What's the real scoop on propane tank re-certification?

[Njmurvin]

My Arctic Fox has (2) 40lb propane tanks that are now 12 years old and, although I haven't tried refilling after their 12th birthday, I'm fairly certain I'll be turned away. My understanding is that I can have them inspected/re-certified for another 5 years.

It would cost a little over $300 to replace with new tanks. I don't know how much re-certification will cost because I can't find anyone who does this. Once I know the cost, I can decide between replace or re-certify.

Does anyone know who performs tank re-certification in SoCal (Ventura County/San Fernando Valley areas)?

[Njmurvin]

ol Bombero-JC wrote:

bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

The OP is in Simi Valley - looooong way to Oxnard !!....:E

(and -Yikes!-you're in Fresno ??)

With a little bit of effort *locally* you can find a *convenient* place to refill. About 3 miles from my home in Orange County, a local gas/diesel station refills tanks at a good price...:C
(they do a good business filling tanks - often several folks waiting!)

*NEVER* had the attendant that comes out to the giant supply tank - check the date on the 20# or 40# tank you want him to fill...:W

Como se dice...."gracias amigo!"...:W

~

I used to have a place that didn't check. That was before they became a tank exchange dealer. Now they check because it means more $$$$ for them if the tanks are expired.

I found a place in Sylmar. They wouldn't tell me over the phone how much they will charge. Said I had to take it to the dock and have a technician inspect it and he would tell me. They also refill there. It's looking more like I might just order a pair of new tanks from Camping World (oddly they seem to have the best price).

[Njmurvin]

bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

I called them. They said the closest location that does the recertification is in Orange County (Placentia).

[ol_Bombero-JC]

bob213 wrote:
Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

The OP is in Simi Valley - looooong way to Oxnard !!....:E

(and -Yikes!-you're in Fresno ??)

With a little bit of effort *locally* you can find a *convenient* place to refill. About 3 miles from my home in Orange County, a local gas/diesel station refills tanks at a good price...:C
(they do a good business filling tanks - often several folks waiting!)

*NEVER* had the attendant that comes out to the giant supply tank - check the date on the 20# or 40# tank you want him to fill...:W

Como se dice...."gracias amigo!"...:W

~

[bobsallyh]

One thing to keep in mind. If going to Canada, they don't accept US re-certification. The re-cert is good for 5 years and new US tanks now have a 10 year date until re-cert needs to be done.

[dougrainer]

FlatBroke wrote:
Take it to blue rhino and trade it in for filled one. I traded for about the price of filling it.

The OP has a 40# and Blue Rhino only has 20#. Doug

[FlatBroke]

Take it to blue rhino and trade it in for filled one. I traded for about the price of filling it.

[bukhrn]

Any propane dealer will do them, as for cost, my last one was free, as my Daughter works for one.

[bob213]

Try AmeriGas in Oxnard

[BFL13]

No idea about there, but here the rule is 10 yrs. It is close to a wash
with 30 lbers to get new cylinders or get new vales (BTDT). Got to time your " when empty" and cost, because you lose whatever propane is in there when getting new valves.

No idea about 40 lbers. Was a guy with a bigger portable tank than a 30 (I thought) ahead of me last time which had the same filling set-up as the big tank in our C. Not sure what that was all about! With the big C type tanks there is no time limit rule.

[Sjm9911]

By me in nj they wanted like 80 bucks for recertification. They do a pressure test. And thats for 5 years, not worth it. They did take my almost new looking tank and for 10 extra dollers gave me one that was beat to hell and would be food for the 5 years. So, depends on the place and if you can find one. To me it looks like they just look it over and slap a date sticker on it. And they probably do it that way. If you can get it dont for any of the above prices I would do it.

[Bird_Freak]

Njmurvin wrote:
We don't have too many places in town that actually refill them. Most do swaps of 20lb tanks. I guess I'll call around to the places that do refill and ask them. I know the local Uhaul refills them, but I don't think they will recertify because I've been turned away from there before when I had expired tanks.

Do you have a Tractor Supply store out there?

[time2roll]

Njmurvin wrote:

time2roll wrote:

opnspaces wrote:
Can't answer your question. But if you're a Costco member it's half that price. My local Costco used to stock the cylinders in the warehouse. But I don't recall seeing them on the floor in last year or so.
Costco

I was going to say just replace at costco.com
A few years ago I paid just over half that amount IIRC.

Thanks. But, I think the Costco tanks are the 20lb BBQ size tanks. Mine are 40lb tanks which are quite a bit larger.

The link is a 30 pound. Might be OK if the 40 is getting heavy lately.

[Njmurvin]

We don't have too many places in town that actually refill them. Most do swaps of 20lb tanks. I guess I'll call around to the places that do refill and ask them. I know the local Uhaul refills them, but I don't think they will recertify because I've been turned away from there before when I had expired tanks.

[Njmurvin]

time2roll wrote:

opnspaces wrote:
Can't answer your question. But if you're a Costco member it's half that price. My local Costco used to stock the cylinders in the warehouse. But I don't recall seeing them on the floor in last year or so.
Costco

I was going to say just replace at costco.com
A few years ago I paid just over half that amount IIRC.

Thanks. But, I think the Costco tanks are the 20lb BBQ size tanks. Mine are 40lb tanks which are quite a bit larger.