ASME Propane Tank Maintenance on a 1999 Sportsmobile

[sahasranshu]

Hi All,
Around Memorial Day weekend I purchased my first motorhome a 1999 Ford E-350 RV 7.3L Diesel built by Sportsmobile Texas in 1999.

The last owner - a retired senior couple had this motorhome from 2016, and they used this for occasional camping.

Since they were occasional campers and parked only at designated RV spots with electrical connections, apparently, they hardly used the generator and stove hence never filled the Propane Tank.

Propane Tank: Manchester ASME 10 x 23 manufactured in 1998 CAT: 6812 with 6.9 Gallon Capacity.

While the general consensus is ASME tanks are good for life, but I am not sure if some parts of the tank may need any maintenance.

These tanks have a Release Valve, Service Valve, Outage Valve, Stop Fill Valve and Side Gauge etc. and on doing a soapy water test I don't see any leaks, so am I safe to assume these parts are good?

Are these tank components only serviced when there is a leak?

Please help me understand if I should do some due diligence about this tank / propane setup or shall I move to next item in my To Do List.

Looking forward to hearing from y'all!

Best,
Saha

 

[GroupB]

The item I would test for leaks is the regulator. The rubber diaphragm will eventually fail. I would also quiz a couple of propane service guys at propane companies for your concerns.

 

[sahasranshu]

The item I would test for leaks is the regulator. The rubber diaphragm will eventually fail. I would also quiz a couple of propane service guys at propane companies for your concerns.

Noted, thanks. I just wanted to set my expectations right. Will check with local propane shops for an assessment

 

[ChicagoTom]

Hi All,
Around Memorial Day weekend I purchased my first motorhome a 1999 Ford E-350 RV 7.3L Diesel built by Sportsmobile Texas in 1999.

The last owner - a retired senior couple had this motorhome from 2016, and they used this for occasional camping.

Since they were occasional campers and parked only at designated RV spots with electrical connections, apparently, they hardly used the generator and stove hence never filled the Propane Tank.

Propane Tank: Manchester ASME 10 x 23 manufactured in 1998 CAT: 6812 with 6.9 Gallon Capacity.

While the general consensus is ASME tanks are good for life, but I am not sure if some parts of the tank may need any maintenance.

These tanks have a Release Valve, Service Valve, Outage Valve, Stop Fill Valve and Side Gauge etc. and on doing a soapy water test I don't see any leaks, so am I safe to assume these parts are good?

Are these tank components only serviced when there is a leak?

Please help me understand if I should do some due diligence about this tank / propane setup or shall I move to next item in my To Do List.

Looking forward to hearing from y'all!

Best,
Saha

I always get in trouble when I reply about the ASME tanks. I asked a 40 year Yard Master at AmeriGas how long the tanks last, he replied "Forever". Yes, anything connected should be checked for leaks, but the tank itself is fine. And yes there have been some rare issues with manufacturing, but they are slim to none.

 

[sahasranshu]

I always get in trouble when I reply about the ASME tanks. I asked a 40 year Yard Master at AmeriGas how long the tanks last, he replied "Forever". Yes, anything connected should be checked for leaks, but the tank itself is fine. And yes there have been some rare issues with manufacturing, but they are slim to none.

Well that's a good news for me ! Saves me some

 

[booster]

Well that's a good news for me ! Saves me some

No, take it to the propane shop to be evaluated. Hoses and other parts fail with age not use even if the tank if good. And, please, don't believe what any one person on the internet says as correct. We have had multiple RV tanks, some with pix, appear on this forum that had propane leaks from rusting through at the welds primarily.