling with the LP gas turned on or not - it's a personal preference. I don't do it but I know a lot of others that do.
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Dixonmatco
Santa Rosa, California
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Here in CA, the type of tank the OP describes has been exempt from the new OPD valve rule.
My old class C had one of these tanks. I also ran my fridge when travelling, but initially had a problem with the pilot blowing out in very windy situations. I added a shield and and electronic igniter and the problem was solved. That was a 1987. My new TT runs on lp when travelling and works perfectly.
As far as risk goes, there have been stories about fires caused by a defective, overheating fridge, but all I have ever heard of occurred when the unit was parked. The extra airflow when travelling helps keep this from happening when driving.. IMHO.
Perhaps it is safer to keep it off when parked and ONLY run it when travelling???  
* This post was
edited 07/28/08 10:11am by Dixonmatco *
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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The current status is that horizantal tanks are exempt from the OPD valve requirement.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
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Bonefish
Midland, TX
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Tanks with OPD valves do not work on their sides (horizontal). It is also advised not to store, use or carry them horizontally.
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javaseuf
Southern Cal
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Tanks with OPD valves that are designed to be used in the horizantal position MUST be used in the horizantal position.
HERE
is a link to a horizantal tank with an OPD valve.
* This post was
edited 07/28/08 03:15pm by javaseuf *
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