Leeann
Maryland
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Joined: 08/22/2006
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Definitely a new tank and definitely a new regulator. For a couple bucks on both, why risk it?
Our permanent tank is in great shape. We did replace the regulator with a new one because the original was leaking a bit and I plan on cleaning and painting the tank this summer to make it look a bit better, but there are no pits or rusty areas.
The propane place is 3 miles away and they inspect and fill the tank for us. There was a gas station 2 miles away that would fill the tank for slightly less than the propane place, but they moved to 6 miles away and lost their jobber status so their price went higher than the propane place.
'73 Concord 20' Class A w/Dodge 440 - see profile for photo
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Griff in Fairbanks
AK
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Joined: 04/21/2005
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Leeann wrote:Definitely a new tank and definitely a new regulator. For a couple bucks on both, why risk it?
Our permanent tank is in great shape. We did replace the regulator with a new one because the original was leaking a bit and I plan on cleaning and painting the tank this summer to make it look a bit better, but there are no pits or rusty areas.
The propane place is 3 miles away and they inspect and fill the tank for us. There was a gas station 2 miles away that would fill the tank for slightly less than the propane place, but they moved to 6 miles away and lost their jobber status so their price went higher than the propane place.
Might want to ask around before you paint your tank. Some (many? most?) places won't refill a tank that has paint other than the original.
Not sure about the regulations regarding pre-fill inspection but it may include aftermarket paint as a down-check criteria. Date and other markings on the tank must remain clearly visible and readable.
A friend painted two of his tanks and had a lot of problems finding a place that would refill them afterwards.
1970 Explorer Class A on a 1969 Dodge M300 chassis with 318 cu. in. (split year)
1972 Executive Class A on a Dodge M375 chassis with 413 cu. in.
1973 Explorer Class A on a Dodge RM350 (R4) chassis with 318 engine & tranny from 1970 Explorer Class A
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Griff in Fairbanks
AK
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After posting my previous comments, I did some checking. (I googled 'painting propane tanks')
Apparently, there's nothing preventing you from painting your tank. There are, however, some specific guidelines.
-- Use light colored or reflective paint. Dark paint will absorb sunlight, possibly raising tank temperature to dangerous levels.
-- Info stamped into valve guard or base rings must remain visible and readable.
-- Remove rust and loose paint manually.
-- Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasives that could compromise tank integrity. Do not use rust converters, rust removers, sandblasting, or aggressive sanding. (In addition to other difficulties, I would not use one of my electrolytic rust and paint removal tanks.)
-- Clean tank with soap and water, rinse with clean water, and allow to dry thoroughly before painting. (As always, I recommend dish soap ... water should be, at most, lukewarm.)
-- Prime before painting unless you use self-priming paint.
-- Do not conceal rust pitting or anything that indicates possible tank integrity compromise.
There appears to be paints specifically marketed for painting propane tanks. I didn't research further to determine if these are indeed special paints or this is merely a marketing tactic.
Removal of surface rust only is acceptable. Any signs of rust pitting (or other damage) means you should remove the tank from service due to safety concerns.
* This post was
edited 03/18/18 02:00pm by Griff in Fairbanks *
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Leeann
Maryland
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^ that was my plan. Brush loose stuff off, wipe down, paint with white paint. And I had planned on keeping the tank info/plate/markings visible.
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Griff in Fairbanks
AK
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Leeann wrote:^ that was my plan. Brush loose stuff off, wipe down, paint with white paint. And I had planned on keeping the tank info/plate/markings visible.
I posted that for other people ... you've demonstrated clearly that you know what you're doing. ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif "biggrin")
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Leeann
Maryland
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![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/wink.gif "wink")
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toedtoes
California
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Joined: 05/17/2014
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Hey everyone, I wanted to share this source:
Aerotanks in San Bernardino, CA has a pre-designed custom gasoline fuel tank available to fit old Dodge vans and motorhomes.
The tank is 40gal and mounts to the bottom of the frame. It includes mounting brackets and a new sending unit.
They build it on order, so you must pay in advance by check, money order or cash - no refunds if it doesn't fit so check your measurements carefully. They will provide a schematic on request.
Current price is $578 plus shipping.
As fuel tanks are getting harder and harder to find, it's good to have a source lined up. Just in case you run into a stupid rock.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)
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Griff in Fairbanks
AK
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toedtoes wrote:Aerotanks in San Bernardino, CA has a pre-designed custom gasoline fuel tank available to fit old Dodge vans and motorhomes
Thank you for the link and information. I anticipate needing one or more custom fuel tanks in the future for some of my projects.
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StingrayL82
Nampa, Idaho
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Joined: 06/27/2017
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toedtoes wrote:Hey everyone, I wanted to share this source:
Aerotanks in San Bernardino, CA has a pre-designed custom gasoline fuel tank available to fit old Dodge vans and motorhomes.
The tank is 40gal and mounts to the bottom of the frame. It includes mounting brackets and a new sending unit.
They build it on order, so you must pay in advance by check, money order or cash - no refunds if it doesn't fit so check your measurements carefully. They will provide a schematic on request.
Current price is $578 plus shipping.
As fuel tanks are getting harder and harder to find, it's good to have a source lined up. Just in case you run into a stupid rock.
Do you have a direct link to that tank? I've looked about half a dozen times and the only tanks I find that are $578 are for a Ford chassis and it's only 32 gallons.
Fred
Retired Army Guy
2005 Monaco LaPalma 37PST
Workhorse W24 chassis
8.1L Vortec
Allison 2100 MH
Onyx Color Scheme
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toedtoes
California
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It's not on their website. Just email and ask for the schematic of their Dodge motorhome tank and they'll email it to you.
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