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Topic: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement (Read 851 times) previous topic - next topic
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Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Hi all-
Hope you're having a good winter, happy to say it's almost over! (I just bought a RV site in Arizona, "winter" has become meaningless as a concept)
I had a propane delivery today and the delivery person examined my propane tank and told me that it was excessively rusted, and while he filled it today, they won't fill it again until the tank is replaced. He showed me pictures and also flaked off some metal, I'm not suspicious about his claim.
Has anyone replaced their propane tank? I have a 2003 26.5 MB. I'm wondering whether the tank is specific to LD, or (hopefully) that it is relatively universal and I'll be able to find a replacement without too much effort.
Thanks for any help that you are able to give-
Laura
Livin the dream, one nightmare at a time.....

2003 26.50MB, Blue
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #1 –
For what it is worth,
94 TK - my propane guy told me to:
1) Tape all valves, etc.. tape everything really good
2) Sand
3)Clean
4)Spray paint with Rust-Oleum

All with googles, paint respirator, tape off propane tank area.
Someday I hope to complete the project,  some day… 
———————
It might be easier to get a new tank installed?
It also might be safer?
1994 Twin King
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #2 –
The tanks built-in like that are very thick metal and don't require an inspection. Mine looked a bit rusty, I painted it. The rust was surface rust.
Perhaps yours does need replacing, but I would look into it further.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #3 –
This is a common problem with rigs from that era.

The Lazy Daze Companion: Propane Tank Rust

No one can tell how bad your problem is without looking (and probably poking some of the rust off), but I think it's worth getting a 2nd opinion.   A clean up and re-paint might be all you need. 

I'm not familiar with what it would take to replace. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #4 –
I used to drive our 2000 MB from Jackson Hole Wyoming to Eureka California in the winter and back in the early spring, and some of the roads in Idaho and Oregon were treated with a salt and sand mix. When I checked the undercarriage in the summer after the first trip, I had what looked like significant rust on the propane tank and frame and the paint was peeling and bubbling. I used a disk sander and wire brush to clean off the rust, and used Rustolem Rust Reformer followed by a white enamel paint, and that worked very well.  It’s hard to believe you need to replace the tank in your 2003 LD unless you did trips like I did for three years and never checked the undercarriage. Use a putty knife and see how superficial the rust actually is.
2017 Mid Bath
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #5 –
I have looked at a lot of LD propane tanks and seen many where the bottom two-thirds of the paint is gone or peeling.
Once the epoxy paint gets chipped, water gets in and the rust can spread very quickly, even in areas with no road salt.
Certified propane dealers legally are not supposed to fill damaged or badly rusted tanks, replacement may actually be needed if the rusting has badly pitted the metal.                         

Our 2003's propane tank needs the full treatment every few years the same as James. Most older LDs do.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Propane tank excessively rusted, needs replacement
Reply #6 –
Install an extend A stay.......
1997 Rear Bath