New problem with my old propane bottle

[BrittB]

I went to get my propane bottles filled today and they told me they couldn't because they were expired. What does that mean and do I have to buy new bottles?

[DanNJanice]

Originally Posted by BrittB

I went to get my propane bottles filled today and they told me they couldn't because they were expired. What does that mean and do I have to buy new bottles?

You can either get new bottles or have the ones you already own re-certified. Depending on how much you use your propane, it might be cheaper to just switch to the BBQ bottles that you exchange.

[oldmanAZ]

Found on line with a quick search but please verify:
"... one exception for a tank that’s over 12 years old. Re-qualified tanks are tanks that have been inspected by someone who is trained to do so, who has deemed that the tank and its valves are satisfactory, and the tank is ok to be continued to be used for the near future. Re-qualified tanks usually have a sticker placed on, or have an additional date stamped on the collar that ends with an E. If a tank has been re-qualified, it is good for 5 years from the re-qualification date."

I had heard getting old tanks back could be a problem if you own your tanks and you drop them off to be filled or if you swap empty tanks for filled ones.

EDIT: Thanks, wags. I looked, but didn't find info on who could certify the tanks.

[wags999]

Any propane distributor can certify the tanks.

[norty1]

I just swap them at a refill location and then have them filled at my local propane supplier.

[oldmanAZ]

Originally Posted by norty1

I just swap them at a refill location and then have them filled at my local propane supplier.

Sorry, but my search didn't turn up the original post...
IIRC, a JOF member posted that they weren't aware that at some point their newer tanks on their trailer had been swapped for older ones. When they took those tanks to be refilled, they were refused due to the tank date being greater than 12yrs.

[barryg]

As mentioned if they are the standard bbq tank size then you can just go to a place that sells/swaps them out of a cage (many gas stations, home depot etc) and swap them out and then continue to use those. If they are a different size you will need to find a place to recertify or buy new ones.

[Ottawasteve]

The one place I looked at here in Canada for the propane tank swaps required that you purchase your tank from them and then you could swap out your empty tank of the same brand for a full tank for the cost of filling. This would be fine for the BBQ tank at home, but for the tanks on the trailer it could be a long drive to exchange an empty tank. As to an outdated tank, the propane distribution places here tell you it is cheaper to just buy a new 20lb tank rather than getting it re-certified.

[norty1]

Not in the USA. Re certifying is a simple inexpensive procedure compared to purchasing a 30 or 40 lb propane tank new.

BIG $$$$.
I took mine off the camper and just use 2- 20# tanks. Much lighter and less of a hassle to refill.

[Bassdogs]

Think most newer rvs come with theBBQ 20lb size rather than the 30's used a few years ago. It allows you to do a quick exchange at W World or where ever rather than find a refill station. I know you don't get a full tank at the exchange sites but its a quick and easy procedure when you are on the road.

When ever one of my tanks gets rusty or ucky looking I simply exchange it for a new refill at the store and then use it and refill it at my old refill station. Same a few years ago when several of my older bottles went out of date. Just leave the empty bottle out by the cage and grab a new full one after paying inside. They never look at the dates and I don't think the retailer even cares because they aren't the ones doing the refills. The refill guys can do the recert so everybody is happy.

[Seann45]

Where I winter in SoCal no one even looks at the dates on the tanks.. one place just tells you to fill it yourself and then come in and pay..