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Old 09-21-2012, 02:14 PM   #1
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Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

After using a local rental shop to fill my onboard propane now and again over the last 5 years today, the attendant started off by refusing to fill the tank. He said I should be going to an RV shop. He said he cannot fill it because he cannot see it all. He needs to be able to see dates on it, condition it is in, etc. And, he said, "I'd have to crawl under there and I'm not doing that." I told him his company had filled my van's tank multiple times over the last few years. He agreed to do it again. But, he did study what he could see from above. He said there is some surface rust just starting. Nothing major. I asked if I should just hit with a metal brush & spray some white Rustoleum on it. He said yes. So, I did. He then asked if I drove this in snow & salt. I said, of course. (He and I know we live in the middle of the Hudson Valley so, of course we do.) He said that would worry him about an exposed tank like this.
Well, when I crawled under the van, I saw the surface rust is also on the underside. So, I have now scraped/brushed it all (without exploding) and have sprayed it all down with Rustoleum. I am glad he made this stink about it because, I never would have thought about such a thing. Now I'll be sure to maintain it.
Has this become an issue for anyone else, getting someone to agree to fill it? And/or, has anyone had issues with propane tanks rusting out and needing replacement? (He said they only last 12 years so, I guess the answer must be yes.)

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Old 09-21-2012, 05:35 PM   #2
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Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

I have a portable tank with lots of surface rust that I just go filled. It has been in my possession since the mid 70's. The only thing I had done to it was had the old style valve replaced.
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Old 09-21-2012, 05:46 PM   #3
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Re: Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

Portable tanks have date stamped on them. Not supposed to be refilled after that date - 12 years from the hydrostatic pressure test. Some (mostly smaller places) don't check dates. Most bigger places do. I've had them refuse to refill a tank that was good last month.

RV propane tanks are subject to the same rules - must be recertified after 12 years before it can be legally refilled.

Mike
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Old 09-21-2012, 09:26 PM   #4
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Re: Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

Many Fire Extinguisher places will hydrotest propane tanks.
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Old 09-22-2012, 12:20 AM   #5
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Re: Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

I have found more and more often that places are checking the dates and for damage on tanks and refusing to fill if questionable at all...its probably a good thing if you really think about it but it can be an inconvenience when you want or need propane in that tank right now because its empty...


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Old 09-22-2012, 03:28 PM   #6
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Rental shop refusing to fill propane tank

Okay. Thanks for the replies. Certainly has me eyeing the rust covered large propane tank on the back of my house that seemed old when I bought the house 11 years ago. Think it's time for a new one.
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