I got the Propane Tank Blues....

[VANMAN4LIFE]

Aloha again fellow vannies, and thanks in advance for any feedback you have!! You may have seen some discussions about my van that got smashed up in the last few months. Well, I am slowly putting the pieces back together....I replaced my drivers side door and had some very minor body work done to get it opening and closing again. Now I am trying to get my propane tank in working order again. Looks to me like the valve to open and close the propane flow was sheared off during the accident---and I cant grab hold of the valve with any tool so far, and there is still propane in the tank. I know I need to get the tank purged first, and that is my plan for tomorrow. I am just wandering if anyone knows about what I can expect to spend if I need to replace the tank, or if there is the possibility of replacing just the valve once the tank is empty. The tank itself is in pretty rough looking shape, and after a closer look I would like to have some more protection around the tank itself in the way of metal brush guard style armor?! wow, that is a confusing sentence. OK, so any advice would be highly appreciated!!! Thank you and aloha!!! jojo

[dhally]

I don't know how to repair the tank/valve, but strongly recommend that you get it inspected and tested by a qualified RV/propane technician after the repairs.

There is a stop/check valve inside the tank the prevents the propane from coming out in case the main valve is damaged. If you manage to release the propane, be prepared for a very cold experience as the expanding gas will freeze everything instantly. Obviously it will also release a cloud of highly flammable gas which can also suffocate if not extremely well ventilated.

[VANMAN4LIFE]

whoa, i had planned on taking it to a professional to have it emptied, I am more wondering about what a total tank replacement should cost.

[Viejo]

Aloha VanMan - My advice is to take the money you'd need for side rail armor and spend it on letting a pro pressure test the tank and do the repair. If the tank is as old as the van and you spend a lot of time at the beach then it's probably ready to be retired anyway. On my van, propane is one of the systems that's off limits to my usual 'bailing wire and duct tape' approach to repairs.

[RickL]

Here are some info and prices on horizontal van type propane tanks:

http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/lp-g ... e-tank.htm

HTH

RL

[cellularSTEVE]

Hey Vanman,
I was looking at this one for myself: http://www.busdepot.com/details.jsp?partnumber=68160 May be too large diameter. They say it is 70% off. And they have others.
Keep us posted.

steve

[VANMAN4LIFE]

Today I had a propane specialist look at the tank, and its not as bad as I thought....we bled the tank, inspected the faulty valves, and replaced the regulator and valve for only $80. Crisis averted! Now I just need to get a brake and light inspection done and the van will be legal again!! STOKED!