Propane tank removal

[ktcnyc]

Hello - I want to remove the big ol' propane tank and replace with a portable 20 lb bottle. I suspect some folks might think that's wrong but as I have removed the Onan I would like to equalize the weight back there a bit. My tank is about 1/4 full. Any tips on doing this correctly and safely would be highly appreciated!

 

[Christo]

Correctly means don't do it as it's illegal in some states. That said, many do it and if you search the forum you'll find quite a few threads on the topic.

 

[Richard RV]

Correctly means don't do it as it's illegal in some states. That said, many do it and if you search the forum you'll find quite a few threads on the topic.

20 or 30 pound portable propane bottles are illegal in some states? Which states? They're OEM on towable RVs.

 

[pvfjr]

20 or 30 pound portable propane bottles are illegal in some states? Which states? They're OEM on towable RVs.

There are differences by state, but generally ASME tanks can be frame-mounted or "permanently installed", and DOT tanks must be external and easily removeable.

 

[Christo]

20 or 30 pound portable propane bottles are illegal in some states? Which states? They're OEM on towable RVs.

Not in an enclosed compartment.

 

[Richard RV]

There are differences by state, but generally ASME tanks can be frame-mounted or "permanently installed", and DOT tanks must be external and easily removeable.

I knew that the ASME tanks don't age out like the portable bottles, but I've seen so many GMCs with the dual 20 lb tanks that I thought it was a legit Installation.

I really wish I knew about this before. Sigh. I just finished reworking the propane compartment on the Eleganza, my newest, that came with dual 20 lb tanks. I put in all new hoses, auto changeover regulator, etc. I didn't particularly like or want the 20 lb tanks, but I thought they were okay and wanted to freshen things up.

Looks like I'll be going back to the OEM ASME tank.

 

[sailor man]

In recreational boats we have compartments that are sealed with gaskets hatches any hoses that go through the hull above the waterlines to allow the heavier than air lpg to drain overboard without collecting in the boat.
There is also some danger in the coaches, so I would provide the capacity to vent an lpg compartment that can't be blocked.

 

[Keith V]

Not in an enclosed compartment.

define enclosed

 

[Richard RV]

Hello - I want to remove the big ol' propane tank and replace with a portable 20 lb bottle. I suspect some folks might think that's wrong but as I have removed the Onan I would like to equalize the weight back there a bit. My tank is about 1/4 full. Any tips on doing this correctly and safely would be highly appreciated!

The difference in fully loaded weight between 2@ 20 lbs DOT cylinders and the OEM ASME tank is probably less than you think. The tare weight difference is less than 30 lbs so the total potential weight savings is 50-60 lbs max.

You could "save" 30 pounds by filing the OEM tank only halfway.

 

[pvfjr]

Looks like I'll be going back to the OEM ASME tank.

I think if your externally accessed hatch is well ventilated to the outside air and well sealed against the interior space, and the tanks are easily removeable, you have a good argument against "permanently mounted" and "enclosed".

 

[Richard RV]

Not in an enclosed compartment.

I'm looking into the regulations and I'm not finding anything prohibiting DOT cylinders in an exterior ventilated compartment that's sealed from the passenger compartment in the pertinent codes.

There are a number of overlapping codes but primarily NFPA 1192 seems to be the guiding light for all of the other codes and is referenced as such. It specifically mentions both DOT and ASME tank installations in different types of RVs.

I know a particular municipality will adopt and possibly modify a particular code, but I'd like to know the specifics on this particular topic.

Where/who exactly prohibits DOT cylinders, and allows ASME tanks specifically, in an RV's exterior compartment that's ventilated and sealed from the interior? Anyone know of such a place?

 

[Richard RV]

I think if your externally accessed hatch is well ventilated to the outside air and well sealed against the interior space, and the tanks are easily removeable, you have a good argument against "permanently mounted" and "enclosed".

I may have spoken too soon! I may go back because I prefer the ASME experience, but if there are no actual DOT cylinder prohibitions in a GMC setup, well I have other fish to fry. An ocean of them.

 

[Christo]

Storage compartment
ANSI/NFPA 1192 Section 58 LP
5.2.6.1 Ventilation of Compartments Containing LP-Gas
Containers.
Compartments shall be ventilated at or near the top and at the extreme bottom to facilitate diffusion of vapors.
The compartment shall be ventilated with at least two vents
having an aggregate free area equal to at least 1 in.2 for each 7 lb (1 cm2 per 500 grams) of the total LP-Gas fuel capacity of the
maximum number of largest cylinder(s) the compartment can
hold.
The vents shall be equally distributed between the floor and ceiling of the compartment.
If the lower vent is located in the access door or wall, the bottom edge of the vent shall be flush with the floor level of the compartment.
The top vent shall be located in the access door or wall with the bottom of the vent, within 12 in. (305 mm) of the ceiling of the compartment.
Vents shall have an unrestricted discharge to the outside atmosphere.
Doors or panels providing access to valves shall not be equipped
with locks or require special tools to open.

-----------------------
Hmm, looks like it's okay in a ventilated compartment. I'm seeing references about the tank having to be tightly closed and capped but don't have the NFPA citation.