Post by: Austrian Hunter on April 06, 2013, 04:30:50 PM
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 04:39:03 PM
Look for a stamp on the tank indicating the TW (tare weight) of the empty tank, anything above that is propane.
Should be about 20lbs full (20lbs propane + 18ish tare weight) would be nearly 40 lbs for a full tank
Post by: BsB on April 06, 2013, 04:42:18 PM
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Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 04:44:58 PM
You can get it refilled. It doesn't have to be empty.
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having a scale and knowing how to weigh it would be really handy though, specially if your extended stay camping you'll have a good idea when to run to town for a fill up before your out in the middle of the night.
decent fish scale works nice - I'd get a dedicated 50lb hanging scale with a hook and mark lines for full, 3/4 1/2 and empty
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 04:47:52 PM
see in the picture TW 27.0
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.truckcampermagazine.com%2Fimages%2Fstories%2Faugust_2010%2Fpropane-safety-9a.jpg&hash=92aa2538f0b2d863801fc8e6e33e04d14bafc79b)
If this tank were plum full it would weigh 27.0 + 20lbs propane = 47 pounds total (assuming this is a 20 pounder - can't tell from the pic)
Some RV's have 30 lb tanks too, so look for the TW then add 30 lbs propane for a total weight.
also, not all tanks have their overflow stems set at the same depth within the tank, so one 20lb tank might be full with 19.2 lbs and another might fill to 21 lbs.
Post by: smdave on April 06, 2013, 04:50:12 PM
Post by: flinger on April 06, 2013, 05:14:46 PM
Post by: kisfish on April 06, 2013, 05:18:23 PM
Post by: BigD on April 06, 2013, 05:23:20 PM
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 05:48:21 PM
Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005
ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most motorhomes. All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks also fall in this catagory.
DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.
the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date. You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 05:56:26 PM
I thought there was some type of tape you can put on the tank that changes color with level, I think it has to do with the temp :dunno:
It is the temp, they work OK is the tank is in use especially heavy usage. Propane cools as it exaporates (boils) into propane vapor and these sticky strips will indicate the temp. Just easier to use your hand to feel it.
If the tank has been sitting a long time with no usage the temp varience won't be enough to get a good read on the sticky strip.
Pretty much those strips are junk and wear out quickly.
Post by: kisfish on April 06, 2013, 06:31:03 PM
The fifth wheel and bumper pull trailers I see all have dot bottles.Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005
ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most campers. All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks fall in this catagory.
DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.
the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date. You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.
KFhunter, Do you ever run into firberglass bottles?
Post by: smdave on April 06, 2013, 06:36:18 PM
Check the date of manufacture as well. Tanks have to be re-certified 12 years after manufacture and 7 years after that, and the 5 years on the next. They will not fill a out of date tank. The tank in the pic was made in Jan 2005
ASME tanks are exempt, as would be found on most campers. All the pickup truck slide in camper with lay down tanks fall in this catagory.
DOT portable tanks DO need certified, as would be found on most BBQ's.
the PROBLEM is most gas station attendants don't know this and refuse to fill tanks out of date. You can argue with them but your best bet is to find another place to fill your tank - a propane supplier would be best.
This tank pictured is a horizontal tank it says right on it DOT in the upper left.
Some horizontal DOT tanks are only exempt to having OPD valves, they still require visual inspection at 12 years after date of manufacture and then every 5 years after that.
All ASME tanks do not require DOT inspections.
If you need inspections done PM me I work in Burlington at a propane company and can do DOT inspections.
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2013, 07:00:58 PM
I'm not in the propane business anymore so I'll defer to SMdave. I used to certify tanks and had a valid handlers card when I was moonlighting trying to pay for college books.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on April 07, 2013, 06:28:14 AM
Post by: castor gitter on April 07, 2013, 11:19:37 AM
Post by: Elkrunner on April 09, 2013, 08:30:08 AM
I thought there was some type of tape you can put on the tank that changes color with level, I think it has to do with the temp :dunno:
Sort of like if the mountains are blue?
Post by: smdave on April 09, 2013, 01:54:58 PM
Post by: washelkhntr on April 09, 2013, 01:58:22 PM
:twocents:
Post by: smdave on April 09, 2013, 02:01:45 PM
Yes water works we are just to lazy to go get water and pour it on the tank we want to instantly see how much is there.
Post by: Austrian Hunter on April 10, 2013, 02:49:24 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 10, 2013, 02:56:55 PM
Also, I must add...
Dont shoot at it while its under your bbq. Atleast move it into the street.
Post by: smdave on April 10, 2013, 03:04:50 PM
Post by: Smossy on April 10, 2013, 03:08:56 PM
Smossy, you have spent time on youtube LOL:chuckle: Wayy to much time lol.